Why am I bothering telling about my views on Games of Thrones?

****Front Page Commentary****

Editorial Comment by Peter Ripley, Publisher.

First of all before anyone gets any ideal I don't know what I'm talking about, or I have no right to make comments about a tv show I hardly watched. First for the sake of being fair I logged on the HBO web page and tried watching the very first episode of the first season of the program, to educated myself of the subject of what I was drawn to write about this week, simply because the talk on Face book, and other news outlets were all about the ending of the eight seasons of too much nudity, and sex! All I had to do is to watch the first 15 minutes of the show to get a vibe what this latest production from HBO was going to be about. This is nothing new coming from HBO that created shows like: “Deadwood, and Vikings” which started out innocent to a degree, than quickly turn to a smut show. I am not perfect by no means God knows, I was just wanting to see a good program without the in your face sex and gore which seem unending. Now I tried watching the other two shows I mention, all of them left me with the feeling I need to take a shower after words. 

I just don't know what has watching women being raped, or some guy being sliced up like a fish be considered entertainment. I'm not suggesting  these evil deeds are to ignored in real life, why do we need to see it on our TV screens?
I say I could probably tell similar stories of fantasy , or any other venue, without using sexual content, or graphic violence to tell the story, I imagine if Christian writers had a hand in creating, and writing a good medieval-fantasy   tv show it would be worthy to watch, instead of the latest HBO “ sewer” edition with the Game of thrones show.

I'm not the only critic of the show who thinks there was just to much nudity, sex, and graphic violence.

Related stories:

The Grunge: Why Game Of Thrones has become unwatchable


 THE WEEK: Game of Thrones  is bad ・and bad for you



AU DAILY: 'Game Of Thrones' Is Not As Good As Everyone Thinks It Is.



Then I ask myself the question again why bother even writing this commentary?
Maybe because if it weren't for all the sexual assaults in it, that in real life would end up with the perpetrators in prison or otherwise punished, was lacking in this show going on, which treated such acts with depraved indifference that got to me.  To me every evil act, theirs consequences for those acts. In Games of Thrones apparently there wasn't any! Or maybe it's  because it fosters and encourages the fans possibly show the same disregard as the show depicts depraved indifference to acts that normal people find appalling in real life continued to watch the show for eight years!
In short I wouldn't spend good money for bad entertainment like this show!
People who likes this kind of smut are not Christians, or even have human common decency. It says a lot about how morally bankrupted we've become culturally speaking.




***************IN OTHER NEWS*******************

Rep. Kilmer Votes for the Equality Act

Press release issued 5. 17. 19
https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-kilmer-votes-for-the-equality-act
Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) voted to support H.R. 5, the Equality Act. This bipartisan legislation, which received the support of 236 Members of the House, ensures LGBTQ Americans are guaranteed full protections of federal civil rights laws by extending anti-discrimination protections with regard to employment, education, access to credit, jury service, federal funding, housing and public accommodations.

“Every American deserves to have access to the same basic civil rights, regardless of who they are or whom they love,” said Rep. Kilmer. “I’m proud to represent a state that provides protections to ensure that LGBTQ Washingtonians don’t face discrimination, but it’s important that Congress passed vital legislation today to extend anti-discrimination protections to LGBTQ Americans in every corner of the nation. Fairness and equality are core American values, and our LGBTQ friends and neighbors should be guaranteed the same basic civil rights and opportunities as anyone else - whether they’re dealing with employment, education, credit, jury service, federal funding, housing, or starting a family.”

In the United States, only 21 states have explicit laws barring discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, housing, and public accommodations, and only 20 states have such protections for gender identity. In many states, a same-sex couple can get married one day and legally denied service at a restaurant, be fired from their jobs or evicted from their apartment the next. The existing patchwork of legal protections for LGBTQ people leaves millions of Americans subject to uncertainty and potential discrimination.

The Equality Act amends existing federal civil rights laws, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Fair Housing Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Jury Selection and Services Act, and several laws regarding employment with the federal government, to explicitly prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in education, employment, housing, credit, Federal jury service, public accommodations, and the use of Federal funds.

The Equality Act is supported by hundreds of organizations, including: Human Rights Campaign, AFL-CIO, American Bar Association, Americans Federation of Teachers, American Medical Associations, American Psychological Associations, American School Counselor Associations, BSA | The Software Alliance, Business Roundtable, Faith in Public Life, GLSEN, Interfaith Alliance, Lambda Legal, Microsoft Corp., NAACP, National Association of Realtors, National Association of School Psychologists, National Association of School Superintendents, National Fair Housing Alliance, National Restaurant Association, National Retail Federation, National
Women’s Law Center, PFLAG National, SAGE, Service Employees International Union, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, The Trevor Project, US Chamber of Commerce.

Editorial Note: Forcing what God says is an abomination lifestyle on others that in itself an abomination. Many say that this action would force churches to deny what God deems an abomination, to force the churches to conduct marriages of the LGBTQ community. Schools are being use to indoctrinate kids into the life style, undermining what parents, and churches on the subject. In my editorial I spoke of characters in a TV show showing depraved indifference toward others. It shows what happens to a society that has no moral code to live by, though the Game of Thrones is fantasy. It's far different when you have Congress showing depraved indifference toward God. ---Peter Ripley

The following are a few examples over the concerns that many feel of the new equality act:

Deceptive ‘Equality Act’ Raises Troubling Religious Freedom and Free-Speech Issues---CNSNews

The Equality Act Is a Time Bomb---National Review
" The Equality Act (H.R. 5) passed the House on Friday. The sweeping legislation would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics. But it goes further than that. Under the guise of anti-discrimination protections, the bill redefines sex to include gender identity, undermines religious freedom, gives males who identify as females the right to women’s spaces, and sets a dangerous political precedent for the medicalization of gender-confused youth."

House passes bill to extend civil rights to LGBTQ community--Washington Times

Inslee signs budgets that give big boosts to behavioral health, education, orcas, homelessness and clean energy

From the Governor's Medium page dated 5. 21. 19
https://medium.com/wagovernor/inslee-signs-budgets-that-give-big-boosts-to-behavioral-health-education-orcas-homelessness-and-1330d69ad0ed

Here’s a breakdown of how the budget will impact keys areas:
Education
Inslee thanked legislators for their efforts to significantly expand funding and support over the past several years for early learning, K-12 and higher education.
The new 2019–21 operating budget makes nation-leading higher education investments through the Workforce Education Investment Act. The act establishes a financial aid program that will help more than 110,000 students attend college for free or at a discounted rate.

Funds will guarantee the Washington College Grant (formerly called the State Need Grant) to all eligible students in the 2020–21 academic year. The new program will allow students from families of incomes up to $50,000 a year to attend college tuition-free, and expands eligibility for partial grants to students with incomes up to the state’s median family income (approximately $92,000 for a family of four)

The program provides the most flexibility of any free college program in the nation. It will better help part-time students who balance classes with things such as work, family care and health issues. The grants can serve students in registered apprenticeships and at any of the state’s private colleges and universities. The bill also allows attendance at college to qualify for the work commitment for those single parents in the Working Connections Child Care program, and extends the mandatory tuition waiver for dependents of service members who died as a result of service.

Behavioral health
Transforming Washington’s struggling behavioral health system has been one of Inslee’s top budget priorities. He laid out a plan to transform the state’s outdated facilities and model of care to one that emphasizes smaller, community-based facilities and services. This will ensure more patients can get better care.

One major challenge in the state’s system is the lack of appropriate placements for patients who are ready to leave the hospital but still require some level of support to stay well. The backup at the exit doors results in a backup of patients trying to enter. The budget will expand and create new discharge facilities in the community. The state hopes to secure approximately 600 placements in facilities such as adult family homes, state-operated living alternatives and newly-created intensive behavioral health facilities.

Southern Resident orcas and salmon recovery
Lawmakers approved many of the bold investments Inslee proposed to support recovery efforts for salmon and critically endangered South Resident orca populations. The operating, capital and transportation budgets will fund a wide range of programs and projects that will help restore habitat, reduce barriers to salmon migration, boost salmon hatchery production and expand pollution prevention and cleanup efforts.

Besides helping orcas and salmon, the more than $900 million investments will significantly benefit the region’s entire ecosystem and complement efforts to tackle climate change, improve water quality and more.

During the signing, Inslee expressed disappointment that legislators failed to fund culvert repairs, one of the most crucial investments for restoring spawning runs and aiding salmon recovery.

Homelessness
Affordability and availability of housing drive the rise of homelessness and impact communities all across the state. The current supply of low-income housing units isn’t sufficient to house low-income and vulnerable individuals and families.
Additional funding for the state’s Housing Trust Fund will build up to 4,100 new affordable housing units and preserve as many as 500 aging affordable housing units. These will serve a broad spectrum of vulnerable populations, including individuals with chronic mental illness who need supportive housing and case management services, homeless families, youth and individuals, veterans, farmworkers, seniors and individuals with special needs.

Meanwhile, local governments and homeless service providers will be able to provide rent assistance to about 1,000 additional vulnerable individuals. In addition, about 135 additional families will receive permanent supportive housing services from the state. (read more in the Link source)

On Day of Action to #StopTheBans, Senator Murray Calls for an End to Efforts to Undermine Women’s Health, Stands Up for Women’s Reproductive Rights

Press release issued 5. 21. 19
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=8F7579E3-E29C-4708-916B-41A66793EA81

(Washington, D.C.)  – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray, joined by 43 of her Democratic colleagues in the Senate, stood up for women’s reproductive rights—including the right to safe, legal abortion—and introduced a resolution supporting women’s reproductive rights in Washington state and nationwide. The resolution, which affirms Democrats’ support of women’s access to reproductive health care and women’s right to make their own health care decisions, comes on the heels of legislative efforts in Georgia, Alabama, and other states intended to undermine women’s reproductive rights and ultimately overturn Roe v. Wade. The move was one of many ways people across the country have stood up and spoken out against the efforts to undermine the constitutionally protected right to safe, legal abortion.

