River forming part of the US-Mexico border
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MISSION, Texas - Many of the state lawmakers that participate in next week's Texas Water Day at the Capitol will likely know about the dire water crisis facing the Rio Grande Valley.Certainly those that traveled the region as part of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership's recent 2025 RGV Legislative Tour will be aware.That is because they heard twice from Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association. He spoke once during a panel discussion that focused on water availability challenges. That was held at the Center for Education & Economic Development in Mission. He also gave a speech at the Wonderful Citrus warehouse, also in Mission. At both events Galeazzi was blunt. The Valley has a “water crisis” on its hands, he said. “We've got a series of challenges that are driving the water situation here in South Texas,” Galeazzi said. Of our two international reservoirs, Falcon Dam is at 14% capacity. It's never been that low. And Amistad Dam is at 26%.”Galeazzi pointed out that only 58 percent of the water in those dams can be used in the Valley. “Ninety percent of our fresh water here in the Valley comes from the river,” Galeazzi said, And Mexico owes more than a million acre feet (of water) under an international treaty.”Galeazzi continued: “Talking about all of the inflows, every bit of water that's supposed to be coming to the Rio Grande Valley, or into the Rio Grande River, is down over the last 30 years. It's trending 30% down and more. So we have a dire situation.”Galeazzi said more than 50% of the 1.3 million citizens that live in the Valley reside in unincorporated towns. As a result, he said, they depend on water districts to get their water. “The water districts don't have water. Those guys aren't going to be able to turn on water and get it out of the faucets.”Although the 1944 U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty is a federal issue, there are things the State of Texas can do to help the Valley, Galeazzi said. “We're here at a very difficult time. I don't want to understate it. It is doom and gloom time,” Galeazzi said. “We are in a position where we have got to figure something out and the time to act is now. We can't postpone things until the next session. We can't kick this ball down the road.”Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.
WaPo is reporting that there are more migrant deaths at southern border than U.S. and Mexico have reported. Why is the U.S. and Mexican government lying about something like that? The data shows that at least 1,107 people drowned trying to cross the Rio Grande River in the seven years from 2017 to 2023. The deaths peaked in 2022 as the number of people trying to enter the United States soared. A rising number of women were among the dead. In 2023, more than 1 in 10 drownings involved a child. Our U.S. government and businesses are to thank for this influx. U.S. Businesses and companies have abused cheap, illegal labor for far too long, and it's got to end. There are no more excuses — hire legal workers or pay the price. Guest: Victor Avila - Ret. Supervisory Special Agent, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE)Sponsors: My PillowWww.mypillow.com/johnPromo code ‘John' for max savings on all products!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
WaPo is reporting that there are more migrant deaths at southern border than U.S. and Mexico have reported. Why is the U.S. and Mexican government lying about something like that? The data shows that at least 1,107 people drowned trying to cross the Rio Grande River in the seven years from 2017 to 2023. The deaths peaked in 2022 as the number of people trying to enter the United States soared. A rising number of women were among the dead. In 2023, more than 1 in 10 drownings involved a child. Our U.S. government and businesses are to thank for this influx. U.S. Businesses and companies have abused cheap, illegal labor for far too long, and it's got to end. There are no more excuses — hire legal workers or pay the price. Guest: Victor Avila - Ret. Supervisory Special Agent, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE)Sponsors: My PillowWww.mypillow.com/johnPromo code ‘John' for max savings on all products!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
On this day in 1964, the banks of the Rio Grande River were exploded to create the new Mexico-America border.
Your Faith Journey - Finding God Through Words, Song and Praise
Jesus Cries with Us, Jesus Cries Out for Us Last Sunday afternoon Jamie, Laurie, Phylis and I sitting at a large round table visited with Anna, Ashley, Alison (from Panama), Fatima (from Venezuela), three little people, and a faithful member of St. Christopher Episcopal Church. St. Christopher is a sanctuary church in El Paso, Texas, a safe place for migrant people to live until they can travel on to a more permanent safe and caring community in which they could live and work and thrive. Many take dangerous and often illegal risks. Many are filled with great anxiety and uncertainty, exacerbated by antiquated immigration laws and processes that can mean months and even many years of waiting. Many are filled with fear both of countries they have fled and of our country because they know we are a deeply divided nation given to fear and even hatred of these aliens, these sojourners, these strangers. But Sunday we all were in this safe and sacred place. Except for the little ones we introduced ourselves, shared little bits of our life stories, either in Spanish or English or both. All of us children of God, all of us on a journey, though for Alison and Fatima, a much more dangerous and harrowing one. We talked together, prayed together, sang a little together, ate a meal together, held babies (the best part!) and hugged one another… A couple thousand years ago, Jesus too was on a dangerous journey. In John 11 we read of his crossing the Jordan River, going to Judea where he knowingly faced threats of stoning, persecution, and death. On the way there he received a message from beloved friends, Mary and Martha, that their brother Lazarus was ill. Jesus, the Son of God, knew that Lazarus' illness was terminal. In fact, Jesus knew, he had already died. Yet Jesus stayed where he was for two more days… And then came the account from the Gospel of John for this All Saints Sunday. In it we learn what God is like when we suffer, when we die. We know what God, is like, revealed most fully to us in Jesus, when Bob and Joy and Walter and Dale and Chip and David, whom we remember this morning, died during this past year. Jesus, the Son of God, wept with and for their families and friends. Jesus cried with them. Jamie and Laurie and Phylis and I spent five days with Border Servant Corps guides, mostly with Ashley, a young woman about to graduate from college and then after a gap year on to law school. With her we visited border patrol folk, spent time with “guests,” always these migrant people were called guests, in processing centers and shelters on both sides of the Rio Grande River, talked with criminal court Judge Ritter presiding over cases against those crossing the border between legal points of entry. Perhaps most moving for us was our visit with Amanda, a federal public defender. With all of them we could see Jesus. We could see Jesus “greatly disturbed' and crying with these guests and with those so committed to accompanying them on their journeys toward some semblance of mercy and justice. We saw Jesus in Gracias, a feisty, self-proclaimed activist who is the shepherd of the shelter we visited in Juarez, Mexico. In, I think, more than a coincidence for us sojourners from Faith, Okemos, her call to this ministry came years agowhen she mourned the killing of two LGBT people at the border. At times Gracias has provided a safe haven for as many as 370 guests in a clean but very dilapidated five-story building. Last Monday we prepared and served a meal for 60 men, women, and children currently living there. We saw Jesus in Gracias and in Cesi with us that day, who translated my mini-sermon proclaiming God's watchful care for these his beloved children. Cesi walks step by step with guests when they are able to fly or take a bus from El Paso to a new home somewhere in our country. We saw Jesus in the guarded but gently smiling faces of these guests, perhaps especially in the faces of the children. But the gospel for today is not only about people for whom and with whom Jesus wept, for Martha and Mary and their friends. It is that, Jesus, the Son of God, the incarnation of God, was also for them the resurrection and the life. Jesus was and is God making of death only a transitory experience. Jesus, the resurrection and the life, cried out, now not with tears, but with a loud voice, to a man dead for four stinky days, “Lazarus, come out!” To Walter and Dale and Bob and Chip and Joy and David, Jesus said, perhaps more gently, “Come, dwell with me now in my Father's house. There you be forever safe, forever free, forever whole, forever loved and in love with all the children of God from Michigan and Texas and Mexico and Panama and Venezuela, from Sudan and Ghana and Mauritania, from Palestine and Lebanon and Israel, from Ukraine and Russia…” On this All Saints Sunday remember. Remember that Jesus cries with you and Jesus cries out for you. Remember that Jesus cried with the family and friends of Joy, Chip, Dale, Walt, David, and Dale. Remember he wept for the LGBT people killed at the border. Remember he wept for those who bodies were and are still to this day found in the deserts of Mexico, bodies of souls striving in desperate, vain attempts to find a better life in our country. But remember too and above all that Jesus cried out for Lazarus to come out, to rise from death. Remember, as you come at his invitation to dine with him at the communion table this morning, that he suffered and died for you and that he rose again for you and for all whom we remember this day. I think of these beautiful words from Romans 6: Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore, we have been buried with him by baptism into death so that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. Phylis and I, Laurie and Jamie, we did see Jesus at the border. With the eyes of faith, we see him here too, with our congregation in our worries, with us in our pain, with us in our losses. We see him here in the hearts of so many here who care deeply about each other and about strangers, about people on difficult journeys, people God has called us to walk with in love, to “walk in newness of life.” We see Jesus speaking through the work of the call committee, “crying out” to us to come out of any dark tombs of worry, of any paralyzing fears about the future well-being of our congregation. And, especially this week, may all of us see Jesus crying with us and crying out to us, “Come out of your dark tomb!”, no matter the outcome of the election on Tuesday.
This election has featured a lot of talk about ‘immigration' and ‘the border' but has been short on specifics. In this episode, you'll get those specifics. Specifically, you'll learn what was in H.R. 2, a Republican bill passed by the House, and you'll learn what was in the so-called bipartisan border bill which was killed by Donald Trump's loyalists in the Senate and which Kamala Harris has promised to revive as President. Which bill would actually solve the problems? Please Support Congressional Dish – Quick Links Contribute monthly or a lump sum via Support Congressional Dish via (donations per episode) Send Zelle payments to: Donation@congressionaldish.com Send Venmo payments to: @Jennifer-Briney Send Cash App payments to: $CongressionalDish or Donation@congressionaldish.com Use your bank's online bill pay function to mail contributions to: Please make checks payable to Congressional Dish Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Background Sources Recommended Congressional Dish Episodes Current Immigration Process Visas Accessed October 22, 2024. U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. Accessed October 22, 2024. Boundless. Accessed October 22, 2024. Boundless. October 22, 2024. USAGov. September 3, 2024. U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. Asylum August 1, 2024. USAFacts. Ted Hesson and Mica Rosenberg. June 5, 2024. Reuters. Accessed October 22, 2024. Migration Policy Institute. Unauthorized Immigration John Gramlich. October 1, 2024. Pew Research Center. Jeffrey S. Passel and Jens Manuel Krogstad. July 22, 2024. Pew Research Center. Backlog December 18, 2023. TRAC Immigration. Immigrant Detention Eunice Cho. August 7, 2023. American Civil Liberties Union. Irwin County Detention Center November 15, 2022. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. Jonathan Raymond. November 15, 2022. 11 ALIVE. May 20, 2021. WABE. Molly O'Toole. May 20, 2021. The LA Times. C. Carlos Carreiro Immigration Detention Center in Bristol County, MA Ben Berke. May 21, 2021. The Public's Radio. December 15, 2020. Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General Civil Rights Division. Etowah County Detention Center in Gadsden, Alabama Erin Wise. April 15, 2022. ABC 33 40 News. Ted Hesson and Mica Rosenberg. March 25, 2022. Reuters. March 25, 2022. BirminghamWatch. March 25, 2022. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Paul Moses. June 8, 2018. The Daily Beast. Glades County Detention Center in Moore Haven, Florida February 2, 2022. Freedom for Immigrants. Debbie Wasserman Schultz et al. February 1, 2022. South Texas Family Residential Center Accessed October 22, 2024. OpenSecrets. Sandra Sanchez. Updated June 24, 2024. Border Report. Ted Hesson. June 10, 2024. Reuters. Penalties for Illegally Entering Countries World Population Review. Bipartisan Border Bill Failure Ariana Figueroa. May 24, 2024. Missouri Independent. Catherine Rampell. May 23, 2024. The Washington Post. Mary Clare Jalonick and Stephen Groves. February 7, 2024. AP News. Mary Clare Jalonick and Stephen Groves. February 7, 2024. AP News. The Bills H.R. 2 Outline Division A - Border Wall Would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to resume “all activities” related to constructing a border wall between the US and Mexico that were planned by the Trump administration. Wall would have to be at least 900 miles long, and include not only a physical wall, but also surveillance towers, radars, seismic acoustic detection sensors, and 24 hour drone monitoring. Would require killing all carrizo cane and salt cedar plants along the Rio Grande River by releasing non-stinging wasps imported from Spain and France into the area. Would waive “all legal requirements” that would stand in the way of of building the wall. Division B - Immigration Enforcement and Foreign Affairs Would make it illegal to process asylum claims of individuals who: do not enter at official ports of entry. crossed through another country on their way to the US and did not apply to live there and receive an official denial in each country they entered before entering the US. have been convicted of misdemeanor offenses, allowing the Secretary of Homeland Security or Attorney General to add disqualifying acts without approval from Congress and no court reviews allowed. Would allow the Secretary of Homeland Security to take away the authorization for an individual who has been accepted into the US through the asylum process to work legally in the US. Work permits would only be authorized for 6 months at a time. Would reopen detention centers that were closed by the Biden Administration. Title V - Protection of Children Would require the DHS Secretary to return unaccompanied children back to their home countries if they are not trafficking victims and do not have a fear of Return. Would authorize immigration officers to withdraw a child's application to be admitted into the United States regardless of the child's ability or desire to do so. Would require the DHS to collect information - name, social security number, DOB, address, contact info, and immigration status - of people who will be taking custody of immigrant children. Within 30 days of receiving that information, if they determine that individual is not legally in the United States, must initiate removal proceedings. Would change the law so that these people have “access” to lawyers instead of having lawyers to represent them. Title VI - Visa Overstay Penalties Would Increase fines for illegally entering the United States from $50-250 to $500-1000 Would create new penalties for overstaying visas: First offense: fines up to $1,000 or up to 6 months in prison, or both Repeat offenses: fines up to $2,000 or up to 2 years in prison, or both S.4361 Outline Division A - Border Security & Combatting Fentanyl Supplemental Appropriations $6.3 billion to border patrol. $6 billion to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ~$2.4 billion for deportations. ~$1.6 billion for prisons (the goal in the bill is for ICE to be able to detain 46,500 humans at all times). ~$1.2 billion for services to help people navigate the immigration and asylum system, and to help people leave the country if denied visas (). ~$415 million to hire more ICE agents (goal is to hire 800 more agents). ~$200 million for counter fentanyl investigations. ~$4 billion to US Citizenship and Immigration Services with most going towards hiring more staff. ~ $1.2 billion to the State Department $850 million for “humanitarian needs in the Western Hemisphere” to reduce migration (with the idea being that if their home countries are less dangerous, then people won't want to come here as often) $230 million to pay other countries to accept deported individuals. $440 million, most of which would be spent on Immigration Judge Teams which include lawyers, court administrators, staff, and court costs. Would expand the number of border patrol and ICE officers authorized to issue a notice to appear, reducing the workload of the judges. Would allow protection determination proceedings to take place in any federally owned or leased building that is not property owned, leased or managed by ICE or border patrol and is “a reasonable distance” from the migrants current residence, expanding the locations where the cases can be heard beyond the already too crowded court buildings. Division B - Border Act Title I - Capacity Building For five years: would give the Secretary of Homeland Security the authority to appoint people to positions within the Refugee, Asylum, and International Operation Directorate, the Field Operations Directorate, and the Service Center Operations Directorate of US Citizenship and Immigration Services if the Secretary determines that a critical hiring need exists. would give the Secretary of Homeland Security the authority to appoint ICE deportation officers if the Secretary determines that a critical hiring need exists. Would provide a permanent authority for the DHS Secretary to re-hire a former employee to any position in ICE, Border Patrol, or US Citizenship & Immigration Services. Would give asylum officers a 15% pay raise. Would require annual training for border patrol officers about the law, de- escalation techniques, and migrant and agent safety measures. Title III - Securing America For three years, the Secretary of Homeland Security would be given the authority “in the Secretary's sole and unreviewable discretion” to declare a “border emergency” and remove any migrant who doesn't have pre-determined permission to enter the United States or doesn't present themselves at a port of entry in accordance with a process approved by the DHS Secretary. Title IV - Promoting Legal Immigration Would set up a special process to more easily admit no more than 10,000 refugees who worked with the United States from Afghanistan. Would allow the spouse, fiancé, or child of an admitted migrant to join them in the United States and receive employment authorizations. Would slightly increase the number of visas for family members that would be issued in years 2025 through 2029 (512,000 instead of 480,000 = ~ 6% increase). Audio Sources August 22, 2024 29:45 Vice President Kamala Harris: And let me be clear. After decades in law enforcement, I know the importance of safety and security, especially at our border. Last year, Joe and I brought together Democrats and conservative Republicans to write the strongest border bill in decades. The Border Patrol endorsed it. But Donald Trump believes a border deal would hurt his campaign. So he ordered his allies in Congress to kill the deal. Well, I refuse to play politics with our security. Here is my pledge to you: As President, I will bring back the bipartisan border security bill that he killed. And I will sign it into law. July 18, 2024 April 18, 2018 Senate Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration Witness: James McHenry, Director, Executive Office for Immigration Review, U.S. Department of Justice Clips 2:42 Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX): Earlier administrations, both Republican and Democrat, have struggled with how to reduce the case backlogs in the immigration courts. And, unfortunately, Congress has never provided the full extent of immigration judges and support staff truly needed to eliminate the backlogs. As a result, backlogs continue to grow, from 129,000 cases in fiscal 1998 to a staggering 684,000 as of February 2018. 