Wednesday, October 20, 2021

More Developments in late October 2021.

During this time, you can't blame progressives for the legislation delay. The progressives have tried and compromised so much that there are no excuses now. The moderates have not only disgraced themselves by not even wanting federal investments in Medicaid expansion. They have the nerve to cite West Virginia as an excuse to not go into bold policies, but most West Virginians agree with taxes on the super wealthy, fighting climate change, and preserving our voting rights for real. The Freedom to Vote Act must be passed by the Senate. The reconciliation legislation should never be watered down to appease compromisers. It should be a representation of the interests of workers, families, the poor, and all of the people. Manchin has refused to support voting rights legislation that restores pre-clearance. Manchin (who believes in advocating work requirements for the child benefit program which is cruel) believes in codifying the vote ID which is ludicrous. That is why we want an infrastructure law that invests in living wages, healthcare, education,  climate justice, roads, bridges, voting rights, democracy in general, and our lives.

 

One of the most important stories now is the North American largest container port backlog. About 200,000 shipping containers remain on ships off the coast of Los Angeles. This is related to the pandemic related gridlock that has harmed supply chains all across America. There are about 2 weeks of work sitting in the sea. If nothing is done quickly, shipping of supplies like toys and other supplies could be delayed for months. That is why the White House desiring the port to have a 24/7 operating schedule. Another problem is how there is a shortage of cargo owners using the terminals. There is a shortage of truck drivers to handle the work. Truck drivers are major workers who bring in cargo globally. The Port of LA is open now. We have more demand too. Americans spend more money on goods. Imported goods have increased over the years too. Ports being congested have been caused by a higher demand for goods and commodities as the global economy is recovering from the pandemic. Prices are going up for consumers, shipping costs have increased, and ships or containers are limited. These are the reasons for this backlog crisis.

 

Days ago, some sad news is that a son of Harlem, NYC passed away. His name is Colin Luther Powell. He was raised in the Bronx, NYC. For a time, he fought the pandemic virus, Parkinson's, and a weakened immune system. For decades, he has been a leader in conflicts globally. Also, he had a loving wife that stood by him every step of the way. A woman always will bring out the best in society. Colin Powell was the first black American to be the Secretary of State. He was a diplomat and worked alongside his friend and successor Condoleezza Rice. By merit and courage, he rose up the military ranks to be a 4 star general. By 1989, he was the Commander of the U.S. Army Forces Command. Powell expressed regrets over making false arguments in the United Nations that led ultimately to the disastrous Iraq War.  Volunteering and public service were part of his personal philosophies that he advocated daily in his life. Hardwork, love of country, and a sense of purpose characterize his journey as well. He was one of the many moderate Republicans who criticized far right extremists like Donald Trump. After the 1/6 insurrection against democracy by terrorists, Colin Powell left the Republican Party forever which he had every right to do. Powell supported the Biden Presidency. Condolences are sent to his family and friends. He was one of the most prominent men of the 20th and 21st centuries. 

RIP Colin Powell.

Days ago was the Birthday of Brother Wyclef Jean, and he is now 52 years old. He was born in Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti. He is one of the greatest entertainers of our generation. He was raised in a religious household. Later, Wyclef worked with the world famous Fugees with Pras and the legendary Lauryn Hill. They had the Score which was one of the most best selling albums of all time. Wyclef Jean had his solo album of the Carnival in 1997 that had the song of 'Gone till November." he had more albums with songs like 911 ft. Mary J. Blige, etc. She worked with Destiny's Child, etc. He won 3 Grammy Awards and a Golden Globe Award nomination for his musical work. He moved into Brooklyn, NYC, and lived in East Orange plus Newark, New Jersey. He loved his wife Marie Claudinette, a designer of Fusha. They have a daughter together. Wyclef Jean is certainly an icon of music.   

 

Now, the Chicago Sky is the team that won their first franchise WNBA championship in 2021. It is a historic time. Candace Parker celebrated with her teammates and family in an emotional celebration. The WNBA concluded its 25th anniversary season. Its viewership has increased from last year. The Chicago Sky defeated the Mercury with the score of 80-74. Also, Sky guard Kahleah Copper won the 2021 Finals MVP by averaging 17 points and 5.5 rebounds in the series. Candace Parker (who is a forward) finished the game with 16 points and team high 13 rebounds. The WNBA viewership has increased by 51% as compared to the 2020 regular season. Candace Parker mentioned Kobe and his daughter Gianni as giving her inspirational in her victory at her hometown of Chicago, Illinois. Chicago has it first professional championship in a major sports team since the year of 1998. Thousands of fans were with them on their team parade up Michigan Avenue. Courtney Vandersloot and other players were in a jubilant mood. Thousands of people have came to join in the festival. 


By Timothy.



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