The resolution completes a day of action from Senator Murray on the issues of women’s health and reproductive rights. This morning, Senator Murray delivered a speech from the Senate floor opposing the recently passed abortion bans, and reinforcing her strong support for women’s access to health care that helps them plan their families and stay economically secure. Senator Murray then spoke at a rally outside of the Supreme Court, where she joined women, lawmakers, doctors, nurses, and other advocates to defend women’s health and constitutionally protected right to safe, legal abortion in the United States.

A staunch defender of women’s health, Senator Murray has fought diligently against President Trump and Republicans’ repeated attempts to circumvent women’s access to reproductive care. Recently, Senator Murray has spoken out against the Trump administration’s harmful and unethical rule jeopardizing the Title X family planning program, as well as other Republican attacks on women’s health and reproductive rights. As the top Democrat on the Senate health committee, Senator Murray has made women’s reproductive health one of her top priorities, working consistently to defend access to safe, affordable reproductive health care.

Related news stories:
Cantwell: If You Try to Take Away Constitutionally-Protected Reproductive Health Care, “You are Going to Hear From Us”
Press release issued 5. 21. 19
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-if-you-try-to-take-away-constitutionally-protected-reproductive-health-care-you-are-going-to-hear-from-us
“I believe, and my state believes, that access to health care should be and is protected under the Constitution as a right to privacy,” Cantwell said. “Anytime anybody is going to take on access to health care for women and erode what is a basic right in our state, and I believe a basic right protected in our Constitution, we are going to raise our voices. You are going to hear from us.”


Abortion Debate Leaves No Room between Extremes--National Review
https://www.nationalreview.com/2019/05/abortion-debate-polarized-dominated-extremes/

Activist Mommy Crashes Abortion Rally, Confronts Protesters with Graphic Photos of Aborted Babies---PJ MEDIA
https://pjmedia.com/trending/video-activist-mommy-crashes-abortion-rally-to-confront-them-with-truth/

Did Anti-Abortion Activists Overreach in Alabama?
In the On Politics newsletter: The president and some allies are distancing themselves from the Alabama abortion ban, worried that the law goes beyond what voters support.---NYT
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/20/us/politics/on-politics-alabama-abortion.html

Inslee expands drought emergency for nearly half of the state

Press release issued 5. 20. 19
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-expands-drought-emergency-nearly-half-state

Gov. Jay Inslee expanded the drought emergency declaration to cover nearly half of Washington state due to worsened, poor water supply conditions around the state and warmer and drier weather predictions through the summer.

Snow pack conditions are currently less than 50 percent of average for this time of year. Washington State Department of Ecology experts expect the warmer, drier weather will cause the already-diminished snow pack to melt more quickly, reducing water availability this summer when it is needed most for farms, communities and fish. Despite this past week’s rain, rainfall totals for the state remain below normal.

The following 24 watersheds are now added to the emergency drought declaration:

Chelan, Colville, Cowlitz, Deschutes, Elwha-Dungeness, Entiat, Grays-Elochoman, Kennedy-Goldsborough, Kettle, Lower Chehalis, Lower Skagit-Samish, Lower Yakima, Lyre-Hoko, Naches, Nooksack, Queets-Quinault, Quilcene-Snow, Skokomish-Dosewallips, Soleduc, Stillaguamish, Upper Chehalis, Upper Skagit, Wenatchee, and Willapa.

The governor announced the initial emergency drought declaration April 4 for the Methow, Okanogan and Upper Yakima basins.

“I appreciate Ecology’s work with partners around the state to prepare for drought and to position us to quickly react to those in need,” said Inslee. “As the climate continues to change, we must be proactive in taking steps to plan for those impacts.”

Residents served by the Seattle, Everett and Tacoma regional water systems can be assured that their water supplies are in much better shape. These public utilities report that they have sufficient water supply for people and fish this summer. Their water managers are watching the weather forecasts and encourage customers to continue to use water wisely.

“The emergency declaration allows us to expedite emergency water right permitting and make funds available to government entities to address hardships caused by drought conditions,” said Ecology Director Maia Bellon.

The 2019 Legislature appropriated $2 million for drought response. Ecology anticipates funding for public agencies for drought response will be available in early June.

There are two factors considered for any emergency drought declaration: Water supply conditions that are currently or projected to be at or below 75 percent of average, and a projection of undue hardships. The state last declared a drought emergency in 2015.

****WORLD NEWS HEADLINES*****

Preserving biodiversity vital to reverse tide of climate change, UN stresses on International Day
The food people eat around the world is becoming “alarmingly homogenous” according to UN data, even though access to a wide variety of nutritious food has never been greater. That warning comes as the world marks the International Day for Biological Diversity on Wednesday, which this year highlights the impact of environmental neglect on food security and public health. ---UN NEWS CENTER
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/05/1038961

With potential to boost profits by up to 20 per cent, a woman’s place is at work, says UN labour agency
Businesses perform better – sometimes by as much as 20 per cent – when they employ more women in top positions, UN labour experts said on Wednesday, warning nonetheless that most still pay lip-service to the idea of gender equality in the boardroom. ---UN News Center
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/05/1038951

UN highlights need to solve growing burden of forcibly displaced Africans
With 24.2 million Africans forced from their homes in 2017  ̶  4.6 million more than the previous year  ̶  the UN is hosting a three-day event at UN headquarters, focusing on finding durable solutions to the problem, which is a growing burden on the continent’s economy, environment and communities which host those displaced. ---UN News Center
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/05/1038911


Amidst high trade tensions and policy uncertainty, UN cuts economic growth forecast
Against a backdrop of unresolved trade tensions, high international policy uncertainty and softening business confidence, the UN on Tuesday announced a broad-based slowdown in the global economy and cut its growth predictions. ---UN News Center
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/05/1038931

 Children in crisis-torn eastern Ukraine ‘too terrified to learn’ amid spike in attacks on schools
Schoolchildren are bearing long-lasting mental and physical scars of eastern Ukraine’s conflict, the head of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Monday, as the agency warned of an “alarming” increase in attacks on schools during the first four months of 2019.---UN News Center
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/05/1038861

*********************In this week's edition***********


PAGE 2

 Reps. Heck & Kilmer Introduce PUGET SOS Act in U.S. House


PAGE 3

Reps. Kilmer, Herrera Beutler Secure Funding for Pacific Salmon Treaty and Mitchell Act Hatchery Activities.

PAGE 4

Louisiana Couple Pleads Guilty to Criminal Civil Rights Charges for Abusing Woman With Disabilities


PAGE 5

Manke Lumber Stormwater Settlement with EPA Will Reduce Water Pollution, Enhance Salmon Habitat

PAGE 6

Rep. Kilmer Introduces Broadband for All Act

PAGE 7
 SCIENCE FICTION COMES REALITY? WELL ALMOST.

IT WILL BE A DARK DAY INDEED WHEN CHRISTIANITY IS OUTLAWED IN THE US!!

Sounds far fetched? The signs are out there!

*****Front page Commentary, By Peter Ripley, Publisher*******
The persecution of Christians shouldn't be viewed as a curse among those of us who are Christians, it should be viewed as a blessing. Many people forget the word of our Lord in facing persecution by non-believers.
"Matt: 5:11: Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Should we surprised when we Christians are persecuted for the sake of our belief in Jesus Christ? NO! Christians been the target of persecution since Christ ascension back into Heaven, and sending out his apostles on their mission of preaching of the gospel to all the world. Ever since then the followers of Jesus Christ been hounded by the ruling powers of this world, and those who hate the very name of Christians.
Remember John 15: 18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."
This is why you see all these things happening to churches, and murdering of believers of Christians by non-believers, and mad men all over the world. China is saying that Christianity is a threat to their society, of course communist always attack anything that conflicts with their lust for power.
Why is this subject of persecution of Christians in America is getting the headlines?  Because for nearly 243 years America has been under a protected bubble call the Bill of rights the first amendment: "The First Amendment (Amendment I) to the United States Constitution prevents the government from making laws which respect an establishment of religion, prohibit the free exercise of religion, or abridge the freedom of speech, the freedom of the press, the right to peaceably assemble, or the right to petition the government for redress of grievances. It was adopted on December 15, 1791, as one of the ten amendments that constitute the Bill of Rights."
Now a days the protection of our basic right of freedom practicing our faith without persecution is in jeopardy! Plus one political party the Democrats seems to be on this road of giving one religion preferential treatment (The Muslims) above all others, including Christianity. That as already been started in some of our schools.
The following stories, and press release, reflect the trend of persecution of Christians in America, something we would have never believe could happen in America!

********************

Remarks by Vice President Pence at Liberty University’s Commencement
White House press release issued 5. 11. 19
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-vice-president-pence-liberty-universitys-commencement/

Editors note: The following are excerpts from the speech, read full context at source link.

VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: "The truth is, we live in a time when the freedom of religion is under assault.  Yesterday, I was informed by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom that today Christians suffer more persecution around the world than any other religion.  In fact, the United Kingdom released a report just last week that said persecution of Christians worldwide is “near genocide levels.”