3:27 Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX): Aliens in removal proceedings sometimes wait for years before they ever appear before an immigration judge. For example, as of February 2018 courts in Colorado have the longest time for cases sitting on their docket more than 1,000 days -- almost three years. In my home state of Texas, the current wait is 884 days -- almost two and a half years. 28:45 James McHenry: A typical immigration court proceeding has two stages, or two parts. The first is the determination of removability. The Department of Homeland Security brings charges and allegations that an alien has violated the immigration laws. The judge, the immigration judge, first has to determine whether that charge is sustained, and that will be based on the factual allegations that are brought, so the judge will make determinations on that. If there is a finding that the alien is removable, then the case proceeds to a second phase. If the judge finds the alien is not removable, then the case is terminated. At the second phase, the immigration judge gives the alien an opportunity to apply for any protection or relief from removal that he or she may be eligible for under the Immigration and Nationality Act. This will involve the setting of a separate hearing at which the respondent may present evidence, they may present witnesses, they have the right to cross-examine witnesses brought by the department, and they will bring up whatever factual bases there is for their claim of relief or protection. At the end of that hearing, the immigration judge will assess the evidence, will assess the testimony, will look at the law, and will render a decision. The judge may either grant the application, in which case the respondent will get to remain in the United States. The judge may deny the application but give the respondent an opportunity to voluntarily depart at their own expense and sometimes after paying a bond, or the immigration judge may order the alien removed. 41:50 Senator Mike Lee (R-UT): I believe you recently testified in front of the House Judiciary Committee that it would take about 700 immigration judges in order to be able to address the backlog and address the current case load. Is that correct? James McHenry: Yeah, last fall the president proposed adding additional immigration judges, up to a number of 700. If we can get 700 on board, especially with our performance measures, we could complete over 450,000 cases a year. That would eviscerate the backlog. Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT): So, 700 would do it…. End of Episode Announcements Andrew Heaton's New Book: Music by Editing Production Assistance
Sip, share, shape our podcast!Join us this episode on a road trip to New Mexico to visit the team at Vivác Winery. Brothers Jesse and Chris Padberg share their journey from college students and European explorers to winemakers. With an adventurous spirit and the perfect location for growing grapes, their story continues with award winning wines and a lot of fun.Vivac Winery in Dixon, 45 minutes northeast of Santa Fe and 2 hours from Albuquerque, is known for producing high-quality wines in an artistic setting. Vivac focuses on sustainable winemaking and uses handpicked grapes to craft their wine.The tasting room is set in a beautiful, scenic location near the Rio Embudo, making it a perfect destination for wine lovers looking for an authentic experience. Vivac's picturesque property of 11 acres sits along the banks of the Embudo Creek.While not the Rio Grande River or Rio Grande Valley, it's a prime source for irrigation when needed and keeps the air flowing through the vineyards even during the hot summer heat. The vineyards are a few miles down the road from their winery tasting room off the main highway.Wine isn't the only delicacy at the tasting room! If you're like me and crave chocolate with your Merlot, you're in luck! Liliana, Chris's wife, is a Chocolatier! Her Ek.Chuah Chocolates are serendipitously sold in the tasting room!Cheers to the Vivác team and we cannot wait to go back for another visit. If NM is in your future travel, give Jesse and Chris a shout and we're sure they'd love to welcome you!Support the showThanks for joining Somm Women Talk Wine! Check out our socials for more fun filled wine exploration!Instagram:@somm_women_talk_wine@kristiwinenerd@charissehenryfw@kmayfield109All episodes are also on our website:SommWomenTalkWineCharisse and Kristi
Mike Ferguson in the Morning 09-23-24 (6:05am) Sarah Foster, principal U.S. Economy and Federal Reserve reporter with Bankrate.com, talks about how wages are not keeping up with inflation. Story here: https://www.bankrate.com/banking/federal-reserve/wage-to-inflation-index/ (https://www.bankrate.com/authors/sarah-foster/) (@sarahffoster) (6:20am) Missouri Supreme Court releases details on the decision to place Amendment 3 back on the Nov. 5 ballot. They voted 4-3 to keep it on the ballot. Story here: https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/20/missouri-supreme-court-opinions-amendment-3-abortion/ St. Louis City Police Officer David Lee was hit and killed in the line of duty as he was hit by a car as he was investigating a previous crash on eastbound I-70 near Grand. Story here: https://www.firstalert4.com/2024/09/22/crash-closes-portion-eb-i-70-st-louis-city/ Follow-up story here: https://www.firstalert4.com/2024/09/23/suspect-charged-st-louis-officers-death/ (6:35am) A Satanic library book titled "At Satan's Altar" was pulled from a Metro East library. The Mississippi Valley Library District oversees the Collinsville Public Library and the Fairmont City Public Library. Story here: https://www.firstalert4.com/2024/09/20/satanic-library-book-pulled-metro-east-library/ (6:50am) MORNING NEWS DUMP The metro area is mourning the loss of another police officer. St. Louis City Police Officer David Lee was working an accident on Sunday morning on eastbound I-70 near Grand when another car spun out and hit him. Officer Lee was an 18-year police veteran and leaves behind his wife and two children. Story here: https://www.firstalert4.com/2024/09/22/crash-closes-portion-eb-i-70-st-louis-city/ Follow-up story here: https://www.firstalert4.com/2024/09/23/suspect-charged-st-louis-officers-death/ Texas Gov. Abbott comments on the lower border crossing numbers which he attributes to efforts by the Lone Star State to stop illegal aliens on the Rio Grande River and other crossover points. The lawsuit against Missouri's generally weak law against gender mutilation of children goes to court today. Story here: https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/20/lawsuit-seeking-to-block-missouri-ban-on-gender-affirming-care-for-minors-heads-to-trial/ Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) comments on the situation in Israel with Hezbollah and Hamas. Rep. Pat Fallon (R-TX) comments that the "US Secret Service has a no-fail mission. Lives are at stake if they make mistakes. Simple security preparations would've prevented the events of July 13 from ever happening. These are inexcusable lapses and we can't afford another tragedy." Cardinals won their final home game of the season, beating the Cleveland Guardians 2-1. Day off today. They kick off their final 6-game road trip tomorrow night with the first of 3 in Denver against the Colorado Rockies at 7:40pm. NewsTalkSTL website: https://newstalkstl.com/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/NewsTalkSTL Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/NewstalkSTL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewsTalkSTL Livestream 24/7: bit.ly/NEWSTALKSTLSTREAMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mike Ferguson in the Morning 09-23-24 (8:05am) More discussion on listening to different opinions and pushing folks out of their comfort zones, their ideological silos, and listening to other viewpoints. (8:20am) MORNING NEWS DUMP The metro area is mourning the loss of another police officer. St. Louis City Police Officer David Lee was working an accident on Sunday morning on eastbound I-70 near Grand when another car spun out and hit him. Officer Lee was an 18-year police veteran and leaves behind his wife and two children. Story here: https://www.firstalert4.com/2024/09/22/crash-closes-portion-eb-i-70-st-louis-city/ Follow-up story here: https://www.firstalert4.com/2024/09/23/suspect-charged-st-louis-officers-death/ Texas Gov. Abbott comments on the lower border crossing numbers which he attributes to efforts by the Lone Star State to stop illegal aliens on the Rio Grande River and other crossover points. The lawsuit against Missouri's generally weak law against gender mutilation of children goes to court today. Story here: https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/20/lawsuit-seeking-to-block-missouri-ban-on-gender-affirming-care-for-minors-heads-to-trial/ Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) comments on the situation in Israel with Hezbollah and Hamas. Rep. Pat Fallon (R-TX) comments that the "US Secret Service has a no-fail mission. Lives are at stake if they make mistakes. Simple security preparations would've prevented the events of July 13 from ever happening. These are inexcusable lapses and we can't afford another tragedy." Cardinals won their final home game of the season, beating the Cleveland Guardians 2-1. Day off today. They kick off their final 6-game road trip tomorrow night with the first of 3 in Denver against the Colorado Rockies at 7:40pm. (8:35am) We take another look at libraries, politics, and freedom of speech. NewsTalkSTL website: https://newstalkstl.com/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/NewsTalkSTL Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/NewstalkSTL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewsTalkSTL Livestream 24/7: bit.ly/NEWSTALKSTLSTREAMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth. – Marcus Aurelius In This Episode, We Get Stoic About: In September 2021, images and videos circulated showing Border Patrol Agents on horseback confronting illegal immigrants from Haiti on the banks of the Rio Grande River outside of Del Rio, Texas. As a rush of Haitians attempted to illegally enter the United States, the agents worked to manage the crowd and push them back, using their long leather reins to control their mounts. Unfortunately, still photographs of the incident were characterized by media organizations and the White House as showing the agents “whipping” or “strapping” people. It didn't matter that video proved that characterization was an outright lie, the narrative, once established, drowned out the truth. And when the investigation into the agents' conduct eventually cleared them of any wrongdoing, there were no apologies from the smear merchants who had long since moved on. This incident is a good reminder that we work in a dynamic environment where deceptively edited images and videos can create an anti-police fervor in the blink of an eye. And while we cannot control the actions of dishonest brokers who profit from spinning up societal outrage, we can take a lesson from how they operate: If they frame police conduct this way, what else are they manipulating? Resources + Links: Connect with Kristofor | www.kristoforhealey.com Connect with Kristofor on Instagram | @team_healey Subscribe to The Stoic Responder on Substack | https://thestoicresponder.substack.com Subscribe to The Stoic Responder on YouTube | The Stoic Responder Buy your copy of In Valor: 365 Stoic Meditations for First Responders, here! Buy your copy of Indispensable: A Tactical Plan for the Modern Man, here! Book Kristofor for a speaking event, here! Sponsor Discounts: Friend of the show Dan Hickman (@danieljasonhickman on Instagram) hosts the Competitive Edge Podcast and is a father, entrepreneur and hybrid athlete. As a MyZone Ambassador, Dan is offering The Stoic Responder Podcast listeners $60 off of a MyZone heart rate monitor using discount code TMZUS001-51445-60. If you aren't using a heart rate monitor to train, you're missing out on critical data. Through accurate heart rate tracking and real-time feedback, all effort counts. Takeaways: Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is perspective, not the truth. Media can manipulate incidents and create biased narratives that lead to societal outrage. It is important to engage in critical thinking, challenge our beliefs, and be fact-finders. We must be skeptical and curious, and not accept everything at face value. Support the podcast by purchasing the book, subscribing to the newsletter, or liking, sharing, and subscribing to the podcast. Until Next Time…out of role!
Episode 97 - Welcome to this episode of Latino Business Report. Today, we delve into the impact of increased security measures along the U.S.-Mexico border on the Rio Grande, a vital waterway for many communities, ecosystems, and livelihoods. Our guest is Dr. Adriana Martinez, a Professor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a PhD in Geography specializing in fluvial geomorphology. Together, we explore the unintended environmental consequences of tighter border control and discuss the steps needed to protect this crucial river while addressing security concerns. Stay tuned for a thought-provoking discussion on balancing national security and environmental stewardship.
#Democracy: How can voting in a democracy end voting in a democracy? @ThadMcCotter @theamgreatness https://amgreatness.com/2024/07/06/stop-messaging-for-the-enemy/ 1890 Rio Grande River
This episode of the Oklahoma Outdoors Podcast is all about gear. John has three out of the ordinary hunts this year that all feature different states, terrains, weapons, and gear. John breaks these hunts down one by one and discusses the drastic differences in gear he will need for the different hunts. John will start off with an early season September muzzleloader hunt in Kansas. After doing a lot of map scouting, John learned that the area of Kansas he will be in is much more remote than he realized. This hunt will probably be a truck hunting scenario, something John has not done much of recently. Back in Oklahoma, John drew a tag for a traditional archery only hunt which means he will need to polish his archery skills. After testing out an old recurve he had, he discovered a bent limb which makes the more powerful bow not an option. He now has to decide to stick with his 40 pound longbow, or drop some money on a new recurve. He also has to decide if he wants to stick to hunting on the ground or practice shooting a long traditional bow from a tree stand. The last hunt of his season will take place in the cactus covered mountains of south Texas. Clothing is the main concern on this hunt. Being just off of the Rio Grande River and Mexican border, this area has some of the most unpredictable weather in the lower 48. Add long hikes mixed with hours of sitting and glassing, you just never know what you are going to end up needing to put on or take off in a moment's notice. All while possibly needing to take a 300 to 400 yard shot at any second. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode of the Oklahoma Outdoors Podcast is all about gear. John has three out of the ordinary hunts this year that all feature different states, terrains, weapons, and gear. John breaks these hunts down one by one and discusses the drastic differences in gear he will need for the different hunts. John will start off with an early season September muzzleloader hunt in Kansas. After doing a lot of map scouting, John learned that the area of Kansas he will be in is much more remote than he realized. This hunt will probably be a truck hunting scenario, something John has not done much of recently.Back in Oklahoma, John drew a tag for a traditional archery only hunt which means he will need to polish his archery skills. After testing out an old recurve he had, he discovered a bent limb which makes the more powerful bow not an option. He now has to decide to stick with his 40 pound longbow, or drop some money on a new recurve. He also has to decide if he wants to stick to hunting on the ground or practice shooting a long traditional bow from a tree stand.The last hunt of his season will take place in the cactus covered mountains of south Texas. Clothing is the main concern on this hunt. Being just off of the Rio Grande River and Mexican border, this area has some of the most unpredictable weather in the lower 48. Add long hikes mixed with hours of sitting and glassing, you just never know what you are going to end up needing to put on or take off in a moment's notice. All while possibly needing to take a 300 to 400 yard shot at any second.
