In Spain, women have launched the first nationwide women’s strike in Spain’s history to mark International Women’s Day. Their motto: “If we stop, the world stops.” Organizers say its supporters include Ada Colau, the mayor of Barcelona, and Manuela Carmena, the mayor of Madrid. Organizers published a manifesto reading, “Today we call for a society free of sexist oppression, exploitation and violence. We call for rebellion and a struggle against the alliance of the patriarchy and capitalism that wants us to be obedient, submissive and quiet. We do not accept worse working conditions, nor being paid less than men for the same work. That is why we are calling a work strike.” We speak with María Carrión, an independent freelance journalist based in Madrid. https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/8/in_spain_women_launch_nationwide_feminist[with embedded video, and transcript]
On International Women’s Day, Women Declare: Emancipation Comes Through the Rejection of Capitalism
Published on Mar 8, 2018 by Democracy Now!
From Afghanistan to the Philippines to Mexico to Spain, women across the globe are taking to the streets today to mark International Women’s Day. In South Korea, International Women’s Day rallies were held in Seoul as the #MeToo movement sweeps the country. Filipino women rallied in Manila to protest the policies of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Afghan women held a rare public rally in Kabul. In Kenya, African women are meeting today to discuss ending violence against women and girls with disabilities. In England, women organized a major march on Saturday to mark the 100th anniversary of women getting the vote. And in the United States, rallies are scheduled to take place across the country today. For more, we speak with Tithi Bhattacharya, associate professor of South Asian history at Purdue University. She is one of the national organizers of the International Women’s Strike. https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/8/on_international_womens_day_women_declare[with embedded video, and transcript]
Eve Ensler on International Women’s Day & Her New One-Woman Play “In the Body of the World”
Published on Mar 8, 2018 by Democracy Now!
On International Women’s Day, we speak with Eve Ensler, award-winning playwright and author of “The Vagina Monologues.” Ensler’s new play, “In the Body of the World,” is an exploration of the female body—how to talk about it, how to protect it, how to value it. She shares her deeply intimate and painful relationship with her own body and how it has changed throughout her life, from being raped to struggling with anorexia, from battling uterine cancer to reclaiming her body when dancing with women from the Democratic Republic of Congo in the City of Joy, a revolutionary community for women survivors of gender violence in Bukavu, which she helped establish. https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/8/eve_ensler_on_international_women_s[with embedded video, and transcript]
Statement from the President on International Women’s Day
Issued on: March 8, 2018
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the many incredible contributions made by women of all ages in the United States and around the world. We honor the vital role of women in our communities, businesses, civil society, and government. And we reaffirm our Nation’s commitment to ensuring that every person has the opportunity to succeed.
Despite some recent progress around the world, too many women still face tremendous barriers to participation in all aspects of life. This must change. Women are critical to economic growth and global stability. When women are empowered, communities and entire nations thrive.
Over the past year, my Administration has championed the creation of international initiatives to promote women’s economic empowerment. Through the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi), we are working to improve access to capital for women entrepreneurs in the developing world. With the formation of the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders, we are engaging with the private sector to reduce barriers to women’s participation in business. And through the Overseas Private Investment Corporation’s new “2X Women’s Initiative,” we are mobilizing $1 billion for investment into projects that support women in emerging markets.
Moreover, I have worked with Congress to enact policies that encourage American women to pursue careers in the international arena. In October, I signed the Women, Peace, and Security Act, which promotes the participation of women in conflict prevention and post-conflict peace efforts around the world. Involvement in these efforts will provide women with important opportunities to use their skills and abilities to mediate difficult situations and to keep our country safe.
Today, my Administration is launching USAID’s WomenConnect Challenge. In an increasingly connected world, women are lagging behind in access to the internet. In fact, 1.7 billion women in low and middle-income countries around the world remain unconnected today. The WomenConnect Challenge will help women in these developing countries gain access to the digital technology that is so foundational for productivity and participation in the global economy.
My Administration is also supporting women in the United States by empowering them to continue driving the success of our Nation. In 2017, the Small Business Administration increased capital loans to women-owned businesses by more than $575 million.
Through these and many other initiatives, we seek to empower women of all backgrounds to achieve their economic potential and shape our world. As we mark International Women’s Day, we remain committed to the worthwhile mission of enhancing women’s leadership in the world and building a stronger America for all.
First Lady Melania Trump to Present the 2018 International Women of Courage Award
Issued on: March 8, 2018
In honor of International Women’s Day 2018, today, the Office of the First Lady announces Mrs. Melania Trump’s participation in the 2018 International Women of Courage (IWOC) Celebration scheduled for Wednesday, March 21. Mrs. Trump will give remarks and present the International Women of Courage Award to an extraordinary group of women who have shown tremendous courage and leadership in advocating for women’s rights around the world.
The IWOC Award began in 2007 to commemorate International Women’s Day. It is the State Department’s only all-female award. This year, the award will honor over 120 women of courage from more than 65 countries, who have overcome enormous challenges while continuing the advancement and support of women.
“The fearlessness with which these women fight for equality and freedom in places far from the safety of their own homes, is remarkable,” said First Lady Melania Trump. “Their courage only furthers my belief in the powerful impact women can make through solidarity and support of one another. Our strength is something to be celebrated and I consider it a great privilege to have the opportunity to stand with these women and present them with awards they so justly deserve.”
Over the last few months, we've learned about the relationship between Donald Trump, the President of the United States, and Stormy Daniels, an adult film star. It's easy to see how this story generates headlines but it's more than just a sex scandal. There are serious legal issues involved that are connected to the most fundamental principles of American democracy.
Will NAFTA end or be radically renegotiated? Will a trade war begin between US & EU? Will the EU breakup with an ItalExit after populist parties have the ability to form a coalition government after the elections? Will immigration and marijuana lead to secession if the Feds don’t recognize nullification? Lee Stranahan joins David Knight to look at disruptive forces surfacing worldwide.
[from Alex Jones and his merry band of batshit bullshitters]
Students have the right to express themselves through their clothing. One California principal found that out the hard way, when he threatened a student for her “Nobody knows I’m a lesbian” t-shirt.
