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09/04/2024

Senator Hawley rejects judicial nominee for blatantly lying while under oath.

08/31/2024

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Nevada has charged two men with injury and depredation of government property and aiding and abetting after video surfaced of them toppling ancient rock formations over the edge of a small cliff at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Wyatt Clifford Fain, 37, and Payden David Guy Cosper, 31, face up to 10 years in prison for the incident and both pleaded not guilty after they were arrested last Friday by U.S. Marshalls in Las Vegas.

Their defense seems to hinge on the claim that “there were no signs posted at the entrance prohibiting pushing rocks” or any warnings that they were doing so in a “federally protected site,” a defense lawyer for Cosper told ABC News.

Whatever they thought they were doing or attempting to do, authorities say the stunt amounted to $1,000 in damages. What’s more, the rock formations they were toppling over the edge of the small cliff are estimated to be more than 140-million years old, so it’s easy to understand why authorities would take something like this so seriously. In April, the National Park Service posted a screenshot from the video and called on the public to help them identify both men. They say staffing levels require park officials to rely on the public to keep watch over the park boundaries in instances like this, and in this case it appears the public helped them track down two people causing senseless damage on federally protected land.

The post Two Men Face Up to 10 Years In Jail After Toppling 140-Million-Year-Old Rock Formations at Lake Mead first appeared on The Inertia.

08/31/2024

Bill Maher Mocks CNN for Harris-Walz Interview: “They Wonder Why the Kids Get Their News From TikTok”

Sat, August 31, 2024 at 6:48 AM GMT+3·2 min read
867

Less than 24 hours after CNN aired the first joint interview with Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, Bill Maher had some thoughts on the questions Dana Bash asked the duo.

The host kicked off the latest episode of Real Time by asked the audience if they watched the Thursday night sit-down interview with the Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, and Tim Walz, “her emotional support” vice president.

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“It was a little odd,” Maher quipped. “He was just sitting there for a very long time without saying anything. He was just nodding while she did all the talking. The women’s focus group said he must be a wonderful husband. But really, it just kept going and he was saying nothing. It was like watching Jeopardy! when one of the players can’t work the buzzer.”

The comedian noted that prior to the CNN interview, the media had been “furious” that Harris hadn’t done any extensive interviews with national outlets since launching her campaign for the White House after Joe Biden stepped down in July.

However, Maher said, “Now she finally does and not a single question about abortion, Ukraine, the homeless, the Opioid crisis, the national debt.”

“And then they wonder why the kids get their news from TikTok,” the host joked.

Maher also thinks major news outlets “always ask the stupidest question in the world: ‘What would you do on day one?’ You know, it’s not that kind of a fu***ng job, OK? It’s just not that kind of a job.”

“I would just one time love to hear somebody go, ‘You know what I’d do? I’d unpack some boxes and I’d get dressed for the inaugural party like anybody else,'” the comedian added.

Harris and Walz’s first televised interview together on CNN drew 6.31 million viewers, according to final same-day ratings from Nielsen. The Democratic presidential did discuss some of her plans for helping middle-class Americans, as well as brushed off a question about Donald Trump’s race comments, telling Bash, “Same old, tired playbook.”

On Real Time, Maher also noted that Trump “of course had to s**t tweet while he was watching” the CNN interview, calling it “boring.”

However, the comedian said he “wants some boring,” adding, “It’s Harris-Walz, not Deadpool and Wolverine.”

The guests featured on the latest episode of Maher’s HBO show were Rep. Nancy Pelosi, John McWhorter and Peter Hamby.

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08/31/2024

Trump continues to tinker with his stance on abortion and IVF
Kate Murphy
Kate Murphy·Reporter
Updated Sat, August 31, 2024 at 3:00 AM GMT+3·7 min read
9.4k

Donald Trump, wearing a blue suit with a red tie, waves and greets supporters following a recent town hall campaign event.
Trump at a campaign event in La Crosse, Wis.. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) (Scott Olson via Getty Images)
With less than 70 days remaining until Election Day, former President Donald Trump continues to try to clarify his views on abortion and IVF treatments.