The news of Texas covered today includes:Our Lone Star story of the day: The U.S. Supreme Court issued two bad rulings today. One is a rejection of Texas and New Mexico's negotiated settlement of Rio Grande River water issues. The second is about the Second Amendment. It is a ruling most ignorant and shallow will think right but it is not – as Justice Thomas clearly pointed out in dissent.Our Lone Star story of the day is sponsored by Allied Compliance Services providing the best service in DOT, business and personal drug and alcohol testing since 1995.Oil and gas drilling rig count falls.Texas sets another monthly employment growth record; unemployment remains at 4 percent statewide.Lieutenant Governor Patrick names members to the Sunset Advisory Commission. Let's hope they actually work to sunset some government instead of using the process to achieve internal political goals only.Listen on the radio, or station stream, at 5pm Central. Click for our radio and streaming affiliates.www.PrattonTexas.com
The news of Texas covered today includes:Our Lone Star story of the day: There is a practice that is prevalent, especially in our Rio Grande River border counties, that needs to be made illegal by the Legislature. Why? Because it converts taxpayer dollars into campaign advertising for serving Texas politicians. I covered this in detail many years ago with an example in Alpine wherein public money was spent to advertise a Democrat state representative on a public edifice. Once again, Laredo and Webb County is using public money to aide state Senator Zaffarini. The story is here and note how many other public assets carry her name in Webb County.Our Lone Star story of the day is sponsored by Allied Compliance Services providing the best service in DOT, business and personal drug and alcohol testing since 1995.Texas launches a Top 10 Most Wanted Illegal Immigrant list.If the SEC approves it, Dallas will be home to a new stock exchange: Texas Stock Exchange. It's backed by big money.Universal Studios theme park announced for Frisco, right off Dallas North Tollway.I love the products of AbiMar Foods and go out of my way to buy them but why is Abilene's economic development organization handing out taxpayer money for a successful company to upgrade software and renovate buildings? Just remember the “everybody does it” reasoning next time your child tries the line on you!Listen on the radio, or station stream, at 5pm Central. Click for our radio and streaming affiliates.www.PrattonTexas.com
About our Guest: Jon Rezendes is an influential conservationist with a dedication to the preservation and rewilding of the Chihuahuan Desert region, particularly in El Paso, Texas. His military background brought him to El Paso, where he found a second home amid the natural beauty of the desert landscape. As the Vice President of the Frontera Land Alliance and a board member of the Texas Lobo Coalition, Rezendes is a champion for environmental causes in the region. He is a strong advocate for the protection of the Rio Bosque wetland, a critical riparian habitat threatened by development proposals. Episode Summary: In this thought-provoking episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke engages with Jon Rezendes to explore the rich ecological landscape and current environmental threats facing the Chihuahuan Desert, particularly the battle over the Rio Bosque wetlands in El Paso. The conversation provides an in-depth look at the socio-political challenges and the community's fight to prevent detrimental changes. Jon Rezendes passionately discusses the significance of protecting the delicate Rio Bosque wetlands against proposed infrastructure projects such as a disruptive highway. The area, crucial for migratory birds and local flora and fauna, faces the pressure of urban sprawl and industrial traffic which could irrevocably damage this unique ecosystem. Supported by the local community and organizations, Rezendes highlights the urgent need for advocacy and action to sustain this natural gem. He envisions a future where rewilding efforts expand, forever changing the local desert into a cradle of biodiversity that could one day welcome apex predators like the Mexican wolf back into the region. Key Takeaways: The Rio Bosque wetlands near El Paso are a vital habitat for over 260 bird species and numerous other animals, yet they are currently endangered by various threats, including proposed highway projects. Jon Rezendes advocates for realistic and sustainable alternatives to alleviate traffic that don't damage vital ecosystems, such as improving the existing rail transit system. Defenders of the wetland are rallying against Texas DOT's proposal for highway construction, gathering community support through petitions and local agency involvement. The vision for the Rio Grande Valley is one of expanded rewilding, potentially re-establishing apex predators like the Mexican wolf and removing barriers such as the border wall for ecological restoration. It's critical for the conservation community and influencers beyond Texas to support the efforts to protect and rewild the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystems. Notable Quotes: "We intend to shine enough light on this situation to make sure that we're elevating the voices of the people in Socorro that don't want their home to be turned into an unrecognizable industrial wasteland." "El Paso is small in terms of our influence, but we are mighty in terms of our grassroots efforts." "We are not going to let this happen. This is absolutely backwards, and we will do anything in our power to prevent a highway through our wetland." "Nothing would make me happier to know that wolves are running up and down the Rio Grande Valley again, passing between Mexico and the United States." "Rio Bosque is fighting for survival amid Texas' broader environmental narrative, where prosperous future melds with respect for the land and vibrant riparian forests." Resources: Follow Friends of the Rio Bosque on Instagram:@friendsriobosquewetlands Comment on the Border East highway before May 14 (Even if you're not a Texan). Texas Lobo Coalition: Texas Lobo Coalition As we delve into the rich tapestry of environmental activism and the future of the Chihuahuan Desert, we invite listeners to experience the full episode as Jon Rezendes shares his urgent advocacy call for Rio Bosque wetlands. Tune in and join this engaging conversation that may very well shape the natural legacy of Texas and beyond. Stay connected for more episodes from "90 Miles from Needles" that continue to enlighten and inspire.Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Campus protest escalate. We just lost another plane. 5 female middle school athletes banned from competition after protesting a transgender athlete. Justice Dept. plans to reschedule marijuana as a lower-risk drug. The price of College - Is it truly worth it. You've been warned - Large alligator in the Rio Grande River in Eagle Pass.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Campus protest escalate. We just lost another plane. 5 female middle school athletes banned from competition after protesting a transgender athlete. Justice Dept. plans to reschedule marijuana as a lower-risk drug. The price of College - Is it truly worth it. You've been warned - Large alligator in the Rio Grande River in Eagle Pass.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Campus protest escalate. We just lost another plane. 5 female middle school athletes banned from competition after protesting a transgender athlete. Justice Dept. plans to reschedule marijuana as a lower-risk drug. The price of College - Is it truly worth it. You've been warned - Large alligator in the Rio Grande River in Eagle Pass.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Campus protest escalate. We just lost another plane. 5 female middle school athletes banned from competition after protesting a transgender athlete. Justice Dept. plans to reschedule marijuana as a lower-risk drug. The price of College - Is it truly worth it. You've been warned - Large alligator in the Rio Grande River in Eagle Pass.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
PREVIEW: #MIGRANTS: Conversation with colleague Elizabeth Peek of Fox New re the strong Americcan economy, the sticky inflation, and how the millions of undocumented migrants these last years have contributed to and made unusual and unpredictable American growth. More tonight. 1914 Rio Grande River
Plus, a woman was killed after she opened fire inside Joel Osteen's Houston megachurch, and the Texas Land Commissioner is expected to announce the state's plans to take over a small island in the Rio Grande River.
Caroline Eaton Tracey joins the podcast to offer a thoughtful perspective on the Rio Grande River based on her recent article in The New York Review of Books. After discussing how dams on the river supported by the Mexican and U.S. governments have changed local communities and endangered natural ecosystems, they turn to Caroline's new research interest and the topic of her forthcoming book: Salt Lakes.--Timestamps:Caroline's website – https://cetracey.com/Stopping the Old Rio Grande – https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/01/11/stopping-the-old-rio-grande/Climate change and the Rio Grande – https://e360.yale.edu/features/warming-and-drought-take-a-toll-on-the-once-mighty-rio-grandeSatellite images of the Rio Grande – https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/150244/rio-grande-runs-dry-then-wet--Referenced in the Show:--CI Site: cognitive.investmentsJacob Site: jacobshapiro.comJacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShapSubscribe to the Newsletter: bit.ly/weekly-sitrep--Cognitive Investments is an investment advisory firm, founded in 2019 that provides clients with a nuanced array of financial planning, investment advisory and wealth management services. We aim to grow both our clients' material wealth (i.e. their existing financial assets) and their human wealth (i.e. their ability to make good strategic decisions for their business, family, and career).--Disclaimer: Cognitive Investments LLC (“Cognitive Investments”) is a registered investment advisor. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Cognitive Investments and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure.The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor's particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your attorney or tax advisorThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Over the weekend, three U.S. soldiers were killed in a drone attack in Jordan, which was carried out by an Iranian proxy group. With the Israel-Hamas war at an impasse, lawmakers agree Iran's hostilities will soon require American retaliation. Special guest host Dana Perino sat down with Jared Cohen, Goldman Sachs' President of Global Affairs and former advisor to two different U.S. secretaries of state. He explains how Iran has increasingly tested the Biden administration with their proxy attacks on U.S. forces, Iran's ambitions in the region, and the threat of worsening home-grown terrorism due to radicalization in the Middle East. Later, he gives a preview of his new book about presidential retirement called "Life After Power." The standoff in Texas continues, as the Lone Star State is refusing to comply with a court order to remove razor wire along the Rio Grande River that prevents migrants from making it onto U.S. soil. 25 Republican governors have banded together to support Texas Governor Gregg Abbott in his fight. Oklahoma's Kevin Stitt is one of them, and he joined the Rundown to discuss why he's standing with Texas and what he thinks the Biden administration needs to do to prevent migrants from entering the United States illegally. Plus, commentary by Jimmy Failla, host of "Fox Across America with Jimmy Failla." Photo Credit: Associated Press Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Over the weekend, three U.S. soldiers were killed in a drone attack in Jordan, which was carried out by an Iranian proxy group. With the Israel-Hamas war at an impasse, lawmakers agree Iran's hostilities will soon require American retaliation. Special guest host Dana Perino sat down with Jared Cohen, Goldman Sachs' President of Global Affairs and former advisor to two different U.S. secretaries of state. He explains how Iran has increasingly tested the Biden administration with their proxy attacks on U.S. forces, Iran's ambitions in the region, and the threat of worsening home-grown terrorism due to radicalization in the Middle East. Later, he gives a preview of his new book about presidential retirement called "Life After Power." The standoff in Texas continues, as the Lone Star State is refusing to comply with a court order to remove razor wire along the Rio Grande River that prevents migrants from making it onto U.S. soil. 25 Republican governors have banded together to support Texas Governor Gregg Abbott in his fight. Oklahoma's Kevin Stitt is one of them, and he joined the Rundown to discuss why he's standing with Texas and what he thinks the Biden administration needs to do to prevent migrants from entering the United States illegally. Plus, commentary by Jimmy Failla, host of "Fox Across America with Jimmy Failla." Photo Credit: Associated Press Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In a bid to strengthen the actions of individual states in addressing illegal immigration, a House Republican member, has proposed new legislation preventing the federal government from interfering in the construction of border barriers. This is in response to a recent move by the federal government to dismantle razor wire at the U.S. border with Mexico, a decision that has drawn strong criticism among Republicans. The legislation, known as the Restricting Administration Zealots from Obliging Raiders (RAZOR) Act, was announced by Rep. Mike Collins from Georgia. The RAZOR Act is a consequence of a recent Supreme Court ruling which granted the Biden administration a temporary reprieve to dismantle razor wire installations in Texas pending the resolution of a lawsuit by the state. Collins was moved to take action, stating that the act would effectively disallow the federal government from removing the border barriers installed by Texas or any other state in the United States. 'If the Supreme Court will not permit states to defend their sovereignty and the integrity of our nation's borders, it's incumbent on Congress to step in. And that is precisely what the RAZOR Act is designed to do,' Collins commented after making his announcement. He strongly believes that the current administration's policies are making it easier for illegal aliens to enter the US, leading to a severe strain on the country's resources. In his view, the removal of state-erected barriers in Texas by the federal government is not justified, other than as a direct attempt to aid the inflow of illegal immigrants. He sees the Supreme Court siding with the 'America Last' policies of the Biden administration and underlines the importance of standing in solidarity with Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who is putting up a firm defense for his state's sovereignty and the country at large. Ever since Collins shared the news about the proposed RAZOR Act, he has been vocal in expressing his gratitude to various GOP members for their support as co-sponsors of the new legislation. Aligning with them demonstrates their collective stance favoring a more robust border protection effort than what is currently maintained by the federal government. This development came out in the wake of a narrow 5-4 decision by the Supreme Court, favoring the Biden administration's appeal to intervene and lift an appellate-level injunction. The Department of Justice had argued against the barriers, asserting that they were making it difficult for Border Patrol agents to effectively carry out their duties when it comes to those crossing the Rio Grande River. In defense of the efforts by Texas on border protection, Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, has expressed his dissent against what he believes is the Biden administration's failure in enforcing immigration laws. He proclaimed that Texas has every legal right to protect itself and its borders. Abbott went on further to promise continuing additions of razor wire to deter illegal migrations. Greg Abbott has found widespread support from fellow Republican state heads, who have rallied behind the proposition to protect the Texas border. A faction within the GOP has even hinted at the idea of ignoring the Supreme Court ruling and proceeding with border protections. At the same time, there are voices from the House's Democratic members urging President Biden to exert federal control over the Texas National Guard. Interestingly, this issue has bridged party gaps in Congress, with an emergent consensus on a paradigm shift from the status quo, even when there's a divergence in opinions on the appropriate action to take on the border crisis. The escalating rate of migrant crossings and the resultant pressure on sanctuary cities is a cause for concern for both Democrat and Republican leaders alike. Indeed, last week, fourteen Democrats from the House unexpectedly chose to join ranks with the majority of Republicans, voicing their disapproval of the current administration's border policies, which they perceive as promoting 'open borders.' This action represented a clear break from the standard party line. Worthy of note is the fact that discussions on a possible border deal in the Senate are currently underway and these are enjoying bipartisan input. The discord on the national response to the border crisis has nudged both parties towards finding a unified solution to mitigate the impact of illegal immigration on the country. At the center of these immigration discussions is the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas. His role in the Senate's immigration negotiations is crucial despite facing possible impeachment proceedings at the committee level due to a perceived lack of adequate control over the border crisis. With such a divergence of viewpoints, the issue of border control has become one of the key topics on the national agenda. What is clear, though, is that despite political differences, the resolution to this problem requires collective agreement and subsequent action. Although the political backdrop is complex, the move by Collins to introduce the RAZOR Act underlines the depth of feeling within the Republican community about defending state sovereignty and tighter controls over illegal immigration at U.S. borders. His bill aligns with a trend towards more control by states and increased enforcement of existing laws. The debate continues as to the best path forward in addressing and curbing illegal migration at borders. While some see merit in a more venerable Federal intervention, others are calling for more state autonomy and stricter border control measures. The RAZOR Act and its champion, Collins, offer an important perspective on this critical issue, pointing to the divide in America's approach to border control. Whatever the ultimate outcome, it is becoming increasingly clear that America's future immigration policy must strike a careful balance between maintaining strong borders and respecting human rights – all while ensuring the political reality aligns with the nations' immigration objectives. Article: https://www.realnewsnow.com/rep-mike-collins-fights-for-state-sovereignty-in-border-security-with-razor-act/ More Articles on realnewsnow.com Follow Real News Now on Social Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealNewsNowApp/ X Twitter: https://twitter.com/realnewsapp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realnews/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realnewsnowapp Threads: https://www.threads.net/@realnews/ Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@RealNews YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@realnewsnowapp Video: https://youtu.be/r6qWEtzHeEM End Wokeness: https://endthewokeness.com/?ref=fbc See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Live from STUDIO G- in the heart of America- I'm STEVE GRUBER- saying the things you wish you could -every day- Fighting for you from the Foxhole of Freedom and defending this great nation— This is THE STEVE GRUBER SHOW! Here are 3 big things you need to know right now— Number One— The first major narco sub of 2024 has been caught and confiscated over 1750 pounds of cocaine valued at $27 million dollars—and the band played on— Number Two— Ohio has now made it illegal to perform life altering surgeries or give powerful drugs for kids to pursue an alternate gender—AND banned boys from competing as girls in sports too—what a day! Number Three— Reckless and dangerous policies from the Biden Administration—lawsuits flying back and forth and a narrow Supreme Court decision this week have brought America as close to a Constitutional Crisis—as I have ever seen in my lifetime— With unprecedented numbers of illegals flooding into the Country after Joe Biden dismantled our border security with more than 90 Executive orders—the nation and its people have reached the breaking point— So along the way Arizona and Texas tried to stem the flow—which is officially more than 8 million illegals over the border just since Joe Biden took office— When Arizona put up steel shipping containers to slow the flow of illegals—the Biden Administration sued—and forced them to be removed—the election of a left-wing governor in 2022 meant Arizona would keep the floodgates open— BUT in Texas Governor Greg Abott was not going to take the ongoing flood of illegals lying down—he intended to fight alongside his firebrand Attorney General Ken Paxton—they kept working to shut the border down—and protect the Lone Star state from further devastation— Governor Abott began shipping illegals by the busload and the planeload to dark blue cities like New York and Chicago—that quickly began howling and screaming that the Texas Governor was playing political games—when in fact he was just sharing the wealth of millions of people in the country with no job, no house, no food and no job with the very people who claimed they wanted them—when they declared their cities sanctuary cities— As 2021 moved into 2022 and the numbers of those crossing illegally continued to climb—people began to take notice—but the Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkis was more than happy to sit in front of Congress and lie time and time again about the border being secured— Texas began to build some wall sections in some areas but that was shut down too— More recently they placed giant rubber balls and razor wire barriers in the middle of the Rio Grande River in an attempt to slow the invasion—and stop what had obviously become far worse and had grown far beyond a problem for Texas into a National Security crisis— Once again, the Biden Administration defended its open border policies in court and had those barriers removed— And during the entire year of 2023—new records for daily encounters with illegals set daily, monthly and eventually an annual record of illegals coming into America, unchecked, unvetted and unleashed on our nation— Almost 2 million in 2021, 2.8 million in 2022 and 3.2 million last year—for a total of 8 million illegals—and those are just the ones that the Biden Administration admits to—and the number could easily be twice as high— So in September, Governor Abott declared an invasion under Article 4 section 4 of the United States Constitution—that clearly states that the federal government “shall protect” each state from invasion— Despite this obvious clarity—the feds didn't care and kept stopping the efforts from the Governor at every turn—then a couple of weeks ago the Texas National Guard seized a park in Eagle Pass Texas and kicked out all federal agents—the Biden Administration was outraged and took the matter straight to the Supreme Court—and in an unbelievable ruling—sided with Joe Biden and his reckless destructive open border policies 5-4— But if you thought that would be the end of it—you were wrong— Not only has Texas refused to leave the park—they have sent National Guard reinforcements and put up more barriers along the disputed 2 and half mile stretch of the Rio Grande and the border with Mexico— Which brings us to this Constitutional Crisis—the Supreme Court has ruled—and ruled in favor of the administration—and Texas—its Governor and its Attorney General—do not seem to care—instead of backing off and allowing the invasion to continue full speed in Eagle Pass—they are standing their ground— And yesterday Governor Abbott released a statement—accusing the United States of violating the Constitution and breaking the compact between the states— Folks, this is serious—and you really need to pay attention to what is going on— Abbott wrote in part; “The Executive branch of the United States has a Constitutional duty to enforce federal laws protecting the states… including immigration laws on the books right now.” Governor Abbott further outlined that President Biden has violated his oath to execute immigration laws, instructing his agencies to violate federal law, wasting taxpayer dollars to destroy the right of the state to remain protected from an illegal invasion and much more— And not only does Governor Abbott cite the US Constitution and its guarantees against invasion—BUT he also cites the Texas Constitution and the authority given to protect itself— So far he is not moving— BUT how long can the Governor stand—and what will Joe Biden and his Administration do? What happens next? Will Biden and his ailing Secretary of Defense try to federalize the Texas National Guard? Will federal troops march on Texas—it has happened before—Dwight Eisenhower took control of the National Guard to integrate schools in Little Rock Arkansas in 1957—BUT Joe Biden ain't Ike—who led the allied victory over Germany in World War Two— And what about the political ramifications? The border has become the number one issue for voters—that according to several recent polls— The border crisis is a major disaster for Joe Biden and his car full of clowns— So, seriously Federal troops marching on Texas to rip down border barriers to allow the continued invasion by millions of people into this country with no regard at all for the citizens and our national sovereignty—I am pretty sure that won't sell on the evening news—NOT even on MSNBC— So, do they let Texas rule the roost? You cannot let that happen because then every state will feel empowered to do that. Is this all part of the plan—so that when Donald Trump is re-elected, he will be powerless to put down riots in the streets by using the National Guard in places like Minneapolis—because Texas set the precedent to ignore the Supreme Court and the Administration in charge? You had better damn well think about what is happening right now in Eagle Pass—because whether you see it yet or not—it could soon affect every single one of us— AND—there are plenty of people paying attention besides me—so even though it may not be getting a lot of coverage on the corporate media channels I can guarantee you right now—its getting a lot of attention from those in Washington—and their counterparts in Austin— And by the way—this is also fueling the rise in the movement to have Texas leave the union—the Texit movement was small and insignificant just a couple of years ago—it is neither today.