In the last few months, we’ve seen unspeakable attacks on people of faith — on Jewish synagogues in Pennsylvania and California, on mosques in New Zealand, Christian churches in Sri Lanka, and on three historically black churches in Louisiana.
No one should ever fear for their safety in a place of worship, and these attacks on people of faith must stop.
One week ago, I was standing before the charred remains of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Louisiana.  And I must tell you, I was deeply inspired by the example of Pastor Gerald Toussaint.  He’s a pastor at one of the three churches that was burned.  But he was the one that said on the day that they arrested the arsonist, he said, quote, “We’ve got to forgive him.”  And Pastor Toussaint brought a community together with faith and grace.  They overcame evil with good.  And that’s the kind of faith we need to see more of in these divided times — faith that unites on a foundation of grace.

Because we live in a time when it’s become acceptable and even fashionable to ridicule and even discriminate against people of faith.  Dr. Carson just talked about it a few moments ago.

You know, it wasn’t all that long ago that the last administration brought the full weight of the federal government against the Little Sisters of the Poor merely because that group of nuns refused to provide a health plan that violated their deeply held religious beliefs.  And when the state of Georgia recently was debating legal protections for the unborn, a bevy of Hollywood liberals said they would boycott the entire state.
And when my wife Karen returned to teach art at an elementary Christian school earlier this year, we faced harsh attacks by the media and the secular Left.  And a major newspaper reporter actually started a new hashtag, called “Expose Christian Schools,” inviting students to share their “horror stories” of Christian education.

The freedom of religion is enshrined in our First Amendment and in the hearts of every American.  And these attacks on Christian education are un-American.
I’m proud to report our administration has already taken decisive action to protect religious liberty, and we’ll continue to do just that.  And I promise you: We will always stand up for the right of Americans to live, to learn, and to worship God according to the dictates of their conscience.
The American people cherish our tradition of religious education, and as President Trump said at this very podium two years ago, on our watch, “No one is ever going to stop you from practicing your faith or from preaching what is in your heart.”  That’s a promise.
But my message to all of you in the Class of 2019 is — derives of the moment that we’re living in today.  You know, throughout most of American history, it’s been pretty easy to call yourself Christian.  It didn’t even occur to people that you might be shunned or ridiculed for defending the teachings of the Bible.

But things are different now.  Some of the loudest voices for tolerance today have little tolerance for traditional Christian beliefs.  So as you go about your daily life, just be ready.  Because you’re going to be asked not just to tolerate things that violate your faith; you’re going to be asked to endorse them.  You’re going to be asked to bow down to the idols of the popular culture.
So you need to prepare your minds for action, men and women.  You need to show that we can love God and love our neighbor at the same time through words and deeds.   And you need to be prepared to meet opposition.
As the founder of this university often said, quote, “No one ever achieved greatness without experiencing opposition.”

America has always been a nation of faith.  And as our first Vice President, John Adams, said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people.  It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”  So just know, as you strengthen your foundation of faith and the foundation of faith among the American people, you will be strengthening the foundation of America itself.  "



Related news stories:
Dr. Kent Ingle: Facebook bans, censorship and Christian faith
With the recent Facebook ban of several high-profile users, many wonder if our freedom of speech is being jeopardized. A right of choice and expression has always been built into Christian thought, so when that freedom is directly threatened, how should our faith inform our response? When taken with any form of extremism, should it be censored? Or from a Christian perspective, should we be free to express our belief?---Fox News
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/facebook-bans-censorship-and-christian-faith

Facebook and Disney Sponsor Islamist Group MPAC’s Media Awards Honoring Dead Anti-Semitic Activist Jamal Khashoggi.
On the evening of April 14, the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) conducted its annual “Media Awards” at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, with the lead honoree named as Jamal Khashoggi, the murdered Washington Post writer, Qatari mouthpiece, activist advocate for the Muslim Brotherhood, and recently revealed virulent anti-Semite.---PJ MEDIA
https://pjmedia.com/homeland-security/facebook-and-disney-sponsor-islamist-group-mpacs-media-awards-honoring-dead-anti-semitic-activist-jamal-khashoggi/

CAIR: Imam Asked to Deliver Opening Prayer in House of Representatives Is Target of Smears
(CNSNews.com) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) wants “all people of conscience” to contact their members of Congress to voice support for an imam whose past statements on Israel and Zionism have drawn fire after he was asked to delivered the opening prayer at the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday.
https://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/patrick-goodenough/cair-says-house-opening-prayer-imam-target-islamophobic-smear

What’s at Stake if We Lose Religious Freedom Now?
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution begins, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof … .”
Fast forward almost 250 years and religious freedom is one of the most pressing issues in American culture today. ---- Genevieve Wood/ CNSNEWS
https://www.cnsnews.com/commentary/genevieve-wood/whats-stake-if-we-lose-religious-freedom-now

Why Are Studios Still Scared of Christianity?
The new film Tolkien does more than examine the life of the mind behind Lord of the Rings.
The biopic reportedly ignores the large role faith played in J. R.R. Tolkien’s literature … and life.----NEWS BUSTERS
https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/christian-toto/2019/05/11/why-are-studios-still-scared-christianity

American Spectator: Protecting Faith in a World Filled with Religious Persecution and Repression
At least 33 countries are singled out in the U.S. commission’s latest report.
The Easter bombings in Sri Lanka offered a reminder both dramatic and tragic that religious minorities suffer brutally around the world. What made that instance unusual is that members of a minority faith, Muslims, targeted members of another minority faith, Christians. The more usual persecutors in Sri Lanka are Buddhist nationalists, who routinely target both Christians and Muslims.
https://spectator.org/protecting-faith-in-a-world-filled-with-religious-persecution-and-repression/

Western Journal: Warning: Christians Will Be 'Forced to Violate Their Beliefs' if Equality Act Passes
If The Equality Act passes, Baylor says, "we will see a proliferation of instances where Christians and others are being coerced to violate their beliefs in order to comply with such a law."
http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2019/may/warning-christians-will-be-forced-to-violate-their-beliefs-if-equality-act-passes

A conservative Christian group is pushing Bible classes in public schools nationwide — and it’s working
GLASGOW, Ky. — Todd Steenbergen leads worship services in church sometimes, but today he was preaching in a different venue: the public-school classroom where he teaches.
“A lot of people will look at the Beatitudes and glean some wisdom from them,” he told the roomful of students, pointing toward the famous blessings he had posted on the board, some of the best-known verses in the Bible. “I want you to think about what kind of wisdom we can get from these today.”---Washington Post

In other related news stories about religious persecutions:

From the UN
Hate Speech Spreading Like Wildfire on Social Media, Secretary-General Warns during Visit with Christchurch Muslims, Stressing ‘We Must Extinguish It’
UN Press release issued 5. 14. 19
https://www.un.org/press/en/2019/sgsm19578.doc.htm
Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks during his visit to the Muslim community in Christchurch, New Zealand, today:

As salam alaikum.  I thank this community very much for their welcome, particularly during this holy month of Ramadan.  Every Ramadan I make a visit of solidarity somewhere around the world.  Last year, it was in Mali, the year before that, in Afghanistan.  This year, because of the terrible terrorist attack against your community, I wanted to be here with you.

Ramadan is a season of reflection, remembrance and renewal.  I am here to express my deepest condolences, my profound respect and the fullest measure of my solidarity to you, your families and the community.  I know there are no words to relieve the hurt and sorrow and pain.  But, I wanted to come here personally to transmit love, support and total and complete admiration.

Like so many around the world, I was so moved by the poignant stories of compassion and grace from Christchurch.  But, in many ways, I was not surprised.  This community reflected a spirit that I have always known to be deeply embedded in Islam — a faith of love, compassion, forgiveness and mercy.  As United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, I saw during 10 years the generosity of Muslim countries, always opening their borders to people in distress in a world where, unfortunately, so many other borders are closed.

This is in line with what I regard as the most beautiful prescription for refugee protection in world history.  It is found in the Surah al-Tawbah of the Holy Qu’ran:  “And if anyone seeks your protection, then grant him protection so that he can hear the words of Allah.  Then escort him where he can be secure.”  And protection to be granted to believers and non-believers in a fantastic demonstration of tolerance 14 centuries ago.

This was revealed to the Prophet, may peace be upon Him, more than 14 centuries before the 1951 Convention on the Protection of Refugees.  Last month, I visited Al-Azhar Mosque and University in Cairo, where I was struck once again by the incredible contribution of the Islamic world to global civilization.  During my visit, I was honoured to meet the Grand Imam, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, and thanked him for his recent interfaith meeting with Pope Francis in the United Arab Emirates.

The declaration signed by the two leaders on “human fraternity for world peace and living together” is a testimony of mutual respect, tolerance, compassion and peace.  It calls on people of faith to recognize and respect one another and work together for the good of humanity.

We must stand together in this period of difficulties.  Hate speech is spreading and public discourse is being coarsened.  Social media is being exploited as a platform for bigotry.  We must all show solidarity in response to this dangerous upsurge in hatred.

I have already set in motion two initiatives — to protect holy sites and to address hate speech.  I have asked the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, Miguel Moratinos, to develop an Action Plan for the UN to be fully engaged in support of safeguarding religious sites.  I have also asked my Special Adviser for the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng, to bring together a United Nations team to scale up our response to hate speech and present a global plan of action.  Hate speech is spreading like wildfire on social media.  We must extinguish it.  There is no room for hate speech — online or offline.