Hey students, if you’re wondering if you can get in trouble for your walkout, watch this. There are things you can do to make sure your school isn’t punishing you unfairly.
Thursday, March 8th 2018: Desperate Moves by Globalists - The globalists have made some desperate - and pathetic - moves lately, namely by trying to claim anti- globalism is "anti-semitic" when in fact China is spearheading the modern globalist movement. On today's show Lee Ann McAdoo joins us to discuss the mind games powerful elites play on us to manipulate our opinions. And we also look into the myth of the "blue wave" and how Democrats are relying too much on their anger against Trump to get anywhere. Jon Rappoport hosts the final hour.
Emperor Atheist exposing the fallacy of praying. The ineffectiveness of prayer has been shown through many studies over the last 30 years or so. So why are people still wasting their time?
Trump’s White House has the highest turnover of any modern presidency.
If you feel like there’s been a ton of turnover at the Trump White House, there has been. In fact, Trump’s White House has seen more turnover in its first year than each of the past five administrations. And he’s beaten the record by a lot — at 34 percent he’s more than doubled the rate of turnover of the previous record holder, Ronald Reagan.
High staff turnover at the White House isn’t necessarily unusual. Each of the past five presidents had turnover within their staff. But the sheer number of people leaving the Trump administration is unusual. Is this cause for concern?
Readout of President Donald J. Trump’s Meeting with Video Game Industry Leaders
Issued on: March 8, 2018
Today, President Trump and senior members of the Administration met with leaders in the video game industry and experts on violence to discuss violent video game exposure and its impact on our children. To date, the Administration has led many discussions about how to prevent violent behavior in our schools, with a focus on stopping those intent on committing mass murder. During today’s meeting, the group spoke with the President about the effect that violent video games have on our youth, especially young males. The President acknowledged some studies have indicated there is a correlation between video game violence and real violence. The conversation centered on whether violent video games, including games that graphically simulate killing, desensitize our community to violence. This meeting is part of ongoing discussions with local leaders and Congress on issues concerning school and public safety and protecting America’s youth.
Presidential Proclamation on Adjusting Imports of Steel into the United States
Issued on: March 8, 2018
1. On January 11, 2018, the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) transmitted to me a report on his investigation into the effect of imports of steel mill articles (steel articles) on the national security of the United States under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1862).
2. The Secretary found and advised me of his opinion that steel articles are being imported into the United States in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States. The Secretary found that the present quantities of steel articles imports and the circumstances of global excess capacity for producing steel are “weakening our internal economy,” resulting in the persistent threat of further closures of domestic steel production facilities and the “shrinking [of our] ability to meet national security production requirements in a national emergency.” Because of these risks and the risk that the United States may be unable to “meet [steel] demands for national defense and critical industries in a national emergency,” and taking into account the close relation of the economic welfare of the Nation to our national security, see 19 U.S.C. 1862(d), the Secretary concluded that the present quantities and circumstances of steel articles imports threaten to impair the national security as defined in section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended.
3. In reaching this conclusion, the Secretary considered the previous U.S. Government measures and actions on steel articles imports and excess capacity, including actions taken under Presidents Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Clinton, and George W. Bush. The Secretary also considered the Department of Commerce’s narrower investigation of iron ore and semi-finished steel imports in 2001, and found the recommendations in that report to be outdated given the dramatic changes in the steel industry since 2001, including the increased level of global excess capacity, the increased level of imports, the reduction in basic oxygen furnace facilities, the number of idled facilities despite increased demand for steel in critical industries, and the potential impact of further plant closures on capacity needed in a national emergency.
4. In light of this conclusion, the Secretary recommended actions to adjust the imports of steel articles so that such imports will not threaten to impair the national security. Among those recommendations was a global tariff of 24 percent on imports of steel articles in order to reduce imports to a level that the Secretary assessed would enable domestic steel producers to use approximately 80 percent of existing domestic production capacity and thereby achieve long-term economic viability through increased production. The Secretary has also recommended that I authorize him, in response to specific requests from affected domestic parties, to exclude from any adopted import restrictions those steel articles for which the Secretary determines there is a lack of sufficient U.S. production capacity of comparable products, or to exclude steel articles from such restrictions for specific national security-based considerations.
5. I concur in the Secretary’s finding that steel articles are being imported into the United States in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States, and I have considered his recommendations.
6. Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, authorizes the President to adjust the imports of an article and its derivatives that are being imported into the United States in such quantities or under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security.
7. Section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), authorizes the President to embody in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) the substance of acts affecting import treatment, and actions thereunder, including the removal, modification, continuance, or imposition of any rate of duty or other import restriction.
8. In the exercise of these authorities, I have decided to adjust the imports of steel articles by imposing a 25 percent ad valorem tariff on steel articles, as defined below, imported from all countries except Canada and Mexico. In my judgment, this tariff is necessary and appropriate in light of the many factors I have considered, including the Secretary’s report, updated import and production numbers for 2017, the failure of countries to agree on measures to reduce global excess capacity, the continued high level of imports since the beginning of the year, and special circumstances that exist with respect to Canada and Mexico. This relief will help our domestic steel industry to revive idled facilities, open closed mills, preserve necessary skills by hiring new steel workers, and maintain or increase production, which will reduce our Nation’s need to rely on foreign producers for steel and ensure that domestic producers can continue to supply all the steel necessary for critical industries and national defense. Under current circumstances, this tariff is necessary and appropriate to address the threat that imports of steel articles pose to the national security.
9. In adopting this tariff, I recognize that our Nation has important security relationships with some countries whose exports of steel articles to the United States weaken our internal economy and thereby threaten to impair the national security. I also recognize our shared concern about global excess capacity, a circumstance that is contributing to the threatened impairment of the national security. Any country with which we have a security relationship is welcome to discuss with the United States alternative ways to address the threatened impairment of the national security caused by imports from that country. Should the United States and any such country arrive at a satisfactory alternative means to address the threat to the national security such that I determine that imports from that country no longer threaten to impair the national security, I may remove or modify the restriction on steel articles imports from that country and, if necessary, make any corresponding adjustments to the tariff as it applies to other countries as our national security interests require.
