THE INSANITY CONTINUES OVER PLASTIC BAGS!

*****FRONT PAGE NEWS STORY COMMENTARY******

This story appeared in the local paper, The Peninsula Daily News entitled: State Legislature about to warm up after snow; Local lawmakers discuss plastic bags, jobs, death penalty.

Quoting from the article: " The three Peninsula lawmakers said they would support a bill that would prohibit many stores from providing non-compostable, single-use plastic bags.
Under House and Senate bills that have moved past initial hearings, stores would be required to collect a 10-cent charge for each recycled paper bag provided at checkout.
The cities of Port Angeles and Port Townsend have enacted similar laws — the Port Angeles City Council passed its ordinance by 4-3 vote last April — that require stores to charge 5 cents for a paper bag.
Van De Wege said the law would need to be consistent across the state.
“I favor it at this point,” Van De Wege said.
“First of all, it’s low-hanging fruit to help our environment. I like that. And it also brings value to timber.”
Chapman said it would be “really good for our mills to have more paper bags being used.”
“I’m not a big fan of the fee,” Chapman said of the mandatory 10-cent charge for a paper bag.
“I view that as ‘So, your going to take a dime out of shoppers’ pockets and give it to the large corporations?’ It’s like a reverse tax. I’m going to try to mitigate the fee.”

Editorial Comment: Yet again, we are doing the bidding of environmental extremist who are bent on controlling what shoppers use for bringing home the groceries. Now if you happen to not bring your cloth shopping bag, you'll be zinged by the state 10 cents for each paper bag. The article didn't say that would be on top of the 5 cent fee that local stores already charge, or not. So were left wondering about that. Now, this is a state wide feel good measure, which doesn't consider those cloth bags, that they all talk so highly about ware out, and end up being thrown out, cause just as much pollution in the landfills, as the store bought garbage bags! So what good does banning plastic shopping bags do, other than making the environmentalist feel good?

NO CHILD SHOULD ENDURE ABUSE IN SCHOOL, OR AT HOME!

WE THE PEOPLE
Please ban corporal (physical) punishment in all public schools by federal law; it's still legal in 19 states.
Please ban corporal punishment (spanking, paddling, and any form of physical punishment) in all U.S. public schools by federal law. It is still legal in 19 states. Over 100,000 students are subjected to corporal punishment in these states each school year which research shows has negative effects on children. Together, we can help make all public schools safe places to learn without fear of physical punishment. ( petition link)

Editorial Note: I support this ban because back when I was in the 5th grade, going to school was a nightmare. This was back when I lived in Vermont, and was living in a group home for the disabled, at the time. They had a teacher come in and taught school. He turned out to be an abusive brute, particularly towards me. Whenever I got a math lesson wrong, or some other lesson he was teaching wrong he would hit me with a yard stick on my hands or head! That's probably didn't do so well in school from then on, the fear of being beaten if I got a problem incorrect. That is why I support this petition. No kid deserves being beaten for any reason, in school or at home.

Kilmer and Brooks, Co-Chairs of Bipartisan Working Group, Introduce Fixes to Ongoing VA Healthcare Challenges

Press release issued  2/ 19/ 19 (link source)

WASHINGTON, DC—Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Susan W. Brooks (R-IN), co-chairs of the Bipartisan Working Group (BPWG) have re-introduced a bipartisan package of fixes to ongoing challenges faced by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in delivering quality care to veterans. The solutions stem from a series of Government Accountability Office (GAO) studies that uncovered problems at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

 Last Congress, members of the BPWG met with the GAO to learn more about their oversight of VA healthcare programs and the VA’s ongoing efforts to adopt best practices. So far, the VA has failed to fully implement hundreds of GAO recommendations for improving access to care and management of VHA facilities.

“We owe it to those who have served our nation to not let partisanship or gridlock get in the way of providing veterans the care they have earned,” said Kilmer. “The Bipartisan Working Group is committed to finding consensus and solving problems, like those that have been plaguing the VA. I’m proud to have worked with my colleagues from both parties on this legislation.”

“Supporting our nation’s both male and female veterans and working to ensure they receive better access to the services and care they’ve earned is a priority on both sides of the aisle. The Accountability for Quality VA Healthcare Act works to improve the VA’s broken system so that we can better serve our veterans. I’m proud the Bipartisan Working Group is dedicated to solving problems together and providing our veterans with the care they deserve,” said Brooks.

The Accountability for Quality VA Healthcare Act (HR 1125) would require the VA to implement some of the highest-priority recommendations identified by the GAO, including:

Physical Security at VA Medical Facilities: This provision creates a pilot project that would bolster security at VHA facilities.
Align VA facilities with the Needs of Veterans: This initiative requires a report from the VA Secretary within 90 days of enactment that evaluates facilities across the department and whether they need to be changed to better help veterans.
CBOC Leasing Handbook: This directs the creation of an updated handbook on best practices to ensure that the process for opening new outpatient clinics runs smoothly.
Improve Access to Care for Our Female Veterans Act: This section ensures the VHA conducts thorough inspections of medical facilities to make sure they have necessary medical supplies and equipment for women, who represent nearly 15 percent of the Armed Forces currently serving.
Veterans Wait Times: This initiative revamps the VHA’s scheduling department. It would require a routine assessment for scheduling needs and a clear strategy on how to retain employees in this space and make sure technology is up to date.
VA Nursing Recruitment and Retention Improvement: This section establishes an annual report that would provide information on whether the VHA is hiring and keeping enough qualified nurses.
Founded in 2011, the Bipartisan Working Group is an informal member organization that seeks to address policy problems in a respectful and open-minded fashion. Meeting once a week, representatives from both political parties build relationships across the aisle by supporting member initiatives, discussing each other’s perspectives on pending legislation, and developing solutions to mutually identified issues. 