The Republican nominee sent mixed signals this week with a series of comments on reproductive rights. On Thursday, he proposed that the government and insurers pay for IVF treatments and said Florida’s six-week abortion ban was too short. On Friday, however, Trump clarified that he would vote to oppose a measure to expand abortion access.

Democrats say the Republican presidential nominee is trying to use the pledge of forcing insurers to pay for expensive IVF treatments as a ploy to get votes. The issue of abortion, however, has become an albatross for Republicans, even in red states, when it was on the ballot in the 2022 midterm elections. And national polling indicates that since Roe v. Wade was overturned over two years ago, broad support for abortion rights has only increased.

A May Gallup poll found that 85% of Americans think abortion should be legal in at least certain circumstances, while a June Associated Press/NORC poll found that 70% believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases. And according to an April Yahoo News/YouGov poll, a growing majority of Americans want Congress to pass a law that restores Roe v. Wade protections.

Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has been highlighting Trump's stances on abortion on the campaign trail, saying at the Democratic National Convention that Trump "and his allies would limit access to birth control, ban medication abortion and enact a nationwide abortion ban, with or without Congress." Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren called Trump's seemingly ever-changing stances "smoke and mirrors," and Gwen Walz, the wife of Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz, said that Trump "is the one who took down Roe and put access to IVF at risk."

The day after the Democratic convention ended, Trump wrote on Truth Social: “My Administration will be great for women and their reproductive rights.” His change in language signaled a change in his abortion views, because it’s rare among Republicans to use the term “reproductive rights.”

Here’s what else Trump said in recent weeks about reproductive rights.

What Trump has said about fertility treatments
In February, Alabama’s Supreme Court ruled that embryos were considered human beings under the law. Discarding embryos is an inherent part of in vitro fertilization (IVF), a type of fertility treatment. The decision caused an uproar because it would clear the way for wrongful death lawsuits across the state if an embryo were destroyed in the process. The ruling caused providers in Alabama to pause fertility treatments, leaving many patients in limbo.

Since then IVF has become a politically fraught topic in this election cycle and a top issue for Democrats who say that the Republican-led abortion restrictions could further restrict IVF.

Following the ruling in February, Trump called on the Alabama legislature to "quickly find an immediate solution to preserve the availability of IVF in Alabama." The state ultimately passed a law in March to protect the procedure.

On Thursday, Trump took IVF access to a new level, saying on the campaign trail that if reelected, he would not just protect the fertility procedure, but he would make either the government or insurance companies pay for it. He did not offer any specifics on how his plan would work.

What Trump said about Florida’s 6-week abortion ban
Florida currently has a six-week ban on abortion, a point at which many women don’t know they are pregnant yet. When Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the ban last September, Trump called it “a terrible mistake.”

Come November, Florida voters will vote on whether to preserve the right to abortion in the state constitution. Trump, who is a Florida voter, was asked by NBC News how he would vote on the ballot initiative that seeks to expand access to abortion.

“I think the six weeks is too short; there has to be more time," Trump said. "I've told them I want more weeks.” Although Trump did not explicitly say he would vote in favor of the measure, he said, "I am going to be voting that we need more than six weeks."

The Trump campaign quickly walked back his statement after receiving backlash from conservative allies, like the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America group.

“President Trump has not yet said how he will vote on the ballot initiative in Florida; he simply reiterated that he believes six weeks is too short,” Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said.

On Friday, facing backlash from anti-abortion advocates, Trump reiterated his opposition to the six-week ban but also said he would oppose an amendment to Florida's constitution that would protect abortion access, which appears on the November ballot.

"You need more time than six weeks. I’ve disagreed with that right from the early primaries when I heard about it, I disagreed with it,” he said in comments to Fox News, adding that he had decided to vote no on the Florida ballot measure.

