Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond
East, west or beyond, sooner or later events elsewhere may have a local impact.
A recent sampling:
Two people have been sentenced to four years and three years for soliciting donations for “We Build the Wall.” The two de-frauded their donors by keeping the donated money, CNN relayed.
Chief Justice John Roberts said “no” to a Senate request to testify about corruption by certain members of the Supreme Court, The Lever said. Concerns include justices receiving high-end gifts and not recusing themselves (including the Chief Justice) from cases where they had a conflict of interest.
Three women in Texas, who helped a friend who sought a medication abortion, are facing a wrongful death lawsuit over the pregnancy termination. It was filed by the former husband, Axios said. The abortion occurred in July, before Texas’ new abortion laws became enforceable.
The Biden administration announced actions against fentanyl that would reach worldwide, according to various sources. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is said to be more potent and deadly than heroin. It comes from Mexico and Guatemala, using chemicals and equipment made in China.
Two cartels control most distribution using sophisticated trafficking devices, including submarines. Canada and Mexico will work with the U.S.
The fentanyl death toll in the U.S. can be 200 a day.
The Nation reported there were 57,600 fewer childcare workers early this year as compared to the same time in 2020 - but the number of children needing care has grown. Problems include poor pay for childcare workers and the cost of childcare going up.
The Council for a Strong America estimates that the childcare crisis cost the economy $57 billion in 2018 and that has jumped to $122 billion currently. Sen. Patty Murray has reintroduced the Child Care for Working Families Act; it would create child care affordability and better wages for childcare workers.
President Biden says he will run for re-election. Sen. Bernie Sanders, who had indicated he might run, announced he will instead support Biden.
Last week the Republican House voted 217 to 215, (four Republicans withheld support as did all Democrats) in favor of their Limit, Save, Grow Act, their proposal for lifting the debt ceiling. The BBC says the only other industrialized nation with a debt ceiling is Denmark.
Failure to lift the ceiling, which would be a U.S. first, is predicted to cause financial calamity from default on already incurred debts. Fall-out, the BBC says, would include inability to pay government and military salaries, Social Security checks and the National Weather Service (impacting forecasts).
Also impacted: the Department of Labor would be prevented from recovering back wages due workers, the U.S. credit rating would be lowered, there would be 10,800 fewer OSHA inspections and short-term borrowing costs would rise.
The Treasury Secretary says they will be unable to make debt payments as early as June 1. The debt ceiling has been raised in the past: 49 times under a Republican president (three times under Trump, including 2018 when Republicans and some Dems voted for a 16% increase in discretionary spending) and 29 times under a Democrat.
Democratic leaders are accusing Republicans of a “hostage situation” orchestrated by extreme MAGA lawmakers trying to “impose their radical agenda on America.”
The Republicans’ Limit, Save and Grow Act includes freezing spending to the 2022 level for a decade. The plan would reverse most of President Biden’s accomplishments. It now goes to the Democrat-controlled Senate, where the leader has proposed no negotiations until Republicans agree to pass a “clean” non-conditional bill to avoid debt default.
Democrats say the Republican Act would hurt the poor and middle class and cuts made to the IRS would increase the deficit.
BBC’s perspective: “It’s a political game of chicken, where the stakes are as high as the consequences are avoidable.”
Using the 14th Amendment President Biden could refuse to act on the strings-attached House plan to raise the debt ceiling, says former Labor Secretary Robert Reich. Section Four says “The validity of the public debt of the United States shall not be questioned.”
Reich says a debt ceiling “that prevents the federal government from honoring its existing financial commitments violates the Constitution.”
Unsafe lead and cadmium levels can be found in dark chocolate, Consumer Reports recently shared.
The New York Times noted that dark chocolate is eaten to reduce heart disease risk, lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels. Lead and cadmium are a natural part of the earth’s crust, but mining, manufacturing, transportation and agriculture adds to levels found in air, soil and water; they are found in a wide range of foods.
Health hazards include bone fragility and kidney and lung damage from cadmium. Lead can impact every organ, especially the nervous system. No lead level has been established as “safe,” but it’s a particular concern for children due to neuro-developmental effects.
An expert The Times talked to recommended a third of an ounce daily of dark chocolate and no more than one ounce. The As You Sow website tracks various lead and cadmium levels in chocolates.
Blast from the past: “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Benjamin Franklin, American statesman and scientist, 1706-1790.