WORLD NEWS🌏 HEADLINES

( From the UN News Center & other sources)

Moving from a promise made in Sweden towards hope for peace in Yemen.
“Significant progress” is being made in implementing the deal reached in Stockholm last December between Government and Houthi leaders in Yemen, according to United Nations Special Envoy Martin Griffiths.

UN agriculture agency chief calls on world’s mayors to make ‘global commitments local realities’
At a time of rapid urbanization, cities face challenges that are global in nature but require “the full engagement of local authorities” for multilateral solutions, the head of the United Nations agriculture agency told a special gathering of mayors on Tuesday.

Not enough resettlement solutions for refugees worldwide, says UN.
Despite record numbers of people forcibly displaced across borders, with 1.2 million in need of a new permanent place to call home last year, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) released new data on Tuesday showing that only 55,700 of them – 4.7 per cent – were able to be resettled in 2018.

UN rights chief ‘alarmed’ by upsurge in attacks against civilians in Syria’s Idlib.
Civilians in Syria's north-western city of idlib continue to be used “as pawns”, caught in the crossfire of bombardments by the Government and its allies, and attacks by non-State armed groups, the United Nations human rights chief, Michelle Bachelet, warned on Tuesday.

Myanmar and UN agriculture agency agree framework to improve nutrition and food security.
The Myanmar Government and the UN’s agriculture agency signed on Tuesday a multi-year agreement that will create conditions to help improve nutrition and food security in the south-east Asian country, while safeguarding and sustainably managing the use of natural resources.

🌍IN THIS WEEK'S EDITION🌎

PAGE 2
WH: Text of Space Policy Directive-4: Establishment of the United States Space Force.



PAGE 3

Remarks by President Trump on the National Security and Humanitarian Crisis on our Southern Border.



PAGE 4

Miami Medical Clinic Owner Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud Scheme


PAGE 5

Mississippi Woman Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud, Money Laundering and Tax Evasion Charges for Role in $200 Million Compounding Pharmacy Scheme.



PAGE 6
Members of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Announced



PAGE 7

Inslee responds to loss of dairy cows in Yakima County with emergency funding.


NIGHT  OWL COMICS PRESENTS

Remarks by Vice President Pence to U.S. and Polish Armed Forces of the 33rd Air Base | Warsaw, Poland.

White House press release issued 2/ 13/ 19 (link source)
VICE PRESIDENT PENCE:  President Duda, Madam First Lady, Minister Błaszczak, and to all the members of the Armed Forces of Poland, all the members of the Armed Forces of the United States of America: Thank you for this inspiring welcome to the great nation of Poland.  (Applause.)

And before I begin, would you join me in showing your appreciation — I couldn’t be more proud of her — my wife of 33 years, a Marine Corps mom, but someone who you just heard is dedicating her time and her energy to supporting military families and spouses.  Join me in thanking the Second Lady of the United States of America for her presence and her inspiring words.  (Applause.)

Mr. President, it’s an honor to be here in Poland, a bastion of freedom in Central Europe, to address the Armed Forces of the United States and the men and women of the 33rd Air Base in Powidz.

And to the men and women of the Polish Armed Forces who are here today, from the bottom of my heart, on behalf of the American people and on behalf of all the men and women in the uniform of the United States who stand shoulder to shoulder with you, thank you for standing strong in the defense of freedom.  (Applause.)

I couldn’t be more proud of all of the Americans who are serving here.  Nearly 5,000 strong deployed here across Poland as a part of our strong and unbreakable alliance through NATO.  But I must say, I take particular pleasure, Mr. President, in the fact that there are a number of service members here from my home state of Indiana, my fellow Hoosiers.  (Applause.)  Deployed six months ago, the men and women of the 252nd Support Maintenance Company of the Indiana National Guard — I’ll tell you, the home state is proud of you and so am I.  Thank you for your service.  (Applause.)

And to all my fellow Americans who are here, to all of our friends across Poland, let me bring greetings from a great admirer of Poland and the Polish people, a great admirer and friend to your President.  I bring greetings from the leader of the free world and the 45th President of the United States of America, President Donald Trump. (Applause.)

The President asked me to be here in Poland simply to say thank you.  First and foremost, thank you to all of you for stepping up to serve, for standing united to defend our freedom and our collective security.  You come from the rest of us, but you are the best of us.  You are heroes all.

And as the Second Lady just said, we’re especially grateful to your families back home.  They serve as well, and I hope before the day is out, you’ll send them word that they have our thanks and our admiration as well.

I’m happy to report to my fellow Americans here that, since the first day of this administration, President Trump has been taking decisive action to strengthen the Armed Forces of the United States, to rebuild our military, restore the arsenal of democracy.  And we have made the strongest fighting force in the history of the world stronger still.  (Applause.)

