Describing “the most heartbreaking and horrific” accounts of sexual atrocities against girls and women in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, the Special Representative of the Secretary‑General for Sexual Violence in Conflict told the Security Council today that every woman or girl she had spoken with had either endured brutal assault or had witnessed sexual violence, including seeing women literally being raped to death.
Pramila Patten, reporting on her recent visit to Rohingya refugees in camps in Bangladesh, said those shocking accounts indicated a pattern of grave violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. Sexual violence was being used as a push factor for forced displacement on a massive scale, with some survivors being told to leave because they were not citizens of Myanmar. It was crucial that safe return of the Rohingya people be accompanied by basic security and guaranteed rights. Otherwise, the cycle of violence, impunity and forced displacement risked being repeated if the underlying conditions did not change.
She urged the Security Council to demand a swift end to the atrocities, to ensure accountability to perpetrators, to create conditions for a safe and dignified future for survivors and to ensure unhindered humanitarian. In addition, an impartial, independent mechanism for investigation of crimes should be created, with those found implicated in abuses removed from positions of responsibility and prosecuted. Commending the Government and people of Bangladesh for their efforts on behalf of the displaced Rohingya, she reported that, tragically, the displacement and abuses that drove it were still continuing. “Inaction is not an option,” she stressed.
Jeffrey Feltman, Under‑Secretary‑General for Political Affairs, said that although violence in Rakhine State had subsided, new Rohingya refugees continued to arrive in Bangladesh, including more than 36,000 unaccompanied children. The estimated number of refugees entering Bangladesh since 25 August was now exceeding 626,000. Welcoming the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Myanmar and Bangladesh, he urged all Myanmar leaders adopt measures to defuse tensions and create an environment for safe and dignified repatriation of refugees and internally displaced persons, including through interfaith initiatives.
The complex challenges in Rakhine required civilian‑military coordination, he emphasized. While the efforts by regional and other Member States in helping Myanmar address areas beyond Rakhine, including the peace process, were much appreciated, the 2020 elections would stand as an important test in the consolidation of the nation’s democratic institutions. The effort to achieve peace between the Government and various ethnic armed organizations was a cornerstone of that transition. The appointment of a Special Envoy by the Secretary‑General could strengthen the United Nations partnership with Myanmar in close consultations with interested Member States in the region and beyond, he said.
Myanmar’s representative emphasized that his Government did not condone human rights abuses and, if provided with concrete evidence, would take legal action against transgressors. His country had embraced the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State as a road map to solving the root causes of the problem and was committed to implementing those recommendations. However, noting the Security Council’s recent presidential statement on Myanmar, the approval by the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) of an almost identical draft text, as well as the Human Rights Council’s adoption of another draft resolution on the subject, he reiterated his country’s objection to such discriminatory and selective application of overlapping action.
Bangladesh’s delegate said his country was continuing to receive an average of 100 to 400 Rohingya people daily, with many of them arriving following alleged coercion to accept national verification documents designating them as Bengalis. Although his Government’s agreement with Myanmar was a critical first step, he cautioned that repatriation within a reasonable time frame must not be taken as license to prolong the process over an indefinite period. At the same time, he called on the Myanmar authorities to end divisive policies, including the State policy of treating the Rohingya as illegal immigrants, and he urged the Council to act as the custodian of the bilateral process, as well as the rights of the Rohingya people.
Council members welcomed the Memorandum of Understanding between Myanmar and Bangladesh and Myanmar’s commitment to implement the recommendations of the Advisory Commission. However, speakers also expressed concern at continued violence and human rights violations and called for accountability for the perpetrators of crimes, including sexual violence, as well as unhindered access for humanitarian workers. (read more from link source)
Remarks By President Trump and Vice President Pence at Signing Ceremony for Space Policy Directive - 1
WH press release issued 12/ 11/ 17THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much, Vice President Pence, for helping -- where's our Vice President -- great job, great job -- to restore American leadership in space. So important.
Cabinet members, General Selva, Deputy Secretary Shanahan, Acting Administrator Lightfoot, members of Congress, and the National Space Council, thank you all for being here.
And especially, Mike, as I said, I want to thank you. I know how active you've been and how important this is to you. So we appreciate it. Thank you very much.
We also welcome astronauts Christina Koch and Peggy Whitson. Christina, thank you. Peggy, thank you very much. Peggy recently returned from the International Space Station and has now spent an incredible 665 days in space. You'll have to explain that. That sounds tough. More than any other American; more than any woman ever.
Finally, we're honored to be joined by Apollo astronaut Jack Schmitt. Exactly 45 years ago, almost to the minute, Jack became one of the last Americans to land on the moon. Today, we pledge that he will not be the last. And I suspect we'll be finding other places to land in addition to the moon.
