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American politician from Kentucky.
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@ISIDEWITH submitted…3mos3MO
Famously progressive Democrat congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez raised eyebrows by removing her pronouns from her X account. The move from Squad lawmaker, 35, seen as one of the most liberal members of Congress, was seen by some as a sign that the cultural tide is turning following Donald Trump's election win. Journalist Benjamin Ryan said records showed AOC removed her 'she/her' pronouns sometime between August 3, 2023, and May 28, 2024. Critics branded her a hypocrite, and noted that just two years ago AOC apologized to followers for not having pronouns in her Instagram bio, claiming they 'fell off' and she didn't realize. Conservatives were quick to mock AOC after it was realized that she had removed the pronouns from her account bio. Some also noted that she changed her moniker from the genderless 'Representative' to 'Congresswoman' as she removed her pronouns. Ocasio-Cortez has long been a supporter of transgender rights, including so-called gender-affirming care for children, and transgender girls competing in female sports.But the Democrats more extreme stances were blamed as a massive vote loser for Kamala Harris in the recent election.An advert showing her supporting taxpayer-funded gender reassignment surgeries for illegal migrant prisoners was played on repeat by Team Trump.Many Dems' insistence that opposing hormones for trans children or banning trans girls from joining female sports teams was transphobic further alienated centrists.Immigration and inflation were the issues that ultimately swung the election for Donald Trump, but the Dems' unpopular trans stance has now forced a reckoning within the party.
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@ISIDEWITH submitted…3 days3D
White House announces paid resignation offer for federal workers who leave by Feb 6Offer includes administrative leave with pay/benefits through Sept 30Excludes military, USPS, immigration and national security workersAdministration expects 5-10% acceptance rateProjects potential $100B annual taxpayer savingsPart of broader effort to reform federal workforceConnects to recent policies on return-to-office and civil service reclassificationUnion AFGE strongly opposes the moveEconomists warn it could drive out top talentDispute over current in-office work statistics
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@ISIDEWITH submitted…2hrs2H
Iraqi refugee and anti-Islam activist Salwan Momika was shot dead in Stockholm, with five arrests made in connection to the murderMomika gained notoriety for public Quran-burning demonstrations in SwedenHis actions sparked diplomatic tensions between Sweden and IraqStockholm police confirmed the killing occurred Wednesday night at 11:11 PMMomika was facing trial for incitement and had recently sought donations for legal feesHe regularly posted anti-Muslim content and supported Israel's Gaza campaignThe victim was in his 40s and advocated against Muslim migration to EuropeIraqi diaspora members expressed mixed reactions, condemning both violence and religious desecrationThe murder investigation is ongoing with prosecutor involvementThe incident may escalate tensions between European governments and anti-immigration movements
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@ISIDEWITH submitted…2 days2D
Trump announced plans to deport non-citizen students who participated in pro-Palestinian protestsThe executive order targets what's described as "Hamas sympathizers" on college campusesThe order requires federal agencies to provide recommendations within 60 days on fighting antisemitismIt promises "immediate action" from the Justice Department on threats and violence against American JewsThe initiative comes after months of campus protests following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attackCivil rights groups have documented increased antisemitic, anti-Arab, and Islamophobic incidentsThe order specifically mentions deportation of "resident aliens who violate our laws"Pro-Palestinian protesters have denied supporting Hamas, saying they oppose Israel's military actions in GazaThe Council on American-Islamic Relations criticized the order as an assault on free speechThe order is connected to Trump's broader campaign promises regarding immigration policy
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@ISIDEWITH submitted…15hrs15H
Trump made controversial claims linking diversity initiatives at the FAA to a deadly Potomac River collision that killed 67 people, despite acknowledging he had no evidence to support these assertions.The disability recruitment program Trump criticized actually began during his own administration in April 2019, with the FAA launching a pilot program for 20 people with targeted disabilities to work in air traffic operations.Experts, including Tennessee Garvey from the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, stated that no aviation incident has ever been attributed to diversity initiatives as a cause or contributing factor.The federal policy for hiring people with disabilities dates back to the Bush administration in 2003 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which was initially created to protect veterans with disabilities.FAA workforce diversity has shown minimal changes over recent years: white male representation decreased from 58.9% in 2016 to 55.3% in 2023, while employees with targeted disabilities increased from 0.7% to 2%.The aviation industry's diversity efforts were primarily driven by labor shortages and the need to fill positions as pilots retire, rather than purely demographic goals.All candidates, regardless of background or disability status, must meet the same rigorous standards for aptitude, medical qualifications, and security clearances.Historical barriers, including segregation, prevented Black aviation professionals from entering the industry until the civil rights movement and subsequent lawsuits.The Biden administration has continued similar diversity initiatives, with slight increases in representation across different demographic groups.A pending lawsuit filed by a conservative legal organization claims discrimination against applicants due to Obama-era hiring practices, though the case hasn't been resolved.
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@ISIDEWITH submitted…3hrs3H
Trump threatens 100% tariffs on BRICS nations if they move away from US dollar in international tradeWarning follows BRICS+ expansion to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and UAETrump's statement mirrors his November 2024 post-election message verbatimBRICS members actively promoting local currency trade, especially after Western sanctions on RussiaPutin specifically called for de-dollarization at 2023 BRICS SummitJune 2024 BRICS meeting in Russia pushed further for local currency transactionsAtlantic Council study shows dollar remains dominant despite de-dollarization effortsTrump links tariff threats to his broader trade strategy with Mexico and CanadaTrump labels India "very big abuser" of trade policies while targeting all BRICS+ membersEconomists warn proposed tariffs could increase costs for US consumers and businesses
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