Just in the past two years, President Trump signed the largest investment in our national defense since the final days of the Cold War.  And if you didn’t notice, we gave our troops the biggest pay raise that you received in nearly 10 years.

We released a national security strategy advancing peace across the wider world, as well — peace through American strength, and the strength of strong alliances with freedom- loving nations around the world.  We initiated the modernization of our nuclear arsenal.  And just last month, President Trump unveiled our nation’s new strategy for missile defense.

But I’m here in Poland, and before the week is out, I’ll travel to Munich in the coming days to bring a message, on behalf of our President, to the people of Poland, and to freedom-loving people everywhere.  And it’s simply this: We are with you, we will stand with you, and the United States of America stands with Poland as a part of the most successful mutual defense alliance in the history of the world, and we always will.  (Applause.)

Under President Trump, the United States will always put the security and prosperity of America first.  But as the President has made clear, and as all of you demonstrate each and every day, America first does not mean America alone.  And the United States will always stand with the people of Poland — just, frankly, as we’ve done through the long and storied history of friendship that ties together our two nations together. (continued on page 2)

****FRONT PAGE COMMENTARY****
ANTI SEMITISM AS NO PLACE IN CONGRESS.
Or anywhere for that matter!
Related news story: Trump Calls for Resignation of Congresswoman Accused of Anti-Semitic Comments. VOA NEWS

Quote: " Congresswoman Omar contended in a string of Twitter comments Sunday that a pro-Israel lobbying group in the United States, the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee, is buying off lawmakers to support the Jewish state.
She claimed the lawmakers' support for Israel was being driven because of financial support from AIPAC, even though the nonprofit organization does not directly make campaign donations to U.S. politicians."

Editorial Comment:  Congress doesn't need those who spew anti-antisemitism, like Omar, or any of the other congressional representatives.
That's why I support this petition:
WE THE PEOPLE ASK THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO CALL ON CONGRESS TO ACT ON AN ISSUE:
Petition To Remove Democrat Ilhan Omar From the Foreign Affairs Committee and then expelled from Congress.
Ilhan Omar is a fraudster and perjurer and a threat to National Security. She married her brother to gain citizenship into the USA and then denies that this happened. This is a sham marriage and is one that is entered into in order to get around ("evade") the U.S. immigration laws. (Petition link)


LINKS:
https://www.uscis.gov/ilink/docView/SLB/HTML/SLB/0-0-0-1/0-0-0-29/0-0-0-...

https://www.ice.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Document/2016/marriage...

She has recently asked for leniency in sentencing for nine Somalis found guilty of attempting to join ISIS. She has also requested for defunding Homeland Security.
She is NOT a representative of the United States but is seeking her own personal anti-Semitic agenda.
Request for her removal from Congress immediately.


But, again only those who are in her district can demand a recall.

Other related headlines:
THE HILL:  Omar fires back after Trump calls for her resignation: 'You have trafficked in hate your whole life'.

PJ MEDIA: Politico: GOP Risks Backlash by Targeting AOC, Omar, and Tlaib.

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES

From the UN NEWS CENTER & OTHER SOURCES

‘New tech’ business model threatens decent work conditions, warns UN
Unemployment is down globally but workers’ conditions have not improved, the UN said on Wednesday, warning that some businesses driven by new technology “threaten to undermine” hard-won social gains of recent decades.

Radio still a powerful worldwide tool for ‘dialogue, tolerance and peace’: Guterres.
Radio is a powerful tool that continues to promote “dialogue, tolerance and peace,” United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said in message on Thursday, marking World Radio Day.

‘Shared responsibility’ to stop 420,000 needless deaths from tainted food each year, UN, world leaders warn
Each year, food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins or chemicals cause more than 600 million people to fall ill, and 420,000 to die worldwide, prompting a call from world leaders on Tuesday for greater international cooperation to make the food chain safer.

Boat made of recycled plastic and flip-flops inspires fight for cleaner seas along African coast.
After completing a historic 500km journey from the Kenyan island of Lamu to the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar, the world’s first ever traditional “dhow” sailing boat made entirely from recycled plastic, known as the Flipflopi, has successfully raised awareness of the need to overcome one of the world’s biggest environmental challenges: plastic pollution.

Civilians ‘continue to pay highest price’ in Ukraine conflict, with peace prospects losing ‘momentum’
“Civilians continue to pay the highest price” arising from Ukraine’s on-going conflict with separatist rebels in the east, the UN Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator told the Security Council on Tuesday, a conflict which is still claiming lives.

🌍IN THIS WEEK'S EDITION🌏

PAGE 2
 President Donald J. Trump Is Accelerating America’s Leadership in Artificial Intelligence.

PAGE 3
“The president is not above the law”: Laying Out Her Deep Opposition to President Trump’s Attorney General Nominee William Barr, Senator Murray Urges Senate Republicans to Protect Mueller Investigation.



PAGE 4

Murray, Cantwell & Colleagues Press U.S. Forest Service for Update on Wildfire Prevention, Fuels Treatment Efforts Following Trump Shutdown



PAGE 5

Interior Announces Region-Wide Oil and Gas Lease Sale for Gulf of Mexico.