10. I conclude that Canada and Mexico present a special case. Given our shared commitment to supporting each other in addressing national security concerns, our shared commitment to addressing global excess capacity for producing steel, the physical proximity of our respective industrial bases, the robust economic integration between our countries, the export of steel articles produced in the United States to Canada and Mexico, and the close relation of the economic welfare of the United States to our national security, see 19 U.S.C. 1862(d), I have determined that the necessary and appropriate means to address the threat to the national security posed by imports of steel articles from Canada and Mexico is to continue ongoing discussions with these countries and to exempt steel articles imports from these countries from the tariff, at least at this time. I expect that Canada and Mexico will take action to prevent transshipment of steel articles through Canada and Mexico to the United States.
11. In the meantime, the tariff imposed by this proclamation is an important first step in ensuring the economic viability of our domestic steel industry. Without this tariff and satisfactory outcomes in ongoing negotiations with Canada and Mexico, the industry will continue to decline, leaving the United States at risk of becoming reliant on foreign producers of steel to meet our national security needs — a situation that is fundamentally inconsistent with the safety and security of the American people. It is my judgment that the tariff imposed by this proclamation is necessary and appropriate to adjust imports of steel articles so that such imports will not threaten to impair the national security as defined in section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended.
Now, Therefore, I, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended, and section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, do hereby proclaim as follows:
(1) For the purposes of this proclamation, "steel articles" are defined at the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) 6-digit level as: 7206.10 through 7216.50, 7216.99 through 7301.10, 7302.10, 7302.40 through 7302.90, and 7304.10 through 7306.90, including any subsequent revisions to these HTS classifications.
(2) In order to establish increases in the duty rate on imports of steel articles, subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS is modified as provided in the Annex to this proclamation. Except as otherwise provided in this proclamation, or in notices published pursuant to clause 3 of this proclamation, all steel articles imports specified in the Annex shall be subject to an additional 25 percent ad valorem rate of duty with respect to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on March 23, 2018. This rate of duty, which is in addition to any other duties, fees, exactions, and charges applicable to such imported steel articles, shall apply to imports of steel articles from all countries except Canada and Mexico.
(3) The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Defense, the United States Trade Representative (USTR), the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, and such other senior Executive Branch officials as the Secretary deems appropriate, is hereby authorized to provide relief from the additional duties set forth in clause 2 of this proclamation for any steel article determined not to be produced in the United States in a sufficient and reasonably available amount or of a satisfactory quality and is also authorized to provide such relief based upon specific national security considerations. Such relief shall be provided for a steel article only after a request for exclusion is made by a directly affected party located in the United States. If the Secretary determines that a particular steel article should be excluded, the Secretary shall, upon publishing a notice of such determination in the Federal Register, notify Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of the Department of Homeland Security concerning such article so that it will be excluded from the duties described in clause 2 of this proclamation. The Secretary shall consult with CBP to determine whether the HTSUS provisions created by the Annex to this proclamation should be modified in order to ensure the proper administration of such exclusion, and, if so, shall make such modification to the HTSUS through a notice in the Federal Register.
(4) Within 10 days after the date of this proclamation, the Secretary shall issue procedures for the requests for exclusion described in clause 3 of this proclamation. The issuance of such procedures is exempt from Executive Order 13771 of January 30, 2017 (Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs).
(5) (a) The modifications to the HTSUS made by the Annex to this proclamation shall be effective with respect to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on March 23, 2018, and shall continue in effect, unless such actions are expressly reduced, modified, or terminated.
(b) The Secretary shall continue to monitor imports of steel articles and shall, from time to time, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Defense, the USTR, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and such other senior Executive Branch officials as the Secretary deems appropriate, review the status of such imports with respect to the national security. The Secretary shall inform the President of any circumstances that in the Secretary’s opinion might indicate the need for further action by the President under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended. The Secretary shall also inform the President of any circumstance that in the Secretary’s opinion might indicate that the increase in duty rate provided for in this proclamation is no longer necessary.
(6) Any provision of previous proclamations and Executive Orders that is inconsistent with the actions taken in this proclamation is superseded to the extent of such inconsistency.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-second.
Presidential Proclamation on Adjusting Imports of Aluminum into the United States
Issued on: March 8, 2018
1. On January 19, 2018, the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) transmitted to me a report on his investigation into the effect of imports of aluminum on the national security of the United States under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1862).
2. The Secretary found and advised me of his opinion that aluminum is being imported into the United States in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States. The Secretary found that the present quantities of aluminum imports and the circumstances of global excess capacity for producing aluminum are “weakening our internal economy,” leaving the United States “almost totally reliant on foreign producers of primary aluminum” and “at risk of becoming completely reliant on foreign producers of high-purity aluminum that is essential for key military and commercial systems.” Because of these risks, and the risk that the domestic aluminum industry would become “unable to satisfy existing national security needs or respond to a national security emergency that requires a large increase in domestic production,” and taking into account the close relation of the economic welfare of the Nation to our national security, see 19 U.S.C. 1862(d), the Secretary concluded that the present quantities and circumstances of aluminum imports threaten to impair the national security as defined in section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended.
3. In light of this conclusion, the Secretary recommended actions to adjust the imports of aluminum so that such imports will not threaten to impair the national security. Among those recommendations was a global tariff of 7.7 percent on imports of aluminum articles in order to reduce imports to a level that the Secretary assessed would enable domestic aluminum producers to use approximately 80 percent of existing domestic production capacity and thereby achieve long-term economic viability through increased production. The Secretary has also recommended that I authorize him, in response to specific requests from affected domestic parties, to exclude from any adopted import restrictions those aluminum articles for which the Secretary determines there is a lack of sufficient U.S. production capacity of comparable products, or to exclude aluminum articles from such restrictions for specific national security-based considerations.
4. I concur in the Secretary’s finding that aluminum articles are being imported into the United States in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States, and I have considered his recommendations.
5. Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, authorizes the President to adjust the imports of an article and its derivatives that are being imported into the United States in such quantities or under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security.
