"The crisis is rooted in the inequality of its political status as a territory and has been worsened by the reckless actions of the local government," Pierluisi, president of the New Progressive Party (PNP) said.
Pierluisi indicó que ante LULAC destacó “el panorama financiero desalentador” de la Isla. (Archivo)
Pierluisi insiste la solución a la crisis es la estadidad
Mike Nova's Shared NewsLinks Review
From The Major News Sources
» BBC News - Pope Francis demands justice for Jewish centre attack victims
19/07/14 09:33 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from BBC News - Latin America & Caribbean. 18 July 2014 Last updated at 13:36 ET The message for the Jewish community was recorded last month at the Vatican by a friend of the Pope Pope Francis has demanded...
19/07/14 09:33 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from BBC News - Latin America & Caribbean. 18 July 2014 Last updated at 13:36 ET The message for the Jewish community was recorded last month at the Vatican by a friend of the Pope Pope Francis has demanded...
» A Theater Company Is Crowdfunding to Produce This ‘Powerful’ Play in Cuba About Homosexuality · Global Voices
19/07/14 09:32 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Global Voices. “Bent” was first performed in 1979 in London (Photograph displayed on Indiegogo) Havana's theater company “La Peña Meisner” has launched a campaign on Indiegogo ...
19/07/14 09:32 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Global Voices. “Bent” was first performed in 1979 in London (Photograph displayed on Indiegogo) Havana's theater company “La Peña Meisner” has launched a campaign on Indiegogo ...
» Gay pride: A month of paying tribute to LGBT strides, throughout South Florida and at the White House
19/07/14 09:31 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Steve Rothaus' Gay South Florida. BY STEVE ROTHAUS SROTHAUS@MIAMIHERALD.COM My special Pride Month celebration began early — at 7:30 a.m. — when I would be giving a speech on a topic no new...
19/07/14 09:31 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Steve Rothaus' Gay South Florida. BY STEVE ROTHAUS SROTHAUS@MIAMIHERALD.COM My special Pride Month celebration began early — at 7:30 a.m. — when I would be giving a speech on a topic no new...
» Will Puerto Rico Agencies Have Two Bankruptcy Processes?
19/07/14 09:30 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Puerto Rico Report. Puerto Rico’s representative to the Federal government, Pedro Pierluisi, moved closer this week to trying to amend the Federal Bankruptcy Code to enable Commonwealth government in...
19/07/14 09:30 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Puerto Rico Report. Puerto Rico’s representative to the Federal government, Pedro Pierluisi, moved closer this week to trying to amend the Federal Bankruptcy Code to enable Commonwealth government in...
» Puerto Rico declara emergencia en la isla por rápida propagación del virus chikungunya
19/07/14 09:25 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from NTN24. ENFERMEDAD NO TIENE CURA Puerto Rico declaró este jueves la existencia de una epidemia de chikungunya en la isla, ante la rápida propagación de un virus que por el momento se ha confi...
19/07/14 09:25 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from NTN24. ENFERMEDAD NO TIENE CURA Puerto Rico declaró este jueves la existencia de una epidemia de chikungunya en la isla, ante la rápida propagación de un virus que por el momento se ha confi...
» García Padilla downplays expressions of Cox Alomar
19/07/14 09:22 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . The former candidate for resident commissioner said he is missing the word given to the popular for the Constitutional Assembly Status By Antonio R. Gomez / antonio.gomez @ <a href="http://gfrmedia.com" re...
19/07/14 09:22 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . The former candidate for resident commissioner said he is missing the word given to the popular for the Constitutional Assembly Status By Antonio R. Gomez / antonio.gomez @ <a href="http://gfrmedia.com" re...
» Large Asset Managers Form Group to Support Puerto Rico's Actions to Address Financial Difficulties | Business - Press Releases | providencejournal.com
19/07/14 08:47 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . NEW YORK, July 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, asset managers led by Brigade Capital Management, Fir Tree Partners, Monarch Alternative Capital LP, and Perry Capital, LLC, announced that they have formed an a...
19/07/14 08:47 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . NEW YORK, July 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, asset managers led by Brigade Capital Management, Fir Tree Partners, Monarch Alternative Capital LP, and Perry Capital, LLC, announced that they have formed an a...
» Doubts about Puerto Rico power company's finances
19/07/14 08:45 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from China Post Online - Taiwan , News. The questions came after a nearly two-hour webcast in which officials sought to reassure investors and update them on steps being taken to stabilize the U.S. territory's ...
19/07/14 08:45 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from China Post Online - Taiwan , News. The questions came after a nearly two-hour webcast in which officials sought to reassure investors and update them on steps being taken to stabilize the U.S. territory's ...
» The Government Bank acknowledges funding problems for Puerto Rico
19/07/14 08:44 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Caracol Radio. San Juan, July 18 (Reuters) -. The Government Development Bank (GDB) recognizes the funding challenges facing the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in its quarterly report on the economy of the Ca...
19/07/14 08:44 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Caracol Radio. San Juan, July 18 (Reuters) -. The Government Development Bank (GDB) recognizes the funding challenges facing the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in its quarterly report on the economy of the Ca...
» LULAC 2014: Puerto Ricans Consider Statehood, Economic Future : US News : Latin Post
19/07/14 08:43 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Latin Post : Top News. First Posted: Jul 12, 2014 08:37 AM EDT Civil rights group the League of United Latin American Citizens hosted a well-attended session at its 85th Annual National Convention on Frida...
19/07/14 08:43 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Latin Post : Top News. First Posted: Jul 12, 2014 08:37 AM EDT Civil rights group the League of United Latin American Citizens hosted a well-attended session at its 85th Annual National Convention on Frida...
» U.S. House Approves Bill Encouraging U.S. Treasury Department to Provide Technical Assistance to Puerto Rico Government
19/07/14 08:42 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Res. Comm. Pedro Pierluisi - Representing the At Large District of PUERTO RICO. Washington, DC —Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi announced today that the U.S. House of Representatives has approv...
19/07/14 08:42 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Res. Comm. Pedro Pierluisi - Representing the At Large District of PUERTO RICO. Washington, DC —Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi announced today that the U.S. House of Representatives has approv...
» Relationship of the UN Decolonization Committee to Puerto Rico’s Status Issue
19/07/14 08:41 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Puerto Rico Report. The United Nations committee on independence for colonies yesterday passed its annual resolution asserting Puerto Rico’s right to self-determination and independence. The U.N. has...
19/07/14 08:41 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Puerto Rico Report. The United Nations committee on independence for colonies yesterday passed its annual resolution asserting Puerto Rico’s right to self-determination and independence. The U.N. has...
» Drug Sentencing Guidelines Reduced For Current Prisoners : The Two-Way : NPR
19/07/14 08:40 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Law. hide caption Attorney General Eric Holder, seen here Monday, has supported changes in drug sentencing, but the Sentencing Commission went further than he preferred Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP Attorn...
19/07/14 08:40 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Law. hide caption Attorney General Eric Holder, seen here Monday, has supported changes in drug sentencing, but the Sentencing Commission went further than he preferred Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP Attorn...
» '4 in 5 Flights of Cocaine Bound for U.S. Now Land in Honduras,' Congress Is Told
19/07/14 08:39 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . The U.S. Coast Guard unloads 7.5 tons of cocaine, which was seized from a submarine-like craft off the Caribbean coast of Honduras. (AP File Photo) (<a href="http://CNSNews.com" rel="nofollow">CNSNews.c...
19/07/14 08:39 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . The U.S. Coast Guard unloads 7.5 tons of cocaine, which was seized from a submarine-like craft off the Caribbean coast of Honduras. (AP File Photo) (<a href="http://CNSNews.com" rel="nofollow">CNSNews.c...
» Sino-Latin American ties: 'An asymmetric relationship' | Asia | DW.DE
19/07/14 08:39 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . Xi's visit, aimed at enhancing economic and political ties in Latin America, comes at a time when Beijing is on the lookout for resources to power its growth. The Chinese President arrived earlier this week a...
19/07/14 08:39 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . Xi's visit, aimed at enhancing economic and political ties in Latin America, comes at a time when Beijing is on the lookout for resources to power its growth. The Chinese President arrived earlier this week a...
» Two-Thirds of These Female Scientists Say They’ve Been Sexually Harassed
19/07/14 08:37 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . According to reports, Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl has not yet contacted his family. That seems strange to most, but the reintegration process after war (and especially after capture) is anything but simple. “It&...
19/07/14 08:37 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . According to reports, Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl has not yet contacted his family. That seems strange to most, but the reintegration process after war (and especially after capture) is anything but simple. “It&...
» US plans to expand border drone use
19/07/14 08:35 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from English. By Jake Dean 18 July 2014 What are being depicted as emergency funds to solve the “humanitarian crisis” of 57,000 unaccompanied immigrant children escaping gang violence and pov...
19/07/14 08:35 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from English. By Jake Dean 18 July 2014 What are being depicted as emergency funds to solve the “humanitarian crisis” of 57,000 unaccompanied immigrant children escaping gang violence and pov...
» US funds political groups in Venezuela despite ban
19/07/14 08:32 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . CARACAS, Venezuela — Almost four years after Venezuela enacted a law to bar the U.S. from funding groups frequently critical of the socialist government, millions of the American dollars the administrat...
19/07/14 08:32 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . CARACAS, Venezuela — Almost four years after Venezuela enacted a law to bar the U.S. from funding groups frequently critical of the socialist government, millions of the American dollars the administrat...
» Journalist accuses Mexican presidents of drug cartel links
19/07/14 08:30 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . Thanks to Posted Jul 17, 2014, 10:33 am Ioan Grillo GlobalPost MEXICO CITY — It is not easy for any reporter to cover drug trafficking in Mexico, a country where more than 80 journalists have been shot,...
19/07/14 08:30 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . Thanks to Posted Jul 17, 2014, 10:33 am Ioan Grillo GlobalPost MEXICO CITY — It is not easy for any reporter to cover drug trafficking in Mexico, a country where more than 80 journalists have been shot,...
» DACO freezes prices of items to combat chikungunya
19/07/14 08:12 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . By Sharon Minelli Perez 07/18/2014 | 5:26 pm Following the declaration of chikungunya epidemic in Puerto Rico, the secretary of the Department of Consumer (DACO), Nery Adames Soto Affairs, today issued an ord...
19/07/14 08:12 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . By Sharon Minelli Perez 07/18/2014 | 5:26 pm Following the declaration of chikungunya epidemic in Puerto Rico, the secretary of the Department of Consumer (DACO), Nery Adames Soto Affairs, today issued an ord...
» Two Cases Of Chikungunya Fever Reported In Florida; Puerto Rico Declares Epidemic
19/07/14 08:06 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . Associated Press – Health officials are reporting that for the first time, U.S. mosquitoes are spreading a virus that has been tearing through the Caribbean. Two people in Florida have domestical...
19/07/14 08:06 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . Associated Press – Health officials are reporting that for the first time, U.S. mosquitoes are spreading a virus that has been tearing through the Caribbean. Two people in Florida have domestical...
» Puerto Rico News: Puerto Rico News Review
19/07/14 08:05 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Puerto Rico NewsLinks. » Puerto Rico Recovery Act May Be Struck Down | Complete loss of credibility - By CARLOS ROMERO BARCELÓ | PR government says it may not be able to honor all of its obligati...
19/07/14 08:05 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Puerto Rico NewsLinks. » Puerto Rico Recovery Act May Be Struck Down | Complete loss of credibility - By CARLOS ROMERO BARCELÓ | PR government says it may not be able to honor all of its obligati...
» Caribbean Business - Page2RSS
19/07/14 08:04 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Caribbean Business. 18 Jul ' 15:08 PR government says it may not be able to honor all of its obligations The Puerto Rico government may be unable to honor all of its obligations as they ...
19/07/14 08:04 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Caribbean Business. 18 Jul ' 15:08 PR government says it may not be able to honor all of its obligations The Puerto Rico government may be unable to honor all of its obligations as they ...
» Seilhamer: “Salen nueve mil personas por mes de la fuerza laboral desde enero de 2014”
19/07/14 08:03 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from El Vocero de Puerto Rico. Por InterNewsService – 6:13 pm El portavoz del Partido Nuevo Progresista (PNP) en el Senado, Larry Seilhamer Rodríguez, sostuvo que las estadísticas del Departamen...
19/07/14 08:03 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from El Vocero de Puerto Rico. Por InterNewsService – 6:13 pm El portavoz del Partido Nuevo Progresista (PNP) en el Senado, Larry Seilhamer Rodríguez, sostuvo que las estadísticas del Departamen...
» Agapito sets parameters of "new commonwealth"
19/07/14 08:01 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . LongIslander1987 wrote: It will not be subject to the Territorial Clause of the US Constitution, or the Plenary Powers of Congress. It will not represent any form of separation from the United States includin...
19/07/14 08:01 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . LongIslander1987 wrote: It will not be subject to the Territorial Clause of the US Constitution, or the Plenary Powers of Congress. It will not represent any form of separation from the United States includin...
» Puerto Rico health officials declare chikungunya epidemic as virus spreads in Caribbean
19/07/14 07:58 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Health officials in Puerto Rico on Thursday declared an epidemic of the mosquito-borne virus known as chikungunya, which was introduced into the Caribbean region late last year. ...
19/07/14 07:58 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Health officials in Puerto Rico on Thursday declared an epidemic of the mosquito-borne virus known as chikungunya, which was introduced into the Caribbean region late last year. ...
» Chikungunya epidemic declared in Puerto Rico
19/07/14 07:40 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . (AP) — Health officials in Puerto Rico have declared an epidemic of the mosquito-borne virus known as chikungunya, which was introduced into the Caribbean region late last year. Health Secretary Ana Riu...
19/07/14 07:40 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . (AP) — Health officials in Puerto Rico have declared an epidemic of the mosquito-borne virus known as chikungunya, which was introduced into the Caribbean region late last year. Health Secretary Ana Riu...
» Wise proposal on the energy market
19/07/14 07:33 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . July 19, 2014 The repeated concerns of the business sector by the inefficiency of Electric Power Authority (PREPA), threatening the stability of many industries and businesses that depend on a competent elect...
19/07/14 07:33 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . July 19, 2014 The repeated concerns of the business sector by the inefficiency of Electric Power Authority (PREPA), threatening the stability of many industries and businesses that depend on a competent elect...
» DAILY MAIL COMMENT: Putin and the West's insipid statesman
19/07/14 04:29 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from News | Mail Online. This is a conflict of polar opposites. On one side stands Vladimir Putin, the ruthless former KGB officer. On the other are the frivolous, dithering politicians of the West.
19/07/14 04:29 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from News | Mail Online. This is a conflict of polar opposites. On one side stands Vladimir Putin, the ruthless former KGB officer. On the other are the frivolous, dithering politicians of the West.
» Puerto Rico Recovery Act May Be Struck Down
18/07/14 17:57 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Comments on: Puerto Rico Recovery Act May Be Struck Down. The Act likely violates the Takings Clause and may be held to be unconstitutional Assured Guaranty Ltd. ( NYSE:AGO ), MBIA Inc. ( NYSE:MBI ) and Am...
18/07/14 17:57 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Comments on: Puerto Rico Recovery Act May Be Struck Down. The Act likely violates the Takings Clause and may be held to be unconstitutional Assured Guaranty Ltd. ( NYSE:AGO ), MBIA Inc. ( NYSE:MBI ) and Am...
» Ukraine and Obama’s Time of Testing
18/07/14 16:59 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Voice of America. Presidents are used to facing global crises, but they usually don’t come all at once. The global ramifications of the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over eastern Ukrai...