PAGE 6


Kilmer, Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Fix America’s Election Watchdog


PAGE 7

Inslee statement on President Trump's emergency declaration.



NIGHT OWL COMICS PRESENTS

TRUMP GIVES HIS BELATED STATE OF THE UNION

But, despite of Sen. Pelosi's attempt to sandbag the President, he called for
Unity.
Watch the entire speech on CSPAN

The following is the text of the speech was was posted on the White House webpage 2.6.19

THE PRESIDENT:  Madam Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, the First Lady of the United States — (applause) — and my fellow Americans:

We meet tonight at a moment of unlimited potential.  As we begin a new Congress, I stand here ready to work with you to achieve historic breakthroughs for all Americans.

Millions of our fellow citizens are watching us now, gathered in this great chamber, hoping that we will govern not as two parties but as one nation.  (Applause.)

The agenda I will lay out this evening is not a Republican agenda or a Democrat agenda.  It’s the agenda of the American people.

Many of us have campaigned on the same core promises: to defend American jobs and demand fair trade for American workers; to rebuild and revitalize our nation’s infrastructure; to reduce the price of healthcare and prescription drugs; to create an immigration system that is safe, lawful, modern, and secure; and to pursue a foreign policy that puts America’s interests first.

There is a new opportunity in American politics, if only we have the courage, together, to seize it.  (Applause.)  Victory is not winning for our party.  Victory is winning for our country.  (Applause.)

This year, America will recognize two important anniversaries that show us the majesty of America’s mission and the power of American pride.

In June, we mark 75 years since the start of what General Dwight D. Eisenhower called the “Great Crusade” — the Allied liberation of Europe in World War II.  (Applause.)  On D-Day, June 6th, 1944, 15,000 young American men jumped from the sky, and 60,000 more stormed in from the sea, to save our civilization from tyranny.  Here with us tonight are three of those incredible heroes: Private First Class Joseph Reilly, Staff Sergeant Irving Locker, and Sergeant Herman Zeitchik.  (Applause.)  Please.  Gentlemen, we salute you.

In 2019, we also celebrate 50 years since brave young pilots flew a quarter of a million miles through space to plant the American flag on the face of the moon.  Half a century later, we are joined by one of the Apollo 11 astronauts who planted that flag: Buzz Aldrin.  (Applause.)  Thank you, Buzz.  This year, American astronauts will go back to space on American rockets.  (Applause.)

In the 20th century, America saved freedom, transformed science, redefined the middle class, and, when you get down to it, there’s nothing anywhere in the world that can compete with America.  (Applause.)  Now we must step boldly and bravely into the next chapter of this great American adventure, and we must create a new standard of living for the 21st century.  An amazing quality of life for all of our citizens is within reach.

We can make our communities safer, our families stronger, our culture richer, our faith deeper, and our middle class bigger and more prosperous than ever before.  (Applause.)

But we must reject the politics of revenge, resistance, and retribution, and embrace the boundless potential of cooperation, compromise, and the common good.  (Applause.)

Together, we can break decades of political stalemate.  We can bridge old divisions, heal old wounds, build new coalitions, forge new solutions, and unlock the extraordinary promise of America’s future.  The decision is ours to make.

We must choose between greatness or gridlock, results or resistance, vision or vengeance, incredible progress or pointless destruction.

Tonight, I ask you to choose greatness.  (Applause.)

Over the last two years, my administration has moved with urgency and historic speed to confront problems neglected by leaders of both parties over many decades.

In just over two years since the election, we have launched an unprecedented economic boom — a boom that has rarely been seen before.  There’s been nothing like it.  We have created 5.3 million new jobs and, importantly, added 600,000 new manufacturing jobs — something which almost everyone said was impossible to do.  But the fact is, we are just getting started.  (Applause.)

Wages are rising at the fastest pace in decades and growing for blue-collar workers, who I promised to fight for.  They’re growing faster than anyone else thought possible.  Nearly 5 million Americans have been lifted off food stamps.  (Applause.)  The U.S. economy is growing almost twice as fast today as when I took office.  And we are considered, far and away, the hottest economy anywhere in the world.  Not even close.  (Applause.)

Unemployment has reached the lowest rate in over half a century.  (Applause.)  African American, Hispanic American, and Asian American unemployment have all reached their lowest levels ever recorded.  (Applause.)  Unemployment for Americans with disabilities has also reached an all-time low.  (Applause.)  More people are working now than at any time in the history of our country — 157 million people at work.  (Applause.)

We passed a massive tax cut for working families and doubled the child tax credit.  (Applause.)

We virtually ended the estate tax — or death tax, as it is often called — on small businesses for ranchers and also for family farms.  (Applause.)

We eliminated the very unpopular Obamacare individual mandate penalty.  (Applause.)  And to give critically ill patients access to lifesaving cures, we passed, very importantly, Right to Try.  (Applause.)

My administration has cut more regulations in a short period of time than any other administration during its entire tenure.  (Applause.)  Companies are coming back to our country in large numbers thanks to our historic reductions in taxes and regulations.  (Applause.)

And we have unleashed a revolution in American energy.  The United States is now the number-one producer of oil and natural gas anywhere in the world.  (Applause.)  And now, for the first time in 65 years, we are a net exporter of energy.  (Applause.)