08/30/2024

What kind of people are we really?
Every day in coffee, in meetings, in dialogue with citizens, they all basically say the same thing. No one cares and everyone is looking at their pockets, how many properties they have and how much they have bought, the prices of the products in the supermarkets, the prices of gasoline, gas and oil taxes that we pay unfairly and a health system that does not exist or does not work properly.
They tell me about the sale of our country to third parties and foreigners and that we are no longer sovereign of our country nor do we have National Sovereignty because the investors define it.
When you ask the same people what they will vote for in the elections, they will tell you that they are not voting for anyone, they are all the same. The other will tell you, Kyriakos is doing well, what should he do, and the other will tell you, oh, if all the patriotic parties were together, we would have them dissolve.
The hope that all the patriotic parties will unite is a false dream. Let's say they united after what?
Let's say that the united patriotic parties became the government. Then what? What would they do differently when they have to follow what the European Union tells us?
In other words, nothing will change and in my opinion, the removal of Freedom will continue.
When you tell the citizen the BIG CHANGE will come if we leave the EU with our own economy.
let's not leave 60% say without giving a serious explanation.
Greeks, if we are independent outside of this Europe of the German occupation, we could build the Agricultural sector and have our own products, we could have new industries, have more than 1,000,000 new jobs at a technical level and another 1,000,000 jobs in construction positions of healthy fishing primitive sectors and shipping and in so many other branches.
We could have gas at a low price as well as oil and petrol and in general energy that the average citizen would pay 10 euros for electricity. Now that the EU defines us, we have no choice, but unfortunately we see it, we know it, but we are too tired to go it alone. I understand their politicians, because if we leave the euro, they will all lose millions and they don't want to.
Within a year we will be a developing country with tremendous changes in all systems that you will finally feel like a free citizen and you will start to see the future for you and your children.
I am at an old age where everything I want to do is for the good of our country, for the good of the brave youth for history.
All the others do it for the maid and they are not interested at all, you Greek Citizen and you know it.
We will build our own New Europe and this is how it will go down in history because leaders know how to write history together with their citizens.
ALL TOGETHER FOR THE BIG CHANGE
COURAGE GREEK DON'T BE A COWARD
STAND NEXT TO US NOT FOR ME BUT FOR OUR GREECE
VAMVAKAS PETROS EE.NE PRESIDENT