18/07/14 16:59 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Voice of America. Presidents are used to facing global crises, but they usually don’t come all at once. The global ramifications of the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over eastern Ukrai...
» World Leaders Match Anger with Calls for Inquiry Into Ukraine Plane Crash
18/07/14 14:35 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from NYT > World. The downing of the Malaysian Airlines Boeing 777 was seen as adding impetus to calls for tighter sanctions against Russia over its role in Ukraine.
18/07/14 14:35 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from NYT > World. The downing of the Malaysian Airlines Boeing 777 was seen as adding impetus to calls for tighter sanctions against Russia over its role in Ukraine.
» John McCain warns of MH17 'repercussions' if Russian forces or pro-Russian separatists downed flight
18/07/14 14:30 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from News | Mail Online. Arizona GOP senator speculated that the missile attack on a Malaysian Airlines passenger jet 'has the earmarks of a mistaken identification of an aircraft that they may have believed wa...
18/07/14 14:30 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from News | Mail Online. Arizona GOP senator speculated that the missile attack on a Malaysian Airlines passenger jet 'has the earmarks of a mistaken identification of an aircraft that they may have believed wa...
» Putin Defensive Over Ukraine Plane Tragedy
18/07/14 14:21 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from World News - Breaking international news and headlines | Sky News. The Russian president says the "awful tragedy" would not have happened if military action had not resumed in southeast Ukraine.
18/07/14 14:21 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from World News - Breaking international news and headlines | Sky News. The Russian president says the "awful tragedy" would not have happened if military action had not resumed in southeast Ukraine.
» Merkel says situation is now more complicated in eastern Ukraine - Reuters
18/07/14 14:21 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Top Stories - Google News. Reuters Merkel says situation is now more complicated in eastern Ukraine Reuters BERLIN, July 18 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday the situation in easte...
18/07/14 14:21 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Top Stories - Google News. Reuters Merkel says situation is now more complicated in eastern Ukraine Reuters BERLIN, July 18 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday the situation in easte...
» Brazil President Loses Ground
18/07/14 14:20 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from WSJ.com: World News. Dilma Rousseff is losing ground with potential voters and raising the odds that she will face a runoff in October's presidential election, a recent poll showed.
18/07/14 14:20 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from WSJ.com: World News. Dilma Rousseff is losing ground with potential voters and raising the odds that she will face a runoff in October's presidential election, a recent poll showed.
» Italy appeals court clears Berlusconi in sex trial - Chicago Tribune
18/07/14 14:13 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Top Stories - Google News. Italy appeals court clears Berlusconi in sex trial Chicago Tribune MILAN (Reuters) - An Italian appeals court unexpectedly on Friday overturned Silvio Berlusconi's conviction on ...
18/07/14 14:13 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Top Stories - Google News. Italy appeals court clears Berlusconi in sex trial Chicago Tribune MILAN (Reuters) - An Italian appeals court unexpectedly on Friday overturned Silvio Berlusconi's conviction on ...
» Further sanctions would have 'chilling effect' on Russia: IIF
18/07/14 13:51 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Reuters: World News. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Institute of International Finance warned on Friday that further sanctions on Russia would have a "broader chilling effect on Russia" and its companies who a...
18/07/14 13:51 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Reuters: World News. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Institute of International Finance warned on Friday that further sanctions on Russia would have a "broader chilling effect on Russia" and its companies who a...
» Russian Lays Blame for Malaysia Airlines Crash on Ukraine
18/07/14 13:10 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from NYT > World. President Vladimir V. Putin, right, speaks to Prime Minister Dmitri A. Medvedev after a moment of silence for those killed in the Malaysia Airlines plane crash.
18/07/14 13:10 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from NYT > World. President Vladimir V. Putin, right, speaks to Prime Minister Dmitri A. Medvedev after a moment of silence for those killed in the Malaysia Airlines plane crash.
» El Nuevo Día - 10 voces del PPD
17/07/14 12:03 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from El Nuevo dia : José A. Delgado. Antes de que el gobernador Alejandro García Padilla anuncie hoy cómo el Partido Popular Democrático (PPD) encaminará el debate sobre el status, con...
17/07/14 12:03 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from El Nuevo dia : José A. Delgado. Antes de que el gobernador Alejandro García Padilla anuncie hoy cómo el Partido Popular Democrático (PPD) encaminará el debate sobre el status, con...
» New commander takes helm at Coast Guard Sector San Juan - News
17/07/14 11:46 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . Capt. Robert Warren, right, assumes command of Sector San Juan as he salutes Rear Adm. Jake Korn, commander of the Coast Guard's Seventh District, after Capt. Drew Pearson relinquished command of the unit dur...
17/07/14 11:46 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . Capt. Robert Warren, right, assumes command of Sector San Juan as he salutes Rear Adm. Jake Korn, commander of the Coast Guard's Seventh District, after Capt. Drew Pearson relinquished command of the unit dur...
» Riposta el gobernador | El Vocero de Puerto Rico
17/07/14 10:55 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from El Vocero de Puerto Rico. Por Yennifer Álvarez Jaimes, EL VOCERO – 4:08 am El gobernador Alejandro García Padilla dijo que el comisionado residente, Pedro Pierluisi, “fue a hablar mal...
17/07/14 10:55 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from El Vocero de Puerto Rico. Por Yennifer Álvarez Jaimes, EL VOCERO – 4:08 am El gobernador Alejandro García Padilla dijo que el comisionado residente, Pedro Pierluisi, “fue a hablar mal...
» U.S. slaps toughest sanctions yet on Russia, targets Putin allies
17/07/14 09:50 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Reuters: World News. WASHINGTON/MOSCOW (Reuters) - President Barack Obama imposed the toughest U.S. sanctions yet on Russia, striking at the heart of Vladimir Putin's powerbase by targeting companies close...
17/07/14 09:50 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Reuters: World News. WASHINGTON/MOSCOW (Reuters) - President Barack Obama imposed the toughest U.S. sanctions yet on Russia, striking at the heart of Vladimir Putin's powerbase by targeting companies close...
» Bowe Bergdahl's return to active duty a curious move: Letter - The Star-Ledger
17/07/14 09:47 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Top Stories - Google News. Bowe Bergdahl's return to active duty a curious move: Letter The Star-Ledger To the Editor: Concerning the return to active duty of Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl following his release ...
17/07/14 09:47 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Top Stories - Google News. Bowe Bergdahl's return to active duty a curious move: Letter The Star-Ledger To the Editor: Concerning the return to active duty of Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl following his release ...
» Russian stock market hit by new sanctions over Ukraine - business live
17/07/14 09:47 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Network Front | The Guardian. Moscow stock index falls 2% in early trading after US announces tougher sanctions against Russia for supporting Ukrainian separatists. 8.14am BST The Russian ruble has weakeni...
17/07/14 09:47 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Network Front | The Guardian. Moscow stock index falls 2% in early trading after US announces tougher sanctions against Russia for supporting Ukrainian separatists. 8.14am BST The Russian ruble has weakeni...
» White House faces broad resistance on border bill - seattlepi.com
17/07/14 09:45 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Top Stories - Google News. SFGate White House faces broad resistance on border bill seattlepi.com WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is meeting growing resistance from both the left and the right as it push...
17/07/14 09:45 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Top Stories - Google News. SFGate White House faces broad resistance on border bill seattlepi.com WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is meeting growing resistance from both the left and the right as it push...
» Vladimir Putin condemns latest US sanctions against Russia
17/07/14 09:43 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Network Front | The Guardian. Russian president says sanctions announced on Wednesday will strain bilateral relations and hurt Russian and US businesses Vladimir Putin lamented the latest round of US sanct...
17/07/14 09:43 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Network Front | The Guardian. Russian president says sanctions announced on Wednesday will strain bilateral relations and hurt Russian and US businesses Vladimir Putin lamented the latest round of US sanct...
» Putin Criticizes U.S. Over New Sanctions
17/07/14 09:38 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from NYT > World. The Russian president lashed out against what he called America’s “aggressive foreign policy” and said it had helped prolong the conflict in Ukraine.
17/07/14 09:38 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from NYT > World. The Russian president lashed out against what he called America’s “aggressive foreign policy” and said it had helped prolong the conflict in Ukraine.
» Exclusive look inside drone center
17/07/14 09:38 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Uploads by CNNInternational. Exclusive look inside drone center CNN's Wolf Blitzer goes inside a Israeli drone operations center to see how strikes are executed. From: CNNInternational Views: 11 1 0 0 rati...
17/07/14 09:38 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Uploads by CNNInternational. Exclusive look inside drone center CNN's Wolf Blitzer goes inside a Israeli drone operations center to see how strikes are executed. From: CNNInternational Views: 11 1 0 0 rati...
» Putin: U.S. Sanctions Hurt Bilateral Ties, U.S. Firms
17/07/14 09:37 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from TIME » Time Sections » World. (MOSCOW) — President Vladimir Putin on Thursday lamented the latest round of U.S. sanctions against Russia, saying they will stalemate bilateral relations and hurt not only Ru...
17/07/14 09:37 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from TIME » Time Sections » World. (MOSCOW) — President Vladimir Putin on Thursday lamented the latest round of U.S. sanctions against Russia, saying they will stalemate bilateral relations and hurt not only Ru...
» Sinosphere Blog: Undermining China, One Knockout at a Time
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mikenova shared this story from NYT > World. An essay by a Chinese commentator that has been widely republished argues that the “highest level” of the cyberwar between the United States and China has included the insidious advance of ...
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mikenova shared this story from NYT > World. An essay by a Chinese commentator that has been widely republished argues that the “highest level” of the cyberwar between the United States and China has included the insidious advance of ...
» Defending Bergdahl: Can Eugene Fidell Clear Freed Soldier's Name? - NBCNews.com
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mikenova shared this story from Top Stories - Google News. NBCNews.com Defending Bergdahl: Can Eugene Fidell Clear Freed Soldier's Name? NBCNews.com He has eagerly taken on the most complex legal questions of the 21st-century American mi...
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mikenova shared this story from Top Stories - Google News. NBCNews.com Defending Bergdahl: Can Eugene Fidell Clear Freed Soldier's Name? NBCNews.com He has eagerly taken on the most complex legal questions of the 21st-century American mi...
» Crime falls 14% in England and Wales to reach lowest level in 33 years
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mikenova shared this story from Network Front | The Guardian. Authoritative crime survey of England and Wales finds 20% drop in violent crime, 17% fall in criminal damage and 10% fall in theft A record 14% fall in the last 12 months has ...
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mikenova shared this story from Network Front | The Guardian. Authoritative crime survey of England and Wales finds 20% drop in violent crime, 17% fall in criminal damage and 10% fall in theft A record 14% fall in the last 12 months has ...
» Russia Calls Latest US Sanctions ‘Blackmail’
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mikenova shared this story from Voice of America. Russian President Vladimir Putin says the latest round of U.S. sanctions on Russia will stall bilateral relations and hurt U.S. businesses as well as Russian ones. Putin made his televise...
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mikenova shared this story from Voice of America. Russian President Vladimir Putin says the latest round of U.S. sanctions on Russia will stall bilateral relations and hurt U.S. businesses as well as Russian ones. Putin made his televise...
Approved as the federal Treasury encourages you to Provide technical assistance to the Government tax
WASHINGTON - The House of Representatives of the United States today approved the appropriations bill That includes, in its report, a call to the federal Treasury to Provide tax technical assistance to the government of Puerto Rico.
The initiative, Promoted by Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi Rep. Jose Serrano through, seeks to reaffirm the interest on the federal Treasury keep your eye on the finances of the government of Puerto Rico.
Since 2013, the Working Group of the White House Announced the creation of a special team headed by the federal Treasury Remains close to the Initiatives of the government of Alejandro García Padilla.
"Puerto Rico is facing the worst economic and financial crisis in its history," said Commissioner Pierluisi, Insisting That the root of the crises is the spatial relationship of the island against the U.S. system.
"The crises is rooted in the inequality of its political status as a territory and has-been worsened by the reckless actions of the Local government," Pierluisi, president of the New Progressive Party (PNP) said.
By law not finishing its course, though hardly the report be removed, the Treasury Department has avoided comment.
Literally, the report of the appropriations bill on financial services, que includes the Proposed 2015 budget for the Treasury calls "the Department To provide technical assistance to Puerto Rico to stabilize and Strengthen Their public financial management and financial management"
"Puerto Rico has taken steps to address some substantial businesses of the Most Important challenges, including the adoption of a balanced budget and reform of its system board," recently Respond to Spokesman for the federal Treasury, que considers That the tax problems of the country or Emerged or are to solve "the overnight".
A Marrero Marcus Arroyo is Accused of killing 23 year old girl During a transit intervention Naranjito
Superior Court Judge Agnes Oriola Friday Collado found him cause for trial to the auxiliary police, Marcus Arroyo Marrero, who is charged with killing a 23-year transit During a speech in Cedar neighborhood Up in Naranjito.
"After hearing the arguments of the parties and Examined all the testimonial, documentary and expert evidence, we find That there is probable cause for the crime charged," the judge said at the finding of the preliminary hearing in the Court This Afternoon of Bayamón.
Marrero Arroyo weighs against a charge of second-degree murder and two of the Arms Act Violations
ACCORDING to the evidence prosecutors presented Gustavo Rivera Velez and Enrique Mendoza, young Carla Michelle Aviles died from a distance Rosado That shot came in from the back of his left ear, que was triggered by the weapon carrying Marrero Arroyo dawn of the facts, on June 23, 2013.
From the evidence That Emerged During the procedure, several police officers in Which PARTICIPATED, Also shot another officer, but the analysis Showed That the ballistic missile killed Michelle Carla That came from the Glock pistol carrying the Accused.
The victim was riding in the back of a Toyota Four Runner bus in Which They Were traveling and Felipe Zayas Marrrero Felix brothers, Who were arrested by the police for traveling without a seatbelt Allegedly.
ACCORDING to previous testimony, the youth refused to show his papers and went to flight.
The trial was set for August 18.
Carla Michelle's parents, who Were in the room were satisfied With the judge's ruling.
"I demand justice for my daughter and continue to the end," said Rosado Claribel Sanchez, mother of the girl died. His father, Rafael Aviles, said in the preview "That proved Please Carla Michelle was murdered, vile and cowardly, without any reason And Also be tested in the trial. "
"I have no comment," was all I said as I left court Accused Accompanied by his lawyers and Carlos López Cherena Brenda Quiñones Cruz. At the time the events occurred, was retired and worked as a volunteer in the police.
In his closing argument the prosecutor Velez said the state trial established the defendant That Allegedly shot straight When the vehicle is running and detonation That causes the death of the deceased. Argued That The prosecutor determined to the chemical analysis That the vehicle had no gunshot residue.
One of the defense lawyers Argued That's When the police arrested the youth, one of the men pulled out a gun Allegedly and the officer who gave the highest "have a gun Shouted and called 'cover' (protection)."
In the preview two policemen They Said, a young resident of Barranquitas, two forensic investigators and investigator of the Bureau of Special Investigations (NIE), Hector Reyes Guzman, Department of Civil Rights.
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While raising her daughter, Yolanda Arroyo and Zulma Oliveras struggle to marry sometime in Puerto Rico. Watch the video
Terrified and nervous, Yolanda Arroyo sat one day with his 10 year old daughter, decided to speak candidly with the girl on the love relationship that he intended to have with a person who was acquainted. It was just a year and a half who had divorced the girl's father and feared the reaction of the girl at the news that Mom would come out with a woman now.
"I decided I was going to answer all the questions she did me. To me, that would be the guide, I would answer all you ask for that is their maturity level. Told him I was ready for a new relationship, but it would be with a boyfriend, but with a girlfriend, "Arroyo recalled.