What do you think, Jack? Where's Jack? What do you think, Jack? We'll find some other places out there? There are a couple of other places, right?
MR. SCHMITT: Yes, we should. Learn from the moon.
THE PRESIDENT: We'll learn. The directive I'm signing today will refocus America's space program on human exploration and discovery. It marks an important step in returning American astronauts to the moon for the first time since 1972 for long-term exploration and use. This time, we will not only plant our flag and leave our footprint, we will establish a foundation for an eventual mission to Mars. And perhaps, someday, to many worlds beyond.
This directive will ensure America's space program once again leads and inspires all of humanity. The pioneer spirit has always defined America, and we're picking that up in many other fields. I think you see that. I think it's obvious. All you have to do is look at what's happening with the markets and all of the great things that are happening. We're leading in many different fields again, and it'll get more and more obvious as you go along.
After braving the vast unknown and discovering the new world, our forefathers did not only merely sail home -- and, in some cases, never to return. They stayed, they explored, they built, they guided, and through that pioneering spirit, they imagined all of the possibilities that few dared to dream.
Today, the same spirit beckons us to begin new journeys of exploration and discovery, to lift our eyes all the way up to the heavens, and once again imagine the possibilities waiting in those big, beautiful stars if we dare to dream big. And that's what our country is doing again: We're dreaming big.
This is a giant step toward that inspiring future and toward reclaiming America's proud destiny in space. And space has so much to do with so many other applications, including a military application. So we are the leader and we're going to stay the leader, and we're going to increase it many-fold. (read more from link source)
(page 2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO D.C
Kilmer Plan Securing Overtime for Shipyard Workers on Assignment to Japan Signed into Law
Press release issued 12/ 12/ 17WASHINGTON, DC—Overtime for shipyard workers on assignment overseas will continue to be paid through September 30, 2019 thanks to an extension secured by Representative Derek Kilmer. The congressman worked to secure the extension as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which was signed into law today.
“Our shipyard workers go all out for the country no matter where the job takes them. If they work overtime, they deserve to be paid overtime no matter where they’re clocked in,” Rep. Derek Kilmer said. “I have their back, and I’m glad the country does too.”
The NDAA also included a 2.4 percent raise for military service members, one of the largest raises in eight years. The raise was included in the annual defense bill, HR 2810, which authorizes funding for the military in fiscal year 2018
The NDAA was signed into law today by President Donald Trump. The NDAA directs the Department of Defense on how to spend its money for the next fiscal year, but Congress still needs to pass an appropriations bill to fund these programs. Congress must pass that legislation before December 22nd, when the government’s current spending bill is set to expire.
“I urge Congress to work together to pass a long-term budget and spending bill that funds the military and all of the other important things our government invests in before the end of the year,” Rep. Derek Kilmer said.
In addition to the pay raise and Kilmer’s overtime provision, the bill authorizes, among other things, investments in 13 new Navy ships, and $6 billion to in additional funds to be used for a missile defense program that is designed to counter North Korea, and to fix the destroyers USS Fitzgerald and USS John McCain, which were damaged earlier this year when they collided with ships in the Pacific in two separate incidents.
The collisions have been viewed by some as a consequence of the deep cuts to the military’s budget caused by sequestration. Without a long-term budget the Navy cannot develop a plan to regularly train sailors.
Citing Unknown Impacts on Students and Schools, Senators Murray and Cantwell Demand Delay of Net Neutrality Decision.
Press release issued 12/ 13 / 17(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate education committee, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and 20 U.S. Senators sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai urging him to consider how a free, fair and open internet provides our nation’s students with opportunities to learn and succeed. Senators requested Chairman Pai delay the proposed vote to undo net neutrality until he specifically addresses the impacts on students and schools—specifically those in rural or low-income communities, as well as how it will address education equity and the digital divide.
“By overturning the Commission’s current rules that preserve net neutrality and prevent internet service providers (ISPs) from blocking, throttling, or otherwise privileging lawful content, we fear that the Draft Order could harm our nation’s students and schools—especially those in rural and low-income communities,” the senators wrote. “We urge you to delay this monumental decision to dismantle net neutrality until you have fully examined the Draft Order’s impact on our nation’s students and their ability to learn.”
Allowing internet service providers to limit access and increase costs could increase the digital divide for students in rural and low-income areas, where their only access to the internet may be at a resource-constrained school or a public library. This decision could also hinder teachers’ and students’ ability to access educational materials from around the globe and make it more difficult for students with disabilities and English learners to receive a high-quality education. On December 14, the Commission is expected to vote along party lines in favor of Chairman Pai’s proposal, which will roll back the FCC’s current prohibitions against blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization and will give more power to internet service providers (ISPs).