08/29/2024

The Troubling State of the Olympic Games and the Erosion of Democracy
The Disastrous 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony
As the president of Greece, New Europe, and the president of Spark of Citizens, Petros Vamvakas and Theodore Melissospitos have come together to discuss the deeply concerning issues surrounding the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. From the outset, Vamvakas expresses his outrage at the "travesty" of the opening ceremony, which he describes as "100% insulting to the Olympic ideals."
Vamvakas and Melissospitos agree that the opening ceremony was a complete disjointed mess, failing to uphold the sacred traditions and values of the Olympic movement. Melissospitos goes so far as to call it "the most miserable thing that has been presented at an opening ceremony" and says it "insulted morals, it insulted Christianity." He makes a stark comparison to the highly successful 2004 Athens Olympics opening, which is widely regarded as one of the best in history.
The two leaders are appalled by the various controversies and scandals that have plagued the Paris Olympics, from the participation of a convicted child ra**st, to the hospitalization of triathletes due to suspected food poisoning. Melissospitos laments, "We are talking about absolute misery" and declares these Olympics to be "the most unsuccessful Olympiad of all times and offensive to the Olympic ideals."
The Troubling Inclusion of Transgender Athletes
One of the most contentious issues surrounding the Paris Olympics has been the inclusion of transgender athletes, particularly in women's sports. Vamvakas and Melissospitos express deep concerns about the fairness and integrity of these competitions.
Melissospitos cites the example of a transgender boxer who was allowed to compete against a "little Italian girl" despite having "purely masculine features" and "masculine muscle power." He argues that this is a clear violation of the principles of fair and equal competition. Vamvakas agrees, stating that "in an era where there is violence against women, instead of stopping it, we let it grow."
The two leaders point to other examples, such as a transgender athlete from the United States who was barred from competing in women's sports by the US federation, only to take the case to international courts and lose. They argue that countries should have the right to protect women's sports and ensure a level playing field based on biological differences.
- The inclusion of transgender athletes in women's sports has become a highly contentious issue, with concerns about fairness and integrity of competition.
- Vamvakas and Melissospitos cite examples of transgender athletes with clear physical advantages competing against biological women, which they see as a violation of the principles of fair play.
- They argue that countries should have the right to protect women's sports and ensure a level playing field based on biological differences.
The Erosion of Democracy and the Rise of Minority Rule
Vamvakas and Melissospitos also express deep concerns about the broader societal trends they are witnessing, particularly the erosion of democracy and the rise of minority rule. They argue that in the name of protecting the rights of minorities, we have reached a point where "minorities impose their point of view" and anyone who disagrees is "targeted and turned into a racist, a fascist, an extreme right-winger."
The two leaders contend that true democracy is no longer present, as governments are elected with the support of only a small fraction of the electorate. They assert that the "false positive electoral system" has allowed for the imposition of an agenda that is not representative of the will of the majority.
Vamvakas and Melissospitos are particularly critical of the "woke agenda" and its connection to an "extreme form of capitalism" that they believe is being pushed by global elites and multinational corporations. They argue that this agenda has sidelined important social issues, the rule of law, and the social welfare state, in favor of a political agenda that serves the interests of a small, powerful minority.
- Vamvakas and Melissospitos express deep concerns about the erosion of democracy and the rise of minority rule.
- They argue that in the name of protecting minority rights, we have reached a point where minorities are able to impose their views on the majority, with anyone who disagrees being labeled as racist or extremist.
- The two leaders contend that true democracy is no longer present, as governments are elected with the support of only a small fraction of the electorate.
- They are highly critical of the "woke agenda" and its connection to an "extreme form of capitalism" that they believe is being pushed by global elites and multinational corporations, sidelining important social issues and the social welfare state.
The Troubling Agenda of the United Nations and the World Economic Forum
Vamvakas and Melissospitos also delve into the concerning agenda of the United Nations and the World Economic Forum, which they believe are working towards a "global dictatorship." They point to the UN's Agenda 2030 as a prime example, arguing that it represents a coordinated effort by these global institutions to impose a specific ideology and worldview on the world's population.
The two leaders express particular alarm at the involvement of figures like Bill Gates, whom they accuse of being the "biggest farmer in the world" and pushing for the widespread adoption of artificial meat and other genetically modified products. They praise Italy for being the first European country to reject Gates' artificial meat, and they call for greater scrutiny and resistance to these global agendas.
Vamvakas and Melissospitos contend that the political parties in Greece, including the "new democracy" and "syriza," are all complicit in following the directives of these global institutions, prioritizing financial interests over the well-being of the Greek people. They argue that true leadership and a commitment to the nation's interests are sorely lacking in the current political landscape.
- Vamvakas and Melissospitos are deeply concerned about the agenda of the United Nations and the World Economic Forum, which they believe are working towards a "global dictatorship."
- They point to the UN's Agenda 2030 as a prime example of this coordinated effort to impose a specific ideology and worldview on the world's population.
- The two leaders express particular alarm at the involvement of figures like Bill Gates, whom they accuse of being the "biggest farmer in the world" and pushing for the widespread adoption of artificial meat and other genetically modified products.
- They argue that the political parties in Greece, including the "new democracy" and "syriza," are all complicit in following the directives of these global institutions, prioritizing financial interests over the well-being of the Greek people.
The Need for True Leadership and a Return to National Interests
Throughout their discussion, Vamvakas and Melissospitos emphasize the urgent need for true leadership and a renewed focus on the national interests of Greece and its people. They lament the lack of strong, principled leaders who are willing to stand up for the country's values and fight for the well-being of its citizens.
The two leaders point to missed opportunities in the past, such as the failure of former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to seize the chance for peace with Israel. They argue that similar missed opportunities have plagued Greece, with successive governments prioritizing the interests of global institutions and multinational corporations over the needs of the Greek people.
Vamvakas and Melissospitos call for a return to a focus on national interests, arguing that Greece has the resources and potential to be self-sufficient and prosperous, if only it can break free from the constraints imposed by the European Union and global elites. They believe that with the right leadership and a commitment to the country's history, culture, and values, Greece can reclaim its rightful place on the world stage.
- Vamvakas and Mexlitzoglou emphasize the urgent need for true leadership and a renewed focus on the national interests of Greece and its people.
- They lament the lack of strong, principled leaders who are willing to stand up for the country's values and fight for the well-being of its citizens.
- The two leaders point to missed opportunities in the past, such as the failure of former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to seize the chance for peace with Israel, as well as similar missed opportunities in Greece's history.
- They call for a return to a focus on national interests, arguing that Greece has the resources and potential to be self-sufficient and prosperous, if only it can break free from the constraints imposed by the European Union and global elites.
In conclusion, Vamvakas and Mexlitzoglou have engaged in a wide-ranging and thought-provoking discussion that touches on the deeply troubling issues surrounding the 2024 Paris Olympics, the erosion of democracy, the concerning agendas of global institutions, and the urgent need for true leadership and a return to national interests. Their passionate and insightful perspectives offer a compelling and critical analysis of the challenges facing Greece and the world at large.