From that point, it's been almost five years. Arroyo and her partner, Zulma Oliveras, photo-manager since the now-15 year old, who had no qualms with the relationship. But they have not done alone, as they have the full support of their families, the father of the child and his family.
Mature women shares her story
"It's like they say in English, 'It Takes a Village' (requires a village) to raise a child. And that is our tribe, we, the baby's father, my family, the family of Zulma, family Dad. Sometimes two of us went out to eat with the girl and someone in the family dad.'re all together, "said Arroyo.
Contrary to initial fears, this couple did not face rejection by their families when starting their relationship. Instead, all they have received has been supportive, Oliveras said.
But they are still latent fear about the future, since the laws of Puerto Rico forbid them to marry. Oliveras reports that Arroyo has been hospitalized for complications with asthma suffering and not afraid to make decisions in an emergency situation because their relationship is not recognized by the state.
"I use the example to everyone of what you do if your partner is sick and you can not be with her in the hospital. What if heterosexual people forbid them to be in the room?" Said Oliveras.
Given this reality, and Oliveras Arroyo joined the lawsuit filed in Federal Court to demand that the government of Puerto Rico recognizes marriage between same sex. They are one of five couples, who along with the Puerto Rico Tod @ s organization to establish that the lack of recognition of gay marriage watchful against their constitutional rights to be a discriminatory action that prevents them from receiving benefits that heterosexual couples receive.
The lawsuit, originally filed in March by attorney Ada Conde Vidal and his wife Ivonne Alvarez, is based on a decision of the Supreme Court of the United States issued last year which declared unconstitutional an article of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA , for its acronym in English) indicating that, for the federal government, marriage only the union between a man and a woman.
"We want to ensure that Puerto Rico is not left behind, you have to recognize the same rights and the same guarantees based on the Constitution," the lawyer Omar Gonzalez Pagan. The attorney belongs to Lambda Legal organization that has come together to represent several of the plaintiffs in this case.
Pagan González stressed that since 2013, courts in 17 states have issued decisions in favor of marriage between same sex and against bans such unions. In total, since 19 states in the United States, plus Washington DC, already allow gay marriage. The Federal Court of Puerto Rico belongs to the First Circuit Court of Appeals and all other states as belonging to that Court of Appeals already recognize such unions.
"With this event we hope to vindicate the rights of our clients and all LGBT families in Puerto Rico," said González Pagan.
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17 July 2014 Last updated at 14:47 ET
During the Cold War the Lourdes base was said to be the biggest Soviet overseas listening post
Proximity to the US considerably boosted Soviet monitoring of American communications
During the Cold War the Lourdes base was said to be the biggest Soviet overseas listening post
Russian President Vladimir Putin has denied reports that he made a deal with Cuba to reopen an electronic listening post on the Caribbean island.
The Lourdes base near Havana was used by the Soviets to spy on the US during the Cold War.
Speaking at the Brics summit in Brazil, Mr Putin said Russia could "meet its defence needs without this component".
Russia's Kommersant newspaper had earlier reported that Russia and Cuba had agreed to reopen the spy facility.
Mr Putin closed the base in 2001, citing concerns over its cost.
The paper said the deal to make the base operational again had been reached during Mr Putin's visit to Cuba last week.
A Russian security source quoted by Reuters news agency had confirmed the Kommersant report, saying "a framework agreement" had been agreed.
Proximity to the US considerably boosted Soviet monitoring of American communications
The Lourdes base began operations in 1967 and provided intelligence for Soviet state security bodies. It also handled secret communications for the Soviet navy.
In Soviet times some 3,000 specialists worked there, then in the 1990s Russia reduced the staff by about half. Kommersant said staffing on that level would not be required now, because of improvements in technology.
The base was converted into a university after the Russians left. It is now the University of Information Sciences (UCI).
Reopening Lourdes itself would always have been out of the question, says the BBC's Sarah Rainsford in Havana.
Russia is planning to help build a new civilian airport next to the site of the old spy base.
When Russia shut the base in 2001 the annual cost - the rent paid to Cuba - was $200m (£115m).
Cuba was a Cold War hotspot. The crisis over Soviet missiles in Cuba in 1962 almost escalated into nuclear war.
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18 July 2014 Last updated at 13:36 ET
The message for the Jewish community was recorded last month at the Vatican by a friend of the Pope
The biggest bomb attack on Argentine soil killed 85 people and injured another 300
Hundreds of people hold pictures of the victims and signs calling for justice
The Argentine Jewish community was targeted by two attacks in the 1990s
The message for the Jewish community was recorded last month at the Vatican by a friend of the Pope
Pope Francis has demanded justice for the victims of a bomb attack against a Jewish centre in Buenos Aires exactly 20 years ago.
In a recorded video to mark the anniversary, the Pope described the attack as an "act of madness".
Eighty-five people were killed in the attack, which was masterminded by Iran, according to Argentine courts. Iran denies any involvement.
Last year, Iran and Argentina agreed to set up a truth commission.
Pope Francis said the suffering of the families cannot be forgotten. He was the auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires at the time.
"My prayers for all the victims are accompanied today by my call for justice. Justice must be done," he said.
"And may God give peace to all of those who died in this act of madness."
The video was recorded on the mobile phone of a friend of the Pope and Jewish community leader who went to visit him at the Vatican last month.
'Justice, not agreements'
Hundreds of people gathered outside the reconstructed Jewish cultural centre and the Justice Palace building to pray for the victims and demand justice.
The old seven storey-building of the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association (Amia) in the centre of Buenos Aires was completely destroyed by a car bomb on 18 July 1994.
Two years earlier, a bomb attack against the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires had killed 29 people.
The biggest bomb attack on Argentine soil killed 85 people and injured another 300Hundreds of people hold pictures of the victims and signs calling for justiceThe Argentine Jewish community was targeted by two attacks in the 1990s
The Jewish community in Argentina - the most numerous in Latin America - said there was enough evidence to show that Iran planned and financed the attack against Amia and that the militant group, Hezbollah, carried it out.
Argentine prosecutors accused Iran and Hezbollah in 2006.
Eight suspects were named, including former Iranian Defence Minister, Gen Ahmed Vahidi. But no arrests have been made.
At the time of the attack, Gen Vahidi was the commander of a special unit of Iran's Revolutionary Guards.
Amia's vice-president Thomas Saiegh spoke to the Jewish community during the vigil to mark the anniversary.
He called for "concrete measures" by the Argentine government to arrest the Iranian citizens allegedly involved.
"We all have an empty chair at home," said Luis Czyzewski, who lost a daughter in the attack.
Relatives and Jewish leaders also criticised last year's joint decision by Argentina and Iran to set up a commission to investigate the bombing.
"Our victims demand justice, not agreements," Mr Czyzewski added.
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“Bent” was first performed in 1979 in London (Photograph displayed on Indiegogo)
Havana's theater company “La Peña Meisner” has launched a campaign on Indiegogo to raise 15,000 British pounds, or about 25,000 US dollars, to produce and launch “Bent” in Cuba, a play about the persecution of homosexuals in Nazi Germany.
“Bent” is “a visceral and powerful representation of the abuse and internment of homosexuals in Nazi Germany leading up to World War II and the search for personal and social acceptance of one's identity,” the fundraising page says.
According to the theater group, which is not official and not financed by the Cuban state, and is made up of actors and directors working under the British director Stephen Bayly, “the topics explored in this classical work, regarding persecution and prejudice against gays, are still very relevant in Cuba today and globally.”
The new Cuban Labor Code, recently approved in the Caribbean nation, has received a lot of criticism due to the lack of explicit recognition of gender identity as a motive for discrimination, leaving transsexuals in a position of vulnerability. Historically the LGBT community in Cuba has suffered discrimination and persecution, but in the past years they have made tremendous strides in terms of acquiring rights. Of course, there is still much work ahead.
The group's former production, titled “Azul/Naranja,” was financed by the British and Norwegian embassies along with Cuban sponsors. However, “Bent” is an even more ambitious project, which will also receive Norwegian funds.
The online platform Indiegogo specifies that the funds raised will be used for the leasing of the rehearsal space and the theater, the music, lights, marketing campaigns, print and graphic design, costumes and props, the filming of the production, and the actors, directors and producer's flights, amongst other costs.
The production design requirements are six completely different sets in the Act One, and construction of a concentration camp for Act Two. Costumes and accessories involve numerous full Nazi uniforms, both SA and SS, changes of prisoners’ uniforms, fitted wigs, discharging rifles, sets of horn-rimmed glasses, stage knives, etc.
Los requisitos del diseño de producción incluyen seis conjuntos completamente diferentes en el primer acto, y la construcción de un campo de concentración para el segundo acto. El vestuario y los accesorios abarcan numerosos uniformes nazis, tanto de las SA como de las SS, los uniformes de los presos, pelucas equipadas, fusiles descargados, juegos de gafas con montura de concha, cuchillos de la época, etc.
Bayly has stated that he is “extremely proud to be part of this moment in history in Cuba. In the years since I've been coming to Cuba, there has been a growing awareness of LGBT issues (…) So the presentation of Bent (…) could have a significant effect on public opinion.”
La Peña Meisner's realistic acting have turned this company into leaders in Latin America in this form of acting. In February 2012, their production “Las Tumbas Olvidadas” made its debut, performed during the “British week” in Havana.
In June 2013 they performed “Azul/Naranja,” with which members of the cast, Idalmis Garcia and Héctor Noas, earned two nominations for the Premios Caricato, one of the most prestigious acting awards in Cuba.
The first performance of “Bent” took place in London in 1979, with Ian McKellen and Tom Bell in the leading roles. In fact, McKellen appears in a video for the crowdfunding campaign. “The play has been done all over the world, and I'm very glad it's now finally reaching Cuba,” he says. “And wherever it's been shown, I think people have realized its relevance to our lives today.”
In 1980, “Bent” was performed in New York City starring Richard Gere. The play was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in 1980, and won the Dramatist Guild Best Play Award. It was adapted into a film in 1997 under the direction of Sean Mathias.
The crowdfunding campaign ends on July 23.
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BY STEVE ROTHAUS
SROTHAUS@MIAMIHERALD.COM
My special Pride Month celebration began early — at 7:30 a.m. — when I would be giving a speech on a topic no new U.S. citizen had ever heard.
Immigration officials in Miami invited me to address 160 new American citizens during their naturalization ceremony at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services office in Kendall.
“The USCIS Kendall Field Office is commemorating ‘Pride Month’ during our naturalization ceremony,” read my invitation in May. “We strive to provide guest speakers from our outstanding citizens in our community. This provides an even greater meaning to that special day in our new citizens lives. We would be honored to have you as our guest speaker.”
As Miami Herald’s LGBT issues reporter, I was honored.
I was told me to be there 7:30 a.m. on June 20 to give a speech about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride. My speech would be the first of its kind delivered anywhere in the world to a group of new American citizens.
Upon arriving, I was stunned to find the auditorium packed with moist-eyed, cheering new Americans from 24 nations, including 93 from Cuba, 10 from Peru, six from Nicaragua. They brought their friends, parents and children. An LGBT rainbow flag was passed into the room.
After a reading of President Obama’s 2014 LGBT Pride Month proclamation and the official swearing-in ceremony, it was my turn to speak: “I see so many happy and proud people here today. I, too, am happy and proud to be here, as are, I'm sure, LGBT Immigration employees who join us and LGBT people who may be part of your group.”
I then told the story of a Coral Gables couple, Daniel Zavala and Yohandel Ruiz, who met three years ago in South Beach when Zavala visited from Mexico. They fell in love and eventually married in Washington, D.C. Two days after the May 1, 2012, ceremony, Zavala’s tourist visa expired and he faced deportation.
“Zavala and Ruiz, along with thousands of other gay and lesbian bi-national couples, faced separation because of DOMA, the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibited the federal government from recognizing legally married same-sex spouses,” I told the new citizens. Many gasped when they heard Zavala might be separated from Ruiz.
But they smiled and applauded when I told them of the couple’s happy ending following the June 26, 2013 ruling by the United States Supreme Court that a portion of the DOMA was unconstitutional and ordered the federal government to recognize all legally married same-sex couples. “Just like opposite-sex married couples,” I told them.
Two weeks later, I was again part of a special event shared with other gay Americans from throughout the United States: We were all invited to the White House on June 30 for an LGBT pride reception hosted by President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
I attended with my husband, Miami public relations executive Ric Katz. We married Feb. 14 in New York, on our 29th anniversary together.
Another South Florida couple at the presidential reception, Miami Beach businessmen Brad Carlson and Austin Allan of Miami Beach got engaged — at the White House.
“I didn't know I would live to see this kind of thing happen,” said Carlson, 49, a board member of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. “As we were leaving and walking down the colonnade near the visitor entrance, he turned me around, put a ring on my finger and asked me to marry him. Of course I said yes.”
“Everything the president has done for us, as people, as a community. It was icing on the cake for a perfect day,” Allan said.
If Obama were running again, he’d have their vote.
The sixth annual White House pride reception startled most of us who struggled as young men and women with our sexual orientations. To think we would be invited by a president to celebrate coming out was mindbogling.
Among the South Florida attendees: state Rep. David Richardson, 57, a Miami Beach Democrat and Florida’s first openly gay lawmaker. “I didn’t come out until I was around age 30; I was very worried how it would affect my business career.”
Richardson, a forensic accountant, attended the White House reception with Tony Lima, executive director of Miami-Dade LGBT-rights group SAVE.
Attorney Rand Hoch, founder and president of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, attended the reception with Dan Hall, the organization’s treasurer since 1990.
In 1992, then-Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles appointed Hoch, 59, a compensation claims judge in Daytona Beach. “I was Florida’s first openly gay judge,” said Hoch, who served one four-year term.
Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney Lea Krauss said she and life partner April Halle, also a lawyer, “were both overwhelmed and so overjoyed, we couldn’t believe we were being invited to the president’s home.”
Political consultant Christian Ulvert, board chair of SAVE, attended with husband Carlos Andrade. They married in July 2013 in Washington, D.C. and are one of eight couples who in March sued the state of Florida to recognize their marriage.
Florida voters in 2008 amended the state constitution to ban gay marriage. On Thursday, Monroe County Chief Circuit Judge Luis Garcia overturned the ban and ordered the county clerk to marry to gay Key West bartenders. Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi swiftly announced her office will appeal Garcia’s ruling, which then automatically was put on hold.
Herb Sosa, president of Unity Coalition, Miami-Dade County’s leading Hispanic LGBT group, has been out since 16 and has always had his family’s support. His date at the White House event: mother Teresa Penichet. “Being able to bring my mom — a first-generation Cuban exile — it was an honor to share that with her.”
Sosa, 50, describes the Washington visit as “absolutely surreal.”
Hopefully next year, and with each year after that, the presidential pride reception will become less a “surreal” experience for attendees and simply another celebratory event at the White House.
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Puerto Rico’s representative to the Federal government, Pedro Pierluisi, moved closer this week to trying to amend the Federal Bankruptcy Code to enable Commonwealth government instrumentalities to reduce their financial obligations when they are unable to meet the commitments.
Currently, the territory is treated like a State in all provisions of the Bankruptcy Code other than Chapter 9, which empowers States to authorize municipalities and other government creations of States to adjust their financial obligations through an orderly process.
Pierluisi, who has a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives with a vote only in committees, said that key Republicans as well as Democrats had responded positively to the idea. The statehood party president may introduce the legislation before Congress takes a five-week break from meeting August 1st.