As we move forward, I take inspiration from the reminder in the Holy Qu’ran (Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13): “We […] made you into races and tribes so that you may know one another.”  I want to thank you for doing what you’re doing to help us better know each other — and see our shared humanity.  In these trying times, I am here to say with a full heart:  You are not alone.  The world is with you.  The United Nations is with you.  I am with you.  Thank you.


Secretary-General Strongly Condemns Deadly Burkina Faso Church Bombing, Urging Firm Opposition to Discord, Further Violence.
https://www.un.org/press/en/2019/sgsm19576.doc.htm
The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:
The Secretary-General strongly condemns this morning’s attack on a Catholic Church during mass in the village of Dablo, in the centre-north region of Burkina Faso.
He expresses his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.  He recalls the sanctity of all places of worship and hopes the perpetrators can be swiftly brought to justice.
The Secretary-General conveys the solidarity of the United Nations to the Government and people of Burkina Faso in this difficult moment for the nation.  He urges all citizens of Burkina Faso to stand firmly with one another across communities and not to succumb to efforts to sow discord and breed further violence.  The United Nations stands ready to assist in any way it can.
Editorial note: And thats all that Guterres had to say on the gun attack.


Related story from the UN News Center: UN condemns deadly attack on Burkina Faso church
Senior UN officials, including Secretary-General António Guterres have voiced their outrage at a deadly attack on a Catholic church in the north of Burkina Faso on Sunday, during which six people were reportedly killed by gunmen.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/05/1038371

*******************

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES
Myanmar: Conflict resolution at ‘total standstill’, military commanders must answer for crimes against humanity
Myanmar’s military commanders must answer charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in a credible court, a United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar (FFM) said on Tuesday, urging the international community to cut off all financial and other support to them.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/05/1038501

‘Disaster resilient’ farming reduces agriculture risks, yields economic gains, says new UN agriculture agency report
A scale of economic gains through easy-to-implement "disaster resilient" farming practices was revealed on Monday at the launch of a new study by the United Nations agriculture agency.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/05/1038411

As Houthi forces withdraw from key Yemeni ports, UN monitoring chief welcomes 'first practical step on the ground'
As Yemenis continue to finalize redeployment procedures in line with the UN-brokered Hudaydah Agreement, under which Government coalition and rebel leaders are to pull forces out of the key port city of Hudaydah, the Chair of the Redeployment Coordination Committee on Friday welcomed an offer by the Houthi opposition to begin a unilateral withdrawal.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/05/1038321

UN health agency highlights lifestyle choices that can prevent onset of dementia, as millions more succumb each year
Key lifestyle choices such as getting regular exercise, not smoking or drinking too much, can reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive decline, the UN health agency said on Tuesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/05/1038441

World Migratory Bird Day highlights deadly risks of plastic pollution
These include getting caught up in fishing gear and other plastic debris; confusing plastic waste with food and eating it, which fills their stomachs and causes them to starve; and using debris as material for nest-building, which can harm their chicks.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/05/1038342



IN THIS WEEK'S EDITION:

PAGE 2

White House Fact Sheet
President Donald J. Trump Is Unleashing American Energy Dominance


PAGE 3

A Look at the Underlying Causes of the Opioid Crisis



PAGE 4
Second Defendant Pleads Guilty in Multimillion Dollar Prize Promotion Scam Affecting Elderly Victims

PAGE 5
Former IRS Employee Convicted of Tax Evasion



PAGE 6

Senator Murray Introduces Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act to Reduce Bullying and Harassment at Colleges and Universities Across the Country

PAGE 7

Spartina treatment season starts June 1

💻 Due to technical reason beyond my control

We couldn't give you local readers a complete round up of local meetings this week because many of the local government sites were unreachable or down when this paper was being published.
  Apparently Local web pages were restored on Saturday around 4: pm thus those meetings have been posted on pg 7

HEY REP. TLAIB WHO DO YOU REPRESENT IN CONGRESS?

The American people or terrorist? Oh Yeah! Same question can be asked addressed to the Minn. Rep. Omar!
Editorial Note: It's clear from the article below from the Daily Wire, along with the following articles, that neither Rep. Tlaib (Mich) and Rep. Omar (Minn) are not loyal to the country, or respects our laws. The both should be impeached, their citizenship revoked, and be deported along with their families. How long are we going to put up with turn coats in this nation like these phonies who are in Congress?

****************************

Related news stories:

WALSH: Rep. Rashida Tlaib's Loyalties Do Not Lie With America. She Just Made That Explicitly Clear.
" Uh. "Our?" Tlaib does not call them just "Palestinian people," or "the Palestinian people," but instead adds the possessive "our," transforming this from run-of-the-mill Democratic terror-sympathizing to a declaration of loyalty to a foreign entity. I don't think I'm making too much of this. We should all be profoundly disturbed to see a representative of the American government using the phrase "our people" in reference to those who are not American." ----Daily Wire



Ilhan Omar defends Palestinians after terrorists rain rockets on Israel
Rep. Ilhan Omar appeared to take the side of Hamas and Islamic Jihad Sunday night after terrorists fired hundreds of rockets at civilian targets in Israel by Hamas this weekend.
“How many more protesters must be shot, rockets must be fired, and little kids must be killed until the endless cycle of violence ends? The status quo of occupation and humanitarian crisis in Gaza is unsustainable. Only real justice can bring about security and lasting peace,” the Minnesota Democrat said in a tweet Sunday night. ---Washington Examiner



Rev. E.W. Jackson on Rep. Omar: She's 'Not Worthy of American Citizenship'
Rev. E.W. Jackson, the great-grandson of slaves, a Marine, and a Harvard Law graduate, said that left-wing Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), a naturalized citizen from Somalia, is "not worthy of American citizenship" and that "there ought to be a way to kick her out of here---CNSNEWS


Tlaib and Omar called out by imam for not condemning Palestinian rocket barrage on Israel
hia Muslim Imam Mohamad Tawhidi criticized Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib for refusing to condemn Palestinian terror groups for the onslaught of more than 700 rockets fired into Israel this weekend that killed at least four Israelis and wounded dozens. ---BPR

Related press releases on the Gaza attack over the weekend

UN PRESS RELEASE:  secretary-General, following Events in Gaza with ‘Deep Concern’, Condemns Rocket Fire into Israel, Warning against Further Escalation, Loss of Life
The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:
The Secretary-General is following with deep concern the latest security developments in Gaza, and the risk of yet another dangerous escalation and further loss of life on the eve of the holy month of Ramadan.
He condemns in the strongest terms the launching of rockets from Gaza into Israel, particularly the targeting of civilian population centres.  He urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint, immediately de-escalate and return to the understandings of the past few months.
His Special Coordinator, Nickolay Mladenov, is working closely with Egypt and all concerned parties to restore calm.
https://www.un.org/press/en/2019/sgsm19563.doc.htm

Statement from the National Security Adviser Ambassador John Bolton.

Press release issued by the White House 5. 6. 19
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/statement-national-security-advisor-ambassador-john-bolton-2/

In response to a number of troubling and escalatory indications and warnings, the United States is deploying the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and a bomber task force to the U.S. Central Command region to send a clear and unmistakable message to the Iranian regime that any attack on United States interests or on those of our allies will be met with unrelenting force.  The United States is not seeking war with the Iranian regime, but we are fully prepared to respond to any attack, whether by proxy, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or regular Iranian forces.

ACT OF TREASON!
Editorial note: It used to be any teaching that encourages the murder of the American people on our own soil, to be considered susdiction and treason. The article below is  a fine example of it, why hasn't the FBI, or DOJ investigated this?  This "school" should be closed! it seems they teach nothing but hate for this nation.
****************************
Muslim American Society investigating ‘oversight’ following controversial video at Philly Islamic center; event organizer ‘dismissed’
 " Youngsters at the Muslim American Society Islamic Center in North Philadelphia are shown in video footage speaking in Arabic during a celebration of “Ummah Day,” said the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), a Middle East monitoring organization. One girl says "we will chop off their heads” to “liberate the sorrowful and exalted Al-Aqsa Mosque” in Jerusalem, according to the MEMRI."---The Inquier philly

*********In other news************

Representatives Kilmer and Stefanik Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation with Senators Graham, Warner, and Klobuchar to Improve National Security and Protect Integrity of U.S. Elections by Bringing Transparency and Accountability to Online Political Ads
Press release from Congressman Kilmer issued on 5. 8. 19

The Honest Ads Act would help prevent foreign actors from influencing our elections by ensuring that political ads sold online have the same transparency and disclosure requirements as ads sold on TV, radio, and satellite platforms.
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Elise Stefanik (NY-21) reintroduced the Honest Ads Act to help prevent foreign interference in future elections and improve the transparency of online political advertisements. The bill would ensure online political advertisements are better monitored by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and would enable the FEC to enact rules for online advertisement similar to those in place for television, radio, and satellite ads, with the goal of making clear to the American public who is funding these online ads and to inhibit foreign actors from purchasing them.

 The legislation, which was included in H.R. 1 and passed the House of Representatives earlier this year, is co-sponsored by 13 Democrats and 13 Republicans in the House. U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Select Committee on Intelligence, also released companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

 “Foreign interests shouldn’t be able to buy online ads to influence American elections, period,” said Rep. Kilmer. “With countless intelligence assessments confirming our vulnerabilities and another election right around the corner, it’s imperative that Congress fix the loopholes and ensure Americans know who is paying for the ads they’re seeing, including online ads. This important, bipartisan legislation will ensure that our laws are up to date with the latest technology and make it harder for foreign actors to use the internet to attack our democracy.”