Live from STUDIO G- in the heart of America- I'm STEVE GRUBER- saying the things you wish you could -every day- Fighting for you from the Foxhole of Freedom and defending this great nation— This is THE STEVE GRUBER SHOW! Here are 3 big things you need to know right now— Number One— Here is a big update for you—the UAW wants taxpayers to pay for pensions—not only in Ukraine but here too—they are fine with an open border and are pushing the failing idea of EV's for everyone— Number Two— It is primary day in New Hampshire—and I would have started there today—but we were betrayed by a couple of other people—I will cover the voting and the two people left—but it will have to wait— Number Three— And why does the primary in New Hampshire have to wait? Because two allegedly conservative justices on the United States Supreme Court have made it clear—the rule of law is no longer of any interest to them— Chief Justice John Roberts—was joined by an alleged conservative Amy Coney Barrett—and all 3 far left justices to deny the right of Texas to uphold the law of the land and to uphold the rule of law at all— It is truly a breathtaking opinion—that's right by a vote of 5-4—the US Supreme Court just green-lit the ongoing invasion at the Southern Border—because unless the Texas National Guard is ordered to stay—there is nothing else stopping millions of illegals from flooding into America—and changing our once great Republic forever—and destroying once and for all the nation in which we were born— And that of course is the obvious plan—because the only time the Biden Administration is willing to fight for the border—it is fighting to keep it open— They sued Arizona when shipping containers were placed along the border to slow down the flood—they sued when Texas put a barrier in the middle of the Rio Grande River—and now they are suing to remove razor wire and any other barrier that would stymie the mass influx of millions of people—that are coming here with no job, no place to live, to way to eat—it truly is the destruction of our nation—and it is what the Democrats clearly want—and it is what Chief Justice Roberts and Amy Coney Barrett want too— The other 4 justices rejected the lawsuit—and dissented openly—Thomas, Alito, Kavanaugh and Gorsuch all rejected the US governments refusal to enforce the very clear laws regarding the American border— We are at war today—with the people in Washington who don't care at all about our sovereignty—because if they cared about this country and its future they would have stopped this insanity long ago— But as my mother always said to me—actions speak louder than words—and right now every action taken by this President and this administration is an affront to law abiding and hard working Americans in every single corner of this nation— The only thing left—is to do everything possible to secure a win in November—for if we don't—by the time we get to the next election—it will be, in my opinion too late to turn this thing around— It may be too late already—BUT I do see hope with the German farmers—and Argentina's Javier Milei—and some other bright spots in places like Italy and the Netherlands—BUT this globalist movement—funded by the Chinese Communist Party and others has exactly one major goal—getting rid of the last thing standing in their way—America— So with that in mind—lets talk about the primary being held today in New Hampshire—where former President Donald Trump has been leading in the polls—but Nikki Haley is still going—and with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis out of the race—we need to see how the voting will shake out— But despite her refusal to exit the race—Nikki Haley is facing a stiff uphill climb—and those on the left that would clearly like to see her on the November Ballot—admit, its not likely to get the also-ran in the mix— The Battle between Trump and Haley—as you know has already turned personal—and it didn't get any better on Monday— But there are questions about the path to the White House for Donald Trump—whether some people want to admit it or not—and not all of those questions are rooted in voting machines or mass mail in ballots—as it turns out—there are plenty of people who just do not like the guy for a host of reasons— BUT for a growing number of Republicans—and a growing number of Americans—the time to make a change in Washington is becoming more clear—and more urgent by the day—and the GOP is rounding up more of its voters every single day—and herding them into line— Will it be enough to have Trump come out on top in New Hampshire—I think so—but will it be enough to carry the 45th President to the inauguration to become the 47thPresident— I think so—BUT we are a long way from November 5th and the Democrats and their allies in courtrooms and newsrooms are all working overtime to damage the former Presidents image at every turn—and some are hoping one conviction out of the 91 felony indictments could be enough to keep Donald Trump from returning to the Oval Office—
This week, Houthi rebels in Yemen and the southwest border dominated conversations within the White House. While Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was released from the hospital, the U.S. struck Houthi sites in Yemen as the rebels continued to attack commercial ships in the Red Sea. Texas and the federal government continue to fight over the southern border after a migrant and her two children drowned in the Rio Grande River. The White House alleges Texas refused border patrol agents to access that part of the border, insinuating the incident could have been prevented. FOX Business Network's White House Correspondent Edward Lawrence explains how the White House is responding to these events. The 2024 Presidential Election kicked off last week in Iowa, and now the top three Republican presidential candidates are headed to New Hampshire to vie for voters' support. Iowans placed the majority of their support behind former President Donald Trump, leaving Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley battling for second -- but will the results be the same in New Hampshire? To give some insight into the energy on the ground, Chairman of the New Hampshire Republican Party Chris Ager shares the history behind the New Hampshire Primary, which candidates are resonating with most with voters, and how he believes the results that come out of his state could impact the campaign trail. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, Houthi rebels in Yemen and the southwest border dominated conversations within the White House. While Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was released from the hospital, the U.S. struck Houthi sites in Yemen as the rebels continued to attack commercial ships in the Red Sea. Texas and the federal government continue to fight over the southern border after a migrant and her two children drowned in the Rio Grande River. The White House alleges Texas refused border patrol agents to access that part of the border, insinuating the incident could have been prevented. FOX Business Network's White House Correspondent Edward Lawrence explains how the White House is responding to these events. The 2024 Presidential Election kicked off last week in Iowa, and now the top three Republican presidential candidates are headed to New Hampshire to vie for voters' support. Iowans placed the majority of their support behind former President Donald Trump, leaving Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley battling for second -- but will the results be the same in New Hampshire? To give some insight into the energy on the ground, Chairman of the New Hampshire Republican Party Chris Ager shares the history behind the New Hampshire Primary, which candidates are resonating with most with voters, and how he believes the results that come out of his state could impact the campaign trail. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: We delve into the critical role of Saudi Arabia in the Israel-Gaza conflict, outlining how the kingdom could be instrumental in forging peace in the region. We examine Jordan's unexpected military intervention in Syria, with airstrikes that have reportedly resulted in multiple casualties. We take to the streets of Russia, witnessing the largest wave of demonstrations since the country commenced military operations in Ukraine. In today's Back of the Brief, Texas remains defiant in its escalating conflict between the Biden Administration over access to the Rio Grande River border area. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. Email: PDB@TheFirstTV.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A national park that started out as a state park more than 90 years ago, Big Bend is often called Texas' gift to the nation. With over 1,200 square miles of pristine land, this park has a wide range of ecosystems, from sprawling deserts to mountains reaching nearly 8.000 feet. From November to April, the weather is ideal for visitors to hike in several regions of the park. In this episode, we discuss some of our favorite trails in the desert, mountains, and along the Rio Grande River. Another unique feature of this park is that it shares a border with Mexico. And unlike in the past, you can now cross the Rio Grande River during scheduled times and visit a charming Mexican village a short hike away. If you're planning an early November visit, check out the Terlingua Chili Cookoff in the small town by the same name, just a few miles to the west of the park. A link to one of the places we discussed in this episode: · Terlingua Chili Cookoff information The best way to support our podcast is to become a member of our Patreon account. Follow this link to check it out. And don't forget to check out our new online merch store and www.dirtlander.com. Subscribe to The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and if you've enjoyed our show, please leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. Five-star ratings help other listeners find our show. Follow us on Instagram at @mattandkarensmith, on Twitter at @mattandkaren, on Facebook at dearbobands, or check out our blog at www.mattandkaren.com. To advertise on The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, email us at mattandkarensmith@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
TOP NEWS | On today's Daily Signal Top News, we break down: The Supreme Court announces it won't be taking up a case on whether male students can use women's bathrooms at school and vice versa. The Biden administration threatens to sue the state of Texas over access to a park along the Rio Grande River. Trump wins the Iowa caucuses by a landslide. A majority of Americans oppose schools forcing the use of preferred pronouns. Tesla owners around Chicago were trying to charge their vehicles with no luck during recent freezing temperatures throughout the Midwest.Relevant LinksListen to other podcasts from The Daily Signal: https://www.dailysignal.com/podcasts/Get daily conservative news you can trust from our Morning Bell newsletter: DailySignal.com/morningbellsubscription Listen to more Heritage podcasts: https://www.heritage.org/podcastsSign up for The Agenda newsletter — the lowdown on top issues conservatives need to know about each week: https://www.heritage.org/agenda Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring Big Bend! It's a pilgrimage to get to this remote national park, but it's worth the trek to the bottom of West Texas. Big Bend is totally different from any other national park, and there are so many fun things you can do during your trip. You're going to fall in love with the Rio Grande River, the Chisos Mountains, and the unique desert landscape as we explore this park together. Join us as we discuss: - What makes this lonesome park so special - Our favorite sections of Big Bend - The closest gateway towns to Big Bend - Tips for visiting Mexico while you're at this park - The incredible mountains you can see in the area - Where to stay while visiting Big Bend - Our favorite trails to hike - The unexpected wildlife and fossils you'll find in the area - The most stunning canyon you'll find in Big Bend - Our favorite restaurants in the area We hope you love hearing all about Big Bend. If you are thinking about visiting this park, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com to start planning your trip. Don't forget to complete your task for this week. Go to the Dirt In My Shoes Instagram or Facebook page to join in on the fun! Check out the full show notes here.
Today's episode of Parsing Immigration Policy features experts from the Center for Immigration Studies discussing immigration highlights of 2023. Mark Krikorian, the Center's executive director and host of the podcast, is joined by Director of Investigations Jon Feere and Senior National Security Fellow Todd Bensman.Krikorian identifies the top story of the year as the record-breaking number of illegal aliens at the border, with 3.2 million encounters of inadmissible aliens, double the pre-Covid numbers from 2019. However, the open border, coupled with the lack of interior enforcement, led to other significant stories, including the trafficking of unaccompanied alien children (UAC) and a Texas-Biden war.Bensman, author of last year's Overrun: How Joe Biden Unleashed the Greatest Border Crisis in American History, explains that the administration's policies opened the border wide for illegal aliens. Anticipating a surge of illegal aliens resulting from the May termination of Title 42, the Biden administration funneled hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens into the country by enabling them to pre-schedule their “legal” entry through the CBP One app. A surge at the border occurred nonetheless. The overwhelming numbers of illegal border crossings and overworked agents also resulted in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) losing track of 85,000 unaccompanied alien children.A faceoff between Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at the Texas-Mexico border raised the question of whether a state has the right to defend the border. The conflict between Texas and the federal government arose over several state actions, including placing concertina wire on the border, busing illegal aliens to various cities, and placing a marine barrier in the Rio Grande River.Feere highlights how the administration's restrictions on immigration enforcement have made communities less safe. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) is no longer removing criminal aliens from the interior of the country, and the agency has failed to prioritize worksite enforcement, allowing scores of migrant children to be exploited and work in unsafe environments.At the end of the episode, Krikorian and guests provide predictions for the U.S. immigration landscape in 2024.HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies.GuestsTodd Bensman is the Senior National Security Fellow at the Center for Immigration StudiesJon Feere is the Director of Investigations at the Center for Immigration StudiesRelatedBiden Administration and Congressional Democrats Facilitated ‘Explosion' in Illegal Alien Child LaborThousands of ‘Special Interest Aliens' Posing Potential National Security Risks Entering via CBP One AppNew Records Unveil Surprising Scope of Secretive ‘CBP One' Entry SchemeFollowFollow Parsing Immigration Policy on Ricochet, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts.Intro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".