Senator Murray’s Statement on First Conference Committee Meeting
Press release issued 12/ 13/ 17Thank you Chairmen Brady and Hatch, Ranking Members Neal and Wyden, and all of my colleagues on this conference committee.
"Honestly, I’m not even sure why we are here today.
"This has been a sham partisan process—a brazen partisan attempt to jam through legislation that would devastate our economy with as little scrutiny or debate as possible—and this dog-and-pony show of regular order today isn’t fooling anyone.
"Because let’s be very clear about what this tax plan would do—it’s pretty simple.
"The Republican tax plan would be a massive giveaway to the wealthiest Americans and biggest corporations.
"It would raise taxes on the middle class.
"It would increase health premiums for millions of patients.
"It would open up the pristine Arctic Refuge to drilling.
"It would blast a massive hole in our deficit—and put Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security in grave danger.
"And that’s just the start to the list of damages this horrific plan would do to families and the economy—I could go on and on.
"But I want to spend just a minute focusing on one aspect of this Republican tax plan—the truly devastating health care change that would raise families’ premiums, cause millions of people to lose coverage, and create even more chaos and instability in health care markets.
"Now, people have rejected every single Republican attempt to undermine their health care this year. So it’s worth asking—why are Republicans doing this again?
"The answer is simple: Republicans wanted to spend the savings from taking away millions of people’s health care on tax cuts for those at the top.
"Here is what will happen if this is jammed through, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office: Premiums will be ten percent higher each year, thirteen million people will lose coverage, and markets will get even more unstable—which experts have said could cause some communities to lose coverage options.
"And I want to be very clear: none of the bipartisan legislation being discussed would fix that.
"The health care stabilization bill I worked on with Chairman Alexander and Senator Collins’ reinsurance bill are both good bills that would help push back against President Trump’s sabotage of health care—but they won’t stop the premium increases, coverage losses, and chaos that the Republican tax bill would cause—and that’s assuming they could even pass through the Republican House.
"So I urge my Republican colleagues to take a step back here—and stop this sham process while they still have a chance.
"Tax reform is an area where we can find bipartisan consensus—where we can work together to help the middle class and call on the wealthy to pay their fair share.
"This plan doesn’t do that—it does the opposite—but Democrats are at the table and ready to get to work if Republicans listen to their constituents, reverse course, and set aside this devastating plan.
Cantwell, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Bill to Further Understand and Promote Development of Artificial Intelligence, Drive Economic Opportunity
Press release issued 12/ 12/ 17Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Todd Young (R-IN), and Ed Markey (D-MA), along with Representatives John K. Delaney (D-MD) and Pete Olson (R-TX), introduced first-of-its-kind legislation that would promote an enabling environment for the continued development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The forward-looking bill, known as the Fundamentally Understanding the Usability and Realistic Evolution of Artificial Intelligence Act of 2017 – or FUTURE of AI Act – establishes a federal advisory committee to examine and wrestle with the economic opportunities and impacts emerging AI technologies will have in many aspects of American life.
AI technologies are evolving in capability and application at a rapid clip. Yet, the United States currently has no federal policy towards AI and no part of the federal government has ownership of the advancement of this technology.
“We expect that artificial intelligence will be an incredibly transformative force for growth and productivity. We need to be ready for it,” said Senator Cantwell.
“Artificial Intelligence has the ability to drastically boost our economy,” said Senator Young. “As Americans continue to interact with this technology every day, and as its capabilities expand, it’s important that we study and prepare for AI’s continued use in our society.”
“While artificial intelligence holds the promise of providing goods and services more efficiently and effectively, increased automation has potentially broad negative impacts on our workforce and our privacy,” said Senator Edward J. Markey. “This bill serves as an important step in bringing together all stakeholders to better understand how this new technology will impact our lives. I thank Senators Cantwell and Young, as well as Representatives Delaney and Olson, for their partnership on this important bipartisan issue.”
“It’s time to get proactive on artificial intelligence,” said Congressman Delaney, co-chair of the House AI Caucus. “AI is going to reshape our economy the way the steam engine, the transistor or the personal computer did and as a former entrepreneur, I believe the impact will be positive overall. Big disruptions also create new policy needs and we should start working now so that AI is harnessed in a way that society benefits, that businesses benefit and that workers benefit. This bill starts the process, by bringing together experts and policymakers. As co-chairs of the AI Caucus, Rep. Olson and I are shining a spotlight on these issues and this bipartisan bill makes sure that both Congress and the Executive Branch get engaged on this topic. I thank Senator Cantwell, Senator Young and Senator Markey for their leadership in the Senate.”