Βαμβακας Πετρος και Θοδωρης Μεχλιζογλου με θεματα που αφορουν ολους μας

08/29/2024

Addressing Greece's Wildfire Crisis: A Critical Analysis of the Minister's Statements

Introduction

In a recent televised interview, the Greek Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Mr. Kikilias, made several bold claims about the government's efforts to combat the country's persistent wildfire problem. As a concerned citizen, I watched the interview with a critical eye, eager to understand the minister's proposed solutions and the feasibility of his plans. In this in-depth blog post, I will delve into the key points raised by Mr. Kikilias, analyze their merits and shortcomings, and offer my own perspective on the steps needed to effectively address Greece's wildfire crisis.

The Promise of "Technical Intelligence"

One of the central themes in Mr. Kikilias' statements was the government's reliance on "technical intelligence" to fight fires. He touted the use of drones and other advanced technologies as the solution to the country's wildfire woes, claiming that these tools have already saved "thousands of acres" from destruction. However, as a layperson, I found this assertion rather perplexing.

The minister's claim that "technical intelligence" knows more than humans raises several questions. After all, these technologies were created by human beings, and their effectiveness is ultimately dependent on the knowledge, planning, and ex*****on of the people operating them. While advancements in technology can certainly aid in firefighting efforts, they should not be seen as a panacea that can replace the fundamental human elements of strategy, resource allocation, and on-the-ground coordination.

The Enigma of the "Forest Commando"

Another key point raised by Mr. Kikilias was the creation of a new "forest commando" unit, which he described as a "strong, dynamic" force that would protect citizens from the threat of wildfires. However, the minister failed to provide any concrete details about the roles, responsibilities, and operational plans of this specialized unit.

As a concerned citizen, I am left wondering: What exactly will the "forest commando" do, and how will their efforts differ from the existing firefighting and civil protection efforts? Will they be equipped with the necessary resources, training, and coordination to effectively respond to wildfire emergencies? Without a clear and comprehensive explanation of their purpose and capabilities, the "forest commando" remains more of a rhetorical device than a tangible solution to the problem.

The Persistent Lack of Preparedness

One of the most glaring issues highlighted in the minister's statements was the apparent lack of preparedness and resource allocation for firefighting efforts. The minister acknowledged that in some instances, firefighters were forced to use "grocery store hoses" due to a lack of proper equipment, a situation that is clearly unacceptable.

Furthermore, the minister failed to address the need for a comprehensive, pre-emptive plan to mitigate the spread of wildfires, particularly in areas surrounding populated regions. As a citizen, I would expect the government to have well-established protocols and infrastructure in place, such as strategic firebreaks, emergency evacuation routes, and coordinated response mechanisms, to protect communities from the devastating effects of wildfires.