After 24 months of rapid progress, our economy is the envy of the world, our military is the most powerful on Earth, by far, and America — (applause) — America is again winning each and every day.  (Applause.)

Members of Congress: The state of our union is strong.  (Applause.)

AUDIENCE:  USA!  USA!  USA!

THE PRESIDENT:  That sounds so good.  (Laughter.)

Our country is vibrant and our economy is thriving like never before.

On Friday, it was announced that we added another 304,000 jobs last month alone — almost double the number expected.  (Applause.)  An economic miracle is taking place in the United States, and the only thing that can stop it are foolish wars, politics, or ridiculous partisan investigations.  (Applause.)

If there is going to be peace and legislation, there cannot be war and investigation.  It just doesn’t work that way.

We must be united at home to defeat our adversaries abroad.  This new era of cooperation can start with finally confirming the more than 300 highly qualified nominees who are still stuck in the Senate.  In some cases, years and years waiting.  Not right.  (Applause.)  The Senate has failed to act on these nominations, which is unfair to the nominees and very unfair to our country.

Now is the time for bipartisan action.  Believe it or not, we have already proven that that’s possible.

In the last Congress, both parties came together to pass unprecedented legislation to confront the opioid crisis, a sweeping new farm bill, historic VA reforms.  And after four decades of rejection, we passed VA Accountability so that we can finally terminate those who mistreat our wonderful veterans.  (Applause.)

And just weeks ago, both parties united for groundbreaking criminal justice reform.  They said it couldn’t be done.  (Applause.)

Last year, I heard, through friends, the story of Alice Johnson.  I was deeply moved.  In 1997, Alice was sentenced to life in prison as a first-time non-violent drug offender.  Over the next 22 years, she became a prison minister, inspiring others to choose a better path.  She had a big impact on that prison population, and far beyond.

Alice’s story underscores the disparities and unfairness that can exist in criminal sentencing, and the need to remedy this total injustice.  She served almost that 22 years and had expected to be in prison for the remainder of her life.

In June, I commuted Alice’s sentence.  When I saw Alice’s beautiful family greet her at the prison gates, hugging and kissing and crying and laughing, I knew I did something right.  Alice is with us tonight, and she is a terrific woman.  Terrific.  Alice, please.  (Applause.)

Alice, thank you for reminding us that we always have the power to shape our own destiny.  Thank you very much, Alice.  Thank you very much.  (Applause.)

Inspired by stories like Alice’s, my administration worked closely with members of both parties to sign the FIRST STEP Act into law.  Big deal.  (Applause.)  It’s a big deal.

This legislation reformed sentencing laws that have wrongly and disproportionately harmed the African American community.  The FIRST STEP Act gives non-violent offenders the chance to reenter society as productive, law-abiding citizens.  Now states across the country are following our lead.  America is a nation that believes in redemption.

We are also joined tonight by Matthew Charles from Tennessee.  In 1996, at the age of 30, Matthew was sentenced to 35 years for selling drugs and related offenses.  Over the next two decades, he completed more than 30 Bible studies, became a law clerk, and mentored many of his fellow inmates.

Now, Matthew is the very first person to be released from prison under the FIRST STEP Act.  (Applause.)  Matthew, please.  Thank you, Matthew.  Welcome home.  (Applause.)

Now, Republicans and Democrats must join forces again to confront an urgent national crisis.  Congress has 10 days left to pass a bill that will fund our government, protect our homeland, and secure our very dangerous southern border.

Now is the time for Congress to show the world that America is committed to ending illegal immigration and putting the ruthless coyotes, cartels, drug dealers, and human traffickers out of business.  (Applause.)

As we speak, large, organized caravans are on the march to the United States.  We have just heard that Mexican cities, in order to remove the illegal immigrants from their communities, are getting trucks and buses to bring them up to our country in areas where there is little border protection.  I have ordered another 3,750 troops to our southern border to prepare for this tremendous onslaught.

This is a moral issue.  The lawless state of our southern border is a threat to the safety, security, and financial well being of all America.  We have a moral duty to create an immigration system that protects the lives and jobs of our citizens.  This includes our obligation to the millions of immigrants living here today who followed the rules and respected our laws.  Legal immigrants enrich our nation and strengthen our society in countless ways.  (Applause.)

I want people to come into our country in the largest numbers ever, but they have to come in legally.  (Applause.)
No issue better illustrates the divide between America’s working class and America’s political class than illegal immigration.  Wealthy politicians and donors push for open borders while living their lives behind walls, and gates, and guards.  (Applause.)
Meanwhile, working-class Americans are left to pay the price for mass illegal migration: reduced jobs, lower wages, overburdened schools, hospitals that are so crowded you can’t get in, increased crime, and a depleted social safety net.  Tolerance for illegal immigration is not compassionate; it is actually very cruel.  (Applause.)

Tonight, I am asking you to defend our very dangerous southern border out of love and devotion to our fellow citizens and to our country. ( continued on pages 2, 3 & 4)

*****FRONT PAGE COMMENTARY*****

SEN. PATTY'S MURRAY'S  DANCE WITH THE DEVIL.