6. Section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), authorizes the President to embody in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) the substance of acts affecting import treatment, and actions thereunder, including the removal, modification, continuance, or imposition of any rate of duty or other import restriction.
7. In the exercise of these authorities, I have decided to adjust the imports of aluminum articles by imposing a 10 percent ad valorem tariff on aluminum articles, as defined below, imported from all countries except Canada and Mexico. In my judgment, this tariff is necessary and appropriate in light of the many factors I have considered, including the Secretary’s report, updated import and production numbers for 2017, the failure of countries to agree on measures to reduce global excess capacity, the continued high level of imports since the beginning of the year, and special circumstances that exist with respect to Canada and Mexico. This relief will help our domestic aluminum industry to revive idled facilities, open closed smelters and mills, preserve necessary skills by hiring new aluminum workers, and maintain or increase production, which will reduce our Nation’s need to rely on foreign producers for aluminum and ensure that domestic producers can continue to supply all the aluminum necessary for critical industries and national defense. Under current circumstances, this tariff is necessary and appropriate to address the threat that imports of aluminum articles pose to the national security.
8. In adopting this tariff, I recognize that our Nation has important security relationships with some countries whose exports of aluminum to the United States weaken our internal economy and thereby threaten to impair the national security. I also recognize our shared concern about global excess capacity, a circumstance that is contributing to the threatened impairment of the national security. Any country with which we have a security relationship is welcome to discuss with the United States alternative ways to address the threatened impairment of the national security caused by imports from that country. Should the United States and any such country arrive at a satisfactory alternative means to address the threat to the national security such that I determine that imports from that country no longer threaten to impair the national security, I may remove or modify the restriction on aluminum articles imports from that country and, if necessary, make any corresponding adjustments to the tariff as it applies to other countries as our national security interests require.
9. I conclude that Canada and Mexico present a special case. Given our shared commitment to supporting each other in addressing national security concerns, our shared commitment to addressing global excess capacity for producing aluminum, the physical proximity of our respective industrial bases, the robust economic integration between our countries, the export of aluminum produced in the United States to Canada and Mexico, and the close relation of the economic welfare of the United States to our national security, see 19 U.S.C. 1862(d), I have determined that the necessary and appropriate means to address the threat to the national security posed by imports of aluminum articles from Canada and Mexico is to continue ongoing discussions with these countries and to exempt aluminum articles imports from these countries from the tariff, at least at this time. I expect that Canada and Mexico will take action to prevent transshipment of aluminum articles through Canada and Mexico to the United States.
10. In the meantime, the tariff imposed by this proclamation is an important first step in ensuring the economic viability of our domestic aluminum industry. Without this tariff and satisfactory outcomes in ongoing negotiations with Canada and Mexico, the industry will continue to decline, leaving the United States at risk of becoming reliant on foreign producers of aluminum to meet our national security needs — a situation that is fundamentally inconsistent with the safety and security of the American people. It is my judgment that the tariff imposed by this proclamation is necessary and appropriate to adjust imports of aluminum articles so that such imports will not threaten to impair the national security as defined in section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended.
Now, Therefore, I, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended, and section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, do hereby proclaim as follows:
(1) For the purposes of this proclamation, “aluminum articles” are defined in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) as: (a) unwrought aluminum (HTS 7601); (b) aluminum bars, rods, and profiles (HTS 7604); (c) aluminum wire (HTS 7605); (d) aluminum plate, sheet, strip, and foil (flat rolled products) (HTS 7606 and 7607); (e) aluminum tubes and pipes and tube and pipe fitting (HTS 7608 and 7609); and (f) aluminum castings and forgings (HTS 7616.99.51.60 and 7616.99.51.70), including any subsequent revisions to these HTS classifications.
(2) In order to establish increases in the duty rate on imports of aluminum articles, subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS is modified as provided in the Annex to this proclamation. Except as otherwise provided in this proclamation, or in notices published pursuant to clause 3 of this proclamation, all imports of aluminum articles specified in the Annex shall be subject to an additional 10 percent ad valorem rate of duty with respect to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on March 23, 2018. This rate of duty, which is in addition to any other duties, fees, exactions, and charges applicable to such imported aluminum articles, shall apply to imports of aluminum articles from all countries except Canada and Mexico.
(3) The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Defense, the United States Trade Representative (USTR), the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, and such other senior Executive Branch officials as the Secretary deems appropriate, is hereby authorized to provide relief from the additional duties set forth in clause 2 of this proclamation for any aluminum article determined not to be produced in the United States in a sufficient and reasonably available amount or of a satisfactory quality and is also authorized to provide such relief based upon specific national security considerations. Such relief shall be provided for an aluminum article only after a request for exclusion is made by a directly affected party located in the United States. If the Secretary determines that a particular aluminum article should be excluded, the Secretary shall, upon publishing a notice of such determination in the Federal Register, notify Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of the Department of Homeland Security concerning such article so that it will be excluded from the duties described in clause 2 of this proclamation. The Secretary shall consult with CBP to determine whether the HTSUS provisions created by the Annex to this proclamation should be modified in order to ensure the proper administration of such exclusion, and, if so, shall make such modification to the HTSUS through a notice in the Federal Register.
(4) Within 10 days after the date of this proclamation, the Secretary shall issue procedures for the requests for exclusion described in clause 3 of this proclamation. The issuance of such procedures is exempt from Executive Order 13771 of January 30, 2017 (Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs).
(5) (a) The modifications to the HTSUS made by the Annex to this proclamation shall be effective with respect to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on March 23, 2018, and shall continue in effect, unless such actions are expressly reduced, modified, or terminated.
(b) The Secretary shall continue to monitor imports of aluminum articles and shall, from time to time, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Defense, the USTR, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and such other senior Executive Branch officials as the Secretary deems appropriate, review the status of such imports with respect to the national security. The Secretary shall inform the President of any circumstances that in the Secretary’s opinion might indicate the need for further action by the President under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended. The Secretary shall also inform the President of any circumstance that in the Secretary’s opinion might indicate that the increase in duty rate provided for in this proclamation is no longer necessary.
(6) Any provision of previous proclamations and Executive Orders that is inconsistent with the actions taken in this proclamation is superseded to the extent of such inconsistency.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-second.