- The lack of water resources and proper firefighting equipment is a glaring issue that must be addressed.
- Proactive measures, such as the creation of strategic firebreaks and emergency evacuation plans, are essential for protecting communities from the spread of wildfires.
- Coordination and communication between various government agencies and emergency responders must be improved to ensure a cohesive and effective response to wildfire incidents.

The Dismissal of Climate Change

Perhaps the most concerning aspect of Mr. Kikilias' statements was his apparent dismissal of the role of climate change in the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in Greece. The minister suggested that the concept of climate change is not supported by scientific consensus and that the government's focus should be on "citizen protection" rather than "climate change protection."

This stance is not only at odds with the overwhelming scientific evidence on the impact of climate change, but it also undermines the government's ability to develop long-term, sustainable solutions to the wildfire crisis. Ignoring the underlying environmental factors that contribute to the problem will only perpetuate the cycle of reactive, short-term measures that have proven ineffective in the past.

The Need for a Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Approach

In order to effectively address Greece's wildfire crisis, the government must adopt a comprehensive, evidence-based approach that addresses the multifaceted nature of the problem. This approach should include the following key elements:

- Acknowledgment of climate change: The government must recognize the undeniable scientific consensus on the role of climate change in exacerbating wildfire risks and commit to developing mitigation and adaptation strategies accordingly.
- Improved resource allocation and preparedness: Ensuring that firefighters and civil protection agencies have access to the necessary equipment, training, and logistical support to respond effectively to wildfire emergencies.
- Proactive land management and community resilience: Implementing strategic measures, such as the creation of firebreaks, the management of vegetation, and the development of emergency evacuation plans, to protect communities from the spread of wildfires.
- Interdepartmental coordination and communication: Fostering seamless collaboration between various government agencies, emergency responders, and local authorities to ensure a coordinated and efficient response to wildfire incidents.
- Public education and community engagement: Empowering citizens with the knowledge and resources to participate in wildfire prevention and response efforts, fostering a shared sense of responsibility and resilience.

Conclusion

The Greek government's response to the country's persistent wildfire crisis, as articulated by Minister Kikilias, falls short of the comprehensive, evidence-based approach that is needed to address this pressing issue. While the minister's statements highlighted some efforts to improve firefighting capabilities, the lack of concrete details, the dismissal of climate change, and the apparent gaps in preparedness and resource allocation raise serious concerns.

To truly safeguard the lives and livelihoods of Greek citizens, the government must acknowledge the multifaceted nature of the wildfire crisis, embrace scientific evidence, and develop a holistic strategy that prioritizes prevention, preparedness, and community resilience. Only through such a comprehensive approach can Greece hope to break the cycle of reactive, ineffective measures and build a more resilient future in the face of the growing threat of wildfires.

08/29/2024

FRIDAY NIGHT LETS TALK ABOUT TRUMP AND KAMALA HERE AT USA NEWS 1
6.00PM EST 1.00 ΠΜ HELLENIC TIME YOUR HOST PETER VAMVAKAS

08/03/2024

Χωρις λογια ολος ο πλανητης εχει οργη !!!!

08/02/2024

Ποσο κτηνος μπορει να ειναι αυτος ο τυποςI ο Μαρκ Ανταμς, Ι OC spokesperson Mark Adams said. “That’s really invidious and unfair. But I would just say that everyone competing in the women’s category is complying with the competition eligibility rules. They are women in their passports and it is stated that is the case."

Ο εκπροσωπος τυπου λεει οτι το διαβατηριο δηλωνει γυναικα αρα ειναι γυναικα ..καταλαβες Ελληνα ..οτι θελουν κανουν και κανεις δεν αντιδρα και εαν νομιζουμε οτι γραφουμε εδω αντιδρουμε τοτε αξιζουμε ολοι αυτα που τραβαμε καθε μερα.