alternet--2020-12-12--Mitch McConnell is doing a really good job of completely wrecking the economy for Joe Biden

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell continues to prevent COVID-19 relief because he insists that big business needs to be let off the hook for endangering and potentially killing their workers and customers .
That 's the poison pill he insists on being in any package .
But that 's not his only demand : He also wants to prevent state and local governments from getting any further assistance—that `` blue state bailout '' that he talked about last spring and summer before he gave up that framing .
Now he just refuses to allow it , but without the incendiary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bipartisan negotiations for help teeter because of McConnell 's intransigence , states are trying to save small businesses on their own while at the same time bleeding jobs .
`` We have done what we can do to pump money into small businesses so that people can continue to work , '' Gov .
Mike DeWine of Ohio , a Republican , told The New York Times .
`` From the jobs point of view and the economy point of view and the workers ' point of view and small businesses , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the federal government .
That 's the only place we can get it . ''
Colorado 's legislature held a special session last week to scrape together emergency economic assistance to small businesses .
They came up with $ 57 million for a grant program for small businesses , while California has established a `` rebuilding fund '' that will back loans for the smallest businesses , those not served by what Congress has done so far .
Some of the states still have funds from the $ 150 billion Congress provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic in the $ 2.2 trillion CARES Act last spring .
They 've seen no new money from the federal government since .
Because McConnell does n't want them to have it .
He 's pointed to the fact that all that money has n't been exhausted , which is true .
That 's in part because of the initial restrictions placed on the funds and also because states have been more or less hoarding it because no new money has been forthcoming .
Which means the states—which ca n't run budget deficits—have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses .
Even the arch-conservative National Federal of Independent Business ( NFIB ) is raising an alarm .
It released a survey this week showing businesses losing hope and uncertainty increasing along with coronavirus cases .
With every business failure , state and local government take a hit from the revenue they would have gotten in taxes , both business taxes and income taxes from the employees who are being laid off—and need unemployment insurance from the state .
`` It becomes almost a death spiral if you ca n't keep these businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive director of state government relations for the NFIB .
That 's the death spiral McConnell seems to be egging on .
A destroyed economy will hurt Joe Biden 's presidency .
It might help Republican prospects in 2022 and 2024 .
That 's all that matters to the Grim Reaper .

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell continues to prevent COVID-19 relief because he insists that big business needs to be let off the hook for endangering and potentially killing their workers and customers. That's the poison pill he insists on being in any package. But that's not his only demand: He also wants to prevent state and local governments from getting any further assistance—that "blue state bailout" that he talked about last spring and summer before he gave up that framing. Now he just refuses to allow it, but without the incendiary language to justify his obstruction. As the bipartisan negotiations for help teeter because of McConnell's intransigence, states are trying to save small businesses on their own while at the same time bleeding jobs.
"We have done what we can do to pump money into small businesses so that people can continue to work," Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio, a Republican, toldThe New York Times. "From the jobs point of view and the economy point of view and the workers' point of view and small businesses, we've got to get that help from the federal government. That's the only place we can get it." Colorado's legislature held a special session last week to scrape together emergency economic assistance to small businesses. They came up with $57 million for a grant program for small businesses, while California has established a "rebuilding fund" that will back loans for the smallest businesses, those not served by what Congress has done so far.
Some of the states still have funds from the $150 billion Congress provided to states for a response to the pandemic in the $2.2 trillion CARES Act last spring. They've seen no new money from the federal government since. Because McConnell doesn't want them to have it. He's pointed to the fact that all that money hasn't been exhausted, which is true. That's in part because of the initial restrictions placed on the funds and also because states have been more or less hoarding it because no new money has been forthcoming. Which means the states—which can't run budget deficits—have inadequate resources to save themselves and small businesses.
Even the arch-conservative National Federal of Independent Business (NFIB) is raising an alarm. It released a survey this week showing businesses losing hope and uncertainty increasing along with coronavirus cases. With every business failure, state and local government take a hit from the revenue they would have gotten in taxes, both business taxes and income taxes from the employees who are being laid off—and need unemployment insurance from the state. "It becomes almost a death spiral if you can't keep these businesses running," said Tim Goodrich, executive director of state government relations for the NFIB.
That's the death spiral McConnell seems to be egging on. A destroyed economy will hurt Joe Biden's presidency. It might help Republican prospects in 2022 and 2024. That's all that matters to the Grim Reaper.


alternet--2020-12-12--Conservative slams evangelicals descending on DC for last gasp march to 'pray' for God to intercede

Conservative slams evangelicals descending on DC for last gasp march to 'pray' for God to intercede on Trump's behalf