By Peter Ripley
The Devil's dance card must be filled up by now, over the recent events of last, and this week. You can add our own Washington State Senator Patty Murray, to that dancing list with the Devil. News reports, and chatter on Facebook were buzzing that Murray, blocked a bill that would prevent killing of babies moments after birth! How else can you describe something as evil in condoning killing of the innocence to absolve responsibility of an sinful act, and make laws that supports killing of a born baby, as dancing with the devil?
Now to be fair I checked the Senator's webpage to see if she posted a explanation for blocking the bill that would ban at birth abortions. Other what was reported on various news sources, that she didn't like the term "infanticide" being used. That's exactly the term to use infanticide, when giving an lethal injection to a new born baby, because the birth mother decides she didn't want it, for whatever circumstances for it. Or worse the "doctors" refuse giving care for the baby, when born. Sound barbarick? These unwanted children could be adopted into families what are loving, and are wanting children. But, instead abortionist would rather the baby to die, and tossed into the waste can as biotrash! That's the picture as I see it.

Related news story from the HILL: Senate Dems block Sasse measure meant to respond to Virginia bill.
Senate Democrats blocked abortion-related legislation on Monday night in the wake of a political firestorm sparked by a Virginia abortion rights bill last week.
Quote: " But Sasse was blocked by Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), who argued that U.S. laws already prohibit infanticide and warned that Republicans were misrepresenting the bill.  "We have laws against infanticide in this country. This is a gross misinterpretation of the actual language of the bill that is being asked to be considered and therefore, I object," she said. "

Other related headlines...

Senator Patty Murray D-WA Blocks Senate Bill Banning Infanticide.

Patty Murray lone senator to block ban on killing babies after birth

Democrats block Senate bill requiring medical care for babies that survive abortion

Senate Democrats Block Bill Prohibiting Infanticide

Senator Murray blocks after-birth abortion bill

Democrat Senator Patty Murray Blocks Infanticide Ban

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES

From the UN NEWS CENTER & Other sources.

UN rights chief ‘deeply concerned’ over Jehovah’s Witness sentencing in Russia.
The sentencing in Russia of a Danish Jehovah’s Witness on Thursday to six years in prison on charges of “organising the activity of a banned extremist organisation” has been described as a “dangerous precedent” by the UN human rights chief.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/02/1032151

Parliamentary bid to democratize Myanmar constitution a ‘positive development’ says UN rights expert.
A newly formed parliamentary committee to amend Myanmar’s problematic constitution was welcomed as a positive move on Thursday by Yanghee Lee, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the country.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/02/1032161

Rising landmine blast toll in Afghanistan highlights long-term care needs of survivors.
The number of casualties in Afghanistan from landmines and other explosives has more than tripled since 2012, the UN said on Wednesday, in support of a call to provide more long-term support for survivors.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/02/1032141

Guterres underlines climate action urgency, as UN weather agency confirms record global warming.
In the wake of data released by the United Nations World Meteorological Organization (WMO), showing the past four years were officially the ‘four warmest on record,’ UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for urgent climate action and increased ambition, ahead of his climate summit in September.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/02/1032121

With millions of girls ‘at risk’ today of genital mutilation, UN chief calls for zero tolerance.
Female genital mutilation, is “an abhorrent human rights violation” still affecting women and girls around the globe, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated in his message for the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, marked on Wednesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/02/1032061

IN THIS WEEK'S EDITION

PAGE 2
 Kilmer and Simpson Introduce LAND Act to Enhance Federal Investment in Public Lands.



PAGE 3
Kilmer, Bipartisan Lawmakers Re-Introduce Bill to Boost Access to Quality Health Care in Rural Areas.



PAGE 4
STATE OF THE UNION: Senator Murray Highlights Impact of Trump Shutdown on Washington State Workers and Families, Urges President Trump to Stop Holding Government Hostage and Work with Democrats to Make Progress for Working Families.





PAGE 5
Dept. of Interior: Energy Revolution Unleashed: Interior Shatters Previous Records with $1.1 Billion in 2018 Oil and Gas Lease Sales.






PAGE 6

Senator Murray and Congresswoman Jayapal to Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve and Expand Health Care Services for Survivors of Sexual Assault.



PAGE 7

Early Black Settlers of Olympia, Jamestown S’Klallam Heritage Honored By Board of Natural Resources.


NIGHT OWL COMICS PRESENTS

ACTS OF BARBARISM, AND SEXUAL DEVIANT BEHAVIOR, STARTED WITH THE SEXUAL REVOLUTION OF THE SIXTIES.

****FRONT PAGE COMMENTARY*****

Satan must be smiling Now!
By Peter Ripley, publisher.