 “One of my top priorities in Congress is advocating for the transparency and security of our elections,” said Rep. Stefanik. “The Honest Ads Act will prevent foreign actors from influencing our elections by ensuring that online political advertising follows the same rules as television advertising and discloses the purchaser. There is no doubt that Russia has tried to interfere in our electoral process, and I’m proud to cosponsor this bipartisan effort to ensure they, or any other foreign entity, are not successful.”

 According to multiple intelligence reports, Russia attempted to influence the 2016 presidential election by buying and placing political ads on online digital platforms. The identity of the purchaser(s) and developer(s) of the content for those online advertisements remain a mystery to the public because of outdated laws that have failed to keep up with evolving technology. The Honest Ads Act would prevent foreign actors from influencing our elections by ensuring that political ads sold online are covered by the same rules as ads sold on TV, radio, and satellite platforms.

 The Honest Ads Act proposes improving disclosure requirements for online political advertisements by:

Amending the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002’s definition of electioneering communication to include paid Internet and digital advertisements.
Requiring digital platforms with at least 50,000,000 monthly viewers to maintain a public file of all electioneering communications purchased by a person or group who spends more than $500.00 total on ads published on their platform. The file would contain a digital copy of the advertisement, a description of the audience the advertisement targets, the number of views generated, the dates and times of publication, the rates charged, and the contact information of the purchaser.
Requiring online platforms to make all reasonable efforts to ensure that foreign individuals and entities are not purchasing political advertisements in order to influence the American electorate.
“Foreign adversaries interfered in the 2016 election and are continuing to use information warfare to try to influence our government and divide Americans. We must act now to protect our democracy and prevent this kind of interference from ever happening again,” Klobuchar said. “The goal of the Honest Ads Act is simple: to ensure that voters know who is paying to influence our political system. The bill would put in place the same rules of the road for social media platforms that currently apply to political ads sold on TV, radio, and in print regarding disclaimers and disclosures so that Americans know who is behind the ads they see online.”

“I also want to commend Senator Graham for taking up the mantle of bipartisanship from our late friend, Senator John McCain. Protecting our elections isn’t about politics—it’s about national security and the future of our democracy. I look forward to working with him and Senator Warner to get the Honest Ads Act passed,” she added.

“Hardening our electoral infrastructure will require a comprehensive approach and it can’t be done with a single piece of legislation,” Graham said.  “I am cosponsoring this legislation because it’s clear we have to start somewhere. I am pleased to work with Senators Klobuchar and Warner to address the gaps that currently exist, particularly with regards to social media. Online platforms have made some progress but there is more to be done. Foreign interference in U.S. elections – whether Russia in the 2016 presidential election or another rogue actor in the future – poses a direct threat to our democracy. I intend to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to bolster our defenses and defend the integrity of our electoral system.”

“In 2016, Russia waged widespread disinformation campaigns that exploited social media in an effort to attack our democracy and divide the American public. As we continue to grow increasingly dependent on a handful of very large platforms, there is no doubt in my mind that foreign adversaries will continue to follow in Russia’s footsteps, exploiting the scale, amplification, and lack of transparency of these platforms in order to undermine the strength of the United States and advance their own anti-American agendas,” Warner said. “Right now, our country needs strong defenses that help ward off shady online attacks by demanding increased transparency, which is why I’m proud to introduce the Honest Ads Act. By requiring large digital platforms to meet the same disclosure standards as broadcast, cable, and satellite ads, this legislation can help prevent foreign actors from manipulating the American public and interfering in our free and fair elections through the use of inauthentic and divisive paid ads.”

The Honest Ads Act is supported by the Campaign Legal Center, the Alliance for Securing Democracy, the Brennan Center for Justice, the Sunlight Foundation, the Center for American Progress, Facebook, Twitter, and Mozilla.

Washington powers a new path toward clean energy future

From the Governor's medium page posted 5. 7. 19

Historic package of climate legislation promotes healthy communities, family-sustaining jobs and clean energy for all

Gov. Jay Inslee signed an unprecedented suite of clean energy legislation into law today, ushering in aggressive timelines for decarbonizing Washington’s economy and transforming the state’s energy landscape. Hundreds of supporters rallied in celebration of the policies that are designed to reduce carbon emissions, create jobs, improve health outcomes, and ensure all workers and vulnerable communities benefit from these changes.

Together, these measures represent the greatest step Washington has ever taken toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Inslee, who co-founded the U.S. Climate Alliance after President Trump declared his intent to remove the United States from the Paris climate accord in 2017, has vocalized the need for climate action at all levels of government around the world.

“This means we can have a fighting chance at saving the things we cherish most — our land, our air, our water and our children’s health,” Inslee said. “We aren’t done. Our success this year is just a harbinger of successes to come. But we’re ready. We can do this.”

This clean energy legislation builds upon other several other of the governor’s climate change efforts during his time in office. This includes the state’s first-ever clean energy fund, an aggressive electric vehicle initiative, encouraging wind and solar development across Washington and transforming state government operations to consume cleaner energy.

Scientists and world leaders predict that without significant reductions in carbon emissions in the next decade, global temperatures will increase 2.7 degrees within the next 20 years. This could cause severe disruptions in weather patterns, public health, national security and more.
Gina McCarthy, former administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under President Obama, said Washington is making its mark in the climate change battle.

“With the federal government in disarray on climate change, it is inspiring to see states like Washington taking the lead,” McCarthy said. “These bills confront carbon pollution across the economy, with major health and economic benefits, pointing the way to a clean energy future.”

Sen. Reuven Carlyle, primary sponsor of the 100 percent clean energy bill, said the entire bill package puts Washington on the right path.

“We’re taking a bold step into the 22nd century by marching toward a 100 percent clean, modern, interconnected energy system,” Carlyle said. “In Washington, clean energy isn’t an academic exercise — it’s a front-line, hands-on, powerful commitment to dramatic climate action. We’re committed to reaching Paris accord-level carbon reductions on behalf of the quality of life for our grandchildren’s grandchildren. I’m honored to be a partner with our governor in this profoundly important work.”

Rhea Suh, president of Natural Resources Defense Council, said Washington is leading the way and providing a model for state action during a time of federal inaction.

“This year’s legislative successes show Washington is driving forward new ways to confront climate change,” Suh said. “Washington is deploying an array of solutions that prove there are unlimited opportunities to tangibly cut pollution in the face of continued inaction from the White House.”

Click below to access an official briefing document about the following bills:

100 percent clean energy
Clean transportation
Clean buildings
HFCs and super-pollutants
This bill, called The Washington Clean Energy Transformation Act, radically reshapes utilities in Washington and is the nation’s strongest policy for transitioning to 100 percent clean electricity. With this legislation, Washington joins a growing list of states and U.S. territories that committed to 100 percent clean electricity by mid-century. This includes California, Hawaii, New Mexico and Puerto Rico. Washington’s bill stands out by creating the strongest milestones on the path to fossil-free electricity and provides tools that help fossil-fuel-dependent workers transition to clean energy.

The bill sets mandatory requirements for utilities in Washington to:

Phase out all coal power by 2025.
Achieve a carbon-neutral electricity supply by 2030.
Transition to a 100 percent clean electricity supply by 2045.
Among the components of the bill is recognizing the central role of renewable hydropower as part of the clean energy economy transition. While hydropower remains an abundant and affordable source of energy for most utilities, the bill encourages innovation by helping utilities invest in projects that will reduce emissions in other sectors, such as infrastructure for customers who need to charge electric vehicles.

“With the federal government in disarray on climate change, it is inspiring to see states like Washington taking the lead. These bills confront carbon pollution across the economy, with major health and economic benefits, pointing the way to a clean energy future.”
— Gina McCarthy
The bill offers planning tools to help utilities implement the standards, while supplying customers with reliable and affordable electricity. It includes a cost cap so that utilities won’t be penalized if they can’t meet the mandatory deadlines because renewable energy technologies are not yet available or affordable.

The law also provides a model for making sure all communities benefit from clean energy transitions. This includes customers from low-income and vulnerable populations and communities that are highly impacted by pollution. These communities are typically dependent on fossil-fuel energy facilities for jobs, or at risk of utility rate increases. Under the new bill, energy developers qualify who follow strong workforce standards can qualify for incentives.
The clean energy bill is already generating good jobs news. Wilfrido Rincon, managing director of McKinley Paper Co. in Port Angeles, said the clean energy bill — combined with legislation also passed this session to extend timber incentives — has made it possible to re-open the Port Angeles Mill and create 120 new good-paying jobs. The mill plans to produce 100 percent recycled containerboard and includes a biomass electricity cogeneration facility. This type of facility cleanly burns surplus wood to create heat and steam that drives a turbine to generate electricity.

“We view both of these bills as key steps in creating a more stable and certain business environment that would support McKinley Paper’s efforts to complete its reconfiguration of its mill and resume its operations,” Rincon said. “This will continue our investment in the mill and our employees at its Port Angeles facility.”
Clean buildings
The Clean Buildings Act is a first-of-its-kind standard that will improve the energy performance of thousands of large buildings in Washington. Older buildings often leak heat or cooled air through old windows and under-insulated walls, and most rely on out-of-date lighting systems that consume more electricity and require more frequent replacement than current technologies. Meanwhile, the state’s economy and population has grown rapidly, along with the number of new homes and buildings.