In today’s [March 8, 2018] War Room Show: Rob Dew takes over to speak to U.S steel and aluminum workers tell their story of why Trump’s tariff plans will make America great again.
[from Alex Jones and his merry band of batshit bullshitters]
Emma Love started her collection of magazines with BAME cover stars when she was in her early twenties. Growing up as a mixed-race Londoner, she discusses the representation of diversity in the mainstream media both then and now.
In this backstage footage from inside Sam Nunberg’s headline-making media tour, the former Trump aide can be seen weighing the risks of defying Bob Mueller, and potentially going to jail, as he prepares for the interview he would later credit for changing his mind. MSNBC Chief Legal Correspondent Ari Melber and Maya Wiley, the former counsel to the Mayor of New York, can be seen speaking to Nunberg before, during and after the newsmaking interview.
Why Mueller 'following the debt' scares Trump, Kushner
The Beat with Ari Melber 3/8/18
Ari Melber reports on the pressure building on Jared Kushner who Federal officials say has "significant financial entanglements" with a "foreign adversary" and could be using his White House job to deal with massive business debts. Former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance explains why Mueller “has to be” following the debt.
Reporter who broke Stormy Daniels affair story: I believe her
The Beat with Ari Melber 3/8/18
The reporter who first landed the Stormy Daniels-Trump alleged affair story in 2011 joins “The Beat,” revealing Daniels passed a lie detector test and explains why she believes her and finds her even “more credible” today.
Candidate Stacey Dash: Trump 'right' on Charlottesville
The Beat with Ari Melber 3/8/18
Conservative commentator and star of the "Clueless" movie makes her first TV appearance since declaring a bid for Congress -- and defends Trump blaming “both sides” for white supremacist violence in Charlottesville.
Remarks by Republic of Korea National Security Advisor Chung Eui-Yong
Issued on: March 8, 2018
White House Stake Out
7:11 P.M. EST
CHUNG: Good evening. Today, I had the privilege of briefing President Trump on my recent visit to Pyongyang, North Korea. I’d like to thank President Trump, the Vice President, and his wonderful national security team, including my close friend, General McMaster.
I explained to President Trump that his leadership and his maximum pressure policy, together with international solidarity, brought us to this juncture. I expressed President Moon Jae-in’s personal gratitude for President Trump’s leadership.
I told President Trump that, in our meeting, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said he is committed to denuclearization. Kim pledged that North Korea will refrain from any further nuclear or missile tests. He understands that the routine joint military exercises between the Republic of Korea and the United States must continue. And he expressed his eagerness to meet President Trump as soon as possible.
President Trump appreciated the briefing and said he would meet Kim Jong-un by May to achieve permanent denuclearization.
The Republic of Korea, along with the United States, Japan, and our many partners around the world remain fully and resolutely committed to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Along with President Trump, we are optimistic about continuing a diplomatic process to test the possibility of a peaceful resolution.
The Republic of Korea, the United States, and our partners stand together in insisting that we not repeat the mistakes of the past, and that the pressure will continue until North Korea matches its words with concrete actions.
Readout of President Donald J. Trump’s Call with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan
Issued on: March 8, 2018
President Donald J. Trump spoke with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan to discuss the situation in North Korea and to continue the close coordination between our two countries. President Trump and Prime Minister Abe assessed that the maximum pressure policy, together with international solidarity, brought us to this critical juncture. The leaders affirmed their strong intention to continue close trilateral coordination with South Korea to maintain pressure and enforce international sanctions until such point that North Korea takes tangible steps toward complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization. President Trump expressed his hope that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s invitation signals his desire to give the North Korean people a brighter future.
Chinese New Year isn’t just a holiday. It's the largest annual human migration on Earth. And to Yang Jianguo and Liu Mingchun, it's the only time they get to reunite with their children 1,000 miles away.
For decades, migrant workers like Yang have been the engine of China’s spectacular economic boom. But while their work is welcome, their children are not. The high cost of living and strict city regulations make essentials like schooling and healthcare difficult to access, and families, like Yang’s, often separate. An estimated 61 million “left-behind children” only see their parents once a year during paid time-off for the Chinese New Year.
“Because we have to spend four days on the road, ” said Liu, “The only time we could get two weeks off is during the Chinese New Year, that’s when we can go home.”
Yang left his rural home in Sichuan at the age of 20 in 1997 and became one of 287 million Chinese migrant workers who moved across country for a better life. After dropping out of high school, he became a farmer, just like his parents. Then one day, his uncle gave him the opportunity to work at an urban clothing factory in Shenzhen.
“If I raise a pig in our home village, I’d have to wait for six months before I can sell it to make money, there’s no immediate income ” Yang said. “In Shenzhen, we get paid every month.”
Today, Yang and his wife Liu are among nearly 8 million migrants living in Shenzhen, a major financial center in China that links Hong Kong to its mainland. There, two thirds of the population lives without residency registration in the city, which prevents them from getting the same level of healthcare, education, and social security as urban residents.
When Yang and Liu’s kids were born, the young couple had full time jobs and lived in a company dormroom too small to raise them. Coupled with the other challenges of city life, Yang and Liu had to leave both children as infants back in their old village with grandparents, thousands of miles away. The two kids are now 9 and 15 years old.
VICE News followed the couple on a 30-hour train ride from Shenzhen to their home in Sichuan for their yearly family reunion.
Why Dozens Of German Cities Are About To Ban Diesel Cars (HBO)
Published on Mar 8, 2018 by VICE News
A German court delivered a major blow to Chancellor Angela Merkel, the country’s auto makers, and the diesel technology both have championed for years. The ruling held that cities can ban the most heavily polluting diesel cars from their streets -- and it will likely lead to driving bans in dozens of cities, including Germany’s car capital, Stuttgart.
Global Warming Is Increasing Russia’s Profits, And Pollution: VICE on HBO, Full Episode
Published on Mar 8, 2018 by VICE News
Climate change is causing catastrophic changes to our planet, but it may be an economic blessing for Russia. As the Arctic ice melts, petroleum and mineral resources are more accessible, shipping lanes are opening up and the frozen Siberian tundra could become arable. In fact, the Russian government and people seem to be welcoming the warming temperatures. And with America pulling out of the Paris Agreement, perhaps this is a glimpse into our own future.