Herschel Alan Weisfeld was born March 14, 1961, in McAllen, Texas along the southern border just across the Rio Grande River from Reynosa, Mexico, and graduated from public school in 1979. While in high school he studied real estate and received his Texas Real Estate salesman's license as soon as he turned 18 and his Real estate broker's license at the age of 23. He received a Bachelor's degree in Business Management with a concentration in accounting from Tulane University in New Orleans in 1983.He moved to Dallas Texas in the spring of 1984 where he built a self-directed real estate investment company where he still owns and manages a diverse portfolio of commercial real estate rental properties. He came out to his family in the fall of 1984 and today is single and breeds the national dog of Mexico, of which he has 8, and shares these fine miniature hairless Xoloitzcuintli who is just as passionate about the breed as was Freda Khalo and Diego Rivera who brought attention to this 3500-year-old breed that the Aztecs held in high esteem.He also spent decades engaged in the cultural, political, and civic communities by giving of both his time and resources of which the list is endless. He has received countless awards and recognitions from art, and historic preservation to homelessness sitting on many boards, commissions, and task forces both in the US and Mexico. In 2003 while vacationing in Puerto Vallarta Mexico he bought a small home on a mountainside overlooking the romantic zone and assembled three additional adjoining properties where he designed and built Hacienda Herchito which includes six fully furnished rental apartments along with his private residence which was designed as a boutique hotel but occupied as his private home. These acquisitions were astute moves before the word got out about PV and the extensive condo explosion took place.Today Herschel is once again working on a new construction project which is an assemblage of six properties on a higher mountaintop that will be a home with gardens unlike anything that can be found in the romantic zone today so that his dogs will have plenty of room to roam and is known as La Casa Nuevo de La Familia de Yoli y Temo.Puerto Vallarta Quick FactsPopulation: 319,000Geography: Puerto Vallarta is a coastal city in Mexico, located in the state of Jalisco. It is situated on the Pacific Ocean, on the western side of Mexico's mainland. The city is surrounded by the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains to the east.Climate: Puerto Vallarta has a tropical climate, with warm, humid weather year-round. The average temperature is 25°C (77°F). The rainy season runs from June to October, but even during this time, there are usually sunny days in between the rains.Cost of living: The cost of living in Puerto Vallarta is relatively low, especially when compared to other popular tourist destinations in Mexico. A couple can live comfortably on $2,000 per month, including rent, utilities, and groceries.Visa requirements: US citizens do not need a visa to visit Mexico for up to 180 days. However, if you plan to stay longer Support the showIf you enjoy these podcasts, please make a donation by clicking the coffee cup on any page of our website www.wheredogaysretire.com. Each cup of coffee costs $5 and goes towards bringing you these podcasts in the future.If you or you know someone who is interested in being a guest on the podcast, please contact me at mark@wheredogaysretire.com. Please join our Where Do Gays Retire Facebook group at Where Do Gays Retire? | FacebookThank you so much for listening!
Rudy Giuliani, Trump's longtime attorney, files for bankruptcy. Meanwhile, special counsel Jack Smith is pressing the Supreme Court to rule quickly on Trump's case. Plus, new footage into CNN this hour of the Texas National Guard appearing to ignore a mother and her baby as they plead for help in the Rio Grande River. It shows the reality of what is happening on the U.S. southern border. Also, it has been 16 days since top Putin critic Alexei Navalny went missing. His daughter is my joins the program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Diana Lane is the Director of Sustainable Food and Water at the Colorado Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, and Aaron Derwingson is the Water Projects Director for the Nature Conservancy's Colorado River Program. Both Diana and Aaron work at the intersection of water sustainability, thriving rivers, resilient agriculture, and strong communities– harnessing TNC's relationships and resources to advance some of the most cutting-edge and effective conservation initiatives in the American West. - Diana and Aaron bring a diverse set of skills and experiences to their work at TNC. Diana holds a PhD in Biological Sciences and has spent much of her career working with a wide array of partners on restoration ecology and planning, climate adaptation, and management of public funding. Aaron is a river guide-turned-conservationist who began his career focusing on conservation in the Rio Grande River basin, and now applies his skills toward creating pragmatic, solution-oriented approaches to freshwater challenges in the greater Colorado River basin. But perhaps most importantly, they both bring a deep level of passion and focus to their work– their optimistic commitment to solving some of the West's most pressing water and agricultural challenges is infectious. - Diana, Aaron, and I connected virtually and had an educational and inspiring conversation about water, agriculture, and community here in Colorado and beyond. We discussed some of the most urgent water-related challenges and opportunities and how they are working with a wide range of stakeholders to find mutually beneficial solutions. We discuss the Yampa River fund, their work helping agricultural producers adjust to a drier climate, and the all-important role of building solid relationships with stakeholders. We discussed the Maybell Irrigation Ditch Project, which is a fascinating, win-win project for both producers and recreational river users, and we discussed some of the water-related challenges that keep both Diana and Aaron up and night. And as usual, they both have plenty of excellent book recommendations. - A huge thank you to Diana and Aaron for taking the time to talk with me, and thank you for listening. Hope you enjoy! --- TNC Colorado Diana Lane Aaron Derwingson Full episode notes and links: https://mountainandprairie.com/diana-aaron/ --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy. Guided by science and grounded by decades of collaborative partnerships, The Nature Conservancy has a long-standing legacy of achieving lasting results to create a world where nature and people thrive. On the fourth Tuesday of every month throughout 2023, Mountain & Prairie will be delving into conversations with a wide range of The Nature Conservancy's leaders, partners, collaborators, and stakeholders, highlighting the myriad of conservation challenges, opportunities, and solutions here in the American West. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy's impactful work in Colorado and around the world, visit www.nature.org/colorado --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 3:30 - Diana and Aaron's backgrounds 7:30 - Aaron's read on the future of water 12:30 - Diana's overview of the Yampa River Fund 18:30 - Aaron's work with producers to adjust to the new water reality 23:15 - The process of building relationships with producers for water projects 27:00 - The Colorado Water Plan's impact on Diana and Aaron's work 31:45 - Discussing the Yampa River Fund 41:15 - The things about Colorado water that keep Diana and Aaron up at night 47:15 - What makes a solid conservation professional 51:00 - How you can help TNC in this work 55:30 - Diana and Aaron's book recommendations 1:00:00 - Parting requests and words of wisdom --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts
#GuatemalaCity: Report on the Gulf Cartel abduction of the Rubin brothers on the south shore of the Rio Grande near SpaceX; report on Panama troubles. @Michael_Yon. 1914 Rio Grande River
Mike and Dusty look at the story of the Rio Grande River, its history as boundary, and it's relationship to Big Bend National Park. Instagram: @GazeAtTheNationalParksFacebook: Gaze at the National ParksOur listeners can enjoy 20% their copy of Moon USA National Parks from MOON Travel Guides by clicking HERE and using offer code GAZE at checkout! Expires December 31, 2023, offer only available with Hachette Books, not valid with any other retailers. To see additional National Parks Guides published by Moon, visit Moon.com.#gazeatthenationalparks#hikeearlyhikeoften#adventureisoutthereHosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanEpisode Editing by Dustin BallardOriginal Artwork by Michael RyanOriginal Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella KlingerMusic Producer: Skyler FortgangSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gaze-at-the-national-parks/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Abortion rights advocates submitted more than 710,000 signatures earlier this month to place their measure on the November ballot, well above the 413,000 required by law. Also what crimes WON'T Greg Abbot commit to get elected? Is Greg Abbott torturing women & children just so racists will vote for him? What if Governor Greg "Abbort" actually enjoys the cruelty he inflicts? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Episode Summary On This Month in the Apocalypse, Brooke, Margaret, and Inmn talk about a lot of really bad things that happened in July, from the intensifying heat, to floods, to medicine shortages, to Antarctica's ice melting, to grain shortages, to terrifying new laws. But also, there are some hopeful things that happened, and as always the group finds ways to stay positive and for communities to prepare for what's to come. Host Info Brooke can be found on Twitter or Mastodon @ogemakweBrooke. Inmn can be found on Instagram @shadowtail.artificery. Margaret can be found on twitter @magpiekilljoy or instagram at @margaretkilljoy. Publisher Info This show is published by Strangers in A Tangled Wilderness. We can be found at www.tangledwilderness.org, or on Twitter @TangledWild and Instagram @Tangled_Wilderness. You can support the show on Patreon at www.patreon.com/strangersinatangledwilderness. Transcript This Month in the Apocalypse: July, 2023 Margaret 00:14 Hello and welcome to Live Like the World is Dying, your podcast for what feels like the end times. I'm Margaret. Now one of you says, "Hi." Brooke 00:22 Hi, Margaret. Margaret 00:26 No, you say "Hi," like you say who you are. Brooke 00:29 Oh, hi, who I am. Brooke. Inmn 00:32 And I'm Inmn. Brooke 00:34 Did I do good? Was that good? Alright, Margaret 00:37 Y'all did great. I'm joined by Brooke and Inmn today for another episode of This Month in the Apocalypse. And this is an extra special extra apocalypsey month that we're going to be talking about because we're talking about July, 2023, the hottest month in the history of humans being alive. Unless you're listening to this in August, in which case maybe you're like, "July that was some fucking amateur hour shit." But for now, hear us at the end of July, hottest month ever. And you know what else is hot is the Channel Zero Network, the network of anarchists podcasts. There's nothing wrong with this comparison. We are a proud member of the Channel Zero Network of anarchist podcast and here's a jingle from another show on the network. Da da da da duh daa [Humming a melody] Inmn 02:12 And we're back. And to start off today, we're going to talk a little bit about global temperatures and the heatwave that we are in the middle of experiencing right now. So this July was quite possibly the hottest--or I mean, definitely the hottest month on record in, you know, a recorded historical way--and possibly one of the hottest months on the planet in a very long time. So I live in Arizona, and in Phoenix, the ground temperature...There were daily record breaks in the in the heat where the hottest day on record was...it was 117 degrees. And then the next day it was 118 degrees. And then the next day, it was 119 degrees. Margaret 03:09 They won't even make it to that 20. Like come on. Just give us the round number. Brooke 03:15 No, no, don't. Stay less. Margaret 03:19 Oh, interesting. Okay. [dryly sarcastic] Inmn 03:21 There is I learned, a really horrifying thing that happens at 120 degrees. So I really hope that it doesn't get to 120 degrees. Do y'all know what happens when the ground temperature reaches 120 degrees in the sun? Margaret 03:35 Does Mothra break out of the cracked Earth and fight Godzilla? Inmn 03:41 Sort of. Propane tanks spontaneously combust. Margaret 03:49 That's bad. Brooke 03:51 Oh my gosh, Inmn 03:53 It's really bad. So in actuality, the temperature did reach 120 degrees because an enormous propane tank near the Sky Harbor International Airport exploded along with a bunch of like five gallon ones and it caused this huge fire. A bunch of cars were destroyed. And yeah, which you know, is by itself not like some huge world ending thing. But if you live anywhere where it might be 120 degrees on the ground, possibly in Arizona, take your propane tanks out of the sun because they might explode. Margaret 04:35 Normally, I would say don't put them inside because in general that's a really bad idea. But, it's probably better than like popcorn kernels in your yard. Inmn 04:46 Yeah, yeah. And I say this for people who like, you know, if you have a grill outside that just has the propane tank attached to it and it's not in the shade or anything. Um then, yeah, it could just explode and destroy your house. Brooke 05:06 But only if it's 120 degrees. If you're at 119, you're perfectly safe. Leave those propane tanks just right out there in the middle of the sun on the asphalt, right? [sarcastically] Inmn 05:16 No, don't do that. [laughing] Margaret 05:18 Place them near the following people who run the following companies. Brooke 05:29 Do you want to know about the the average overall temperatures in the month of July in Phoenix while we're talking about Phoenix? Margaret 05:36 I mean, no, but tell us anyway. Brooke 05:39 Okay, for the month of July, in Phoenix, the average high temperature, daily high temperature, was 114 degrees. And here's the really fun one, the average low temperature like the coldest it got was 90 degrees. Margaret 05:56 There was also a new low warm record. There was a night in Phoenix where it didn't get below 97 degrees. Inmn 06:04 Oh, golly. Margaret 06:06 Which is too hot. Inmn 06:08 It is too hot. Margaret 06:09 And, I didn't write this number down because I forgot. Massive..Like there was also a record for the most electricity the city of Phoenix has ever drawn because everyone was running their air conditioners, for good reasons. This is not a "Don't run your air conditioners," this is more of a, "There is a limit to what the grid can handle." Inmn 06:31 Yeah. And just to, since we're hyper focusing on Phoenix, in the last, I think--I don't think this was last month-- but in the last couple of months, the governor did halt a lot of new housing developments that were getting built due to concerns over the future of water in Phoenix. Margaret 06:57 And it seems like there's two ways to read that. There is the like...I am notably on the record of feeling like people who are...That Arizona is in trouble. I am on the record for that. And I don't want to get into specifics. But the more kind way to read the lack of expansion is that it was less like these places are out of water and more that, I believe in Arizona, or in the Phoenix metro area or something, you have to be able to prove that there will be water access for the next 100 years in order to build. And so it is a little bit less like these places are out of water and more like, "We cannot guarantee this water." I think that's the kinder way...No, not the kinder...That is one way to read that. The other is that Arizona is in fucking trouble. Inmn 07:55 Yeah, and you know, it stems from these like larger issues of the Colorado River having these like all time lows in water flow, and just due to Phoenix being this like huge, sprawling place that is like under constant development. Like I think it's where...Outside of Phoenix is where Bill Gates is trying to build some like new smart future city. Which is really confusing. Margaret 08:27 Has fucking Elon Musk gotten into him or something? Inmn 08:29 Yeah, like it's supposed to be this like huge self contained smart city that's outside of...it's in the larger Phoenix area, but like is separated from Phoenix. And my first thing that I thought was like, "Why? There's no...Where are you going to get water from?" Which I guess if you're really...If you're Bill Gates, you maybe have to worry less about where your water's coming from. But... Margaret 08:57 I mean, eventually. Other heat stuff from this month, let's see, we had...I was looking at a bunch of maps of where all of this heatwave stuff hit right, and overall, the hardest hit places were the coastal south, the southwest, of course--Phoenix gets a lot of the attention and for good reason--the coastal South got an awful lot, and then actually in terms of it being way hotter than usual, it also affected the lower and middle Midwest. The Pacific Northwest and central Appalachia--aka the two best places in the country based on the general disbursement of the three people on this call--were the least affected. And last weekend--sorry last week--thousands of people across the US went to the hospital for heat related illnesses. Only six states have laws protecting workers that say things like "You actually can't make people work when it's too hot out or they'll die." Only six states actually have laws that are like, "You have to provide like shade, and rest, and water for people working outside." I read a heartbreaking story about a young man who died laying cable trying to send money to his mother and work his way through school and all that shit. The federal government is working on a law about, "Maybe you shouldn't let people work where it kills them in the heat." That law has not..They've been working on it for years and nothing has happened. Yep. Got any more heat heat or move on to wildfire? Brooke 10:41 Capitalism is so ridiculous. The fact that we have to come along and legislate like, "Hey, maybe don't work people to death in the heat." Like that shouldn't have to be a law that anyone has to have because we are fucking human beings. And yeah, we should treat each other better. Yeah, yeah, sorry. It's upsetting. So, the United States is not the only place that's super hot. Europe's going through another massive heatwave like they did last summer. And last summer's heatwave, you may recall from the news, was breaking record temperatures and was quite severe. And one report I read said something like 60,000 Europeans died last year due to the heatwave. Their average temperatures are currently much higher than they were last summer even...or are getting to high temperatures earlier in the summer than they did last year. That's what I really mean to say. And it's affecting lots of things. For instance, Greece is experiencing wildfires on a massive scale, which I guess they're somewhat prone to wildfires already like the Pacific Northwest. But, the amount of acreage burning right now is two and a half times the average that they've experienced this time of year. Particularly the island of Rhodes, which is a Greece Island. Greek. Greek island. [The island] has had to evacuate tens of thousands of people off the island due to the wildfires. There's something like 90,000 acres of wildfires currently burning in Greece, which is a really significant size of wildfire. And it's weird how much perspective shifts on this, especially being from somewhere like the Pacific Northwest where we're kind of prone to wildfires. And if we get one that's like 10,000-20,000 acres, I'm like, "Meh [disapprovingly]." I mean, that's huge. But at the same time, in the last few years, we've had ones that are at 90,000-100,000 