As a result, buildings are among the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions in Washington and account for 27 percent of the state’s total carbon pollution.
The new law provides an array of incentives and other voluntary programs — as well as carefully designed standards — to significantly cut building-related emissions by 2035. Many large commercial buildings owners will be eligible for new incentive program to help with upgrades. For this program, the state will partner with utilities to fund a portion of the energy retrofits that building owners undertake. These investments will help them comply with the standard that takes effect for most buildings in 2028, giving owners time to plan and design projects that will add value to their buildings while reducing their operating costs. The bill also creates new tools to help utilities increase efficiency and reduce Washington’s use of fossil gas to operate buildings. These include new conservation requirements and incentives to help customers shift to renewable natural gas.

Together, these components reduce emissions in the cheapest way possible: through a more efficient use of energy. The investment of state funds will deliver building owners and utility customers a positive financial return and create hundreds of jobs for contractors, engineers and electricians.
“This means we can have a fighting chance at saving the things we cherish most — our land, our air, our water and our children’s health. We aren’t done. Our success this year is just a harbinger of successes to come. But we’re ready. We can do this.”
— Gov. Jay Inslee
Jeffrey Hamlett, executive director at American Institute of Architects Washington Council said this new bill encourages innovate ways for architects to move forward with green design.

“Architects work every day to improve our built environment for everyone,” Hamlett said. “We’re on the front lines, designing spaces that not only meet human needs but contribute to solving global climate change. This bill is a critical step that helps us make the buildings of tomorrow a reality today. The architectural community is proud to have helped create an opportunity that will provide a healthier, more responsible future for all Washingtonians.”
Energy efficient appliances
This bill, combined with the Clean Buildings Act, will help cut hundreds of thousands of tons of greenhouse gas emissions and sets energy efficiency standards for more than 17 product categories. Household appliances like dishwashers are an intensive energy source, making them a key piece of the emissions puzzle. The bill also lowers various home energy costs such as heating water to running a home computer. Washington consumers will save more than $2.4 billion by 2034 in lower energy bills. By 2025, the water efficiency requirements will help the state avoid losing more than 6.8 billion gallons of water annually — basically, what it takes to meet the annual needs of a city the size of Issaquah.

Washington is the first state to pass this law since the U.S. Climate Alliance, 23 states committed to helping the US achieve its commitments to the Paris climate accords, announced an initiative to support state action on appliance energy efficiency. While Washington is among the first to lead the way, this bill could majorly effect how industries manufacture products if states in the U.S. Climate Alliance — representing 50 percent of the U.S. population — follow.
Nancy Hirsh, executive director of the NW Energy Coalition, commended the legislature on this energy and consumer protection bill.

“Washington has been at the forefront in promoting energy efficiency policies that save residents energy and money — and it has continued that leadership by passing this bill,” Hirsh said. “Recently, we’ve seen the federal administration announce their intention to relax an array of energy efficiency requirements, which makes it all the more important for states to take the lead.”
Super-pollutants
This bill tackles the growing challenge of super-polluting hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, a class of chemicals that can be thousands of times more powerful as atmospheric warming agents than carbon dioxide. These chemicals are among the fastest growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the state and the world.

This new law makes Washington the second state in the country to put a comprehensive policy in place to address these emissions, and require manufacturers to choose climate-safe alternatives for new equipment. The Trump administration pulled back an identical federal rule that the Obama administration put forward and that the industry supported.
Clean transportation
The transition to zero emission vehicles is a key aspect in Washington’s fight against climate change. Washington is already among the top states for consumer adoption of electric vehicles, and state is on track to meet the governor’s goal of 50,000 electric vehicles on Washington roads by 2020, but transportation remains the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions.

This bill helps accelerate Washington’s transition to clean, electric transportation, reducing not only carbon pollution but conventional air pollutants as well. The bill accomplishes three key things: One, it establishes a state incentive program to make new and used electric vehicles more accessible for consumers of varying incomes. Two, it helps utilities make large-scale investments in vehicle charging stations, other infrastructure, and rebates. And, three, it creates a new grant program to help transit agencies electrify their fleets. An electric vehicle car-sharing program for low-income and rural communities will extend the benefits of electric vehicles.
The governor also secured $140 million in funding for new and converted electric-hybrid ferries as part of a transportation budget he’ll sign later this month. Washington is launching a conversion of its ferry fleet — the largest in the nation — to electric-hybrid. Currently, the ferry fleet is a significant contributor of both greenhouse gases and diesel particulate matter, and electric-hybrid ferries will help to reduce these pollutants as well as fuel costs. The legislature authorized the building of one new electric-hybrid ferries and the conversion of two existing ferries to electric-hybrid, with $140.5 million of funding provided in the next biennium.


****WORLD NEWS HEADLINES*****

Hundreds of wounded Gaza protesters risk limb amputation without immediate help, warns top UN official
Millions of dollars in emergency funding is needed in Gaza to save the shattered limbs of some 1,700 people who have been seriously injured in demonstrations against Israel along the border fence, a top UN humanitarian official said on Wednesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/05/1038101

Release of prize-winning Reuters journalists in Myanmar welcomed by UN
The release of two prize-winning Reuters journalists jailed in Myanmar after reporting on the massacre of Rohingya Muslims has been welcomed by the UN human rights office, OHCHR, which warns however that press freedom there remains “dire”.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/05/1038011

UN launches innovative programme to detect and disrupt terrorist travel
A new programme aimed at improving the tracking of suspected terrorists, using state-of-the-art software, was launched by the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) on Tuesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/05/1038061

World is ‘on notice’ as major UN report shows one million species face extinction
A hard-hitting report into the impact of humans on nature shows that nearly one million species risk becoming extinct within decades, while current efforts to conserve the earth’s resources will likely fail without radical action, UN biodiversity experts said on Monday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/05/1037941

Related story: Gray whales washing up dead in larger numbers on Northwest beaches---PDN
An unusually large number of gray whales is washing up dead on their northbound migration past the Oregon and Washington coasts this year.
The peak stranding time for gray whales in the Pacific Northwest is normally April, May and June. But the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Fisheries sector has already logged nine dead whales washed ashore in Washington and one in Oregon.
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/gray-whales-washing-up-dead-in-larger-numbers-on-northwest-beaches/


Cameroon: Clear ‘window of opportunity’ to solve crises rooted in violence - Bachelet
The UN human rights chief on Monday welcomed Cameroon’s willingness to cooperate over finding workable solutions to “major human rights and humanitarian crises”, caused by months of serious unrest and violence across the west and north of the country.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/05/1037991
( more world news headlines on pg 2)

📃IN THIS WEEK'S EDITION

PAGE 2

Nations, Stakeholders Must Tackle Drivers of Deforestation while Striking Balance with Economic Growth, Chair Says as Forum Begins Session


PAGE 3
Proclamation on Addressing Mass Migration Through the Southern Border of the United States




PAGE 4

Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matthew S. Miner Gives Remarks at the 29th Annual National Institute on Health Care Fraud

PAGE 5

Administrators of DeepDotWeb Indicted for Money Laundering Conspiracy, Relating to Kickbacks for Sales of Fentanyl, Heroin and Other Illegal Goods on the Darknet




PAGE 6

Representatives Kilmer, Stefanik Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Regional Hospitals

PAGE 7

Inslee signs bill package to protect, aid, grow orca and salmon population in Salish Sea

UN CHIMES IN ON LATEST SYNAGOGUE ATTACK IN CAL.

" But fails to point out news outlets like the NEW YORK TIMES is just as guilty
for fermenting anti-semitic messages by posting anti-semitic pictures."
***Front page Commentary****
By Peter Ripley, Publisher
The week's top headlines on the news outlets, and everyone's favorite Social Media types were on the latest attack on a house of worship, a synagogue in California was attacked by a crazed anti-semitic, and anti Christian teenager.
This kid was full of hate, one wonders about the parents and their views on Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Hate is taught, and it starts at home. Add the level of hypocrisy from the main stream media who can't properly identify victims in a Christian church, and can't seem to correctly say who did the dirty deed as Islamic terrorist. This week people of the Jewish faith was attack by a wacked out white teen. The media in their high moral ground clearly had no problems in correctly identifying the victims, and the perpetrator.  The New York Times seemed to have won the biggest hypocrite award this week. While blaming Trump for spreading hate, they published a anti-semitic picture in their editorial page last Thursday.
The following press releases and newspaper clippings are the kind of coverage the mainstream media offered.



Related press release from the UN
Political, Religious Leaders Have Special Duty to Promote Peaceful Coexistence, Secretary-General Stresses in Statement on Intolerance, Hate-Based Violence---Released on 4. 29. 19
https://www.un.org/press/en/2019/sgsm19559.doc.htm

The following statement by UN Secretary-General António Guterres was issued today:

"Around the world, we are seeing a disturbing groundswell of intolerance and hate-based violence targeting worshippers of many faiths.  In recent days alone, a synagogue in the United States and a church in Burkina Faso have come under attack.

Such incidents have become all too familiar:  Muslims gunned down in mosques, their religious sites vandalized; Jews murdered in synagogues, their gravestones defaced with swastikas; Christians killed at prayer, their churches often torched.

Houses of worship, instead of the safe havens they should be, have become targets.  Beyond the murders, there is loathsome rhetoric:  xenophobia aimed not only at religious groups, but also at migrants, minorities and refugees; assertions of white supremacy; a resurgence of neo-Nazi ideology; venom directed at anyone considered the “other”.

Parts of the Internet are becoming hothouses of hate, as like-minded bigots find each other online, and platforms serve to inflame and enable hate to go viral.  As crime feeds on crime, and as vile views move from the fringes to the mainstream, I am profoundly concerned that we are nearing a pivotal moment in battling hatred and extremism.