With recent news reports during this week of the New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, allowing the murder of  unwanted newborn babies right at birth. Clearly an act of barbarism not seen since WW2, or even earlier than that in ancient days when mankind tossed away unwanted babies, leaving them to die in the wilderness by some wild animal, or sacrifice them to those pagan gods that are treated with such reverence in Hollywood these days.  Yes, the devil must be smiling.
Here is the press release from Governor Cuomo of New York State, along with the related news story:
Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation Protecting Women's Reproductive Rights
Quote: " Fulfills Promise to Sign Reproductive Health Act - A Central Part of Governor's 2019 Justice Agenda - Within First 30 Days of New Legislative Session
The Reproductive Health Act Ensures New Yorkers Can Make Personal Healthcare Decisions and Crucial Services Can Be Provided Without Fear of Criminal Penalty, Codifies Roe v. Wade into State Law.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today fulfilled his promise to sign into law the Reproductive Health Act, a key component of the 2019 Justice Agenda, within the first 30 days of the new legislative session. The Reproductive Health Act protects women's reproductive rights by ensuring New Yorkers can make personal healthcare decisions and medical professionals can provide crucial services without fear of criminal penalty. The legislation codifies Roe v. Wade into New York State law.

"In the face of a federal government intent on rolling back Roe v. Wade and women's reproductive rights, I promised that we would pass this critical legislation within the first 30 days of the new session - and we got it done," Governor Cuomo said. "Today we are taking a giant step forward in the hard-fought battle to ensure a woman's right to make her own decisions about her own personal health, including the ability to access an abortion. With the signing of this bill, we are sending a clear message that whatever happens in Washington, women in New York will always have the fundamental right to control their own body."

Related news story
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo Signs Law Legalizing Late-Term Abortion
(CNSNews.com) - New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed into law a bill on Tuesday that legalizes late-term abortion timed to coincide with the 46th anniversary of Roe v. Wade – the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion.

That is why I signed the following petition from WE THE PEOPLE:
"Petition to repeal New York's 'Reproductive Health Act': a Bill that allows for the legal murder of children up to birth.
At this point, those who align themselves with the democrat Party advocate for the murder of children- right up to the very moment before they take their first breath. It's an abomination." (petition link)


Editorial Note: If you thought that wasn't evil enough consider this article that generated seer disgust, it's bad enough that society has embarace sexual moral corruption consider this one from CBN NEWS: Scholar Calls Pedophilia 'An Unchangeable Sexual Orientation' that Should Be Accepted by Society

Quote" The online community erupted in outrage after a German medical student gave a TEDxTalk arguing that pedophilia is an "unchangeable sexual orientation" just like heterosexuality and that society should become more accepting of pedophiles.
Mirjam Heine defended her claims before an audience at the University of Würtzberg in Germany during a presentation called, "Why our perception of pedophilia has to change." She makes the extremely controversial claim that pedophilia is simply another sexual orientation."

Editorial Note: Is this the level of accepting sexual deviant behavior has led us to, where college students are actually advocating for pedophiles!? None of these sinful acts are new, they as old as the beginning of our world when sin entered the world through Adam and Eve. But in their case they didn't have willing agents to promote their sinful acts like we do through our movies and tv shows.
So, in keeping looking in our current culture and time, the sexual revolution of the late 60's paved the way for all kinds of sexual deviant behavior, and with the help of the media gain acceptance into society, like homosexuality, transexuals, and so forth read the history of this night mare we now live in today. You'll get the picture, when you accept give a wink and accept sexual sins like fornication, and adultery, even glamourising it on tv, and movies, others will want their day in the spotlight. Like what is happening now in our tv shows, and movies in regards to homosexuality, and transexuals. They are even trying to indoctrinate school kids into those lifestyles!

And that's where those kinds of twisted deviate thinking start in our universities and colleges. Fifty or sixty years ago these ideals were scorned, now with people that believe that there's no God, that opens the door for those kinds of sick demented thoughts to grow roots.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_revolution
Currently there's one religion in the world that actually allows marriage of young children to adults....Islam! So just like the idol worshipers of old, there's a religion that condones that kind of deviant behavior.
In essence we are committing the same kinds of barbarous, sinful acts that were probably done in the days of Noah! Think on that one! Back then the world was destroyed by water because of man's sinful nature, the next time it will be done by fire! This time the only way to salvation is through Christ Jesus.




Presidential Message to the Congress on Taking Additional Steps to Address the National Emergency with Respect to Venezuela.
White House press release dated 1/ 28/ 19
TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:

Pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), I hereby report that I have issued an Executive Order with respect to Venezuela that takes additional steps with respect to the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13692 of March 8, 2015, and relied upon for additional steps taken in Executive Order 13808 of August 24, 2017, Executive Order 13827 of March 19, 2018, Executive Order 13835 of May 21, 2018, and Executive Order 13850 of November 1, 2018.
The Executive Order I have issued accounts for the swearing in of a legitimate Interim President of Venezuela, and addresses actions by persons affiliated with the illegitimate Maduro regime, including human rights violations and abuses in response to anti-Maduro protests, arbitrary arrest and detention of anti‑Maduro protestors, curtailment of press freedom, harassment of political opponents, and continued attempts to undermine the Interim President of Venezuela and undermine the Venezuelan National Assembly.  The Executive Order amends subsection (d) of section 6 of Executive Order 13692, subsection (d) of section 3 of Executive Order 13808, subsection (d) of section 3 of Executive Order 13827, subsection (d) of section 3 of Executive Order 13835, and subsection (d) of section 6 of Executive Order 13850, to read:
“(d)  the term “Government of Venezuela” includes the state and Government of Venezuela, any political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, including the Central Bank of Venezuela and Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA), any person owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the foregoing, and any person who has acted or purported to act directly or indirectly for or on behalf of, any of the foregoing, including as a member of the Maduro regime.”
I am enclosing a copy of the Executive Order I have issued.
DONALD J. TRUMP.