In Iowa, a spike in opioid abuse among people under 30 is causing another public health crisis: cases of Hepatitis C — a virus that attacks the liver — are up 375 percent according to the CDC.
To combat the problem, a group of Iowans has been operating an underground needle exchange. And now, they’re lobbying for a bill to legalize that effort. Under state law, it’s illegal to possess or distribute clean syringes for an “unlawful” purpose.
The Iowa Harm Reduction Coalition, founded in 2016 by medical student Sarah Ziegenhorn, 29, provides weekly outreach services in cities across Iowa by distributing safer injection kits, condoms and test kits for HIV and hepatitis C. The clean syringes, provided by partnering non-profit Prairie Works, are handed out discreetly from the back of a car.
More than 30 states have legalized distribution of needles and Iowa could be next if the bill, slated for a vote in the Senate next week, continues its journey to the governor’s office. Ziegenhorn is a weekly fixture at state capitol, leading the charge and drawing numbers of constituents to bring the issue to the attention of legislatures.
This is the second attempt to legalize in a state where there are very few opioid related regulations or policies in place. Many legislators believe the presence of needle exchange programs would encourage drug use and prevent proper law enforcement.
Yesterday On The Internet: Brands Remind Us How Much They Love Women (HBO)
Published on Mar 8, 2018 by VICE News
Thursday March 8th is International Women’s Day, and thankfully brands are here to remind us all how much they do for women.
In honor of the special day, Mattel launched a new Barbie collection of inspiring women, including Amelia Earhart, Katherine Johnson, and Frida Kahlo, each molded in that body-positive style Mattel is known for. And in honor of the extraordinary accomplishments of women everywhere, McDonalds made the truly progressive move of flipping its iconic golden arches upside down.
South Korea’s national security adviser announced that North Korea’s Kim Jong Un invited President Trump to nuclear negotiations – and Trump has accepted.
Trump seems to have trouble remembering to sign things
All In with Chris Hayes 3/8/18
Stormy Daniels alleges that her nondisclosure agreement is null and void because Trump never signed it. And if that’s true, it wouldn’t be the first time the president failed to sign something he was supposed to.
Trump signs isolating tariffs as 11 other nations sign trade pact
The Rachel Maddow Show 3/8/18
Rachel Maddow reports on Donald Trump signing new tariffs as 11 other countries signed a new trade pact, absent the participation of the United States.
Trump agrees to North Korea meeting invite, South Korea announces
The Rachel Maddow Show 3/8/18
Courtney Kube, NBC News national security and military reporter, talks with Rachel Maddow about the announcement by South Korean officials at the White House that Donald Trump has agreed to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un.
Trump meeting would end long precedent of North Korea as pariah
The Rachel Maddow Show 3/8/18
Michael Beschloss, NBC News presidential historian, talks with Rachel Maddow about the historic nature of Donald Trump agreeing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un.
Second ankle bracelet for Manafort after plea on latest charges
The Rachel Maddow Show 3/8/18
Rachel Maddow reports on Paul Manafort pleading not guilty to his second set of charges in Virginia, earning him a second ankle bracelet as he faces potentially 23 to 30 years in prison if he is convicted in both cases.
Witnesses tell Mueller details of Trump backer's secret meetings
The Rachel Maddow Show 3/8/18
Rachel Maddow reports on what is publicly known about about a series of meetings at which Trump officials reportedly tried to set up a back channel of communication with Russia, and notes that a lot more facts are likely known by Robert Mueller as attendees are cooperating with the investigation.
Mueller witness Nader emerges from obscurity with new details
The Rachel Maddow Show 3/8/18
Rachel Maddow reports on new details being learned about George Nader, the businessman who set up the Seychelles meeting involving Trump surrogate Erik Prince and a Russian investor close to Vladimir Putin.
Programming Note! Corn, Isikoff preview their new book Monday
The Rachel Maddow Show 3/8/18
Rachel Maddow alerts viewers that Michael Isikoff and David Corn will appear on the show on Monday to give their first TV interview before the release of their new book, "Russian Roulette."
New book "Russian Roulette" has new details about Trump’s 2013 visit to Moscow and his eagerness to befriend Putin—including the gift Putin sent to him, which might be of interest to Robert Mueller. Eugene Robinson, David Cay Johnston, & Kurt Andersen join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Report: Trump upset at press secy. over Stormy Daniels answers
The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell 3/8/18
Donald Trump is reportedly upset that his press secretary appeared to confirm key details about his agreement with Stormy Daniels. Ex-Obama press secretary Josh Earnest tells Lawrence O'Donnell he never encountered questions like the ones Sarah Sanders now faces.
Trump reportedly remains arrogant & dismissive of Mueller probe
The 11th Hour with Brian Williams 3/9/18
With the news dominated by a porn star who's suing the president, a potential trade war, and Trump agreeing to meet with North Korea - new reporting from his inner circle shows how he feels about the Russia investigation.
Trump accepts North Korea's invite to high-stakes nukes meeting
The 11th Hour with Brian Williams 3/9/18
In a shocking twist to the standoff over North Korea's nuclear program, Pres. Trump has agreed to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un by May after Kim pledged to refrain from further nuclear tests and move toward denuclearization.
Republicans revolt over Trump's steel & aluminum tariffs
The 11th Hour with Brian Williams 3/9/18
One Hill Republican warned Trump's tariffs will lead to 'a painful & stupid trade war.' Another is vowing to kill the tariffs with legislation. Suffice it to say, most in the GOP do not like Trump's tariffs. Our panel reacts.
International Women's Day observed around the globe
The 11th Hour with Brian Williams 3/9/18
From marches & rallies around the globe to moving words from celebrity activists Reese Witherspoon & Danai Gurira at the UN, here's a look at 2018's International Women's Day.
“The truth shall set you free” is the message that two conspiracy theorists were writing on a poster at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, the site of the November mass shooting that left 26 congregants dead.