Because of the possibility that the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) may be unable to pay both debts and costs of operations soon and because of the Commonwealth’s current exclusion from the law, Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla June 25th — without notice — proposed a Commonwealth bankruptcy process law for PREPA and some other government corporations including the Aqueduct and Sewer Authority and the Highways and Transportation Authority and the territory’s Legislative Assembly passed it the same day. June 25th was the last day for passing bills in each house of the Assembly before August.
Within hours of Garcia Padilla signing the bill June 28th, funds owning about one-fifth of PREPA’s $8.8 billion in bonds filed suit against the insular law in the Federal court in Puerto Rico. The suit claimed violations of the Bankruptcy, Takings, and Contracts Clauses of the Constitution of the United States.
Anticipating a court challenge, the Garcia Administration spent millions of dollars on law firms in writing the law. Secretary of Justice Cesar Miranda has asserted that the territory has the authority to enact the law in the absence of a Federal law.
Garcia Administration officials said that Pierluisi’s interest in amending the Federal Bankruptcy Code was “positive” but seemed concerned that it would confuse negotiations in the event of a PREPA financial failure in the coming months.
They disclosed that they had raised the amendment idea with the U.S. Treasury Department and the White House, which supported it. But they said that they decided against seeking an amendment because of the time that enacting a Federal law would likely take and the possibility that PREPA would need a bankruptcy process before a Federal law could be enacted.
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ENFERMEDAD NO TIENE CURA
Puerto Rico declaró este jueves la existencia de una epidemia de chikungunya en la isla, ante la rápida propagación de un virus que por el momento se ha confirmado en 206 personas, aunque se sospecha que los infectados son más del doble.
La secretaria de Salud de Puerto Rico, Ana Ríus, anunció en una conferencia de prensa que presentó una orden administrativa para activar los mecanismos necesarios para contener la propagación de una enfermedad con síntomas parecidos a los del dengue y que se contagia a través de la picadura de mosquitos.
Ríus insistió en la importancia de que la ciudadanía sea consciente de cómo se propaga un virus que hace medio año era desconocido en el continente americano y que en la actualidad se extiende también con gran rapidez por América Latina y el Caribe.
La declaración de epidemia obliga además a los profesionales de la salud a vigilar e informar de los casos sospechosos.
Hasta el momento se han confirmado 206 casos desde que se detectó la presencia de este virus en la isla, hace menos de dos meses, aunque, a falta de una doble comprobación de las muestras tomadas, se teme que esa cifra ascienda a más de quinientos.
Preocupa particularmente que el 90% de los casos confirmados se haya registrado en el área metropolitana de San Juan y la mayoría de ellos en torno al caño Martín Peña, un área de la capital en la que se acumulan vertederos clandestinos a lo largo de un canal, que además tiende a inundarse, lo que lo convierte en el hábitat perfecto para los mosquitos que propagan el chikungunya y el dengue.
Las autoridades prestarán especial atención a la prevención entre niños y maestros que comenzarán próximamente el nuevo curso escolar debido a que a muchas escuelas no se les da el debido mantenimiento durante el receso de verano y en sus áreas se crean criaderos.
Esta fiebre, que suele detectarse entre tres y siete días después de la picadura del mosquito y tiende a prolongarse por unos diez días, apareció por primera vez en el continente americano en diciembre pasado y el 29 de mayo fue detectado el primer caso en Puerto Rico.
Según datos de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS) del pasado 3 de julio, en el continente se han registrado 21 muertes por este virus, 4.756 casos confirmados y 302.081 casos sospechosos, de ellos 193.395 en la República Dominicana. El virus también ha llegado a países centroamericanos como El Salvador y al sur de la región como Venezuela, Brasil y Paraguay.
Publicado el 17 Julio 2014
Fuentes: EFE
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The former candidate for resident commissioner said he is missing the word given to the popular for the Constitutional Assembly Status
By Antonio R. Gomez / antonio.gomez @ <a href="http://gfrmedia.com" rel="nofollow">gfrmedia.com</a>
Governor Alejandro García Padilla today downplayed the keywords that made his former teammate ballot in the last election, Rafael Cox Alomar, saying that their statements do not deserve a comment.
Cox Alomar said the governor and chairman of PPD is missing the word given to the popular for the Constitutional Assembly Status with its recent announcement of a status inquiry and urged soberanistas the Popular Democratic Party (PPD) to organize and mobilized "to enforce the will of the majority of PPD do not believe in the Commonwealth of Rafael Hernández Colón."
The former candidate for Resident Commissioner also rejected by the PDP governor theory that the president and Congress agreed to cover the outcome of the consultation would have federal funding status.
Asked during a press conference held today, about expressions of Cox Alomar and if he regretted having chosen as running mate, García Padilla said "I'm not sorry and I do not deserve any comment."
The governor yesterday announced the start of negotiations to conclude a new query status, based on laws passed by Congress last January and allocates $ 2.5 million to fund the educational phase of the campaign.
It further provides that the options that are included on the ballot must be endorsed by the Department of Justice United States.
This course of action involves the postponement, at least, PPD's proposal to resolve the status issue by a Constitutional Assembly.
NEW YORK, July 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, asset managers led by Brigade Capital Management, Fir Tree Partners, Monarch Alternative Capital LP, and Perry Capital, LLC, announced that they have formed an ad hoc group ("the Ad Hoc Group") to support the actions taken to date by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The Ad Hoc Group stands behind the efforts of the Governor and the Commonwealth to enact legislation to substantially eliminate budget deficits and address the financial and operational difficulties facing certain non-guaranteed public corporations.
"With more than $60 billion of capital under management and its strong support for the necessary and appropriate actions taken by the government of Puerto Rico, the Ad Hoc Group could provide a substantial source of financing in connection with the Commonwealth's effort," said the Steering Committee for the Ad Hoc Group.
The Ad Hoc Group holds more than $3 billion in bonds issued by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Morrison & Foerster LLP has been engaged as counsel, and the Ad Hoc Group expects to retain a financial advisor and add several more members shortly.
Morrison & Foerster will be holding an organizing call for holders of GDB, GO and COFINA bonds on Tuesday, July 22 at 2:30 pm ET. If you are a holder of these bonds and are interested in joining the call please contact Anthony Princi (212) 468-8030, Gary Lee (212) 468-8042 or James Newton (212) 336-4116.
Morrison & Foerster
The questions came after a nearly two-hour webcast in which officials sought to reassure investors and update them on steps being taken to stabilize the U.S. territory's economy and generate additional revenue for its government.
It was the first webcast held since Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla signed a law that allows some public corporations to restructure their debt if needed. The law was approved as the U.S. territory enters its eighth year in recession and grapples with some US$73 billion in public debt, with public corporations holding nearly 40 percent of the debt.
Puerto Rico has seen a flurry of credit rating downgrades since the announcement of the law, which does not apply to the island's general obligation bonds.
David Chafey, chairman of the Government Development Bank, which oversees the island's debt transactions, stressed that the priority for cash-strapped agencies is to reach consensual and negotiated solutions with creditors.
“We will only use the Recovery Act if such solutions are not available,” he said.
Investors asked if the state-owned Electric Power Authority had enough money to pay for fuel and whether it was nearing a default.
Natalia Guzman, the bank's senior vice president, said the company has enough liquidity to pay suppliers and said media reports saying it had used loan proceeds for fuel purchases were erroneous. She also noted that the government owed the power company US$240 million as of May 31 and that some US$110 million was past due.
The power company has more than US$9 billion in debt outstanding and has about US$398 million in cash in its general fund, officials said. The company recently reached an agreement to delay payment on lines of credit totaling about US$800 million with Citibank and Scotiabank.
Garcia said his administration will soon unveil a plan for comprehensive tax reform during the first half of the 2015 fiscal year. He noted the government approved a balanced budget a year ahead of schedule.
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San Juan, July 18 (Reuters) -. The Government Development Bank (GDB) recognizes the funding challenges facing the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in its quarterly report on the economy of the Caribbean territory widespread today.
The report notes that due to the recent sale by the rating agencies, Moody's, Standard & Poor's and Fitch, the debt of the Commonwealth Government in the future may have difficulty obtaining financing.
The downgrades by the three agencies in February and earlier this month, below the recommended level for investment, debt of the Commonwealth will affect their ability to borrow in the debt markets, which will depend on the Government more GDB turn to state liquidity difficulties entity.
The end result of any difficulties in access to finance can lead to a decrease in services provided to citizens, the report warns GDB.
The bank points out that the situation is complicated once the debt of the Commonwealth totaled 72.602 million dollars, which means 103% of Gross Domestic Product of Puerto Rico.
He also warns that the debt will continue to grow for at least the years 2015 and 2016.
The report also highlights that at the end of fiscal 2013 the solvency of the pension systems for teachers-one of the most numerous groups of Puerto Rico-had deteriorated compared to previous years.
The recently enacted Fiscal Sustainability and operation, emergency rule establishes austerity measures and spending cuts intended to tackle the financial problems, is given in the report as a measure that will help to improve the fiscal situation of Puerto Rico, but warns that when his term public finances will suffer.
The report GDB diffuses a day after the governor's economic team Alejandro García Padilla presented in a videoconference with the update on the fiscal and economic progress in recent months investment community information.
This forum is recalled that the revenue during fiscal year 2014 one grew 5% over the previous year and a significant increase occurred in the revenue Sales and Use Tax (SUT).
The increase in deposits in the BGF in over $ 650 million over the past six months and intended that public enterprises are self-sufficient to end the dependence of the General Fund and BGF itself were other ideas presented. EFE
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First Posted: Jul 12, 2014 08:37 AM EDT
Civil rights group the League of United Latin American Citizens hosted a well-attended session at its 85th Annual National Convention on Friday in New York, "Puerto Rico in Crisis: Charting a Path Forward," to continue discussions on economic development and political empowerment.
The island's relationship with the United States is the subject of an ongoing debate in Puerto Rico, the U.S. and the United Nations as to whether it will remain a U.S. territory or become a U.S. state or an independent country. In a nonbinding referendum in 2012, Puerto Ricans voted 61 percent in favor of becoming a state.
The island is subject to federal laws and has a nonvoting representative in Congress. Residents have the right to elect their own government. They pay into Social Security and receive benefits, not including Supplemental Security Income. The island receives a fraction of the Medicaid funds it would get with statehood.
Last month, Puerto Rico's governor, Alejandro Garcia Padilla, signed a bill that "allows certain public corporations to restructure their debt if needed." That action promoted credit rating agencies to downgrade bonds issued by those corporations, such as the three largest state-owned corporations, including the ones that manage power and water and sewer.
LULAC has "more than 2,500 members in Puerto Rico and a number of councils in the United States" on the island, according to the convention program. Puerto Rico is also a top agenda priority for LULAC National, the program states.
The panel discussion included Resident Commissioner Rep. Pedro Pierluisi; Claudia Gutierrez, Environmental Protection Agency senior adviser to the regional administrator; Juan Varona, former University of Puerto Rico-Cayey rector; and lawyer Francisco "Paco" Gonzalez, commissioner of the LULAC Puerto Rico Office of Legal Affairs.
An attendee wanted to know why there was not a federal request to amend title 23 of the U.S. Constitution to include Puerto Rico's right to vote.
"That's one of the main components of the claim for statehood, the voting rights, including voting for president," said Rep. Pedro Pierluisi. "So why haven't you've seen the statehood leadership seeking an amendment to the U.S. Constitution? It is easier for Puerto Rico to become a state [and] then to get a presidential vote. To become a state, you simply need a majority vote in the Congress. To amend the U.S. Constitution, you need a two-thirds majority vote in the House and the Senate, and you need [three-quarters of the] states' legislatures -- assemblies and senates -- to bless it. It would be a massive effort, and you could still fail."
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Featured Video : 'Matador' Co-Creator Roberto Orci Talks About New Heroes and Growing Up Bicultural
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Washington, DC—Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi announced today that the U.S. House of Representatives has approved the Fiscal Year 2015 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, and the congressional report accompanying this bill includes language that expresses concern about the Puerto Rico government’s management of the fiscal situation in the territory and urges the U.S. Department of Treasury to supply technical assistance to the Puerto Rico government.
Specifically, in the report, the House Appropriations Committee “encourages the Department to provide technical assistance to Puerto Rico on stabilizing and strengthening public financial management and financial management systems.”
This language was included as a result of the efforts of the Resident Commissioner and Congressman José Serrano, a member of the Appropriations Committee.
“Puerto Rico is confronting the worst economic and fiscal crisis in its history. The crisis is rooted in Puerto Rico’s unequal political status as a U.S. territory, and has been exacerbated by imprudent policies adopted by the local government.
The Puerto Rico government, including its government-owned corporations, has over $70 billion in outstanding debt, which is more than the territory’s gross national product. In recent months, the bonds of nearly all of the 17 Puerto Rico entities that issue debt have been downgraded to junk status by the credit rating agencies. Late last month, the Puerto Rico government enacted a local law that would enable certain government-owned corporations to restructure their debt, which set off another round of downgrades, as well as a constitutional challenge filed in federal court,” said Pierluisi.
“The economic picture in the territory is also deeply concerning. Puerto Rico’s unemployment rate is nearly 14 percent, compared to a U.S. national average of just over six percent. According to the U.S. Labor Department, since the current administration in San Juan took office in January 2013, there has been a net loss of 38,000 jobs—and there are now fewer individuals employed in the territory than at any point since 1992. The median household income in Puerto Rico is around $19,000 a year, while it is $51,000 in the states and about $40,000 for Puerto Ricans living in the states,” added the Resident Commissioner.
Likewise, the demographic trends in Puerto Rico are bad, and getting worse, with about 1,000 island residents departing each week for the 50 states.
“I am pleased that the U.S. House has approved a bill encouraging the U.S. Treasury Department to provide technical assistance to the Puerto Rico government to help it better manage the territory’s finances. In my view, technical assistance should include helping the Puerto Rico government more accurately estimate tax revenue, since the current government has substantially overestimated revenue, which has undermined its credibility with investors, credit rating agencies and the public,” said Pierluisi.
“Moreover, in November 2013, the President’s Task Force on Puerto Rico’s Status announced that it was establishing an inter-agency team to work with the government of Puerto Rico to ‘strengthen Puerto Rico’s fiscal situation and economic outlook.’ According to the White House, the interagency team would ‘offer strategic advice to assist Puerto Rico in promoting its economic development and maximizing the impact of existing federal funds flowing to the Island.’ In early December, two officials from the U.S. Treasury Department traveled to Puerto Rico to meet with officials from the territory government. Given the language in the bill approved by the U.S. House, the Treasury Department should redouble its efforts to offer strategic advice to the government of Puerto Rico in an effort to strengthen the territory’s fiscal situation and promote economic development,” added Pierluisi.
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The United Nations committee on independence for colonies yesterday passed its annual resolution asserting Puerto Rico’s right to self-determination and independence.
The U.N. has identified three options for a territory’s self-determination: In addition to independence, what would be statehood in the United States and nationhood in an association with another nation that either nation could end.
Popularly known as the decolonization committee, the panel created in 1961 has never had jurisdiction concerning Puerto Rico’s political status. Despite this, it has passed resolutions on the subject since 1972.
It has not, however, been able to get its resolutions further approved in the U.N. The U.S. Government has blocked its efforts.
The primary reason for the opposition is that the U.S. does not want to have to answer to a committee dominated by governments with which the U.S. is often at odds and which are far less democratic than is the governing of Puerto Rico. Although Puerto Rico does not have a democratic form of government at the national government level, it has a democratic government at the local level and Puerto Ricans enjoy other freedoms often lacking in nations that have substantial influence in the committee.
Yesterday’s resolution was sponsored by Cuba with the support of Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Venezuela.