acres. So, you know, perspective shifts on what a severe wildfire is, but 90,000 acres is just massive. So yeah. Greece is...Greece is not having a good time with the fires right now. Margaret 13:03 And then, right before we hit record [on the episode], I was reading about how today, there's a third 300,000 person city in Sicily, whose name I forgot to write down, that is largely without water or electricity today because the 46 degree Celsius which I want to say is like 118 [Fahrenheit], or something like that, melted asphalt and fucked up all the infrastructure underneath. So no more electricity and water in a town of 300,000, that is also like experiencing a ton of wildfire. Apparently like the city is also surrounded by wildfire, but maybe that was a different city nearby. Brooke 13:45 You know when you say that, Margaret, it does...I distinctly remember us talking last summer about the heatwave and how a lot of European towns, countries, aren't built for the high heats and things were melting like that. Like the asphalt and stuff. Margaret 13:59 And then, yeah, I remember. And you had England, you had like the tarmac, which is the British word for asphalt, I think. I don't know. They don't do anything. Right. And then, speaking of places that Europe hasn't done right, Northern Africa is also completely fucked by the current heatwave. And in particular, wildfires. Algerian wildfires are fucking everything up. Like, as I'm...Like, as we're recording, unfortunately, they'll probably get worse by the time this comes out. Algerian wildfires, so far, have killed at least 38 people, including at least 10 soldiers who were doing wildland fire duty. More than 1,500 people have been evacuated from 97 fires around that country. Tunisia is also having some fucking times because, actually, it turns out that national borders are nonsense. And Algiers, the city of Algiers, had a fun 120 degree day. This I believe last week. And two years ago, Algerian wildfires killed 65 people in one week, including, a lot of those people are the people who are like, bravely fighting those wildfires. And I don't know, those people are fucking heroes and martyrs to climate change. Brooke 15:17 Is the heat causing other kinds of problems in the world, Margaret? Margaret 15:21 You mean the Antarctic ice that isn't there? Well hear me out. It's actually a solution because we're all going to move to Antarctica, which will be green. And there won't be any Lovecraftian temples with strange writing...in the mountains of madness. Someone's gonna yell at me about Lovecraft. Anyway. Antarctica is like having some real interesting times. I don't know if people have seen the news this week. Every now and then like climate change people like post the deviation from norms charts, where the like waves go up and down and stuff. And this year's, they're just not. Usually they're like, "Check it out. This wave is a little bit different. It's pushing the envelope. It's got some new records." There's no Antarctic ice. That's an exaggeration. That's hyperbole. Antarctic ice is lower than it's possible for people to easily conceptualize right now. It's winter in Antarctica right now. It's...When we talk about the hottest year on record, and we're like, "Oh, well, it's summer. Of course, it's hot, right?" Where I'm at, the hottest year in the fucking world, half of the world is in winter right now. Right? But, sea temperatures are rising, which actually are going to...Fuck I forgot to write this down..I was reading about right beforehand. There's a new study saying that the Gulf Stream, the thing that like cycles the fucking goddamn waters of the world, will likely stop somewhere between 2025 and 2100, with the average guess being about 2050 but as soon as two years from now. Which will have all kinds of changes. Ironically, one of them is that Europe might get colder. It's that movie, The Day After Tomorrow, is based on this concept of the Gulf streams disappearing. Brooke 17:10 Oh, that movie. Margaret 17:11 Yeah. That beautiful, wonderful movie. I barely remember it. We snuck into the theater. And I was like too paranoid the whole time. I was like afraid we'd get caught because we were like, really obviously dirty punks. And it was just like, so obvious. But, we didn't get caught. And I don't really remember much about that movie besides it's cold, and that people are willing to walk a very long way for their family, which is very sweet. So this event is, this is a historic low of ice following the previous all time lows of 2016, 2017, and 2022. But this is a five to six sigma event. Five to six--not like cool guys who'd go their own way--but five to six standard deviations away from a normal event, which is a meaningless thing. I had to spend like 20 minutes reading about what the fuck that means to try and explain it to people because you're just like, "Oh, it's a lot, right?" It's a lot, a lot. Statistically, a four sigma event, four standards of probability standard deviation thing, is now you're talking about something that is functionally 100%. Right? This is now so far...Basically, it's like imagine stuff is on a bell curve. The far edges of it are the sigma, are the standard deviations away from the norm, the norm is the center. When you get to the...When you get to like four, you're at functionally 100% of things don't don't fall into this, right? Or something that happens functionally 0% of the time, it's not actually 0% of the time. So it is...but it's often seen as statistically insignificant. For example, if you were to flip a coin 100 times, the odds of that coming up heads all 100 times is one in 3.5 million. That is a five sigma event. Right? The standard deviation, this the amount of Antarctic ice that isn't there this winter when it's supposed to be coming back, is more than that. It is about twice that. It is a one in 7.5 million year event, which isn't to say this happened 7.5 million years ago. It didn't. That's the odds of it happening randomly any given year. So it's really funny because scientists have to be very exact, which is part of what causes a lot of like climate change confusion, because if you ask a scientist like, "Is this man made?" a scientist has to be like, "We cannot to 100% certainty, certain that," right? Because they're like, because they're not certain, and science is based on an uncertainty. And so like a lot of the articles they're like, "Look, technically we're not sure. It's just really, really unlikely that it isn't." And I remember--one time I asked one of my science minded doctor friends--I was like, "What are the odds I am going to have the following health problem that is too personal for me to explain on-air?" He was like, "Look, that is possible. That is a possible risk vector. It's about as likely as you getting eaten by a shark, today, in Asheville, North Carolina." Which is to say, it was possible but not worth fucking worrying about. And this is the opposite of that. This is worth fucking worrying about. And ice decrease, of course, obviously, it makes the water get bigger, right, because it's not in ice form. But also, ice reflects back an awful lot of sunlight. There is a chance that the ice will be back next year. There is a chance that it won't. I was not able to find...I was able to find scientists being like, "We don't fucking know." I was not able to find scientists giving statistics. This is...I think..So I'm gonna go on a rant. I warned everyone--not you all the listeners--but I warned my co-host that I'm gonna go on a little bit of a rant today. Brooke 20:58 And that was it. Margaret 20:59 No, no, we're just getting started. Sorry. Brooke 21:05 Let me buckle in for this. We buckle in for this. Okay, yeah, ready to go. Margaret 21:07 Alright. So I think...I try really hard to not be like, the-sky-is-falling girl, right? I talk about preparedness and possible bad futures. Semi professional--actually, I don't get paid for this--but like, I do it a lot. It's like one of the main things. It's like, what I do with my time. And I try really hard to be like, "Look, we don't know. Don't put all your eggs into your savings for the when-you're-80 basket. But also don't put none of them in, right? Because the future is unknowable. And that is true. I think that this month marks a turning point where we can no longer in good conscience, talk about climate change as a possibility or even as like a certainty that's a little bit away. And we don't know how bad it's going to be. I think we have to talk about things from the point of view that this is happening. And this is really bad. And this is going to stay bad no matter what we do. That is not to say we can't do anything. And that's not to say we can't mitigate it. But I think that we need to just like...I know I will at least have to stop hedging some of what I say. And I think that this month is the most clear that we are in a really bad time--I don't wanna say "apocalypse," because it's a sort of a meaningless word--since we've been having the show, with the possible exception of March, 2020. And so I just like really quickly--and we'll get back to our regularly scheduled talking about some stuff--I want to talk about some of the stuff we can do really quickly and like what I think is really useful. And overall, what I believe is useful, is that we need to start working together in communities to build bottom-up solutions, not necessarily just to climate change--although that's true--but to preparing for and weathering the impacts of climate change. I don't believe that top-down solutions are coming. Prove me wrong government handler assigned to listen to this show. Prove me fucking wrong. I will turn in my anarchy card if you fucking stop global warming. Maybe. I might thank you and then still try to end you. But... Brooke 23:25 Weather. Weathering climate change. Margaret 23:31 I believe that working to create small, medium, and large scale communities that work from the bottom-up, that are horizontally organized, that work in federation with other groups to organize on as large of scale as is necessary, is our best bet going forward for how we can mitigate the worst effects of this, both in terms of our survivability, and in terms of having a culture that directly confronts fossil fuel infrastructure, that directly confronts, you know, the people who are doing this, right? There's that old, I think Utah Phillips quote, "The Earth isn't dying, it's being killed. And the people who are doing the killing have names and addresses." Brooke 24:22 I'm gonna put that on my wall. Margaret 24:24 I believe that we can build the kind of resilient communities that can allow more of us to live as long and healthy lives as is possible, considering what's happening. And I believe that the time to start thinking about that and doing that is now. I think that it is time for people to talk to their neighbors. It is time for people to work at like whatever your local community center is that is most aligned to your values. If you don't have one, fucking start one, and start having skill shares. Start prioritizing this. I think that people should make their decisions about where they want to live based on climate right now, and not just move away from the bad--obviously, that's going to happen--but also like where you want to live when/if the structures that currently provide for us are no longer able to do so. Like for myself, I didn't pick "I'm moving to where I think is going to be the least impacted by climate change." I moved to where my family is. Because that is a priority that I will make above my own personal safety every time, you know. But everyone's going to make those decisions differently. And then the other final thing is that I think that we have this problem where Al Gore government type people are like, "This is your fault because you didn't use fluorescent light bulbs, you used incandescent light bulbs," right? [Brooke laughs] To date myself to like 20 years ago when that was like a way that we were trying to get blamed as individuals, like, "If you don't recycle then like the world's gonna end." And it's like, "Oh, the world's ending. It's clearly because I didn't recycle enough." Like one, recycling is mostly fake. Although it shouldn't be. And I think it's still good practice for people to think about their waste, right? But, and so individual like so...[tails of and start over] So there's this problem where corporations are like, "Ah, individuals, that's the solution. We don't have to change anything," right. But we can accidentally fall on the other side of that. And we can say like, "Oh, well, since this isn't my fault. And my individual choices don't necessarily change things. I'm off the hook." And we the way we talk about the hook is wrong. There is a difference between fault and responsibility. It is not your fault, dear listener, that this is happening. Right? It is not your fault that you once got drunk and threw a car battery in the ocean. I have no idea why everyone uses throwing car batteries into the ocean as the example of horrible pollution that individuals can do. But it like comes up all the time. So, if you...[interrupted] Brooke 26:58 I have ever heard that example before. Margaret 27:00 Then you have different DMs than me. When you wanna talk about climate change, people are like, "I'm gonna throw my car battery into the ocean." I don't get it. If someone wants to explain it to me, you can send it to me by my DMs and I won't look. And but there is a difference between the fault and the responsibility. It is not your fault, right? But it is our--not your--our responsibility because no one else is going to fucking do it. Rather, the people whose fault it is, are not going to fucking do it. And we need to figure out how to do this because we're running out of time. And I think that...It's essentially liberalism in a bad sense. It is both liberalism to blame the individual, right? But it's also liberalism to be like, "Well, it's not my fault. So I don't have to do anything about it," because like, when you're being oppressed, right, like...For example, I, to use myself as an example as like a trans person, right? It is like not my fault that people hate trans people. But like, I don't want to be oppressed. So, I need to look at doing that. I need to look at solving my problems even though it isn't my fault. And it is a delicate balance to walk when we talk about this because we need to not blame victims. But we need, as collectively the billions of victims of climate change, to figure out our own power and work our way out of this. I think that's the end of my rant. Brooke 28:31 Actually, I really appreciate that, Margaret, especially the end part there, just because like I, in my own personal life, have been struggling with a little bit of that lately, especially with the heat this summer, and that feeling like, you know, there's nothing I can do, this isn't my fault, so fuck it, I want to turn down my AC some more or something like that. And I haven't, but that like the mentality that I'm struggling with sometimes right now. So I really appreciate you saying that. Margaret 28:59 Yeah, and like use your AC. Like, I mean when there's like...Sometimes you get these like warnings--there are individual structures that are currently top-down that I don't think are bad--like when they send out a text being like, "Look, if everyone could kind of lay off the power a little bit so we don't all have brownouts, that would be really good." Like you know, that's when we can all like pitch in. It sucks that we're all expected to pitch in while they still fucking clear cut, and drill, and burn everything in the goddamn world. Inmn 29:29 Yeah, it's like the...Like this came up in Texas. Was it last year or like the year before with like the huge power outages in Texas? They were due to...There was like a huge heat wave. And the thing, one of the things that the grid collapsing was blamed on was people cranking their ACs because it was like 115 degrees outside. And which, you know, probably probably the ACs are not actually what caused the grid to collapse. It's like, the normal strain of the grid is supporting so many unnecessary and ridiculous things. But like, people were asked to turn off their air conditioners, right, during a heatwave so that the grid wouldn't collapse because the grid is not managed well and it's owned by private companies and they don't manage it well. And so the grid collapsed. And then people were like...People were getting heat sick. People were dying. And it's like, we can rely on things like ACs to cool ourselves. But we actually can't because of the mismanagement of utilities and stuff like that could be what causes grids to collapse, not because it is the individual's like fault, but that there's all this other mismanagement and strain from Capitalism, etc. Margaret 30:57 Totally. And like, I think it's a good example too where, at the same time, it is not the people who want to turn up their AC's fault, right? But I want to be alive more than I want to not be at fault, right? So it's like, if I...[interrupted] Inmn 31:15 Just because it's not our fault, it still might cause it. Margaret 31:20 It's our problem. You know, someone else caused a problem. Like, the person who's hitting me with a stick, it is their fault that they are hitting me with a stick, but they're clearly not going to stop. And the AC example is like, if I get a text that's like, "Turn down your AC or everyone's power is going to go out. I'm going to turn down my AC because I don't want everyone's power to go out." And it's not because I'm like--I mean, it is a good like, we're all pitching in together to not die thing, right--but it's also like...It's hard, because it then becomes easy to blame people to be like, "Oh, you didn't turn down your AC. So it's your fault." It's like, "No, it's the people who fucking..." I mean, Texas is that brilliant example, where it's like cut off from the rest of America's grid because it's like, "We got to be Texas." And that's like, why it's so--and that and all the privatization--is why it's so precarious. And so we just build resiliency. It's like, I don't want to be pure fault. I want to be alive. And so like, I want to say like, "Okay, what will I do to keep cool if my AC goes out?" You know? Anyway. Brooke 32:29 Can I point out that it's weird how we talk about AC because we talk about turning down the AC, which makes me think like turning down power. But actually, what we mean is turning down temperature. Yeah. And then I say, when I say like, turn up the AC, that means make it, I'm making it hot--in my mind, in my mind--if I turn up the AC. Anyway. Yeah, it's difficult. Yeah. Floods! Margaret 32:54 All right. Margaret 32:56 That would be really bad if there's more than one disaster at once. Can't wildfires be enough? Or have there been floods? Inmn 33:02 There have also been floods. And I'm going to focus in on a couple of kind of specific floods that have happened this month in the United States. But there is this...It points to this larger problem and some of the things that I learned after digging into the floods in Vermont, kind of highlight some key issues that I think are worth exploring. So, the flood in Vermont that happened on like July 10th or 11th or something, where essentially two whole months of rain fell in two days. There was like nine inches of rain, which, I was curious how much water that is because, you know, we hear like, "Oh, one inch of rain, nine inches of rain." Like what does that mean? And nine inches of rain over like, over 20,000 square miles--which I don't actually know how big Vermont is, but this is the statistic that I looked up--is like two and a half not trillion but the next number, the next magnitude. Quadrillion? Margaret 34:24 I don't really know what's above a trillion off the top my head. Inmn 34:26 Yeah, it's like two and a half quadrillion gallons of water, you know. It's so...I hope I don't get at'd about this math, but... Margaret 34:35 No, it is quadrillion. That is the...Well, you at least got the word right. I looked at that. Inmn 34:41 Great, great, great. Yeah, it's like...It's that much