That is why I have set in motion two urgent initiatives:  devising a plan of action to fully mobilize the United Nations system’s response to tackling hate speech, led by my Special Representative on Genocide Prevention; and exploring how the United Nations can contribute in ensuring the safety of religious sanctuaries, an effort being led by my High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations.

The world must step up to stamp out anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim hatred, persecution of Christians and all other forms of racism, xenophobia, discrimination and incitement.  Hatred is a threat to everyone — and so this is a job for everyone.  Political and religious leaders have a special responsibility to promote peaceful coexistence.  I will count on the strong support of Governments, civil society and other partners in working together to uphold the values that bind us as a single human family."




Presidential Proclamation on Jewish American Heritage Month, 2019
From the White House issued on 4. 30. 19
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/presidential-proclamation-jewish-american-heritage-month-2019/

As we observe Jewish American Heritage Month, our Nation celebrates nearly 4,000 years of Jewish history and honors the numerous contributions of Jewish Americans to our country and the world.  Rabbi Akiva, a great Jewish scholar, declared that a central principle of the Torah is to “love thy neighbor as thyself.”  Jewish Americans have repeatedly demonstrated their dedication to this commandment, helping the downtrodden and pursue justice, sanctifying the name of God, and embodying the best of America.

During a Jewish wedding ceremony, it is customary for the newlywed couple to shatter a glass.  This longstanding tradition commemorates the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and symbolizes that even during times of heightened joy, one should remember the painful losses Jews suffered throughout history.  In the same way, all Americans bear a moral responsibility to stand alongside our Jewish communities and learn the lessons of tolerance that run through the tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people — both long ago and, sadly, in recent times.  Reflecting on these events steels our resolve that they never happen again.

Unconscionably, rates of anti-Semitic hate crimes have risen globally, and Jewish institutions have been vandalized and violently attacked.  This past October, we mourned alongside our Jewish brothers and sisters following the attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in which 11 worshippers were killed, making it the deadliest attack against Jews in American history.  Then, on the sixth-month anniversary of that horrific attack and on the last day of Passover, we grieved as the Chabad of Poway Synagogue was the target of yet another act of anti-Semitic violence, in which one worshipper lost her life and three others were wounded.  As Americans, we unequivocally condemn the pernicious, baseless hatred that is anti-Semitism.

Our American tradition compels us to reject the source of anti-Semitism.  Following the Revolutionary War, the Jewish community of Newport, Rhode Island, was unsure if the new American Government would grant them equal rights, given the persecution and expulsion the Jewish people had faced in so many times and in so many places.  In response, George Washington penned his famous 1790 letter to the members of Newport’s Touro Synagogue, reassuring American Jews that, in the United States, their religious liberty would be protected.  He further invoked the prophet Micah, hoping that the “Children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other Inhabitants; while everyone shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree, and there shall be none to make him afraid.”  Since then, the unique American promise of religious liberty for people of all faiths has remained a proud hallmark of our Republic.

Today, we recognize the resilience of the Jewish community in the face of great adversity and celebrate the countless ways Jewish Americans have strengthened our Nation.  We echo the words of President Washington and Rabbi Akiva and stand in solidarity with our American Jewish neighbors as we reaffirm our commitment to combat all forms of hate and anti-Semitism.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2019 as Jewish American Heritage Month.  I call upon Americans to celebrate the heritage and contributions of American Jews and to observe this month with appropriate programs, activities, and ceremonies.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-third.

DONALD J. TRUMP

Related story
Behar to Trump: 'You Are the Culprit' of California Shooting
Not surprisingly, the ladies of The View decided to politicize the shooting that took place at a synagogue in Poway, California over the weekend. While the topics of gun control and cracking down on “hate speech” came up throughout the course of the conversation, no one took it further than co-host Joy Behar, who told President Trump that he was “the culprit” of the attack.---News Busters
https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/ryan-foley/2019/04/30/behar-trump-you-are-culprit-poway-shooting
Editorial Comment: Now reader does the above proclamation from the president shows a destain to Jews. Then read what Joy Behar of the View accuse Trump of. You get the point it is all in Behar's imagination.

Related news paper clippings:
President Trump Holds Rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin
President Trump held a campaign rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin. After offering condolences for victims of a shooting at a synagogue in California,…---CSPAN VIDEO

Authorities identify suspect in 'hate crime' synagogue shooting that left one dead, three injured.
A 19-year-old man with an assault rifle opened fire at the Chabad of Poway synagogue in Poway, California, Saturday morning, leaving one dead and three injured, according to authorities.---Seattle PI

New York Times condemned for anti-Semitic Netanyahu, Trump cartoon
The condemnation for the New York Times continued on Sunday after the newspaper’s international print editions ran an anti-Semitic cartoon depicting Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a guide dog leading a blind President Trump in a skullcap.---NY POST

Synagogue Shooters Have Trump Hatred in Common
The evil psychopaths who shot up the synagogues in Poway and Pittsburgh undoubtedly share a number of traits in common, but prominent among them is unremitting hatred of Donald Trump. The Poway shooter put it — how shall we say it — in succinct terms, calling the president a "Zionist, Anti-White, Traitorous, C*cksucker." His Pittsburgh doppelgänger was almost as disgusting.

Despicable as they are, these two creatures can't really be accused of Trump Derangement Syndrome, because, unlike many in mainstream media, they are at least somewhat correct in their assessment. Trump is pro-Israel, indeed likely the most pro-Israel president since Truman, who defied his own State Department to recognize the Jewish state.

Come to think of it, Trump probably defied his State Department too, or a good part of it, in actually moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem (rather than just promising to do so as other presidential candidates have) and then throwing recognition of the Golan Heights as part of Israel into the bargain. Both of these actions were, according to the "experts," supposed to set the Middle East ablaze. Nothing of the sort happened. All this while Trump was absurdly accused of anti-Semitism by the heavy breathers in our media, before and after his election.---PJ MEDIA

Dershowitz: Anti-Semitic cartoons, anti-Semitic synagogue shootings
One of the weapons of hate against Jews deployed by Nazi Germany were cartoons and caricatures that depicted Jews as subhuman animals, often as dogs or spiders. So when The New York Times international edition published a cartoon over the weekend portraying Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a dog wearing a Star of David, its editors should not have been surprised at the outraged reaction to the controversy.---THE HILL

Rabbi Thanks Trump for His Words of 'Comfort and Consolation'
(CNSNews.com) - At a Sunday afternoon news conference, an emotional Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein thanked President Donald Trump for his words of "comfort and consolation" following the shooting on Saturday at a synagogue near San Diego.---CNSNEWS

Texas Man Describes How He Used His AR-15 to Stop Gunman from Sutherland Church Shooting Massacre
(CNSNews.com) – When President Donald Trump spoke Friday at the NRA’s annual meeting in Indianapolis, Ind., he introduced Stephen Willeford, a Texas man who used his own AR-15 to stop Devin Patrick Kelley, the man behind what is considered to be the deadliest mass shooting in Texas history at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs in 2017.---CNSNEWS

Rabbi recalls friend in synagogue shooting: ‘Lori took the bullet for all of us’
“It will forever scar me, but it’s going to remind me ... how heroic each one of us can be,” Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein said.----LA TIMES

It’s Come to This: Active Shooter Drills at Houses of Worship
A synagogue shooting in California was the latest reminder of a new reality that houses of worship are often the site of attacks.--NYT

One Jewish, one Christian: How the California synagogue shooting tore apart two congregations
ESCONDIDO, Calif. – Two religious congregations about 12 miles apart – one Jewish and the other Christian – were bound by tragedy over the weekend.
One was a synagogue ripped apart by gunfire; the other was a church the suspected shooter's family regularly attended. What both shared Sunday: an overwhelming sense of grief as worshippers grappled with trying to make sense of the senseless.---USA TODAY

Omar’s Tweet On The Synagogue Shooting Is The Worst Of The Worst.
My heart is breaking after today’s deadly shooting at Chabad Congregation in San Diego—on the last day of Passover and 6 months to the day after the Tree of Life shooting.
We as a nation must confront the terrifying rise of religious hate and violence.
Love trumps hate.---Minn. rep. Omar's tweeter comment


New York TIMES in yet another Anti-Semitic blunder, showing their true colors

The Uproar Over an Anti-Semitic Cartoon
Readers react to a political cartoon showing President Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu that ran in the international edition of The Times.---NYT
" Under the guise of political commentary, the caricature blatantly trafficked in age-old anti-Semitic tropes that have contributed to violence against Jews throughout history. How cruelly ironic that your cartoon was published the week of another synagogue shooting."