The U.S. also does not agree with other content of the committee’s Puerto Rico resolutions, which comment on Puerto Rico related matters other than the territory’s political status.
Yesterday’s resolution called for the release from prison of Oscar Lopez of Chicago, who committed crimes in the name of Puerto Rican independence, and who the committee considers to be a “political prisoner.” Lopez declined President Clinton’s offer of clemency if he would renounce violence and was sentenced to more time in prison for an escape attempt.
The U.S. cooperates with the committee on questions concerning the three of the four other populated U.S. territories for which the committee has jurisdiction — American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. But the U.S. does not even send an observer to committee meetings on Puerto Rico.
The committee also does not have jurisdiction regarding the Northern Mariana Islands. The U.N. Security Council agreed to let that territory, then a part of a U.N. territory administered by the U.S., cede itself to the U.S.
The committee does not have jurisdiction regarding Puerto Rico because the U.N., at the request of the U.S., took Puerto Rico off its list of non-self-governing territories for which nations have to report annually to the U.N. in 1953 after Puerto Rico was granted greater self-government at the local level by the U.S. The U.S. was asked to make the request of the U.N. by a “Commonwealth” party insular Government of Puerto Rico.
Taking Puerto Rico off the list was very controversial in the U.N. Most member nations recognized that Puerto Rico was still a non-self-governing territory.
The U.S. request only passed because the U.S. was able to get many nations to abstain from voting. The vote was 22 in favor and 18 opposed with 19 abstentions.
The debate led to the U.N. subsequently determining that a territory could only be considered to have achieved self-government if it became independent, an equal part of a nation, or a nation in an association with another nation that either nation could end.
Some Puerto Rico “Commonwealth” party leaders argue that Puerto Rico being taken off the list of territories for which nations have to report to the U.N. supports their claim that the local self-government the U.S. granted in 1952 made Puerto Rico a “commonwealth” instead of a territory.
The assertion is not correct: the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that Congress retains its power under the Constitution’s Territory Clause to govern Puerto Rico in all matters not limiting the fundamental rights of individuals.
Even the “Commonwealth” party architect of the U.N. action, Counsel and Secretary of Justice for Governor Luis Munoz Marin, the founder of the party, and later Chief Justice of the Puerto Rico Supreme Court Jose Trias Monge, wrote, “There was little sense of triumph among the [party’] leadership after the United Nations vote and even second thoughts as to whether it had been wise … There was a long way to go before Puerto Rico could objectively be held to have ceased being a colony of the United States.”
Yesterday’s resolution called upon the U.S. to “take responsibility” for enabling Puerto Ricans to exercise their rights to self-determination and independence.
It was passed after the committee heard from a few dozen ‘petitioners.’
Puerto Rico’s representative to the Federal government who heads its statehood party, Pedro Pierluisi, reminded the committee that Puerto Ricans rejected the current territory status, sometimes misleadingly called “commonwealth” after a word in the formal name of territory’s local government, by 54% and chose statehood over the two nationhood options by 61.2% in a plebiscite held along with the 2012 elections.
The resolution recognized that Puerto Ricans rejected territory status in the plebiscite but not that statehood was chosen as the alternative. Resolution sponsor nations have close relations with independence groups in Puerto Rico.
He also informed the committee that President Obama and the Congress this year provided $2.5 million to enable Puerto Rico to hold the first Federally sponsored vote on status options that would “resolve” the question of the territory’s ultimate status.
“Now that the U.S. government has discharged its duty, the Puerto Rico Government has a moral responsibility to act,” the U.S. House of Representatives member with a vote only in committees noted.
Pierluisi also advised the committee that he has proposed that the status vote be a “Yes” or “No” question regarding statehood. Joining him in suggesting this are 131 other members of the U.S. House and three members of the U.S. Senate.
The resident commissioner, who was the highest vote getter in the 2012 elections, pointed out that the territory’s insular government “is controlled by a party that has perfected the cynical art of talking about how important it is to resolve the problem of Puerto Rico’s status, while doing absolutely nothing.” He explained that, “their inaction is rooted in their fear that a majority of the electorate will vote in favor of statehood.”
Dr. Ricardo Rossello, who is widely expected to challenge Pierluisi for the statehood party nomination for governor in 2016, urged that Puerto Rico be added to the list of territories for which nations have to report annually. He pointed out that Puerto Rico ‘commonwealthers’ have misinterpreted the territory’s removal from the list.
Puerto Rico House of Representatives “Commonwealth” party member Charlie Hernandez advocated nationhood in a free association with the U.S. for Puerto Rico.
Click here for a copy of the UN Decolonization press release.
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hide captionAttorney General Eric Holder, seen here Monday, has supported changes in drug sentencing, but the Sentencing Commission went further than he preferred
Attorney General Eric Holder, seen here Monday, has supported changes in drug sentencing, but the Sentencing Commission went further than he preferred
Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP
The U.S. Sentencing Commission on Friday voted unanimously to reduce terms for drug traffickers already in prison.
More than 46,000 drug offenders will be eligible for early release, unless Congress makes a move to stop the plan by Nov. 1.
On average, sentences could be reduced by more than two years.
"The magnitude of the change, both collectively and for individual offenders, is significant," U.S. District Judge Patti Saris, who chairs the commission, said before the vote.
Such offenders won't all be released. Their petitions will be considered individually by federal judges. None would be released before Nov. 1, 2015.
Despite the extra work, a majority of federal judges supported the change, NPR's Carrie Johnsonreported on Morning Edition.
"The driving factor for the committee's decision was fundamental fairness," Irene Keeley, a district judge in West Virginia, recently testified. "We do not believe that the date a sentence was imposed should dictate the length of imprisonment."
The Justice Department has sought more leniency for some non-violent drug offenders in hopes of reducing sentencing disparities dating from the crack cocaine epidemic of the 1980s.
The department, however, preferred a more limited approach than the Sentencing Commission has taken, arguing that only lower-level, nonviolent drug offenders without significant criminal histories should be eligible. That would have reduced the number of inmates who could petition for early release to about 20,000.
But the commission voted to make the reduced sentencing guidelines it adopted in April for most drug traffickers fully retroactive.
Although its guidelines are just that — non-binding recommendations — they hold great sway within the judiciary.
Prosecutors have expressed concern about the direction the commission is going. "The strong sentencing scheme that has been in place over the last 25 years in our country has contributed to the lowest crime rates in more than a generation," the National Association of Assistant United States Attorneys wrote in a letter to the commission.
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The U.S. Coast Guard unloads 7.5 tons of cocaine, which was seized from a submarine-like craft off the Caribbean coast of Honduras. (AP File Photo)
(<a href="http://CNSNews.com" rel="nofollow">CNSNews.com</a>) - An advocate for Central American children told Congress on Thursday that she considers "many" of those children to be refugees when they reach the United States. And she indicated that Americans' appetite for illegal drugs is part of the reason:
"The U.S. has spent billions to disrupt the flow of drugs from Colombia up the Caribbean corridor," Sonia Nazario said in her opening statement before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. "The narco-cartels, mostly Mexican, have simply re-routed inland, and four in five flights of cocaine bound for the U.S. now land in Honduras. These cartels are vying for control over turf and to expand drug distribution, sales, and extortion in these neighborhoods."
Nazario is an author and journalist who sits on the board of Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), a nonprofit founded by Microsoft and actress Angelina Jolie that recruits pro bono attorneys to represent unaccompanied children who cross into the United States illegally.
She testified that last month, she returned to Honduras for the first time in ten years, spending a week in a rough neighborhood near Tegucigalpa where the level of violence directed at children left her "astounded."
"Gangs have long ruled parts of Nueva Suyapa," Nazario said in her prepared statement, "but the recent control by narco-cartels has brought a new reach and viciousness to violence children in particular face in this neighborhood and throughout the country.
"People are found hacked apart, heads cut off, skinned alive. Children are kidnapped. People are routinely killed for their cell phones. On some 20 or 30 buses daily, passengers are all robbed at gunpoint; in one instance 23 were killed.
"Sometimes, at night, men show up in face masks and strafe anyone out on the street. Threatened families have had to abandon homes and flee with only the clothes on their backs. Several neighborhoods are worse than Nueva Suyapa; no one can go in without permission from gangs or narco traffickers, and war taxes are imposed on every resident. If you don't pay, they kill you. World Vision International, a Christian nonprofit group, has shut down operations in a nearby neighborhood because thugs won't let their staff enter."
The U.S. State Department backs up Nazario's claim about cocaine flights to the United States:
"Honduras is a major transit country for cocaine, as well as for some chemical precursors for heroin and synthetic drugs. The United States estimated that approximately 86 percent of the cocaine trafficked to the United States in the first half of 2013 first transited through the Mexico/Central America corridor," says the State Department's 2014 Country Report on Honduras.
"The United States also estimated in 2012 that 75 percent of all cocaine smuggling flights departing South America first land in Honduras. The Caribbean coastal region of Honduras is a primary landing zone for drug-carrying flights and maritime traffic. The region is vulnerable to narcotics trafficking due to its remoteness, limited infrastructure, lack of government presence, and weak law enforcement institutions."
The same report notes that "violent drug trafficking organizations and transnational gangs...contribute to violence and trafficking in Honduras."
An assistant attorney general who testified at the Thursday's hearing outlined the steps that the U.S. Justice Department is taking to stem the influx of illegal immigrants into the U.S.
Among other things, Bruce Swartz said, "we are encouraging disruption strategies in Central American countries that will make cross-border smuggling -- whether of drugs, people, or contraband -- more difficult, by targeting the cartels that may exploit the children being smuggled, or who may impose 'taxes' on human smugglers who wish to use the cartels' smuggling routes."
While the Obama administration says it is working to disrupt the supply of illegal drugs coming into the U.S., it has been notably lenient on the demand side of the equation.
Last year, President Obama's Justice Department announced that it would not challenge voter-passed laws in Colorado and Washington State that allow recreational marijuana use and sales, even though federal law forbids such activity.
Attorney General Eric Holder also has directed prosecutors to go easy on "certain low-level, nonviolent drug offenders who have no ties to large-scale organizations, gangs, or cartels." They will no longer be charged with offenses that carry mandatory minimum sentences.
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Xi's visit, aimed at enhancing economic and political ties in Latin America, comes at a time when Beijing is on the lookout for resources to power its growth. The Chinese President arrived earlier this week at the BRICS summit in the northeastern Brazilian seaside city of Fortaleza, where the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa agreed to create a development bank and a crisis reserve fund seen as rivals to Western-dominated financial institutions.
The summit was followed by bilateral talks with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and the launch of the China-Latin America Forum with the 33-strong CELAC group of Latin American and Caribbean states, a move seen by many as highlighting Beijing's growing influence and importance in the region.
The trip is Xi's second to Latin America since taking office last year - when he visited Mexico, Costa Rica and Trinidad and Tobago - and is viewed by analysts as Beijing's latest attempt to gain clout in a region traditionally seen as the United States' strategic backyard.
The BRICS summit was followed by bilateral talks with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff
A shared destiny?
The importance of Xi's tour is underscored by the fact that China's trade with Latin America has surged more than 20-fold from 12.6 billion USD in 2000 to 261.6 billion USD last year. "China is willing to combine efforts with Brazil and other countries in the region to become good friends and allies in a shared destiny, and walk in sync," Xi was quoted by AFP as saying in a speech to Brazil's Congress on July 16.
As Víctor M. Mijares, visiting research fellow at the GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies in Hamburg, told DW, China's foray into Latin America is driven mainly by its growing demand for raw materials, new sources of energy, and its goal to remain the largest goods trader in the world. This is why the Chinese leader is expected to sign a series of new agreements on investment, trade and energy during his state visits to Argentina - a key source of soybeans for China, oil-supplier Venezuela and long-time political ally Cuba, from July 18 to 23.
A longtime Communist ally
Each of these three Latin American countries is of special interest to China. For instance, Communist Cuba has traditionally been a close economic and ideological ally of Beijing and as Susanne Gratius, a senior researcher at the Madrid-based think tank FRIDE, explains, bilateral ties have intensified since the end of the Cold War and the declining presence of Russia on the island.
Cuban President Raúl Castro has openly declared himself a follower of the Chinese model
Beijing has now become Havana's number-two economic partner after Venezuela and a critical source of financing for the economically troubled Caribbean nation. Cuba, on the other hand, is China's largest trade partner among Caribbean nations.
Moreover, Cuban President Raúl Castro has openly declared himself a follower of the Chinese model, stating his support for China's political rise. "Cuba's elite wants to evolve from an orthodox Marxist-Leninist state into a Deng Xiaoping-inspired state with a unique and strong ruling party on the one side, but also with the ability to introduce and implement key economic reforms," Mijares, who is also a professor of International Relations at the Simon Bolivar University in Caracas, told DW. The Xi-led government, in turn, has an eye on geopolitics and trade, especially given the projected expansion of the Panama Canal.
Oil is at the core
Venezuela, the next leg of Xi's visit, is currently China's number one debtor in Latin America, and Beijing's top supplier of oil in the region, with six percent of Chinese imports coming from the South American country. Bilateral trade amounted to more than 19 billion USD last year and Xi is seeking to deepen ties in an array of sectors including energy, public finances, military and air-space technology, as well (as) civil construction.
But as Mijares points out, Xi's visit to Venezuela will not be limited to business deals. "Caracas is also politically attractive to Beijing as Venezuela's foreign policy has been largely aimed at diminishing US influence in the region," he said. Analyst Susanne Gratius agrees: "Besides signing agreements on infrastructure and energy cooperation - mainly oil and gas - both governments seek to counterbalance US influence in the region."
Venezuela is China's top supplier of oil in the region, with 6 percent of Chinese imports coming from Caracas
Sino-Venezuelan ties received a boost under the presidency of socialist Hugo Chávez from 1999-2012, with the Chinese investing heavily in exchange for oil. In an article forThe National Interest, Matt Ferchen writes that through its own state-sponsored loans-for-oil deals, valued at over 50 billion USD and national oil company investments, China cemented a special state-to-state relationship with Chavez's Venezuela.
But the resident scholar at the Carnegie-Tsinghua Center for Global Policy also pointed out that all has not been well in bilateral commercial and diplomatic relations, with oil being at the center of expectations. "While China and Venezuela certainly have expanded their oil trade and investment ties in the last decade, the volume of both has fallen far short of Chinese expectations."
Despite the underlying tensions, China has promised further heavy investments in Venezuela's oil industry. Xi will also be visiting Argentina, a strategic partner of Beijing, with nearly 10 percent of China's soybean coming from the South American country. But the Chinese leader will not only focus on his country's rising demand for the crop as his country is also interested in Argentina's shale gas deposits in Vaca Muerta, one of the biggest in the world. In 2013, bilateral trade reached 14.8 billion USD, up nearly 100 percent from 2009.
Argentina's banking woes
Buenos Aires, however, is regarded as being politically more distant to Beijing than Caracas and Havana. That is why Beijing might attempt to use Argentina's historically tense relation with the multinational banking system to cement ties, says Mijares. Moreover, Xi will probably underline China's official position in the dispute between the United Kingdom and Argentina over the Falklands/Malvinas islands in the framework of anti-colonialism.
Some analysts argue that with its mixture of trade, investment, development aid and diplomacy, China is taking advantage of a power vacuum in the region created by the United States and Russia. "Beijing has understood that it cannot play the role of a major military power while its technology lags far behind that of Western powers. This is why it is using the tools it has - outstanding economic productivity, vast foreign currency reserves and political cooperation without setting political or moral conditions - to quickly catch up," says Mijares.
A new dependency?