water. So like when we think about like, "Oh, one inch of rain is falling." Like one inch of rain falling in one day as a lot. You know, like where I used to live flooded over an inch and a half of rain, you know? And so to put that in perspective, nine inches of rain fell in Vermont over a two day period. And in the first 24 hours, the river--and I am not going to pronounce this right--the Winooski River, it rose 19 feet in 24 hours. And then on the next day, in a couple hours, it rose to 40 feet. And they're measuring this on a 170 foot dam. And are there any guesses as to how high the water rose on that dam? Brooke 35:41 70 foot damn. Water had nine inches.... Margaret 35:47 I'm just gonna be wrong. Seven feet. Brooke 35:50 Oh, I was gonna guess like 50 feet. Margaret 35:51 Yeah, I just figured I'd be wrong. Inmn 35:54 It rose 169 feet. Margaret 35:58 Nice. I mean... Inmn 36:02 It came within one foot of the dam breaching, which it like, this dam sits over Montpelier, which is like one of the only cities in Vermont, and so the dam came within inches of breaching and... Margaret 36:16 Oh, jeez, it would have flooded the city. Inmn 36:19 Yes, it would have. Like, this already huge catastrophe would have turned into something several magnitudes higher if the dam had been breached. Brooke 36:31 As an indigenous woman. I'm like, "Fuck you, dams." But at the same time, like I don't want them to break like that and kill a bunch of people. Inmn 36:40 Yeah, and yeah. And so the dam did not breach. There was only one recorded death in the incident. Margaret 36:50 A lot better than Pennsylvania did this month for floods in terms of deaths. Brooke 36:55 But, wait, what happened Pennsylvania? Inmn 36:56 Wait, wait, sorry. I got more. I got more. So, one of the other big concerns, and I think this ties in well to kind of preparedness, is locally, there were a lot of people worried about a rather large houseless population that was turned out of COVID housing, like a COVID housing program that ended in June, and so in July, there were like, a lot more houseless people kicking around areas--and houseless people, as some may know, love to congregate around like rivers and stuff because those are usually pretty chill places to hang out and like access resources and stuff. And so like, one thing that's noted is that like a lot of people experiencing housing insecurity tend to congregate in the most flood prone areas because those are the areas available to people to congregate. And so one cool thing that did happen is there was this shelter network, that when they heard about the severe storms, they immediately went and started doing outreach to people living by the river. And actually, they were able to do in evacuation of people on a bus. The bus actually ended up getting caught in floodwaters and was destroyed. But the people on it were not harmed. And people were able to like evacuate by other means. But yeah, just as like a wonderful thing you can do if you think your area might experience a flood is doing outreach to like houseless communities who might not know about the danger and might not have the resources to escape it themselves. Yeah. One of the other big things was that in Vermont--this isn't quite as true as in a lot of other places, but it's something specific to areas like Vermont, or like West Virginia, or like other mountainous areas--like they have that phrase like, "Well, it's only three miles as the crow flies, but it's going to take an hour and a half to get there on the windy mountainous roads." Well, Vermont has a lot of windy mountainous roads, and almost all of those roads became completely undriveable because of roads washing out, mudslides, and these like huge floodwaters. And so the populations of Vermont were largely left trapped in their homes unable to escape if things had gotten worse. Like people described being completely cut off on these little, you know, mini islands in floodwaters. And yeah, just things to think about if you live in these, if you live in mountainous areas, is like having these kind of early warnings to leave places because as much as you might be able to fortify your house as like a bunker for preparedness, if you get trapped in it and it floods then it didn't save your life. Brooke 40:14 That goes back to what you [Margaret] were saying about community building earlier. Margaret 40:20 As someone who often lives in the mountains, and currently lives in the mountains, and this is like...Mountains flash flood really bad. And a lot of mountainous areas, like in the mountains, people often build in the hollers in the lower areas between, you know, in the valleys between different pieces of the mountain and stuff. But...And usually it's like the town actually floods sometimes more than some of the rural houses outside of town. Not necessarily, right. But it's like, because you put all...If you have a bunch of houses, you put them in the low lying area. But, if you've got like two houses, you can put them up on the ridge. And there's like unfortunately...If you're randomly being like, "Man, I want to move to the mountains," you should think about buying one of the houses and that's up on a hill instead of down in the valley for that reason. And then the other weird random thing that I was like reading about is that apparently in a lot of flood prone places--this isn't like...this isn't gonna save everyone--but people put an axe in their attic because one of the ways that a lot of people die in floods is that they go higher and higher in their house. And so then, as it gets up to their second floor, or whatever the fuck, they then go into their attic. But if you go into your attic, you can't get out in a flood. And so some people keep an axe in their attic. I don't know whether that's...I'm reading about it in a book, but in a fiction book, you know? Inmn 41:43 Yeah. Yeah, that is...that is weirdly relatable. Like me and Margaret used to live somewhere that was prone to flooding. And I remember the first time that we got a really bad flood, like this was when our eight foot wide stream turned into like a 70 foot wide moving current of water that was up to your chest... Margaret 42:10 And bringing all kinds of shit down from... Inmn 42:14 Yeah, and yeah, there's like trees floating by. And there's all these, you know, tiny houses and structures and stuff, and nobody there was all that concerned about it I think, except for me. Like, we were running around trying to save tools, and equipment, and like stuff like that, and make sure the cars were up on the highest ground possible. And I was like, "We have to leave because we might not be able to if we wait too long." And like, thankfully, I was wrong. But like it worried me how unworried people were about the flood in this like mountainous area that we could have easily become trapped in. Margaret 42:59 I was a little bit like, "My house was on the hill." So I went down to help. Why don't we put our houses on the hill, which is not very community minded of me. Inmn 43:12 No, that's fine. But sorry, just to speak to one other thing real quick. So another thing to think about with flooding is that--and I've never thought about this until I was reading about it to prepare for this--but if you grow food, either in a garden or on a farm water, like when there's these huge floods--especially when the wastewater management facility gets like flooded out like it did in Vermont--all of the water that is in this flood water is very dirty. It's filled with like...It's filled with raw sewage, like a stupid amount of raw sewage. It's filled with like oil, and like contaminants, and like chemicals, and like anything that was swept up in the floodwaters. And so, if you grow food and your garden gets flooded out, you can't eat any of that food, even if it's like root vegetables Like pretty much like all fruit and vegetables that get contaminated by floodwater are like completely inedible and like unsafe to eat. So, it's something that, you know, in a local area where a flood happens, it can cause a lot of problems for people and then like globally, it can also cause huge problems with food insecurity. Yeah. And, talking about another food insecurity thing that's connected to floods, so, in Ukraine this past month, a dam, like one of the largest water reservoirs in Europe, was blown up. And you know, a lot of people are like, "Oh, the Russians did it because they're in control of it." And the Russians are like, "We didn't do it, but the dam did mysteriously blow up". And it... Margaret 45:10 Derek Jensen was running...Someone in a raccoon sweater was seen running from the crime, screaming about how trans people are bad. Inmn 45:17 Yeah. And so like this...the water in Kherson rose 20 feet, and it destroyed all of these like irrigation systems. And it is expected to affect 600,000 hectares of farmland that produce over 4 million tons of grain and a huge amount of the world's vegetable oil. Margaret 45:48 Okay, I was reading about how there's a vegetable oil shortage is expected. But I didn't get to the why. That explains that. Inmn 45:55 Because a dam exploded in Ukraine. Margaret 45:59 Because of the war that is currently localized but will eventually spread. Inmn 46:04 Brooke, are there other things going on with food insecurity? Brooke 46:07 Never. But maybe. I don't think I have anything on food insecurity. Inmn 46:14 Oh, oh, sorry, I read the notes wrong. Margaret 46:16 I made these notes ahead of time for everyone. And I put them in the chat. But then they lost all their--just so everyone knows behind the scenes and all the cool insider information--I put in the chat an agenda of what we're going to talk about, but it lost all of the formatting when I pasted it in. So, it's basically incomprehensible. But, I will tell you about medication insecurity. Ehh? That will make everyone happy. Because that's not one of the...Okay, just to be clear, like medication is obviously one of the things that people will get the most concerned about when it comes to preparedness and stuff, right? Because of the way that medication is gate kept--sometimes for good reasons, sometimes for bad reasons--It is not necessarily available to people to do anything sort of like stockpiling and things like that, right? And we rely on a lot of medications for very good reasons in our society. Tornado Alley. You're like, "Oh, obviously it's related to tornadoes." Tornado Alley is the alley...It's the the part of the US where tornadoes are sort of expected and normal, as if they're not fucking terrifying. Jesus Christ. There's very few natural disasters I'm more like... Because I feel like a tornado could just be behind your back and you wouldn't know. It's like a horror movie. You're driving down the road, and then everything turns green, and then all of a sudden there's this death machine just like, "Baaaah!" [makes a 'scaring someone noise] and it's coming at you--and it makes exactly that noises and sticks his tongue out. And people are like, not excited about tornadoes. At least I'm not. Brooke 46:19 And they're green and have tongues. Margaret 47:35 Yeah, well, the sky does turn green sometimes before a tornado. Anyway, so Tornado Alley is expanding thanks to climate change is the point of this. And there's been more and more bad tornadoes further east than there used to be. A tornado in Rocky Mount North Carolina, which is outside of previous Tornado Alley, at least according to the article I read. I've been in North Carolina when there have been tornadoes, but they weren't like, "This is totally normal." It was like kind of a bad thing. Well, do you know that there was one 1.4 million square foot Pfizer a manufacturing plant that was responsible for 25% of all of Pfizer's medications that it sends out to hospitals? Brooke 48:24 Nope. Margaret 48:27 Did you know that one tornado destroyed the entire fucking thing this month? A tornado of 150 mile per hour wind speeds--I wrote down the like classification, but then I deleted it because I didn't feel like looking at all the classifications and trying to explain it...A tornado. It was a bad tornado. And it fucked this thing up. It destroyed 50,000 pallets of medication. And more specifically than that, it stopped the ability for this plant to produce the medication. It was an injectable sterile medication place, so, a lot of anesthetics, so things that make you unconscious, and I think also some antibiotics, and other stuff that goes into like IVs, and stuff was destroyed and the capacity for Pfizer to make more of it was destroyed. The one silver lining is that the article used to have it wrong and say, "25% of the US's injectable medication." That was only Pfizer's percent, which is probably a lot still. Pfizer's a really fucking big name in medication. So medication shortages were already, before this, the worst that they've been in 10 years. In 2014 there were medication shortages about as bad as now. At the end of June, again before the tornado, there were 309 specific like named drug shortages in the United States. A lot of them are related to like chemotherapy and all kinds of stuff. So that's bad. Brooke 49:52 I didn't realize the medication shortage was worse now than it was like during the height of the pandemic and the end of it because I feel like you don't hear about it. Margaret 50:02 Yeah, I mean, well the pandemics over. So no one has to worry about anything anymore. [said sarcastically] I feel like this is the kind of thing where it's like, it's so hard because it's like...Well, it's like, as we talked with...Like, This Month in the Apocalypse is just a fuck ton of bad shit, right? Like and we're talking about or like some posi like little silver lining, like I saw cute monkey, kind of style stories, you know. Like, he's on roller skates. And, and it's like, it's hard to spin fucking this shit. It's hard to spin. Too much of our...I don't even want to tell them they're making drugs wrong. I don't know how to fucking make insulin, you know. But, obviously, there's some problems with centralization when there's tornadoes around, which I guess was like my Mothra-Godzilla thing I was talking about earlier. And I don't know, I mean...but it's the kind of thing that I wish we stayed more aware of. And I think it's the kind of thing that people mostly don't want to think about because we like to imagine that even if we'd go into debt to do so, if bad things happen, the existing system will be there for us. And, I don't want to knock the people who work really goddamn hard to make the existing system work, and the nurses, and doctors, and all the rest of the staff who work endlessly to make this shit happen. And so Pfizer is trying to move that manufacturing to other plants. But they haven't been able to yet. And they're basically like, "Look, it's not actually easy. You would be talking about moving..." None of the employees were hurt is the one upside of all of it. There's 2000 employees at that plant. And that's all I got. Besides...Are we ready for headlines like do do do [makes type write noise] headline time? Inmn 51:49 I think Brooke has something about a murder wall. Brooke 51:52 I know, but I don't want to talk about it anymore. Because it's so depressing. I want to talk about happy headlines. Margaret 51:59 Should we just shout out that there's a fucking murder wall and it's bad. Brooke 52:04 The great state of Texas. Yeah, that wonderful place, and it's a dictator du jour, Greg Abbott, decided to roll out some new measures in order to try and stop immigration across the border. So they got a whole bunch of buoys. Buoys are things that float in the water that are like wrecking ball size, which I actually don't know how big a wrecking ball is, but I assume they're massive, Margaret 52:31 Bigger than a breadbox. Brooke 52:38 Like the size of a car maybe? I actually don't know. Somebody, somebody comment and tell us how big wrecking balls are. I don't know big. Anyway, they got a shit ton of them and floated them out into the Rio Grande River and anchored them to the riverbed to basically create a floating wall in the middle of the river that's currently about 1000 feet long and make it longer. And then they also went through...As part of that project, there's lots of little islands that are on the Rio, and they tend to have grasses, and shrub brushes, and stuff like that. And they had the the Texas military go in and basically bulldoze everything off the top of the islands. So, they're just like dirt mounds in the middle of the river, and also, Margaret 53:25 Some World War I shit is what's happening. Brooke 53:27 Yeah, yeah, they bulldozed down the riverbanks on the United States side so that they could put up barbed wire along sections of the river there to, which you know, the river is at its low part right now because we're in summer, so I'm sure that taking away all of the vegetation and root systems won't have any problems with the waters rise later in the year. [Sarcastically] Inmn 53:53 None at all. [Also sarcastically] Margaret 53:54 Well, you know, it's just worth the trade off to economically destroy....Even if even if I was a fucking capitalist, I would be against the border wall. Like what the fuck? Like? Brooke 54:04 Yeah, it's...There's several things that are wrong with it besides just the really obvious, you know, ethical wrongness of the whole fucking thing. Margaret 54:14 The murderness. Brooke 54:14 And, you know, as an indigenous person, I have really complicated feelings about that because borders and migration anyway, but like it was the state of Texas that did it. They didn't talk to the local cities and municipalities about the work that they were doing. So they just, you know, rolled up destroying this shit. And then it's also technically international waters because it's a border between two countries and they didn't talk to Mexico about it either or the federal government for that matter. So you know, Mexico is threatening to to take action against Texas, and the federal government has sued the state of Texas, and local governments are super pissed off. So fun on so many levels. Margaret 54:59 I'm glad people are pissed off about it. So that's the one...I'm glad that murder wall has been a step too far for even some governments. Inmn 55:09 Yeah, I mean, it's like, Arizona did a similar thing last year before the governor...Like when the governor realized that he was not going to get reelected, He started building this giant shipping container wall along the border. And he was actually ordered by the federal government to stop doing it. And he just didn't. And there were...But there were all these like interesting things that happened where there were local sheriffs and stuff who were enforcing that law against the governor, like the people building the wall. And then there were all these wild disputes about it, where it became very like a the US government versus the US government like situation. Margaret 55:57 I don't hate that. I've played enough Risk. I know that when my enemies are fighting, it's time to sit back. Inmn 56:04 Yeah, but a really cool thing that was able to happen was that a lot of people were, because it was not a legal thing, were able to stage some pretty large scale defense against the area by going and occupying the area to stop construction, but no one was going to arrest them because it wasn't legal for them to be building it. Brooke 56:25 Oh, this river section also hosts a large annual kayak race that now can't happen because the buoys are in the way, so like a Republican kayaker guy who's like, you know, super into anti-immigration, is like, "But now that, you know, we can't do our kayak race here, I'm super pissed off about it." So like, even more reasons that people are angry about this that are ridiculous, but hey, let's, you know, let's be angry. Margaret 56:55 Yeah. Inmn 56:56 Yeah, golly. Is it time for headlines? Margaret 57:00 It's time for headlines. Is that our wait, we got to come up with....