But what they’re peddling is anything but the truth.
The conspiracy theorists, Jodi Mann and Robert Ussery, say they believe the mass shooting never happened and instead that it was staged by the Department of Homeland Security, according to Ussery’s website, “Side Thorn Journalist.”
When Donald Trump was elected in 2016, many individuals in the LGBT community were concerned that his victory would empower anti-LGBT bigots to codify their prejudices into law.
That fear is now in danger of being realized.
On Thursday Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, introduced the First Amendment Defense Act (FADA), a bill that, if passed, would make it legal for private individuals and businesses to discriminate against LGBT Americans by citing religious objections. It's a bill that was first introduced in 2015 and which both Lee and Rep. Raúl Labrador, R-Idaho, said they planned on reintroducing as far back as early last year.
The proposed law stipulates that the Federal Government cannot penalize through "discriminatory action" any individual who "speaks, or acts, in accordance with a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction that marriage is or should be recognized as a union of one man and one woman, or two individuals as recognized under Federal law, or that sexual relationship outside marriage are improper."
Critics of this law are concerned that, if passed, it would encourage businesses and other for-profit institutions to discriminate against the LGBT community or even heterosexual couples that have sex out of wedlock.
Federal authorities are investigating body camera footage from August that shows two white police officers Tasering and beating a black man whom they accused of jaywalking in Asheville, N.C.
The footage, obtained by The Citizen Times, has created an uproar in town. One of the officers has resigned, and the police chief has offered to follow suit.
“The city is in outrage,” Councilwoman Sheneika Smith said in a phone interview on Wednesday. “Facebook was flaming. It was on fire.”
Robots Want Our Jobs... and Our Genitals | The Daily Show
Published on Mar 9, 2018 by The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
Desi Lydic explores the ethics of human-robot sex, including the way women are reduced to inanimate objects and how the sex bots could impact humanity.
Disrupting the Legal System with Robots | The Daily Show
Published on Mar 10, 2018 by The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
Ronny Chieng finds out how artificial intelligence is changing the legal system, from robot lawyers to judges who use algorithms for pretrial risk assessment.
Josh Sharp and Aaron Jackson travel to Kentucky to learn about county clerk candidate David Ermold's vengeful campaign to replace outspoken anti-gay marriage icon Kim Davis.
Christian Picciolini - Rebuilding Life After Hate - The Opposition w/ Jordan Klepper
Published on Mar 9, 2018 by Comedy Central
"White American Youth" author Christian Picciolini discusses his past experience in a white supremacist group and explains how the alt-right is normalizing hate in America.
McDonald's And Barbie Honor International Women's Day
Published on Mar 9, 2018 by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
McDonald's flipped their golden arches upside-down, Barbie unveiled a tribute to iconic females, and other ways the world celebrate International Women's Day.
Chris Hayes On Trump-Russia Allegations: Why Is Everyone Acting Guilty?
Published on Mar 9, 2018 by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
'All In with Chris Hayes' host Chris Hayes is taking an Occam's Razor approach, the simplest explanation, to why everyone from Trump's inner circle is lying to federal prosecutors about Russian collusion.
[originally aired March 8, 2018 (U.S. central time)]
The Day that the New York Goldman Sachs Wall Street Scum LOST and the Chinese, Russian, Persian, Ottoman Alliance WON ! Russia Putin March 1st 2018 Speech knocked the Neocons down a notch or two, Hypersonic meteor ?
The Worst People By Charles M. Blow Early Tuesday morning, Donald Trump tweeted: “The new Fake News narrative is that there is CHAOS in the White House. Wrong! People will always come & go, and I want strong dialogue before making a final decision. I still have some people that I want to change (always seeking perfection). There is no Chaos, only great Energy!” Lies. Of course the White House is in chaos. It’s just that Trump has lived his whole life in a state of chaos, so it feels perfectly normal to him. The only energy around Trump is a vortex of complicity and incompetence. Furthermore, it should be clear to us all at this point that Trump’s public relations approach to dealing with unfavorable news is simply to rush to the nearest microphone — or log into Twitter — and say that the exact opposite is true, even when his statement is an easily provable lie. Being right is never the point; retaliation is the point. Later in the day, during a news conference with the prime minister of Sweden, Trump continued on this point, saying: “The White House has tremendous energy. It has tremendous spirit. It is a great place to be working. Many, many people want every single job. You know, I read where, oh gee, maybe people don’t want to work for Trump, and believe me, everybody wants to work in the White House. They all want a piece of that Oval Office. They want a piece of the West Wing. And not only in terms of it looks great on their résumé; it’s just a great place to work. It’s got tremendous energy.” Then Trump lurches into emperor mode, discussing how much he enjoys the gladiator-style blood sport of the administration he has: “It’s tough. I like conflict. I like having two people with different points of view, and I certainly have that. And then I make a decision. But I like watching it, I like seeing it and I think it’s the best way to go.” Trump ended by boasting that “I have a choice of anybody.” He continued, “I could take any position in the White House, and I’ll have a choice of the 10 top people having to do with that position. Everybody wants to be there.” That, again, is just a lie. Reporters covering this White House have been writing for months that people have trepidations about joining this White House. Part of that is due to the extraordinary level of turnover in this administration. As the Brookings senior fellow Kathryn Dunn Tenpas put it in an analysis of Trump’s White House turnover compared to his five predecessors: “Trump’s turnover is record-setting, more than triple that of Obama and double that of Reagan. In looking at why Trump has experienced such high turnover, I argue he has valued loyalty over qualifications and suffered from a White House that has functioned in a chaotic manner.” This is exactly the opposite of what Trump told us would happen. In April 2016, Trump wrote on Facebook, “I am self funding and will hire the best people, not the biggest donors!” when posting an article about Democrats’ hopes to work in a potential Hillary Clinton administration. That same month, when The Washington Post’s Bob Woodward asked Trump what he would do in his first 100 days, Trump responded: “O.K. I would do a number of things. I would, No. 1, I would start negotiating great trade deals using — I know the best people.” In September 2016, when the hedge fund manager John Paulson asked Trump what would be his criteria in choosing senior administration officials, Trump responded: “Track record, great competence, love of what they’re doing, how they’re getting along with people, references, I mean no different than when you’re running a company, how you hire top people. It would be no different.” Trump later added: “You need people that are truly, truly capable, and you need, and I think so much has to do with past history: how’ve they done, how’s it all worked out. You understand what I mean by that, perhaps better than anybody. And, we have to get the best people.” Indeed, ABC News put together a video montage of Trump promising to hire the “best people” over 10 times. It all turned out to be a lie. Trump is the worst boss who hires the worst people: People who confess to crimes, are secretly operating as foreign agents, allegedly beat their wives and have absolutely no expertise in the area in which they work. When you choose loyalists and sycophants over experts and professionals, this disaster of an administration is what you get. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/08/opinion/trump-best-worst-people.html