But while for some regional powers in Latin America closer ties with China may offer short-term economic and political support at a relatively low cost, experts warn of the side-effects: "It is an asymmetric relation that partly reproduces historic dependencies with the United States," said Gratius.
This view is shared by Mijares who argues that the Chinese approach hasn't gone down well everywhere in the region. "Political and economic ties with China have also been interpreted as a part of the "Beijing Consensus," a recipe for sustainable authoritarianism." Moreover, he adds, China's economic support doesn't come for free, as the requirements set by Beijing can also be costly and generate long-term commitments prone to limit the autonomy of the state.
Many Latin American countries, however, view China as a counterweight to the US and Brazil and thus welcome Beijing's growing presence in the region, as it offers them a chance to avoid becoming over-dependent on any single power.
Whether or not Beijing will succeed in dislodging the Washington in Latin America remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the Chinese presence in the continent has proven troublesome for at least one regional power. "While Beijing and Brasilia may be partners within the BRICS, the two countries see each other as rivals in Latin America. This ambiguous relation with the regional power must be taken into account when trying to understand the relations between China and Latin America," Mijares told DW.
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According to reports, Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl has not yet contacted his family. That seems strange to most, but the reintegration process after war (and especially after capture) is anything but simple.
“It’s the children that I can’t forget.”
Time and time again, in my psychiatrist’s office at a military clinic, a soldier would tell me this. Strong, young, crisply uniformed, he or she would shake, sigh, stare blankly, or cry, recounting variations of this statement. The most painful traumas—be it seeing your best friends blown into body parts, losing limbs, brutally shot—was also seeing injured civilians, particularly, the children.
I heard stories about soldiers carrying a little girl who was severely burnt to the hospital, begging for her to be treated by the military providers even though they didn’t always have the resources to treat civilians. I heard about someone having to shoot a boy, out of fear he was rigged with a bomb trigger.
In Michael Hastings’ June 2012 Rolling Stone profile of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, the author notes that perhaps the turning point in Bergdahl’s fateful disappearance was his witnessing a child being run over by an MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle). Bergdahl wrote about the incident in a bitter final email to his father, shortly before his capture by the Taliban.
The death of a child ranks highest in our set of moral taboos and violations. Ivan in Dostoyevsky’sThe Brothers Karamazov famously remarked that God’s salvation “is not worth the tears of that one tortured child,” one of the most powerful critiques of religion ever written. And for Bergdahl and other soldiers, the death of children casts any possible idealism or meaning behind their war mission into serious moral crisis. Are the deaths of the most innocent worth the devastation of the battlefield?
This crisis adds to the core of war trauma, and the possibility of ensuing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When confronted with brutal, agonizing tragedy, soldiers who have been raised on a steady diet of single-minded military zeal are prime fodder for emotional and moral disillusionment and even disintegration.
PTSD is a complex condition that straddles both psychological and physiological symptoms triggered by trauma. On the physiological side, exposure to danger activates our primal evolutionary fight-or-flight responses, leading to heightened senses, rapid heartbeat, constant edginess, and irritability. When our neuro-physiological system is working properly, we are able to calm back down after a threat dissipates and return to a state of everyday normalcy and rest. But when some people are constantly exposed to threat, day in and day out, as in war zones or repeated abuse, the fight-or-flight physiological state becomes the new normal; their neuro-hormonal systems are essentially stuck on overdrive. Their minds are unable to shut off repeated images and memories of dangerous events, and they cannot fall asleep or are prone to restless vivid nightmares.
Without help, there may be no opportunity to process at a comfortable rate the new barrage of stimuli from the outside world, including the sudden re-intimacy of family and friends, and the past flood of flashbacks and tragic memories from trauma exposure, carried alone as a heavy burden in the POW’s mind for so long.
This physical misery combines with the psychological horror of emotional loss and pain. The content of the danger often involves violence, cruelty, death, and destruction to people who are trained to become closer than brothers and sisters in battle—people who you love, as vividly described by Sebastian Junger in his brilliant book War. These things also happen to people who you know are helpless, like random people caught in the crossfire. Like children.
With such losses, people with PTSD often enter states of emotional numbing or dissociation, where they are, in a sense, zombified—detached from their feelings, even as their body functions and moods remain jittery and edgy, and their internal lava remains roiling and untamed. This toxic combination leads to feelings of intense guilt, anger, isolation, and trouble interpersonally relating to others, including military bosses, everyday civilians, or family members who “just don’t understand.” The ongoing stigma, misperceptions, even indifference to what soldiers go through in war zones, from both their military colleagues who perpetuate a culture of “suck it up,” and then from civilians who remain sheltered and apathetic, only contribute to that dangerous loneliness. The cost of this loneliness has led to epidemic rates of suicide amongst military service members in the last decade.
Through my work, I learned to develop a deep respect for the soldiers I treated—for their honesty, their commitment, their sacrifice. It was heartbreaking for me to hear their sufferings secondhand, because I knew by and large they were good, straightforward people, joining the military oftentimes for pure-hearted, patriotic reasons. More than a few joined after witnessing 9/11, and some had even experienced it firsthand in Manhattan or DC. They simply followed orders and were sent into hell. It also struck me as painful that often the youngest ones, fresh out of high school and potentially the most emotionally vulnerable, were sent to the front lines.
Bergdahl, according to various reports, grew up in rural Idaho and was home-schooled on a diet of books of religious, intellectual, and spiritual inquiry. He showed signs of a restless, wandering soul, someone searching for meaning around him. He was probably a perfect young candidate for moral alienation when confronted with the reality of war.
It is not for me to judge or comment on his possible desertion, what that entailed, and the other ethical dilemmas that ensued afterwards: of his capture and hostage ordeal, of the resources and precious lives lost looking for him, or of the controversial deal that was brokered for his freedom. I imagine that he, like other victims of kidnapping or hostage situations, has suffered immensely, and is going through a delicate reintegration process at his military hospital and base. He has reportedly not yet contacted his family, who it seems he was close to right before his capture, and who agonized over his loss the past few years. I do know that reintegration has to be done slowly and carefully.
Like Sgt. Brody in the acclaimed show Homeland, a POW undergoes the additional trauma of becoming a hostage, stripped of one’s free will and individual identity, all under constant threat of torture and death. The breakdown of self, melded with the urge to survive, sometimes renders hostages vulnerable to Stockholm Syndrome (as it did with Brody). In other cases, it increases a person’s ego stamina and resilience, as in the case of the Hanoi Hilton prisoners, or the inspiring defiance of Michelle Knight. It all depends on the individual circumstances and degree of trauma, and pre-existing traits such as level of education, family background, pre-existing trauma and mental health conditions, and more.
Our military follows an official 3-phase reintegration protocol for POWs and also offers it to civilian hostages (like the American civilian contractors released from a terrorist group in Colombia in 2008). Phase 1 involves a full medical and psychiatric examination to check and treat any acute injuries or imminently life-threatening conditions. Phase 2 involves “decompression” where subacute care begins, such as nutritional and dental care, and psychological counseling to debrief and discuss events in a protected setting. The idea is to restore a sense of routine and normality gradually, which takes anywhere from a few days to weeks depending on the individual. Phase 3 is the move to return to outside life, with ongoing support from a multidisciplinary treatment team, where one returns to live with family and/or returns to work, and transitions back to everyday independent living. This phase can take months or more. Per recent reports of his return to work and moving into quarters at his base, it seems Sgt. Bergdahl has moved into Phase 3.
Without taking gradual steps, an individual is at increased risk of protracted PTSD and depression. Without help, there may be no opportunity to process at a comfortable rate the new barrage of stimuli from the outside world, including the sudden re-intimacy of family and friends (as portrayed by the awkward homecoming of Brody with his wife and suddenly grown children in Homeland or in the moving 1946 Oscar classic The Best Years of Our Lives), and the past flood of flashbacks and tragic memories from trauma exposure, carried alone as a heavy burden in the POW’s mind for so long. Deeper alienation and isolation can follow along with heightened chances of suicide and substance abuse.
The moral murkiness of the desertion controversy will probably complicate Bergdahl’s recovery and prognosis. His unusual situation will likely lead to the additional stress of judgment and condemnation by many, including his military peers as well as the general public.
From the standpoint of a medical practitioner or therapist though, it would not be my place to judge, but to heal a broken person as best as I can. In general, we all need to remain informed and compassionate about mental health issues and the stressors our military service members face, to advocate for easier access to mental health care, and to encourage our colleagues and loved ones to seek help for their issues instead of ignoring or blaming them. For aside from those who have also been in combat, who are we to judge what each of us would do when faced with the unspeakable day in and day out?
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· · · · · ·
By Jake Dean
18 July 2014
What are being depicted as emergency funds to solve the “humanitarian crisis” of 57,000 unaccompanied immigrant children escaping gang violence and poverty in Central America are being exploited to further militarize the United States southern border. The entire political establishment and the corporate media are seeking to deny the children existing due process rights in a bid to deport them as soon as possible.
Josh Earnest, Obama’s spokesman, told White House reporters on Tuesday that the children who managed to reach the US “will not be welcomed to this country with open arms.”
The $3.7 billion emergency fund being requested by Obama will allocate $39 million for the expansion of aerial surveillance along the border, including through unmanned aircraft operations. The funds will pay for an additional 16,526 drone and manned aircraft flight hours and 16 added crews to handle the extra hours.
The intensification of aerial surveillance along the border has found bipartisan support. Texas Governor Rick Perry has openly called for the support and expansion of drones along the border. In an interview with ABC’s This Week, Perry stated, “We’re asking for the FAA to allow for drones to be used.” Perry has also requested the deployment of 1,000 National Guard troops along the southern border. The governor has already authorized the Texas Department of Public Safety to conduct further border security operations, at the cost of $1.3 million per week.
During his recent trip to Texas, Obama met with Perry to discuss the militarization of the border. At the time, he said he had “not ruled out such measures” and that there existed no “philosophical objection” to the deployment of the National Guard and more Predator surveillance drones to monitor the border.
The support for further militarization of the border is also expressed in a letter from Obama to Republican House Speaker John Boehner, “This funding would support a sustained border security surge through enhanced domestic enforcement, including air surveillance.”
Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a branch of Homeland Security, patrols the nearly 6,000 miles along the Mexican and Canadian border, as well as 2,000 miles of coastal water surrounding the Florida Peninsula and Puerto Rico, with their primary mission stated as to prevent terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the United States.
Currently, the CBP has a fleet of 10 unarmed Predator B Drones, which are nearly identical to the Reapers used by US Air Force to carry out drone strikes and assassinations. Over the last year, the CBP logged a total of 5,100 flight hours, and it spent $55.3 million for aircraft operations between 2006 and 2011.
The CBP and the military are the only agencies permitted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fly unmanned aircrafts within the US. Because of this, the CBP has “loaned” its drones to conduct operations on behalf of other agencies.
According to a 2012 lawsuit filed by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a civil liberties group, from 2010 to 2012 the CBP conducted 700 covert drone operations on behalf of federal, state and local police agencies.
The EFF also stated in their lawsuit that in 2010 alone, the CBP carried out 76 drone missions for other agencies. That number quadrupled by 2011. These agencies include: the FBI, ICE, DEA, US Marshals, Coast Guard, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the North Dakota Army National Guard, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and many others.
The CBP drones, according to the EFF, are equipped with a highly sophisticated sensor system, Vehicle and Dismount Exploitation Radar (VADER), which is able to detect individuals from a height of 25,000 feet. These sensors were initially designed for military use in the Afghanistan war. That such military weapons are being used against the US population is an indictment of the ruling establishment’s contempt for basic constitutional rights.
While the CBP has never denied carrying out unmanned aerial operations for other agencies, they have yet to comment on the nature of these missions.
The loaning of drones to other agencies became public last year, when FBI Director Robert Mueller acknowledged in Congressional testimony the use of these aerial drones for surveillance purposes within the United States on behalf of his agency. Mueller’s admission was the first time that the FBI has publicly recognized its use of remotely piloted aircraft within the US.
In an attempt to downplay the significance of these revelations, Mueller claimed, “[Drones are] very seldom used and generally used in a particular incident when you need the capability.” He failed to clarify what these “particular incident(s)” are. Throughout his testimony, Mueller continued the same empty claims made by the Obama administration to defend the unconstitutional spying.
The lethal use of drones has seen a surge since Obama’s inauguration, with 122 strikes in Pakistan in 2010 alone. On September 30, 2011, the Obama administration assassinated US citizen and Islamic cleric Anwar al-Awlaki in Yemen with a drone strike, which was followed by the drone assassination of Awlaki’s 16-year-old son.
The deployment of drones along the border is a reactionary measure aimed not only at militarizing the border, but at spying on American citizens. In anticipation of growing social upheavals, the ruling elite is scapegoating the influx of immigrant children in order to advance the relentless militarization of daily life in America.
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· · · ·
CARACAS, Venezuela — Almost four years after Venezuela enacted a law to bar the U.S. from funding groups frequently critical of the socialist government, millions of the American dollars the administration tried to ban still flow to these organizations, an analysis by The Associated Press shows. Much more U.S. support is under consideration.
The State Department and the National Endowment for Democracy, a government-funded nonprofit organization, together budgeted about $7.6 million to support Venezuelan groups last year alone, according to public documents reviewed by AP.
That was 15 percent more than they collectively authorized in 2009, the year before then-President Hugo Chavez pushed Venezuela’s Congress to ban such funding in the name of protecting the country’s sovereignty from groups it views as the opposition.
In Washington, the Senate is considering a bill to boost State Department aid to pro-democracy groups in Venezuela from about $5 million to $15 million amid calls for a tougher line against Venezuela after current President Nicolas Maduro cracked down on anti-government protests. A similar version cleared by the House would maintain current funding levels.
It’s unclear whether the government has been unable to enforce the law against such funding, or is simply uninterested. The sweeping 2010 ban on foreign donations subjects violators to fines of as much as twice all foreign money received, and bars them from running for public office. Foreigners in Venezuela who provide such aid can be deported.
Marino Alvarado, director of the centrist Venezuelan human rights group Provea, says the ban was passed to send an anti-imperialist message, but is politically impossible to enforce. Venezuela, which itself provides aid around the region, even in the U.S., would open itself to charges of hypocrisy if it took the extreme step of shutting down local organizations for taking foreign assistance, he said.
For eight years, the Chavez administration provided families in 25 U.S. states with heating oil during the cold winter months, according to Citgo Corp., an American subsidiary of Venezuela’s state-owned oil company. Caracas provides Havana with an estimated $3.2 billion annually in cut-rate Venezuelan oil that is a lifeline for Cuba’s ailing economy, and gives oil and natural gas on preferential terms to other countries including Nicaragua, Bolivia and the Dominican Republic.
“The administration is stuck,” Alvarado said.
Many groups continue to accept U.S. funds despite the law, but the ban has increased their sense of vulnerability, according to Luisa Torrealba, coordinator at Venezuela’s Institute for Press and Society, which monitors government interference with journalists, and accepts U.S. funding.
“The situation makes us all fearful, and I sometimes think about other paths I could have taken,” Torrealba said. “But the work is tremendously important. It’s vital that we document what’s happening so that the world knows.”
The U.S. long has used international aid to promote its values, such as free speech and open markets, by strengthening civil society and institutions. It’s unclear how the U.S. is deploying its millions in Venezuela. The National Endowment for Democracy, known as NED, now omits Venezuelan recipients’ names from its annual reports, and the State Department since 2010 has not publicly named the Venezuelan partners which receive its pro-democracy funds.
NED spokeswoman Jane Riley Jacobsen said the agency withholds recipient names because of an “atmosphere of severe intimidation, including threats of physical violence, hate campaigns on state-controlled media, and legal reprisals.”
Venezuela’s National Assembly approved the ban on foreign assistance after revelations that NED had funded an election-monitoring group, Sumate, which in 2004 organized an unsuccessful recall drive against Chavez.
Sumate was co-founded by Maria Corina Machado, an opposition leader who was stripped of her position as congresswoman and now leads anti-government protests. The administration has accused her of plotting to assassinate Maduro, a claim she denies.
In Venezuela, there are signs the administration may act to stop the flow of U.S. dollars. Maduro mentioned Sumate at a news conference earlier this year and said he would “reactivate the strict laws we have against foreign funding.” Writing in The New York Times this spring, he raised concerns about the millions the U.S. allocates for the opposition.
As U.S. funding has continued, Washington’s relationship with Venezuela has deteriorated with Maduro frequently drawing connections between American aid and the violent anti-government protests that claimed at least 43 lives earlier this year. The two countries have not exchanged ambassadors since 2010, when Chavez rejected the U.S. nominee for the post.
Despite the condemnations and the threat of punishment, many organizations still take U.S. money.
Carlos Correa, whose group Public Space tracks police brutality at protests and encourages freedom of expression, acknowledged receiving U.S. funding, but declined to specify whether it’s from the government or independent groups. When the ban was under debate in 2010, state-run TV ran political cartoons depicting him with a suitcase stuffed with U.S. government dollars.
A free-market think tank, CEDICE Libertad, receives NED funding that is channeled through an associated group, the Washington-based Center for International Private Enterprise.
Other political organizations have decided it’s too risky to take U.S aid. The Caracas-based Leadership and Vision, which aims to create a new generation of democracy-minded leaders, accepted its last NED grant in 2010, spokeswoman Naibet Soto said.
Several other leftist Latin American countries also oppose U.S. financial assistance to civil society groups.
Bolivia last year expelled the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), accusing the agency of trying to undermine its government. More recently, Ecuador prohibited USAID from funding new projects there. And this spring, revelations that Washington engineered a “Cuban Twitter” social media platform to undermine support for Havana increased regional suspicions about U.S. financial assistance.
The mounting tensions mean anxious times for U.S.-funded activists. Torrealba sees few other options for grants. Local donors consider organizations like hers too political, she said, and there are few institutional alternatives.
“There are no Rockefellers in Venezuela,” she said.
___
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Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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Posted Jul 17, 2014, 10:33 am
Ioan Grillo GlobalPost
MEXICO CITY — It is not easy for any reporter to cover drug trafficking in Mexico, a country where more than 80 journalists have been shot, stabbed, bludgeoned to death or decapitated since 2006.
But despite the risks, journalist and author Anabel Hernandez not only covers the issue, but also levels accusations of narco corruption in the country's most powerful institution: the presidency.
In articles and books, she has alleged links between kingpins such as Joaquin "Chapo" Guzman and a series of Mexican presidents, including Vicente Fox, who ruled from 2000 to 2006, and Felipe Calderon, in power from 2006 to 2012.
According to Hernandez, these leaders' war on drugs was a farce in which they used soldiers and police to help out Guzman's Sinaloa cartel.
And despite Guzman's dramatic arrest in February by Mexican marines, Hernandez suspects the Sinaloa Cartel is only growing in power under current President Enrique Peña Nieto.
"This war on drug trafficking was never real."
These accusations have major implications for Mexico, where more than 70,000 have died in cartel-related violence since 2006. But they also impact the United States, which has supported Mexico's fight against drug gangs with billions of dollars, while the US Drug Enforcement Administration and others have worked closely with the Mexican security forces under the command of these presidents.
Such controversial investigations have come at a high personal cost. Hernandez, a mother of two, has faced relentless threats and intimidation, including Kalashnikov-wielding thugs breaking into her home.
Hernandez has been particularly concerned about her country's federal police, drawing alleged links between them and the drug cartels.
In contrast, Mexico City's police have provided her with protection against gunmen who might want her dead.
But while sacrificing so much of her personal freedom, Hernandez has made a huge impact on coverage of drug trafficking. Her book "Los Señores del Narco," translated into English as "Narcoland," has sold more than 200,000 copies, making it one of Mexico's best-selling nonfiction works in recent years.
While the former presidents and other officials have denied Hernandez's accusations, they have not sued her over them. Hernandez says this is because they cannot disprove her assertions, or in many cases show where their mysterious wealth came from.
As she launched a new edition of her book this summer, GlobalPost spoke with Hernandez about her investigations and what drives her on.
GlobalPost: How did you make the journey to find yourself investigating drug cartels?
Hernandez: I really started investigative journalism after the death of my father. My father was kidnapped and murdered in December 2000. … It is difficult for me to say this, but my father was abducted, beaten, put in a car trunk, and tied up in such a way that he suffocated. The case was never solved. The authorities asked for money to continue the investigation, which we refused to pay. It is very frustrating. What are you as an individual going to do against a corrupt system? This issue of my father made me change my outlook on life. For me, investigative journalism was a refuge.
Are you sure corruption in Mexico reaches the highest levels and it's not just lower-ranking officials who work for drug cartels?
Since President Luis Echeverria (1970-1976) the links with drug trafficking have been at a presidential level. Corruption in Mexico is pyramidal and from the presidency it permeates other institutions. … The principal public officials and politicians that have been part of this system are still in power. They are deputies, senators, governors and others.
Chapo Guzman escaped from a Mexican prison in 2001. How can you be sure that then-President Fox was complicit in this?
The escape happened under his government, and it involved public officials that worked under his orders. There is no doubt … Fox started his administration with just $1,000 in the bank. His companies were all bankrupt. … Chapo Guzman escaped on Jan. 19, 2001. In February, Fox started to spend money, to buy property and remodel his ranch. Where did he get this money? It is completely inexplicable. … He has never been able to sue me because he cannot justify this wealth.
Do you believe that President Felipe Calderon would personally meet with drug traffickers?
"La Barbie" [arrested trafficker Edgar Villarreal] wrote me a letter in 2012 revealing that Calderon headed meetings [with drug traffickers] … I have firmly documented that people of Ismael Mayo Zambada [a wanted drug trafficker] went into Los Pinos [Mexico's presidential palace].
I am convinced that this war on drug trafficking was never real. Its only intention was to protect the Sinaloa cartel and attack others.
What is current President Peña Nieto's policy toward drug trafficking?
I believe that Enrique Peña Nieto is trying to make an old-style pact with drug traffickers. The issue is that he won't be able to because organized crime is so pulverized and there are so many loose criminal cells that don't take orders from anybody. What I can say is that the Sinaloa cartel is achieving under this administration what it didn't achieve in its best years under Fox and Calderon.
What do you think about legalizing drugs to stop billions of dollars that fund corruption?
I don't believe in legalization. I don't believe that everybody should have access to drugs and this is the solution the problem. … I believe that there has to be for the first time in the world a true war on drugs. To have a true war on drugs we need to investigate the big world banks, put all the money launderers in prison. The war on drugs is not with a pistol or an AK-47. The war on drugs has to be financial.
What do you hope to achieve with your investigations? What should Mexico do, put former presidents in prison?
What I have learned in nine years of investigation into drug trafficking is that a general, a public security secretary or a governor is more dangerous than Chapo Guzman himself. They are the ones that betray the country, that sell the state to organized crime and they should face exemplary punishments. … If there are no exemplary punishments against the Mexican political and business class who permit people like Chapo Guzman to exist, then nothing is going to change and we are just going to be repeating this story of death, sometimes with more violence, sometimes with less, but always with the Mexican state under control of drug traffickers. We have to break this cycle.
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· · · · · ·
By Sharon Minelli Perez 07/18/2014 | 5:26 pm
Following the declaration of chikungunya epidemic in Puerto Rico, the secretary of the Department of Consumer (DACO), Nery Adames Soto Affairs, today issued an order freezing of prices on products to Prevent the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquito population and Control of this insect, Also Which transmite dengue.
The order prohibits raising prices of mosquito nets, insect repellents, citronella candles and products, as well as insecticides "and any other items That a consumer reasonably require to May to prepare or recover From this epidemic," According to the statement.
The determination Also includes items Whose Already Prices were frozen in an order issued in April due to the outbreak of influenza: such as alcohol, acetaminophen in all its applications, articles for home and disinfection personnel sanitizer ('hand sanitizer') disposable gloves, antibacterial soaps, masks and tissues.
"Violations of this order and the Laws and Regulations authorize That would be subject to administrative and criminal sanctions'," the signed Adames Soto at 1:30 pm today, Friday order.
"The 'sanctions include the imposition of administrative purposes up to $ 10,000.00 for each Violation Committed," says the document.
Adames Soto said the order was issued after talks with U.S. Secretary of Health, Ana Rius.
At the press conference yesterday to make the announcement on the progress of chikungunya virus, the official statement said Rius epidemic "allows us to perform a more proactive monitoring to Prevent this from spreading further."
In two months there Have Been 206 confirmed cases of chikungunya virus for Which the local population still lacks the antibodies to fight it.
Cases Diagnosed in a Total of 12 Municipalities, 89% Have Been Reported in San Juan, Bayamón and Carolina.
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Associated Press – Health officials are reporting that for the first time, U.S. mosquitoes are spreading a virus that has been tearing through the Caribbean.
Two people in Florida have domestically-acquired chikungunya (chik-en-GUN-ye) infections, officials said Thursday. In both cases, they said, a person infected with the virus after visiting the Caribbean was then bitten again by an uninfected mosquito in Florida, which then transmitted the illness further.
Health officials urged residents to prevent mosquito bites, but said there was no cause for alarm.
"There is no broad risk to the health of the general public," said Dr. Celeste Philip, a public health official with the Department of Health.
Federal officials noted it's an unfortunate milestone in the spread of a painful infectious disease that has raced across the Caribbean this year and is apparently now taking root in the United States.
"The arrival of chikungunya virus, first in the tropical Americas and now in the United States, underscores the risks posed by this and other exotic pathogens," said Roger Nasci of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in a prepared statement.
Chikungunya virus is rarely fatal. Infected people typically suffer fever, severe joint pain and swelling, muscle aches, headaches, or rash. Patients usually recover in about a week, although some people suffer long-term joint pain. There is no vaccine and no specific treatment for it.
This virus is not spread person to person, but rather by the bite of certain mosquitoes. That's why health officials believe the virus is spreading here — the two cases had not recently left the country.
The infected Floridians were described as a 41-year-old woman in Miami-Dade County who began experiencing symptoms on June 10, and a 50-year-old man in Palm Beach County, who first noticed symptoms July 1.
Philip said both are doing well.
State epidemiologist Anna Likos said in order for the virus to be transmitted from an infected person to an uninfected mosquito, they must be bitten within the first week of illness.
More than 230 chikungunya cases have been reported in Americans this year, but all the others were travelers believed to have been infected elsewhere.
Now that chikungunya is in the United States, CDC officials think it will behave like dengue virus, with imported cases causing occasional local transmissions but not widespread outbreaks.
Also on Thursday, health officials in Puerto Rico declared an epidemic of the virus. Health Secretary Ana Rius said that more than 200 cases had been confirmed on the island as of June 25 and that the majority of them were reported in the capital of San Juan and nearby areas.
The first case of chikungunya in the U.S. territory was reported in late May.
Officials in Jamaica reported the island's first confirmed case. The chief medical officer, Dr. Kevin Harvey, said the virus was found in a person who had recently traveled to a country where there have been locally transmitted cases.
Chikungunya was first identified in Africa in the early 1950s. It first appeared in the Americas late last year, on a Caribbean island. By July 11, more than 350,000 suspected and confirmed cases were being reported in the Americas.
Officials have been expecting it to land in the United States, noting that two types of mosquitoes that can carry the virus live here.
Earlier this week, the New England Journal of Medicine published an editorial on the looming chikungunya threat by two National institutes of Health infectious diseases experts — Dr. David Morens and Dr. Anthony Fauci.
They noted several chikungunya vaccines are being developed. But even if they prove effective, they would be years away from becoming available.
Mosquito control and avoidance are the best current options, they said.
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· · ·
18 Jul ' 15:08
PR government says it may not be able to honor all of its obligations
The Puerto Rico government may be unable to honor all of its obligations as they ...
Por InterNewsService – 6:13 pm
El portavoz del Partido Nuevo Progresista (PNP) en el Senado, Larry Seilhamer Rodríguez, sostuvo que las estadísticas del Departamento del Trabajo Federal reveladas hoy y que incluyen junio “demuestran que los empleos en la isla siguen reduciéndose y que la fuerza laboral disminuye a pasos agigantados”.
El senador sostuvo que desde que comenzó enero de 2014 el patrón de reducción de la fuerza laboral es de nueve mil personas por mes.
“Las estadísticas publicadas hoy por el Federal Bureau of Statistics, United States Department of Labor (BLS, por sus siglas en inglés) demuestran que a junio 30 de 2014 hay 62,002 personas menos en la fuerza laboral en comparación con diciembre de 2012. Lo más dramático de esta cifra es que 56,780 son de enero a junio de 2014, en solo seis meses todas estas personas han dejado de pertenecer a la fuerza laboral, esto como resultado de las medidas impositivas de este gobierno”, sostuvo el político.
Agregó como ejemplo que “de mayo a junio de 2014 la fuerza trabajadora disminuyó en 10,818 personas, lo que hace evidente el éxodo que existe de puertorriqueñas y puertorriqueños”.
Seilhamer Rodríguez indicó que desde diciembre de 2012 a junio de 2014 hay en la isla aproximadamente 40 mil empleos menos. “Ya culminó el período de los 18 meses, en los que García Padilla prometió crear 50 mil empleos… Eso quiere decir que si diéramos por cierta la creación de 55 mil empleos, con las estadísticas de hoy -que reflejan 38,976 empleos menos-tenemos que concluir que se han perdido en Puerto Rico casi 94 mil empleos desde diciembre de 2012. La isla se vacía, y no hay un plan económico del gobierno para detener este éxodo e impulsar el desarrollo económico”, dijo.
InterNewsService
Inter News Service (INS) es una agencia de noticias, fundada por el periodista Nelson del Castillo y que tiene su base en San Juan de Puerto Rico.
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LongIslander1987 wrote:It will not be subject to the Territorial Clause of the US Constitution, or the Plenary Powers of Congress. It will not represent any form of separation from the United States including free association or full independence.
So then logically the "enhanced commonwealth" must be a state of the Union since it is not either a US territory or a separate nation. I always knew the Populares were statehooders in disguise!
It sounds like semantics to me.
At this point. It's just about the populares wanting to save face and PR's differing on the varying definitions what it means to hold on to dignity as a collective people while having to rely on an imperial power.....That's the "learning curve" we are on on right now.
The only logical path is towards statehood. We are practically a state already. We just to have get the vote in along with signing on the dotted line.
PR's will retain their culture. That will go nowhere.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Health officials in Puerto Rico on Thursday declared an epidemic of the mosquito-borne virus known as chikungunya, which was introduced into the Caribbean region late last year.
Health Secretary Ana Rius said that more than 200 cases had been confirmed on the island as of June 25 and that the majority of them were reported in the capital of San Juan and nearby areas.
The first case of chikungunya in the U.S. territory was reported in late May.
Also on Thursday, officials in Jamaica reported the island’s first confirmed case. The chief medical officer, Dr. Kevin Harvey, said the virus was found in a person who had recently travelled to a country where there have been locally transmitted cases.
In Florida, health officials reported the first domestically acquired chikungunya infections in the United States. Officials said it happened in two cases, both of which involved a person infected with the virus after visiting the Caribbean being bitten again by an uninfected mosquito in Florida, which then transmitted the illness further.
Federal officials in the U.S. noted it’s an unfortunate milestone in the spread of a painful infectious disease that has raced across the Caribbean this year and is apparently now taking root in the United States.
“The arrival of chikungunya virus, first in the tropical Americas and now in the United States, underscores the risks posed by this and other exotic pathogens,” said Roger Nasci of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in a prepared statement.
Health officials urged residents to prevent mosquito bites but said there was no cause for alarm.
“There is no broad risk to the health of the general public,” said Dr. Celeste Philip, a public health official with the Department of Health.
Chikungunya virus is rarely fatal. Infected people typically suffer fever, severe joint pain and swelling, muscle aches, headaches or rash. Patients usually recover in about a week, although some people suffer long-term joint pain. There is no vaccine and no specific treatment.
Chikungunya virus is rarely fatal. Infected people typically suffer fever, severe joint pain and swelling, muscle aches, headaches or rash. Patients usually recover in about a week, although some people suffer long-term joint pain. There is no vaccine and no specific treatment.
This virus is not spread person to person, but rather by the bite of certain mosquitoes. That’s why health officials believe the virus is spreading in the U.S. — the two cases had not recently left the country.
The infected Floridians were described as a 41-year-old woman in Miami-Dade County who began experiencing symptoms on June 10, and a 50-year-old man in Palm Beach County, who first noticed symptoms July 1.
Philip said both are doing well.
More than 230 chikungunya cases have been reported in Americans this year, but all the others were travellers believed to have been infected elsewhere.
Now that chikungunya is in the United States, CDC officials think it will behave like dengue virus, with imported cases causing occasional local transmissions but not widespread outbreaks.
Chikungunya was first identified in 1952 in Tanzania. It first appeared in the Americas late last year, on a Caribbean island. By July 11, more than 355,000 suspected and confirmed cases were being reported in the Americas. It causes a high fever and severe pain in the joints, but is rarely fatal. There is no vaccine, and it mainly is treated with pain medication.
Officials have been expecting it to land in the United States, noting that two types of mosquitoes that can carry the virus live here.
Earlier this week, the New England Journal of Medicine published an editorial on the looming chikungunya threat by two National institutes of Health infectious diseases experts — Dr. David Morens and Dr. Anthony Fauci.
Earlier this week, the New England Journal of Medicine published an editorial on the looming chikungunya threat by two National institutes of Health infectious diseases experts — Dr. David Morens and Dr. Anthony Fauci.
They noted several chikungunya vaccines are being developed. But even if they prove effective, they would be years away from becoming available.
Mosquito control and avoidance are the best current options, they said.
Mosquito control and avoidance are the best current options, they said.
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(AP) — Health officials in Puerto Rico have declared an epidemic of the mosquito-borne virus known as chikungunya, which was introduced into the Caribbean region late last year.
Health Secretary Ana Rius said that more than 200 cases had been confirmed on the island as of June 25 and that the majority of them were reported in the capital of San Juan and nearby areas.
The first case of chikungunya in the U.S. territory was reported in late May.
Officials in Jamaica also have reported the island’s first confirmed case. The chief medical officer, Dr. Kevin Harvey, said the virus was found in a person who had recently travelled to a country where there have been locally transmitted cases.
In Florida, health officials reported the first domestically acquired chikungunya infections in the United States. Officials said it happened in two cases, both of which involved a person infected with the virus after visiting the Caribbean being bitten again by an uninfected mosquito in Florida, which then transmitted the illness further.
Across the Caribbean, the Pan American Health Organization recorded more than 354,000 suspected and confirmed cases as of July 11. The Western Hemisphere’s first locally transmitted case was confirmed in December in the French Caribbean territory of St. Martin.
Chikungunya was first identified in Africa in 1953. It causes a high fever and severe pain in the joints, but is rarely fatal. There is no vaccine, and it mainly is treated with pain medication.
July 19, 2014
The repeated concerns of the business sector by the inefficiency of Electric Power Authority (PREPA), threatening the stability of many industries and businesses that depend on a competent electrical system, deserves clear answers and positive action from the government.
Therefore, the proposal of the sector to be allowed to generate their own power through the transfer system, known in English as "wheeling" requires prompt and serious governmental consideration because it is a mechanism that could provide a lifeline to the Industry. About "wheeling" already exists legislation, passed in 2008, which only needs to be finally complete its regulations for companies interested implement it as a tool to remain economically viable. But it is obvious that the ESA will not Worth it viable because it would be a most important and timely payment of their bills reduced its clientele, which in turn would result in a decline in revenues and undermined public corporation. In fact, the last public hearing about the rules of Act 78 of 2008, which makes possible the "wheeling" was held in 2010. Meanwhile, employers, argue that the ESA remains unheeded Act 78, which does not takes money to make payments of principal and interest on debts of almost $ 11.500 million, you need to borrow money to buy fuel for their power plants, and not just presented a viable plan to reduce the cost of electricity to 16 cents per kilowatt-hour by 2019, as promised by the government. representative leaders of the various components of the business sector agreed, in a roundtable with El Nuevo Dia that any initiative that is recommended for the ESA should be part of their economic, that is quite critical. But raised apart from that ESA does not act clearly, neither has enacted energy reform that was approved in June creating an Energy Commission, whose members have not been appointed by Governor Alexander García Padilla. The commission would implement a new procedure for revision of rates of ESA. Moreover, this reform provides that ESA will not charge its customers for the theft losses and other inefficiencies light electrical system, which are now part of the so-called adjustment for purchase of fuel and energy. "What is more important, the country and the ESA?" the president of the Chamber of Commerce of Puerto Rico, Jose Izquierdo a former Secretary of State and Transportation and Public Works rhetorically questioned to answer then that "the Legislature has concluded that Puerto Rico is going first." Needed jobs and businesses have to be competitive, Izquierdo said, but "ESA keeps us hostage." Faced with such a pessimistic scenario like this is proposed that employers be allowed to generate their own power and sell the excess to others using transmission lines and distribution of the ESA, which is what is known as "wheeling." To do this, claiming that the regulation of Law 78 is put in the hands of the Energy Commission created by the energy reform as well as the ESA finally present his plan to reduce the cost of electricity and that evaluates completely eliminate the subsidy to municipalities. believe that it is not absurd orders, but grounded and product just claim that the tools that have been adopted to address the fiscal crisis of the country and leave a dead letter and begin to bear fruit. And eventually you have to go even further, toward a horizon where the purchase and distribution of energy to open a box of free competition.
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This is a conflict of polar opposites. On one side stands Vladimir Putin, the ruthless former KGB officer. On the other are the frivolous, dithering politicians of the West.
The Act likely violates the Takings Clause and may be held to be unconstitutional
Assured Guaranty Ltd. (NYSE:AGO), MBIA Inc. (NYSE:MBI) and Ambac Financial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMBC) have exposures of $2.6 billion, $2.5 billion and $897.9 million respectively to various Puerto Rico entities that are eligible to restructure under Puerto Rico’s Public Corporations Debt Enforcement and Recovery Act (the Act).
(Read ourarticle on Puerto Rico’s Public Corporations Debt Enforcement and Recovery Act here.)
The Act has been challenged in Puerto Rico’s federal district court by the Franklin and Oppenheimer Funds (Franklin California Tax-Free Trust for the Franklin California Intermediate Term Tax Free Income Fund, et al. v. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico” Case. No. 14-1518) wherein the plaintiffs seek a declaration that the Act enacted by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico violated multiple provisions of the United States Constitution.
The Takings Clause
BTIG’s Mark Palmer writes on his blog (“Assured Guaranty, MBIA, Ambac Financial Group: What is the “Takings Clause” and Why Should It Matter to Investors in AGO, MBI and AMBC Concerned About the Impact of Puerto Rico’s Debt Enforcement Act?” July 17, 2014) clarifying the significance of the Takings Clause, the last clause of the Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution, and how this clause could be instrumental in deciding the constitutionality of the Act.
It has been held by the Supreme Court that the federal government and each state has the power ofeminent domain—the power to take private property for “public use”. The Takings Clause limits this power by requiring that “just compensation” be paid if private property is taken for public use.
The Franklin and Oppenheimer Funds, in their complaint above, have objected to Section 322 ( c ) of the Act which enables the petitioner, after court authorization, to “the obtaining or credit or the incurring of debt secured by a senior or equal lien on the petitioner’s property that is subject to a lien.”
According to the Funds, this would constitute a taking in violation of the Takings Clause because it would enable the creation of a superior lien on already liened property without paying compensation to the lienholders.
It may be noted that there could be other constitutional infirmities in the Act, but the alleged violation of the Takings Clause is the most serious, and the one most likely to succeed in a constitutional challenge.
Puerto Rico authorities put up a determined front, however
Regardless, in a webcast yesterday, Puerto Rico has asserted the legality of the Act and its determination to defend it – see the yellow shaded portion in the slide below.
The Commonwealth’s arguments
In any case, Puerto Rico may well have anticipated these challenges. According to an alert dated July 16 by Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, the Commonwealth’s arguments for the constitutionality of the Act, as per the Senate bill, run as follows:
“The Commonwealth has the police power to enact orderly debt enforcement and recovery statutes when facing an economic emergency, based on the power conferred on the Commonwealth under the Commonwealth’s constitution and enabling statutes. The Commonwealth asserts that it may enact its own laws, as long as the law does not conflict with the Commonwealth’s constitution, the Constitution of the United States or applicable federal law. The Commonwealth asserts that the debt enforcement act is constitutional because the United States Supreme Court has held that states may enact their own laws for entities Congress has not rendered eligible under applicable federal law.”
Puerto Rico to respond on July 22
“Puerto Rico is slated to respond to the bond funds’ lawsuit on July 22, a response that almost certainly will include a motion to dismiss and may address some of the funds’ arguments,” says BTIG’s Palmer.
Tags:Ambac Financial Assured Guaranty commonwealth Debt Enforcement economic emergencymbia Puerto Rico Recovery Act
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Presidents are used to facing global crises, but they usually don’t come all at once. The global ramifications of the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over eastern Ukraine are only beginning to play out, but there’s little doubt that President Barack Obama will be front and center.
Obama was measured but determined in White House remarks Friday. The president said the U.S. has concluded that the plane was brought down by a missile from an area controlled by Russian-backed separatists who benefit from “a steady flow of support from Russia.” While he said it was important for all the facts to come out, the president also put Russia on notice: “We will continue to make clear that as Russia engages in efforts that are supporting the separatists that we have the capacity to increase the costs that we impose on them and we will do so.” The president added that “we are not interested in hurting Russia for the sake of being Russia but because we believe in standing up for the basic principle that a country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity has to be respected.”
Obama also said that the downing of the airliner over Ukraine should bring new impetus to a push for a ceasefire and a negotiated settlement of the crisis. “This certainly will be a wake-up call for Europe and the world that there are consequences to an escalating conflict in eastern Ukraine. The stakes are high for Europe, not simply for the Ukrainian people and that we have to firm in our resolve to ensure that we are supporting Ukraine and its efforts to bring out a just cease fire and that we can move towards a political solution to this.”
The situation in Ukraine is clearly at the top of the president’s foreign policy agenda, but that’s not to say it’s the only one drawing attention. Israel’s ground offensive into Gaza, the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Syria, and the continuing immigration crisis along the U.S. southern border are all competing for the administration’s attention. Any one of them alone would be a test for the president. The fact that they are coming all at once presents by far the most complicated set of foreign policy challenges faced by Obama during his time in office.
Republicans have made it clear that they expect the president to take a leading role on the world stage in light of the foreign policy challenges. Arizona Senator John McCain, the president’s Republican opponent in the 2008 election, warns there will be “hell to pay” if the shoot down of the Malaysia airliner is linked to the Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. Congressman Peter King, a Republican from New York, told MSNBC that “we need more leadership from the president,” adding that it was important that Obama show himself as a “world leader” and that he line up “European economic sanctions against Russia.”
Obama’s Political Standing Worries Democrats
The foreign policy crises have erupted at a time when public opinion polls show the president is at a weak point in terms of domestic support. Mr. Obama’s public approval ratings remain stuck in the low 40’s and congressional Democrats are increasingly worried that his unpopularity could be a crippling factor in the November midterm elections. Part of the reason for the decline in public support for the president in general has been his handling of foreign policy, which in the past has been a strong point.
Americans are clearly fatigued from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. But public opinion surveys also show they are concerned about international perceptions that the U.S. has less leverage than it used in world affairs. Many Americans have a strong desire to avoid costly military engagements overseas, but they also want the U.S. to continue to project a sense of strength to the rest of the world and that it is willing to use its power, be it economic or military, as a force for good.
Domestically, the political concern remains the upcoming midterm congressional elections in November. Most political analysts believe Republicans will either hold or expand their majority in the House of Representatives, despite Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi’s recent assertion that Democrats could gain 25 seats in November.
Analysts also say Republicans appear well-positioned to take back control of the Senate. Republicans need to gain at least six Democratic seats to gain a majority in November, and one of the most respected political analysts in town, Charlie Cook, said this week that he thinks they have a 60 percent chance of winning the seats they need and controlling both chambers of Congress for the final two years of the Obama presidency.
Republicans may prevail in the Senate races despite the fact that their public approval ratings are actually worse than the president’s. Cook says he doesn’t see what he calls a “wave election” at the moment for Republicans, and predicts they will pick up 6 to 12 House seats and probably at least the six Senate seats they need to reclaim the majority there. John Fortier, a political expert with the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington, also sees great potential for Republican gains in the Senate this year.
“On the Senate side there really are a lot of opportunities for the Republicans to take seats, seats that are in very Republican areas which are up for grabs,” he said.
Obama On the Offensive
Historically, the president’s party takes a big hit in congressional midterm elections during a second presidential term. And analyst Cook says history is not on the president’s side this year.
“Whenever you have a president and a midterm election where the president’s approval rating is well below 50 percent…it’s a problem.”
Cook adds that Obama is headed for the last two years of eight in the White House, a dangerous time for presidents when political fatigue can set in and small problems can quickly escalate into big ones in a hurry.
“They kind of run out of gas and bad things typically happen,” he said.
The president has been busy of late making the case in speeches around the country that the economy is getting better and that Democrats should get some of the credit. He’s also fired back at Republicans who expressed an interest in trying to impeach him (former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin) or sue him in federal court over the executive actions he has ordered to get around Congress (House Speaker John Boehner). Obama told an audience recently in Austin, Texas: “You hear some of them. Sue him! Impeach him! Really? For what? You are going to sue me for doing my job?”
Speaker Boehner has been quick with some barbs of his own. Not long ago in the midst of a bad week for the Obama White House, Boehner told reporters, “You look at this presidency and you can’t help but get the sense that the wheels are coming off.”
But even as Obama gets combative and seems ready to jump back into campaign mode, it’s likely a lot of vulnerable Democrats may decide to take a pass on any offers of support. A lot of Democratic House and Senate candidates from Republican-leaning states have already made it clear they’ll be better off on their own, and some of them are already running ads highlighting their differences with the president in a bid to win over independent voters in November.
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The downing of the Malaysian Airlines Boeing 777 was seen as adding impetus to calls for tighter sanctions against Russia over its role in Ukraine.
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Arizona GOP senator speculated that the missile attack on a Malaysian Airlines passenger jet 'has the earmarks of a mistaken identification of an aircraft that they may have believed was Ukrainian.'
The Russian president says the "awful tragedy" would not have happened if military action had not resumed in southeast Ukraine.
"US plans to expand border drone use"
were selected not for their opinions (which I do not share in this particular instance: I think that the drones are good and needed, and the borders should be very carefully guarded), but for the presentation of facts.
You can form your own opinions if you know the facts well.
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