[Brooke makes type write noise] Yeah, there we go. Alright. What I got. Okay, you know how there's this thing that like COVID and the flu and shit were all hitting and then there was also RSV, which like mostly comes up for kids, and adults...In adults who aren't old. I don't know how to phrase this. Without, okay, whatever. In some people, it just manifests as a cold and other people it is really bad, right? RSV I don't even know what it stands for. I didn't write down enough. This is my supposed to be my headlines. And now I'm contextualizing...They have an injectable antibody that the FDA just approved called Beyfortus. And it's the first time that there has been a good specific thing that is like a preventative for RSV that has become available. And so that's promising. I'm curious to see how that goes. Because I know RSV was like fucking over a lot of people I know. Apparently, cement is one of the biggest causes of climate change and damage. It is the 12th biggest cause of climate change. It beats out air travel, apparently. And it...And cement overall puts out more carbon than the entire country of India does. One company is working on a carbon negative cement that is just like manufactured very different from Portland cement. Portland cement is like the main way that people make cement, which both involves a lot of burning of carbon in order to create it because you need kilns. And also then it is slowly off gassing carbon for like, a very long time with the concrete. And so they're working on, and they've proven it to be like structurally sound, and who knows whether this will act...[interrupts self] I know that it won't see widespread adoption because there's no incentive for it because capitalism is the economic system that runs the world. But someone has invented a concrete that actually absorbs carbon. It just sort of passively brings it on instead of putting it out. Brooke 59:15 I don't know if this is the same project, but I worked for a nonprofit a couple of years ago, or right before the start of the pandemic, that was doing research into this very thing. And they were putting really tiny amounts of wood fiber, cellulose, into cement and they were...They weren't doing it. They were funding, because it was a charity organization, they were funding the testing of this. And I wonder if this is maybe the next stage of that or even the same company. Margaret 59:41 This company is called Brimstone, which is funny. They might be evil. They might not be. But, they're named Brimstone and we don't live in a boring world. And then my final little posi note is that some agricultural workers have been like...Well, some agricultural workers have been dying in the heat. And so another agricultural woman, agricultural worker woman, developed a cooling vest and has just been doing a lot of studies about like, just specific ways about like, how people who are working outside and are stuck working outside beat the heat with these hot new ideas. But it's like...It's one of those things where it's like, well, what if people just didn't have to do this fun work outside in the goddamn heat? But, it's still good for us to develop these systems. And I love that it is coming from people who do this work themselves. So, I think it's like kind of a swamp cooler style vest. It's like...And they just did a lot of studies about like, if a worker drinks water, versus a worker drinks electrolytes, the person who drinks electrolytes is going to have a substantially lower risk of hospitalization and heatstroke. And then even like, wearing a wet bandanna makes a huge difference. Obviously, like anything that relies on swamp cooling is going to be different based on your humidity levels. If you're in the southeast, it's going to be way harder to use passive cooling from water than if you live in the southwest. But that's what I got. Anyone else? De de deet deet, de de deet deet [making typewriter noises] Hot off the Wire. Inmn 1:01:22 I have a bunch of headlines. They're not good. One is interesting. Margaret 1:01:30 You're fired. I'm not actually capable of doing that. Okay. Inmn 1:01:36 In the great state of Florida this month, it was declared by Rick DeSantis that middle schoolers will be taught about the personal benefits that slavery had for individuals as part of DeSantis' "War on Wokeness." He also was quoted as saying that he was really upset about the ways that--and he meant this in how Democrats are doing it--are criminalizing political differences, which is interesting because he's like the forefront of criminalizing political differences. Margaret 1:02:16 So, it's almost like it's illegal to advocate the eradication of people based on their race. Inmn 1:02:21 Yeah. And he passed some wild laws in Florida this month. This one, this one is...Like by itself, you might hear it and you're like, "Lack of sympathy," but like contextualizing it with other stuff that Rick DeSantis is doing is important. So, he passed a law that allowed for the death penalty in child rape convictions despite the Supreme Court having ruled otherwise. Which, you know, when I hear that I'm like, this is another Roe v. Wade situation of states like trying to get laws passed in the hopes that when federal rulings are overturned that they have these laws on the books. Margaret 1:03:03 Yeah, I mean, this is so that he can kill gay people and trans people. Inmn 1:03:06 Yeah, so then interestingly, in Texas last month, a lesbian couple was arrested for kissing at a mini golf course. And they were charged with "sexual harassment of a minor." So like, if we contextualize these things together and DeSantis' like war on trans people, we can sort of see where this is going is that he does probably want to make it legal to enforce the death penalty against trans people. He also signed a bill to end unanimous jury requirements in death penalty sentences. Margaret 1:03:46 Sick. Inmn 1:03:48 Now you just need an 8-4 in favor, which is a huge, huge spread. You know? Yeah, this is gonna go great. He was also involved in a car accident this morning in Tennessee and he was...not hurt. Margaret 1:04:08 Dammit. That's fucked up. Inmn 1:04:10 Right. In some other fun headlines, Robert Kennedy claimed at a press conference that COVID may have been ethnically targeted to spare the Jews in a absolutely absurd brand of conspiracy theories against Jewish people. Student debt forgiveness: people will be expected to pay back their refunded payments according to the student debt forgiveness being repealed. Margaret 1:04:47 Have they met the blood and the stone? The ability to withdraw one from the other... Inmn 1:04:57 Supreme Court ruling was like kind of...Not like overturned but an old ruling was over...like, not used in a case right now around stalking, where it's going to be a lot easier for people who are stalking people, especially on the internet, to not get in trouble for it. And it kind of boils down to this idea there that the more deluded the stalker, the more protected the stalking will be. Margaret 1:05:31 It's like pleading insanity, kind of? Inmn 1:05:34 Yeah. Being like, "This person was unaware of the impacts that it could have had on this person." Margaret 1:05:40 Classic thing that should inform the law. Inmn 1:05:48 It's weirdly situated like that to protect people like at protests, who might scream like, like, "I'm gonna fucking kill so-and-so," you know, in like a heightened state, and then that being weighed against that that person probably didn't mean that. But, it being used like that to protect people threatening to kill people on the internet while stalking them is, you know, clearly, clearly these things aren't the same thing. Brooke 1:06:25 Laws are bad. Inmn 1:06:26 Puberty blockers in England were disallowed on a large scale outside of exceptional cases. So like, trans kids in Europe will no longer be allowed to access puberty blockers. Margaret 1:06:43 You mean, the UK. Technically no longer Europe, thanks to their right wing move to separate themselves. Yes, does not make it any better for the UK kids. I'm sorry. I'm being a pedant. I apologize. Brooke 1:06:54 Yay, terf Island. Inmn 1:06:59 Putin signed new legislation on like this past Monday, I think, which marked the final step in outlawing gender affirming procedures. So basically, you can't get any gender affirming, like surgical procedures in Russia any more. And the bill was unanimously approved by the Russian Parliament, which bans any medical interventions aimed at changing the sex of a person as well as changing any one's gender marker on their documents. The only exception will be for medical intervention to treat congenital anomalies, which I think probably refers to like, assigning intersex people genders. It also annuls marriages in which one person has changed their gender and bars, transgender people from becoming foster or adoptive parents. And yeah, so Russia is even more terrifying. Margaret 1:08:03 Starting to not like Russia. Brooke 1:08:07 Starting to? Margaret 1:08:08 I don't know. Putin starting to seem like kind of a...I'm starting to develop a negative impression. [sarcastically] Inmn 1:08:17 Yeah. And, you know, just to give people in the United States an idea of where we're headed, this was all in the name of "Upholding traditional family values." That was the main cause for this legislation. Brooke 1:08:31 TFV. TFV. Inmn 1:08:34 And my last little headlines, which I wanted to connect to talking about heat wave stuff earlier, a nine year old migrant died after having seizures due to heat related illness in Arizona. This past month, there were at least 10 recorded migrant deaths in southern Arizona due to heat related complications. But, Border Patrol claims to have rescued 45 people from the scorching heat of the desert. But interestingly, in Ajo, Arizona, which is like western Arizona, there was a...It was like 114 degrees outside and border patrol had 50 migrants in custody who they were keeping in an outdoor chain-link pen with like, no shade or anything. So, they have the people that they rescued then put in life threatening conditions, Margaret 1:09:40 Starting to not like the United States Government either. Yeah, starting to feel on par with Russian governments. I know you're supposed to pick one or the other party. Yeah, it's bad. Everything's bad. Inmn 1:09:56 Really bad. And I want to get more into the southwest and border patrol and this issue another time. But...Stuff's really bad right now. So yeah, that's my headlines. Brooke 1:10:11 Margaret, you're the optimistic one today. What do we do? What do we do in this terrible world, Margaret 1:10:17 We build resilient communities, network them together, teach each other things, try to limit the amount of gatekeeping we do within those communities. We value conflict resolution as high as we can. We value survival skills and more traditional forms of preparedness, and we support a diversity of actions against all of the negative things that are happening in the world, whether or not we believe those actions are strategic. We support any action that falls within our bounds of ethics, including people who are like annoying church liberals, or people who are like taking things too far with the gasoline and the timers made out of kitchen timers. We support the wide range of it and we try to live our lives as best we can. We recognize that winning is not a condition. It's not like a win state, right? There's not a state in which we win. But instead, there's a reason we say, "Winning at life." We don't say, "Won at life." We say that we are in the process of winning. And when we fight, and when we build, and when we love one another we win. We live the best lives that we can despite everything that's happening and we work really hard to help other people live the best lives that they can. Was that a rhetorical question? I'm not sure. Brooke 1:11:34 No, I do feel a little bit...No, honestly, I feel a little bit better now. I really do. Love wins. We win with love. Love and care. And the thing that goes on if me being me as a nurturing, loving person. Inmn 1:11:50 In living like we're preparing for the world to die, should we also live like the Empire could be dying? Margaret 1:12:02 Yeah. Yeah, I mean, like, capitalism has proved a sturdy beast, but it can certainly be slain. And if anything can slay it, it is the nightmare that is coming that we will all figure out how to come together to handle. Yay. Good. That a good end note? Anyone got more headlines? Brooke 1:12:34 No? Well, no. I'm too sad. Margaret 1:12:42 Well, if you enjoyed this podcast, you can tell your friends about it. And you can more than that, get together with your friends and talk about what the fuck we're gonna do, right? Because it is a good idea for us to get together and talk about what we're going to do because you're talking heads on the radio podcast land can't tell you what to do. You. You and your friends decide what risks are appropriate based on what's happening, and what you all want to do with the time that is available to you. But, one of the things you can do with the time that's available too, is support this podcast by supporting us on Patreon at patreon.com/strangersinatangledwilderness. We put out new features every month. And we have multiple podcasts, including one called Strangers in a Tangled Wilderness and one called Anarcho Geek Power Hour, and one called Live Like the World is Dying, which you probably know is the one that you're listening to right now if you made it this far. And if you become one of ou
The Center for Immigration Studies recently uncovered what appears to be deliberate participation in alien smuggling by the Department of Homeland Security. Todd Bensman, the Center's senior national security fellow, revealed the facilitation of illegal entry of large numbers of aliens across the Rio Grande River. George Fishman, the Center's senior legal fellow, joins Parsing […]
In today's episode of The Wright Report, Bryan Dean Wright takes us on a global journey, from the swirling waters of the Rio Grande River to the bustling trading ports of Mexico and China, and the struggling fishing villages of the Ivory Coast. We explore how Texas's floating border barriers have far-reaching implications that stretch to Panama, why China's influence in Mexico and Africa matters to the US, and a troubling new trend in the AI industry. As Bryan shares a personal experience about how AI is starting to judge the value of his content, we're left to ponder the potential dangers of giving machines too much control.
A deadly serious group of powerful men are fighting to make birth control a death penalty offense. Women are already in jail right now for breaking draconian fetal personhood laws, will we see the GOP execute a woman because she refused to give birth? Plus, health insurance companies are ripping off Medicaid now, as well as Medicare advantage, The science of how highly dominant men get endorsed as leaders in times of conflict & crisis, and DeSantis has a new video that is very, very weird and ends with storm troopers heading toward spinning swastikas. Geeky Science: "Wild blueberries may improve vascular function and cognitive performance in healthy older adults, study finds" by PsyPost. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Brad and Dan begin by discussing a bombshell report at the New York Times outlining Trump's plans to completely transform the executive branch if he becomes president again. Brad analyzes how the playbook he and his team are using comes right from Orban's takeover of Hungary's government from within. In the second segment Dan analyzes the reports that Ron DeSantis is trying to create his own personal militia in Florida that would answer only to him and be deployed in matters of border security, violent crime, and other issues. Brad likens this to Mussolini's Black Shirts. In the final segment both hosts discuss the horrific story that border security in Texas were ordered to push nursing children into the Rio Grande River. To Donate: venmo - @straightwhitejc Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/BradleyOnishi Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/straightwhiteamericanjesus Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's new book: https://www.amazon.com/Preparing-War-Extremist-Christian-Nationalism/dp/1506482163 For access to the full Orange Wave series, click here: https://irreverent.supportingcast.fm/products/the-orange-wave-a-history-of-the-religious-right-since-1960 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://swaj.supportingcast.fm
Today's Headlines: Former President Donald Trump is facing a DOJ investigation into his involvement in the January 6th insurrection, with potential charges of witness tampering, conspiracy to defraud, and deprivation of rights. Meanwhile, a US Attorney is calling for a federal takeover of Rikers Island due to failed attempts to improve conditions and a series of deaths under Mayor Eric Adams' administration. Illinois has become the first state to eliminate cash bail, aiming to address racial disparities in the justice system. Disturbing reports from the southern border in Texas reveal inhumane treatment of migrants, as troopers were allegedly ordered to push migrants back into the Rio Grande without providing water, despite triple-digit heat. Hawaii is under a state of emergency due to Tropical Storm Calvin, anticipating heavy rainfall and dangerous winds. Lastly, Las Vegas police are revisiting the 1996 drive-by shooting of Tupac Shakur, an unsolved investigation spanning almost three decades. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NY Times: Trump Faces Possible Indictment in Capitol Attack Investigation Gothamist: Feds call for takeover of NYC jail system as humanitarian crisis at Rikers spirals Chicago Tribune: Illinois Supreme Court upholds law eliminating cash bail, sets Sept. 18 as start date for new system CBS News: Texas troopers told to push back migrants into Rio Grande River and ordered not to give water amid soaring temperatures, report says ABC 7: Bus of migrants from Texas arrives in Los Angeles, the 4th transport in a month Hawaii News Now: ‘The worst has passed': Tropical storm warning for Big Island dropped after Calvin downgraded CBS News: Las Vegas police search home in connection to Tupac Shakur murder Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Amanda Duberman and Bridget Schwartz Edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Donald Trump says he's been notified that he's the target of another investigation. We take a look at the decade plus attacks on the homeless by Jesse Watters. A new report says Texas troopers were told to push migrants into the Rio Grande River. GOP warns that Lauren Boebert is at risk of losing her reelection bid. Host: John Iadarola (@johniadarola)Co-Host: Michael Shure (@michaelshure)SUBSCRIBE on YOUTUBE: ☞ https://www.youtube.com/thedamagereport?sub_confirmation=1TIKTOK ☞ https://www.tiktok.com/@thedamagereport?lang=enINSTAGRAM: ☞ http://www.instagram.com/thedamagereport/TWITTER: ☞ https://twitter.com/TheDamageReportFACEBOOK: ☞ https://www.facebook.com/TheDamageReportTYT/
On Wednesday's Mark Levin Show, WJNO Radio Host Brian Mudd fills in for Mark. There are now 320% more immigrants in the U.S since Biden took office. This equates to more than the population of 15 states. Yet Vice President Kamala Harris, our Border Czar, says the border is secure and the media wants to call Gov. Ron DeSantis a kidnapper. Then, the uncontrolled border has become an industry with people being trafficked and smuggled into Mexico just to trek across the Rio Grande River into the U.S. The San Antonio Sheriff is very concerned about the 48 migrants that flew to Martha's Vineyard but said nothing about the 53 dead migrants that perished as they were smuggled across Biden's open border in the back of a hot truck in San Antonio. Later, President Biden has expanded Title IX protections for boys to have access to girls' bathrooms and locker rooms. These issues have to be addressed and corrected. Afterward, former White House Trade Advisor Peter Navarro joins the show to discuss his new book, Taking Back Trump's America: Why We Lost the White House and How We'll Win It Back https://www.amazon.com/Taking-Back-Trumps-America-White/dp/1637586787 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices