Press release issued 11/ 2/ 17
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/11/02/remarks-president-trump-meeting-house-republican-leaders-and-republican
THE PRESIDENT: Well, thank you very much. I'd like to thank the Republican members of the House Ways and Means Committee who are here today to discuss the incredible plan to cut taxes. Now, it's reform and it's lots of other things, but we're cutting taxes. It'll be the biggest tax cut in our history.
There's nothing more important to our economy. We see what's happening with our economy and how well it's doing. This is going to really bring it to the next level.
Before we begin, I want to make a very brief announcement. I had an excellent meeting today with Chairman Grassley and other lawmakers on immigration reform following the terrorist attack in New York. I'm calling on Congress to immediately terminate the diversity visa lottery program. It's a disaster for our country.
This program grants visas not on a basis of merit, but simply because applicants are randomly selected in an annual lottery. And the people put in that lottery are not that country's finest. We know that the program presents significant vulnerabilities to our national security. It's a very unsafe program for our country, and we're not going to allow it to happen, and end that program. So I think Congress will take that up very quickly.
Additionally, Congress must end chain migration so that we can have a system that is security-based, not the way it is now. And we want a system, ultimately, that's merit-based so we can bring in people that will help our country, grow our country, and be safe for our country. We want to select people based on their ability to contribute to our country, not choose people randomly -- we have no idea who they are -- or based on extended family connections. You have people bringing in 24, 25, 26 people when they come in. We have to end chain migration.
With that being said, this is a big tax cut day, and I want to thank some of the people. Naturally, Paul, great press conference you just had -- fantastic job.
FROM OUR GOVERNOR, JAY INSLEE
Inslee statement on GOP tax plan in Congress
Press release issued 11/ 2/ 17
http://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-statement-gop-tax-plan-congress
“The Republican tax plan is yet another giveaway to the wealthiest taxpayers paid for by the middle class. The proposal to eliminate the state and local sales tax deduction would impact more than 800,000 hard-working Washingtonians who use this deduction to reduce their federal tax bill. This proposal would increase their federal taxes by hundreds of dollars per year, on average, and it would pressure our state and local governments to slash important services that our communities rely upon, like education, health care, and public safety. I am also very concerned about the proposed repeal of tax deductions for health care expenses, student loan interest, and other current federal tax benefits that support the middle class and our state’s economy.
“We should all be frustrated that, much like they tried and failed to do in their efforts to repeal health care, Republican leaders plan to jam this bill through Congress without any public input that is essential to shaping thoughtful public policy. Congress should reject this proposal and instead join Arizona Senator John McCain in calling for any approach to tax reform to be bipartisan, and to follow regular order.”
Earlier this week Inslee stood with the Mayor Pro Tempore and middle-class Washingtonians in Vancouver calling on Congress to reject proposals that would repeal the state and local sales tax deduction and increase taxes on working families.
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OUR HEALTH AND FITNESS...
News from the FDA:FDA warns companies marketing unproven products, derived from marijuana, that claim to treat or cure cancer
Press release issued 11/ 1/ 17
https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm583295.htm
As part of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s ongoing efforts to protect consumers from health fraud, the agency today issued warning letters to four companies illegally selling products online that claim to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure cancer without evidence to support these outcomes. Selling these unapproved products with unsubstantiated therapeutic claims is not only a violation of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, but also can put patients at risk as these products have not been proven to be safe or effective. The deceptive marketing of unproven treatments may keep some patients from accessing appropriate, recognized therapies to treat serious and even fatal diseases.
The FDA has grown increasingly concerned at the proliferation of products claiming to treat or cure serious diseases like cancer. In this case, the illegally sold products allegedly contain cannabidiol (CBD), a component of the marijuana plant that is not FDA approved in any drug product for any indication. CBD is marketed in a variety of product types, such as oil drops, capsules, syrups, teas, and topical lotions and creams. The companies receiving warning letters distributed the products with unsubstantiated claims regarding preventing, reversing or curing cancer; killing/inhibiting cancer cells or tumors; or other similar anti-cancer claims. Some of the products were also marketed as an alternative or additional treatment for Alzheimer’s and other serious diseases.
“Substances that contain components of marijuana will be treated like any other products that make unproven claims to shrink cancer tumors. We don’t let companies market products that deliberately prey on sick people with baseless claims that their substance can shrink or cure cancer and we’re not going to look the other way on enforcing these principles when it comes to marijuana-containing products,” said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D. “There are a growing number of effective therapies for many cancers. When people are allowed to illegally market agents that deliver no established benefit they may steer patients away from products that have proven, anti-tumor effects that could extend lives.”
The FDA issued warning letters to four companies – Greenroads Health, Natural Alchemist, That’s Natural! Marketing and Consulting, and Stanley Brothers Social Enterprises LLC – citing unsubstantiated claims related to more than 25 different products spanning multiple product webpages, online stores and social media websites. The companies used these online platforms to make unfounded claims about their products' ability to limit, treat or cure cancer and other serious diseases. Examples of claims made by these companies include:
“Combats tumor and cancer cells;”
“CBD makes cancer cells commit ‘suicide’ without killing other cells;”
“CBD … [has] anti-proliferative properties that inhibit cell division and growth in certain types of cancer, not allowing the tumor to grow;” and
“Non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD (cannabidiol) may be effective in treating tumors from cancer – including breast cancer.”
Unlike drugs approved by the FDA, the manufacture of these products has not been subject to FDA review as part of the drug approval process and there has been no FDA evaluation of whether they work, what the proper dosage is, how they could interact with other drugs, or whether they have dangerous side effects or other safety concerns. The FDA has requested responses from the companies stating how the violations will be corrected. Failure to correct the violations promptly may result in legal action, including product seizure and injunction.
“We have an obligation to provide caregivers and patients with the confidence that drugs making cancer treatment claims have been carefully evaluated for safety, efficacy, and quality, and are monitored by the FDA once they’re on the market,” Commissioner Gottlieb added. “We recognize that there’s interest in developing therapies from marijuana and its components, but the safest way for this to occur is through the drug approval process – not through unsubstantiated claims made on a website. We support sound, scientifically-based research using components derived from marijuana, and we’ll continue to work with product developers who are interested in bringing safe, effective, and quality products to market.”
This latest action builds on the more than 90 warning letters issued in the past 10 years, including more than a dozen this year, to companies marketing hundreds of fraudulent products making cancer claims on websites, social media and in stores. Additionally, the FDA recently took decisive action to prevent the use of a potentially dangerous and unproven treatment used in ‘stem cell’ centers targeting vulnerable cancer patients. The FDA encourages health care professionals and consumers to report adverse reactions associated with these or similar products to the agency’s MedWatch program.
FDA reaches agreement with automatic external defibrillator manufacturer over quality control issues
Press release issued 11/ 1/ 17
https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm583221.htm
U. S. District Judge Denise J. Casper entered a consent decree of permanent injunction yesterday between the U.S. and Philips North America LLC (doing business as Philips Medical Systems and Philips Healthcare) of Andover, Massachusetts, and two of the company’s officers, Carla Kriwet, business group leader for the Patient Care and Monitoring Solutions (PCMS) business group, and Ojas Buch, vice president, head of quality and regulatory for PCMS. The PCMS business group includes the Emergency Care and Resuscitation (ECR) business unit, which markets automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) and Q-CPR Meters.
With limited exceptions, the consent decree prohibits Philips and those individually named from manufacturing, processing, packing, holding or distributing devices made by the ECR business unit at their Andover, Massachusetts and Bothell, Washington facilities until they comply with the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and FDA regulations, in addition to other requirements.
According to the complaint filed with the consent decree, Philips was responsible for the manufacture and distribution of adulterated devices because its AEDs and Q-CPR Meters were made in violation of current good manufacturing practice (CGMP) requirements under the FD&C Act based on noncompliance with quality system (QS) regulations. The complaint notes that the company failed to establish and maintain adequate processes regarding its corrective and preventative action procedures, design verification and validation controls, and product specifications.
“AEDs are life-saving tools and are designed to be used by the general public or professionals in an emergency,” said Melinda Plaisier, associate commissioner for regulatory affairs at the FDA. “People rely on these devices to work when needed. By not adequately addressing corrective and preventative actions with their AEDs in a timely manner, Philips distributed adulterated products that put people at risk.”
The consent decree requires Philips’ ECR business unit to cease operations at its Massachusetts and Washington facilities, with certain exceptions, until it completes corrective actions, including hiring a qualified third-party CGMP expert to inspect its ECR business unit to ensure it is fulfilling the QS regulation requirements of the FD&C Act. The expert will provide the FDA with a report on the company’s compliance and the agency will conduct an inspection of both manufacturing facilities before allowing Philips to resume manufacturing.
HHS activates aid for uninsured U.S. Virgin Islands residents needing medicine
Press release issued 11/ 2/ 17
https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2017/11/02/hhs-activates-aid-uninsured-us-virgin-islands-residents-needing-medicine.html
As part of the Trump Administration’s government-wide response to Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) activated its Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for the U.S. Virgin Islands to give residents access to the critical prescription medications they need. The program pays for prescription medications for people without health insurance who are affected by disasters. Thirteen pharmacies in the U.S. Virgin Islands participate in EPAP.
“This program provides vital assistance to people without insurance who rely upon certain prescription medicines to protect their health after disasters,” said HHS’ Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Robert Kadlec, M.D. “I encourage U.S. Virgin Islands residents who can use this assistance to take advantage of it to ensure they have an adequate supply of the medicines they need.”
At no cost to uninsured patients, those needing certain drugs during an emergency can obtain a 30-day supply at any of the EPAP participating pharmacies. Most pharmaceuticals listed in the Express Scripts database are available. For more information see http://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/planning/epap/Pages/formulary.aspx.
Patients can renew their prescriptions every 30 days while the EPAP is active.
They also can use the program to replace maintenance prescription drugs, specific medical supplies, vaccines or medical equipment lost as a direct result of the declared emergency or as a secondary result of loss or damage caused while in transit from the emergency site to the designated shelter facility.
EPAP provides an efficient mechanism for enrolled pharmacies to process claims for prescription medication, specific medical supplies, vaccines and some forms of durable medical equipment for eligible individuals in a federally identified disaster area.
Uninsured U.S. Virgin Islands residents affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria can call Express Scripts, 855-793-7470, to learn if their medication or specific durable medical equipment is covered by EPAP and to find a participating pharmacy.
President Donald Trump issued a major disaster declaration for the U.S. Virgin Islands on Sept. 21, 2017, due to Hurricane Maria.
ASPR leads HHS in preparing the nation to respond to and recover from adverse health effects of emergencies, supporting communities’ ability to withstand adversity, strengthening health and response systems, and enhancing national health security. HHS is the principal federal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.
Information on health, safety and HHS actions are available at www.phe.gov/emergency. Public Service Announcements with post-storm health tips are available at https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/psa/index.html. Residents in the continental United States are encouraged to provide these tips to family members and friends in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AT THE STATE LEVEL
DOH: Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages among teens declines
OLYMPIA – The recent 2016 Washington Healthy Youth Survey shows that teens are drinking fewer sugar-sweetened beverages in schools; a contributing factor is the Smart Snacks in School Program.
“We want our schools to be places where our kids thrive, and that includes providing them access to healthy, nourishing food and drinks. Programs such as the National School Lunch Program truly can make a difference in helping our kids feel ready to learn,” said Governor Jay Inslee.
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Newsroom/2017NewsReleases/17154HYSNewsRelease
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WORLD AND NATIONAL HEADLINES FROM REUTERS...
Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed detained in corruption inquiryRIYADH (Reuters) - Saudi authorities detained a billionaire global investor and the head of the National Guard as part of an anti-corruption purge that consolidates Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s hold on power.
Trump lands in Japan, says U.S. and allies are prepared to defend freedom
TOKYO (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump ramped up his tough rhetoric against North Korea when he arrived in Japan on Sunday, saying the United States and its allies are prepared to defend freedom and “no dictator” should underestimate U.S. resolve.
Riding high, Xi looks to soothe Trump as U.S. pressures China
BEIJING (Reuters) - When they met at U.S. President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in April, China’s President Xi Jinping found a way to charm the mercurial former real estate mogul. Trump hailed the “good chemistry” of the sunny summit in Florida and predicted “lots of very potentially bad problems will be going away.”
Neither George Bush voted for Trump, book author tells New York Times
(Reuters) - George H.W. Bush and his son George W. Bush did not vote for fellow Republican Donald Trump last year, says the author of a new book on the 41st and 43rd U.S. presidents in which they open up about their disapproval of the man now occupying the White House.
Trump says he recalls little about meeting where aide spoke of Russia
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Friday he did not remember much about a meeting last year with a former campaign aide who pleaded guilty last month as part of a federal probe into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election.
'He's such a dreamer:' Skepticism dogs U.S. envoy's North Korean peace efforts
WASHINGTON/SEOUL (Reuters) - Saddled with the toughest job in American diplomacy, the chief U.S. negotiator with North Korea stands between a U.S. president who insists he doesn’t want to talk and an enemy who shows no interest in listening.
NEWS STORY COMMENTARY
First Port Angeles, now Port Townsend Considers Smart Meters.
In Friday's edition of the Peninsula Daily News: Public outcry crops up over Jefferson County smart meter plan
Quoting the Article: " CHIMACUM — Jefferson County Public Utility District officials agreed to discuss potentially halting the rollout of new “smart meters” after a public meeting in which community members expressed health and privacy concerns as well as unease about the cost and longevity of the new meters.
The meeting Monday night lasted roughly three hours, with more than 100 community members in attendance, many of whom stood or sat on the floor in the Chimacum Fire Hall.
The rollout of the new smart meters was approved in March by PUD commissioners as an upgrade to the current mix of analog and digital meters, as well as a way to cut down on the utility’s carbon footprint.
However, at Monday’s meeting, a number of community members said they felt the project had been pushed through with little public input."
Editorial Comment: This all sounds to familiar, this was the same song and dance that Bonneville wanted the City of Port Angeles to install smart meters to utility consumers. Now Port Townsend is feeling our pain from the Jefferson County PUD wanting to change to a smart meter system, which many feel violates their privacy.
IS IT ANY WONDER WHY LOW TURN OUT!
NEWS STORY FROM. KONP RADIO: Ballot return at less than 20 percent for general election in Clallam County
PORT ANGELES – With six days to go to the general election, voter turnout in Clallam County is about 20 percent.
Through yesterday, about 10 thousand of the more than 51 thousand ballots sent out had been returned to the auditor's office for tabulation.
Editorial Comment: After the nightmare of the presidential election last year, one can understand why local elections this year is experiencing dismal turn out. There isn't any local candidates really to rally around due to many dropping from their campaigns, making candidates with questionable motives, and intentions having a free ride to various positions particularly in the City Council elections.
We have a Port Commissioner candidate who hid his residence, then bragging about how he defended his girlfriend from a stalker, during a public debate of all things, while the other Port Commissioner Candidate, likes to call special meetings at the drop of the hat continuely. So, like the presidential election last year no clear candidate who isn't having a free ride to elected postitions to really rally around.
The only bright spot in this local election as I see it are the propositions to vote for. Despite the lack of clear candidates, go out and vote, maybe some of these candidates can make the grade toward true leadership, and know how to conduct themselves accordingly.
THIS WEEK'S BIBLE STUDY
GOSPEL WAY: The Foundation of the Church: Jesus or the Apostles?
In Ephesians 2:20-22 Paul uses an illustration to describe the blessings we have in the church. In the context, he has referred to the church as a household or nation (v19). Now he refers to it as a temple. See the very similar example in 1 Peter 2:4-8.
He describes the foundation of this temple as the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus being the chief cornerstone. This is like 1 Peter 2:4-8 and Psalm 118:22 where Jesus is also said to be the chief cornerstone. Likewise, 1 Corinthians 3:11 says there can be no foundation other than Jesus Christ (cf. Matthew 16:18 where Jesus - not Peter - is the stone on which the church is built).
These other passages make clear that Jesus Himself is the foundation. The chief cornerstone was the foundational stone in ancient architecture, from which all measurements began, so every other stone was laid in relationship to the cornerstone. Clearly this position belongs to Jesus.
https://www.gospelway.com/topics/church/foundation-jesus-apostles.php
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