Rex Tillerson slams China's relationship with Africa US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has criticised China's economic engagement in Africa, ahead of his first official visit to the continent. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-43307461
Asia-Pacific trade deal signed by 11 nations Eleven Asia-Pacific countries have just signed the trade pact formerly known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership. http://www.bbc.com/news/business-43326314
Russian spy: Salisbury attack was 'brazen and reckless' The attempted murder of ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, using a nerve agent was a "brazen and reckless" act, Amber Rudd has said. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43326734
How a Russian-Linked Shell Company Hired An Ex-Trump Aide to Boost Albania’s Right-Wing Party in DC Did Russians use the US political system to fuel political discord in the Balkans? A former Trump campaign aide working as a lobbyist, a half-million-dollar payment, a conservative Albanian political party, four Republican congressmen, Breitbart News, a kosher restaurateur in New York City, an online dating service that promotes “beautiful” Ukrainian women, and Russian-linked shell companies—these are some of the elements in a bizarre tale of influence-peddling that spurs the suspicion that Russians covertly used Republicans in Washington in an effort to foment political conflict in the Balkans. It’s a complicated story of international political skullduggery with a dizzying plot: A year ago, a sketchy Scottish firm called Biniatta Trade, which was formed by two Belize-based shell companies, paid a Republican lobbyist and former Trump campaign aide named Nick Muzin for work in the United States to help the Democratic Party of Albania. At the time, a parliamentary election was underway, and the right-wing DPA was challenging a government run by the Socialist Party. That government was led by Prime Minister Edi Rama, who was steering Albania into the European Union and warning of the rise of Russian influence in the Balkans. Coincidentally—or not—the two Belizean shell companies behind Biniatta Trade were both connected to firms controlled by Russians. [...] https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2018/03/how-a-russian-linked-shell-company-hired-an-ex-trump-aide-to-boost-albanias-right-wing-party-in-dc/
We Now Know Who’s Behind the Trump Administration’s Push to Suppress Immigrant Participation in the Census The move suggests a concerted effort to manipulate the census for partisan purposes. In December, the Justice Department asked the Census Bureau to add a question about US citizenship to the 2020 census form, a move civil rights groups say would massively depress responses from immigrants fearful of deportation. Now we know who’s behind that push. The revelations reveal a concerted effort by high-level Trump administration officials to put the citizenship question on the census and suggest that the decennial population count could be manipulated for political purposes. ProPublica reported on Wednesday that John Gore, the Justice Department’s acting assistant attorney general for civil rights, drafted the letter requesting a question about US citizenship. But the emails uncovered by ProPublica through a public records request show that Arthur Gary, the general counsel of the department’s Justice Management Division, said the citizenship letter was sent “at the request of leadership, working with John.” That suggests to Vanita Gupta, who led the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division under President Barack Obama, that the letter was written in consultation with Attorney General Jeff Sessions and former Associate Attorney General Rachel Brand, who oversaw the Civil Rights Division. “I don’t think there’s a question that Sessions and Brand were involved,” says Gupta, who’s now president of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights. “A question like that wouldn’t get through without careful vetting straight up to the highest levels of the Justice Department.” The Justice Department said the citizenship question—which has not been asked on the census form since 1950—was needed to enforce the Voting Rights Act. The Commerce Department, which oversees the Census Bureau, has until March 31 to decide whether to adopt the question. (The citizenship question is already asked on the longer American Community Survey, which goes to roughly 1 in 38 American households.) “That will sabotage the entire census count, making it impossible to convince people to fill out the form,” Arturo Vargas, executive director of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Education Fund, told me last month. Gore has a long history of supporting policies that have restricted voting rights and run afoul of the Voting Rights Act, as Mother Jones has reported. At the Justice Department, he drafted briefs supporting Texas’s voter ID law and voter purging in Ohio, both of which courts found violated federal voting rights laws. In private practice at the law firm Jones Day, he defended Republican redistricting efforts in several states, including in Virginia, whose electoral map courts later invalidated for racial gerrymandering. He also defended a voter purge in Florida that would have disproportionately removed voters of color from the rolls had it not been blocked by the courts. [...] https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2018/03/we-now-know-whos-behind-the-trump-administrations-push-to-suppress-immigrant-participation-in-the-census/
Newly-found 'super-deep diamond' in Africa contains a rare Earth mineral never seen before on our planet Researchers found the mineral in a diamond at South Africa's Cullinan Mine The mine is known as the source for two diamonds in the British Crown Jewels The mineral, calcium silicate perovskite, is Earth's fourth most abundant mineral It was mined less than one kilometre (0.62 miles) beneath Earth's crust The finding provides proof of the recycling of oceanic crust into Earth's lower mantle and the fate of oceanic plates as they descend into the depths of Earth http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5478001/Diamond-South-Africa-contains-Earth-mineral-never-seen-before.html
New images of Jupiter reveal clusters of giant cyclones unlike anything else in our solar system New images from NASA's Juno probe show clusters of cyclones on the planet's poles. NASA says these weather systems extend far deeper than previously realized. The tightly packed cyclones haven't merged into one system like they did on Saturn, and scientists aren't sure why. Scientists also discovered that Jupiter's gaseous core rotates like a solid body. http://www.businessinsider.com/nasa-jupiter-photos-reveal-clusters-of-cyclones-around-poles-2018-3
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