Times Apologizes for Publishing Anti-Semitic Cartoon
The New York Times on Sunday apologized for a cartoon published in the Opinion pages of its international edition that drew widespread condemnation for being anti-Semitic.
The cartoon, which was published on Thursday in the print newspaper, portrayed a blind President Trump, wearing a skullcap, being led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, drawn as a dog on a leash with a Star of David collar.---NYT

Embarrassing: Networks Ignore Anti-Semitic NYT Cartoon as CNN Gives It 12 Minutes
Since Saturday morning when The New York Times issued its first statement concerning a blatantly anti-Semitic propaganda masquerading as a political cartoon in Thursday’s international edition, the flagship broadcast network morning and evening newscasts of ABC, CBS, and NBC have ignored the despicable image depicting President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu---News Busters

New York Times Runs Blatantly Anti-Semitic Cartoon
RUSH: Now, the Poway synagogue shooting.  Once again, there has been a shooting by a guy who hates Trump.  The shooter here hates Trump and hates conservatives and calls both of them, us and Trump, vile names.  Yet the Democrats and the media still trying to blame Trump and conservatives for the shooting!  Meanwhile, anti-Semitism has totally taken over the Democrat Party, and do you know how they’re disguising it?  They’re using opposition to Israel as their platform for full-fledged, universal anti-Semitism, including and led by the New York Times.--Rush Limbaugh

New York Times Prints Another Anti-Israel Cartoon Amid Antisemitism Scandal Rocking Newspaper
“The New York Times has self-righteously been preaching to the rest of us for decades now about how awful the rest of us are and how wonderful they are and they come out with this cartoon–I’ve seen it, it is absolutely antisemitic,” Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-AL), who’s running for U.S. Senate in Alabama, said on Breitbart News Sunday on SiriusXM 125 the Patriot Channel on Sunday evening'---Breitbart



*****************In other News**********

Cantwell, Grassley Introduce Bipartisan Legislation Requiring FTC Get to the Bottom of Prescription Drug Middlemen

Press release issued 4. 30. 19
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-grassley-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-requiring-ftc-get-to-the-bottom-of-prescription-drug-middlemen-

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Finance Committee, and Senator Chuck Grassley, the chairman of the committee, have introduced legislation requiring the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to study the role and recent merger activity of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), as well as possible anticompetitive behaviors. The Prescription Pricing for the People Act of 2019 helps to shine a light on the PBM industry by examining the effects of consolidation on pricing and other potentially abusive behavior. It also requires the FTC to provide policy recommendations to Congress to improve competition and protect consumers.

“People’s lives depend on getting affordable access to medicine. We need greater transparency and oversight to increase competition and make sure patients get a fair deal on the medications they need,” said Cantwell.

“Competition and transparency are key ingredients to improving affordability of prescription medications. While PBMs play a significant role in determining how much patients and the government pay for drugs, much of their business model is cloaked in secrecy, and the industry has experienced significant consolidation in recent years. The Prescription Pricing for the People Act helps provide a better understanding of the PBM industry through a comprehensive FTC review designed to inform policymakers, protect patients and safeguard competition. This bill is just one of many steps I’m taking as Finance Committee chairman to improve access to affordable medications,” Grassley said.

PBMs serve as middlemen in the prescription drug supply chain, but the industry has been under scrutiny for how it determines the prices of prescription drugs. Recent consolidations between PBMs and insurance providers have resulted in vertical integration whereby a small number of companies now manage the vast majority of prescription drug benefits. The Prescription Pricing for the People Act requires the FTC to study the industry, in light of recent consolidations, and report its findings to Congress. Specifically, the legislation commissions the FTC to evaluate whether PBMs:

Charge certain payers, including Medicare and Medicaid, a higher price than reimbursement rates for competing pharmacies while reimbursing pharmacies in which the PBMs have an ownership interest at the rate charged to payers;
Steer patients to pharmacies in which the PBM has an ownership stake; and
Use formulary designs to depress the market share of low-cost, lower-rebate prescription drugs.
The legislation also directs the FTC to evaluate the current state of the industry, determine whether more information about the roles of intermediaries would benefit consumers and offer policy recommendations to improve transparency, prevent anticompetitive behavior and promote efficiencies for patients. The legislation will be referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which has jurisdiction over antitrust matters.

Cantwell has long supported efforts to drive down prescription drug prices. She introduced the Basic Health Plan provision included in the Affordable Care Act, which has allowed New York and Minnesota to negotiate health care prices for large populations in bulk, driving down costs for hundreds of thousands of Americans. And in January, she joined Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) to introduce bills to empower Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices for seniors and allow Americans to import safe, low-cost prescription drugs from Canada.

Global spotlight shines on state’s work to lead, accelerate maritime innovation

Gov. Jay Inslee’s maritime sector lead, Joshua Berger, traveled to Paris and Norway to share Washington’s ocean economy story with global partners.
From the Governor's medium page dated 4. 29. 19
https://medium.com/wagovernor/global-spotlight-shines-on-states-work-to-lead-accelerate-maritime-innovation-a2c12c1890fc
By Joshua Berger
As a child, I spent days foraging the beach and sailing in western Long Island Sound. As a teen, I sailed the North Atlantic from the West Indies to Rhode Island. As a young adult, I worked aboard tug boats from New Orleans to New York Harbor, and San Diego to Kodiak, Alaska. I’ve sailed tall ships as education classrooms at sea and provided platforms for marine science research. The ocean, its economy, its power and its fragility are keenly part of my life.
Last month, I traveled to France and Norway to share insights about our ocean economy work in Washington. In January, the governor unveiled Washington Maritime Blue 2050 Strategy, a comprehensive implementation plan for the ocean economy. It has captured international interest because it’s among the first efforts in the world to move beyond an economic vision and into action. It is a passion of mine and a passion of the governor who has fought for years for economic opportunity in the maritime sector, and against the twin scourges of climate change and ocean acidification.

When I was in Paris, I took part in a United Nations intergovernmental round table that hosted 37 member countries. Most of us needed to use translation headsets but the language differences didn’t act as a barrier: we were there with a common purpose to make our ocean economy stronger and ecosystem healthier.
My presentation focused on how the governor’s strategy engages key players to find consensus and draw out leadership and action. I was the only American invited and I spoke alongside key leaders in the blue economy:

UN’s Special Envoy to the Ocean, Ambassador Thomson,
Norway’s ministry of Climate and Environment Deputy Director General, Per Schive,
Karen-Maae C. Hill, high commissioner to the Court of Saint James for Antigua and Barbuda, and
Ambassador Alvaro Meneonca Moura, ministry of foreign affairs, Portugal.
From there, I traveled to Bergen, Norway and presented on the biggest challenges and opportunities in the ocean agenda for policy makers over the next five years. My presentation focused on the potential for global impact and our global connections.
I joined western Norway’s maritime leaders and 1,600 other attendees in the country’s largest concert hall as we participated in the Vestland Konferansen event. Even though 90 percent of the 7-hour production that day was in Norwegian, the language of art and innovation can sometimes be universal — I watched as many of the segments as I could.

Today, Washington’s maritime sector is a $37 billion industry, employing over 190,000 jobs. Compared to maritime sectors in other regions around the world, our ocean strategy is unique because it leverages information technology and clean tech sectors to lead unique pilot projects, some of which are already underway. If we move forward as a multi-disciplinary, inclusive, revenue-generating, forward-leaning industry, Washington will become one of the top examples of a sustainable, blue economy.

We consider ourselves leaders in sustainable environmental performance and best practices, things like how we design and build ships, explore alternative fuels, sustain our fisheries, and create ocean technology.
The governor’s ocean economy vision joins other countries’ visions of developing a global, sustainable blue economy to address the pressing issues of our time. As we tackle the challenges of change, we must remember that it is traditional to be innovative, and that within this paradox lies our brilliant future.

It can be risky to trail blaze. It requires significant capital investment, and it can prove challenging to build trust with community stakeholders. But the world considers our state a trail blazer in the blue economy.

Now, as a parent raising my children to be sailors and stewards — wandering the beaches from Port Townsend to Cumberland Island — I cannot help but push this audacious plan. It is an honor to represent the governor’s vision and my community, and I’m proud to protect something so deeply connected to my life.

******WORLD NEWS HEADLINES*******

UN rights experts call on Philippines Government to halt ‘unacceptable attacks’ on Victoria Tauli-Corpuz
False claims levelled at the UN expert on the rights of indigenous peoples by her own Government in the Philippines, “are without grounding in fact or law” and must cease immediately, said a statement issued by a group of her fellow experts on Wednesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/05/1037641

FROM THE FIELD: Hardy seeds bear fruit to protect Colombia’s environment
Communities in Colombia in South America are being helped by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) to preserve and reintroduce indigenous crops as a way to combat the effects of climate change.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/04/1037601

Libya: UN mobilized to support thousands uprooted by Tripoli clashes, renews call for humanitarian truce
Since fighting broke out on the edge of Libya’s capital, Tripoli, earlier this month, over 42,000 people have been displaced and thousands are believed trapped in the city’s southern outskirts. As UN humanitarian teams work around the clock to provide life-saving assistance, human rights chief Michelle Bachelet stressed on Tuesday the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, and humanitarian corridor for civilians. 
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/04/1037551

Ebola situation worsening in DR Congo, amidst growing ‘funding gap’ UN health agency warns
Strengthening both security and the Ebola response effort is essential to contain the growing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), UN health agency’s officials said on Tuesday, following a visit to the epicentre of what is already the worst outbreak in the country’s history.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/04/1037611

UN aid teams scramble to reach ‘most remote places’ cut off by Cyclone Kenneth in Mozambique
With heavy rains expected to continue in the coming days across northern Mozambique, access to the most remote areas affected by Cyclone Kenneth “remains difficult” the UN warned on Tuesday.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/04/1037561

📃In This week's edition

PAGE 2

IT'S THE CONSTITUTION and BILL OF RIGHTS THAT IDENTIFIES OUR NATION!

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APPARENTLY MINN. REP. STANDS FOR SOCIALIST DICTATORS

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South Florida Doctor Sentenced to Prison for Tax Evasion and Disability Fraud

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QUARTERLY REFUNDING STATEMENT OF DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR FEDERAL FINANCE BRIAN SMITH

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Kilmer, Cole Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Shipyard Workers, Other Federal Workers Retire On-Time

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Washington Supreme Court to Visit Port Townsend