Related ref. White House fact sheet: President Donald J. Trump Supports the Venezuelan People’s Efforts to Restore Democracy in Their Country.

RECOGNIZING THE LEGITIMATE GOVERNMENT OF VENEZUELA: The United States has officially recognized Juan Guaido as the Interim President of Venezuela.

President Trump officially recognized the President of the Venezuelan National Assembly, Juan Guaido, as the Interim President of Venezuela on January 23.
Venezuela’s National Assembly invoked the country’s constitution to declare Nicolas Maduro illegitimate and declared the presidency vacant.
Other governments in the region and across the world have joined the United States in recognizing Guaido as Venezuela’s Interim President.
The Administration has authorized Guaido to receive Venezuelan Government assets held at the United States Federal Reserve and other insured United States financial institutions.
Venezuela’s legitimate government, led by Guaido, must be allowed to safeguard its assets for the benefit of the Venezuelan people.
PRESSURING MADURO AND HIS CRONIES: The United States has imposed tough sanctions on Maduro and members of his previous regime.

President Trump signed an Executive Order to make clear that United States sanctions continue to target Maduro and his corrupt cronies.
The United States will not tolerate those who seek to undermine Venezuela’s democratic institutions and loot Venezuelan resources to enrich themselves at the expense of the people.
The Trump Administration is blocking assets in the United States owned or controlled by Venezuela’s state-owned oil company.
This action will further international efforts to disconnect Maduro and his cronies from their revenue sources, while preserving critical assets for the future of Venezuela.
More than 100 individuals, entities, and aircraft have been designated as blocked property.
The United States is confident that energy markets will remain well supplied despite reduced imports of Venezuelan oil.
Respected forecasters like the United States Energy Information Administration expect global oil supply to exceed demand in 2019 and 2020.
Over the next year, United States production is forecasted to increase to an all-time high of more than 12 million barrels per day.
STANDING WITH THE VENEZUELAN PEOPLE: President Trump stands with the people of Venezuela as they demand democracy, human rights, and prosperity denied to them by Maduro.

The United States continues to provide humanitarian assistance to the Venezuelan people.
Food and medicine have long been – and remain – exempt from our sanctions.
More than three million people have fled Venezuela since 2015 and the United Nations estimates that number may swell to more than 5.3 million by the end of 2019.
As of December 2018, there were more than 280 known political prisoners in Venezuela.
Venezuelans have suffered from violence at the hands of the security services, including extrajudicial killings and arbitrary arrests.
Mismanagement by Maduro led to hyperinflation exceeding one million percent in 2018, worsening already dire economic circumstances.

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES

(From the UN News Center & other sources)
Mass-graves found of at least 535 killed during ‘organized and planned’ inter-communal attacks in western DR Congo.
A preliminary UN investigation into a massacre reportedly carried out in western Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) last month, reveals that “at least 535 civilians were killed in four attacks”, the UN Mission in the country, MONUSCO, said on Wednesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/01/1031612

‘World’s deadliest sea crossing’ claimed six lives a day in 2018: UN refugee agency.
Six people died every day last year trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe – “the world’s deadliest sea crossing” - the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Wednesday, citing ongoing political deadlock over sea rescue and disembarkation.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/01/1031582

Human trafficking cases hit a 13-year record high, new UN report shows.
The latest Global Report On Trafficking In Persons, released on Tuesday by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) at UN headquarters in New York, shows a record-high number of cases detected during 2016, but also the largest recorded conviction rate of traffickers.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/01/1031552

Bigotry ‘moving at lightning speed’ Guterres warns, as UN marks the Holocaust.
Amid an “alarming increase” in anti-Semitism, International Holocaust Remembrance Day was commemorated at UN Headquarters in New York on Monday, honouring the memory of some six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust during World War Two, along with many other victims of what the UN chief called “unprecedented, calculated cruelty and horror”.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/01/1031442

Palestine refugee crisis ‘expanding’; leaving highest number at risk this century across Gaza.
“Alarming and expanding” problems affecting Palestine refugees, risk further destabilizing the Middle East, the head of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, UNWRA, said on Tuesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/01/1031562

IN THIS WEEK'S EDITION:

PAGE 2: Timothy Ballard: “I’ve Fought Sex Trafficking as a DHS Special Agent – We Need to Build the Wall for the Children”----OP Ed on Fox News, and shared on the White House webpage.

PAGE 3

Kilmer, Thompson, Klobuchar and Sasse Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Workers Save for Critical Skills Training they Need to Compete in the 21st Century Economy.

PAGE 4

Senator Murray Calls for Long-Term Funding for Critical Primary Care Programs That Serve Communities Across Nation, Including Communities in Washington State

PAGE 5

FTC Imposes Conditions on Staples’ Acquisition of Office Supply Wholesaler Essendant Inc.

PAGE 6

Senator Murray Cosponsors Legislation to Prevent Trump Administration from Politicizing Census with Citizenship Question

PAGE 7

To help salmon migrate, Ecology issues proposal allowing more water to spill over dams.

NIGHT OWL COMICS PRESENTS

A new story! The Legend of the Night Owl begins