Rep. Pete Olson said, “Artificial Intelligence has the power to truly transform our society, and as policymakers, we must be forward thinking about its applications. The AI Advisory committee will help ensure that the federal government enables growth and advancement in this exciting field, while empowering Congress to address potential AI issues going forward. I thank my AI Caucus Co-Chair John Delaney and our Senate colleagues for this collaborative effort and look forward to moving this bill forward.”
The FUTURE of AI Act names the Department of Commerce responsible for leading government policy on artificial intelligence and directs the Department to create an advisory committee tasked with submitting recommendations within 18 months on how the government and business can work together to address concerns in four key areas:
Potential growth, restructuring, and other changes for the U.S. workforce that result from adoption of AI, including potential actions to train and skill workers for an AI workplace
Protecting the privacy rights of individuals as AI continues to grow
Promoting a climate of innovation to ensure global competitiveness for American companies developing AI technologies
Supporting the development and application of unbiased AI
The AI advisory committee will pull from a wide array of sectors and perspectives. The committee will be comprised of civil liberties groups, labor groups, research institutions and universities, technology companies, the manufacturing sector, data scientists, and federal agency officials, among others.
"This is a very thoughtful and timely bill. Gaining the expertise to make wise and inclusive policy around artificial intelligence is absolutely critical. I applaud Senator Cantwell and her co-sponsors for their leadership,” said Ryan Calo, an associate professor at the University of Washington School of Law and the faculty co-director of the University of Washington Tech Policy Lab.
Editorial comment: Life imitating art? Reminds me of Battlestar Galactica, Cylons are coming! I've seen news stories about androids (robots) all over Face book, and some newspapers like New York Post, unreal, but who knows me may actually have android robots doing our bidding, in the distant future, in essence slaves!
( page 3) NEWS FROM OLYMPIA
Leading in the maritime sector: Washington launches Maritime Blue 2050 initiative--From the Governor's blog page 12/ 12/ 17
Ocean health and new technologies will play major roles in the future of the maritime industry, and state leaders want Washington’s $37.8 billion maritime sector and its nearly 70,000 employees to help lead the way.
Gov. Jay Inslee visited Seattle today to help launch the Washington Maritime Blue 2050 initiative, the first initiative of its kind in the United States to bolster innovations in the maritime sector that create living-wage jobs, protect the environment and ensure sustainability for the industry. Imagine ships and passenger ferries powered by electricity, zero-carbon-emission port terminals, more investments in research and development, and increased workforce training.
Studies predict that in coming decades, scientific and technological advances will play a crucial role in addressing ocean-related environmental challenges and ocean-based economic activities. Every segment of the state’s maritime sector will face changes, prompting leaders in government, research, businesses and academic communities to get involved in the initiative.
Washington’s maritime sector includes commercial fishing and seafood, recreational boating and sport fishing; shipping and cargo handling; shipbuilding, repair and maintenance; passenger ferries; military and defense; marine technologies; and maritime support businesses.
The initiative was made possible by a $500,000 grant to the Washington State Department of Commerce from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Regional Innovation Strategies program.
A key part of the initiative will involve training maritime workers for the science- and tech-heavy jobs of tomorrow. This is especially important as the industry faces a critical “age wave” in its workforce, with significant numbers of workers getting ready to retire in the next 10 to 15 years.
“Maritime activity has long been a pillar of our state’s economy, and we are uniquely positioned to lead the country in maritime innovation,” Inslee said. “This initiative allows us to show the nation that we can adopt new management practices and clean technologies while creating living-wage jobs for Washingtonians.”
Officials from the Washington State Department of Commerce, the Maritime Innovation Advisory Council and Norwegian based DNV-GL — a global maritime firm that is leading in maritime innovation — joined Inslee for today’s event. The advisory council will develop a comprehensive vision and strategic plan for the initiative. (read more from link source)
WA DEPT. OF REVENUE: New phone scam targets Washington businesses
OLYMPIA, Wash. – Dec. 5, 2017 – The Washington Department of Revenue is warning businesses to be aware of a new telephone scam.The scammers fraudulently claim to be from Revenue and request over-the-phone payment to renew expired business licenses.
Revenue will never ask for or take payment for license renewals over the phone. The department mails businesses a notice about six weeks before their renewal is due and a delinquent notice a week after the license expires.
License renewals should be made through a business’s secure My DOR account.
Businesses that receive one of these fraudulent calls and want to check their license status should visit the My DOR website at http://secure.dor.wa.gov and log in to review their account information.
If a business is unsure about correspondence with the Department of Revenue or has questions related to this scam, they are asked to call 1-800-451-7985.
https://dor.wa.gov/about/news-releases/2017/new-phone-scam-targets-washington-businesses
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He's in your corner
Daily Bible Verse: Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”
Luke 1:26-28 NKJV
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