In his column for the Daily Beast , conservative commentator Matt Lewis expressed exasperation with evangelical leaders who are set to lead what has been dubbed the `` Jericho March '' in Washington D.C. on Saturday under the belief they can pray God into helping Donald Trump remain in the Oval Office for four more years .
Lewis , who wears his faith on his sleeve , has long condemned members of the Christian community who have attached them to the president who , by his actions and his deeds , has never exemplified any Christian values other than giving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily Beast columnist sees it , the group scheduled to appear are a motley crew who do not exemplify the best the evangelical community has to offer .
Writing that `` some prominent members of the Christian church are undermining the church 's witness , '' Lewis added , `` For evidence , look no further than this Saturday , when former National Security Adviser Mike Flynn ( who recently shared a message calling on Trump to declare 'limited martial law ' and hold a new election ) will give his first post-pardon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Washington , D.C. Aside from Flynn , the roster includes other prominent MAGA names like Mike Lindell ( the MyPillow guy ) , Eric Metaxas ( a radio host who punched a protester and recently said , ' I 'd be happy to die in this fight ' ) , Ali Alexander ( formerly Ali Akbar ) , and C.J .
Pearson .
Afterwards , the crowd will converge on the National Mall for the 'ROAR ' prayer rally . ''
While conceding they have every right to voice their opinions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggested the message they are sending is damaging to people of faith .
`` Christians have every right to be involved in politics , but this is not people of faith gathering to defend the right to life or to support civil rights but , rather , Christians gathering in support of overturning a free and fair election , '' he wrote .
`` I am thankful that they promise these marches will be done 'peacefully , ' but consider the imagery and the implications .
They are clearly saying that to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be on the side of God .
Likewise , they are saying that the political institutions that want to follow the Constitution and the rule of law are tantamount to the wicked city of Jericho—whose walls came tumbling down .
( That part was n't so peaceful . )
'' Lewis added that Saturday 's march is part of a `` disturbing trend '' that has damaged the reputation of Christians during the Trump years which is turning off possible converts to the religion -- particularly among the young .
`` If a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tainted what was once a serious and legitimate worldview , that 's a shame , and it could have serious ramifications for our nation .
But if a young person chooses to reject Christianity because its association with Trump has made it seem ridiculous—well , the stakes ( if you believe as Christians do ) are eternal , '' he warned .
You can read more here ( subscription required ) .

In his column for the Daily Beast, conservative commentator Matt Lewis expressed exasperation with evangelical leaders who are set to lead what has been dubbed the "Jericho March" in Washington D.C. on Saturday under the belief they can pray God into helping Donald Trump remain in the Oval Office for four more years.
Lewis, who wears his faith on his sleeve, has long condemned members of the Christian community who have attached them to the president who, by his actions and his deeds, has never exemplified any Christian values other than giving them occasional lip service.
As the Daily Beast columnist sees it, the group scheduled to appear are a motley crew who do not exemplify the best the evangelical community has to offer.
Writing that "some prominent members of the Christian church are undermining the church's witness," Lewis added, "For evidence, look no further than this Saturday, when former National Security Adviser Mike Flynn (who recently shared a message calling on Trump to declare 'limited martial law' and hold a new election) will give his first post-pardon speech at something called the Jericho March in Washington, D.C. Aside from Flynn, the roster includes other prominent MAGA names like Mike Lindell (the MyPillow guy), Eric Metaxas (a radio host who punched a protester and recently said, 'I'd be happy to die in this fight'), Ali Alexander (formerly Ali Akbar), and C.J. Pearson. Afterwards, the crowd will converge on the National Mall for the 'ROAR' prayer rally."
While conceding they have every right to voice their opinions of the state of the nation, Lewis suggested the message they are sending is damaging to people of faith.
"Christians have every right to be involved in politics, but this is not people of faith gathering to defend the right to life or to support civil rights but, rather, Christians gathering in support of overturning a free and fair election," he wrote. "I am thankful that they promise these marches will be done 'peacefully,' but consider the imagery and the implications. They are clearly saying that to be on the side of Trump is to be on the side of God. Likewise, they are saying that the political institutions that want to follow the Constitution and the rule of law are tantamount to the wicked city of Jericho—whose walls came tumbling down. (That part wasn't so peaceful.)"
Lewis added that Saturday's march is part of a "disturbing trend" that has damaged the reputation of Christians during the Trump years which is turning off possible converts to the religion -- particularly among the young.
"If a young person rejects conservatism because Trump has tainted what was once a serious and legitimate worldview, that's a shame, and it could have serious ramifications for our nation. But if a young person chooses to reject Christianity because its association with Trump has made it seem ridiculous—well, the stakes (if you believe as Christians do) are eternal," he warned.
You can read more here (subscription required).


alternet--2020-12-12--Critics slam Republicans for trying to trample over democracy by way of SCOTUS

While President Donald Trump has insisted the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in his favor would restore trust in the country 's election system , the fact that the court ruled against his and top-ranking Republicans ' attempt to trample American democracy actually sends another message : no one is above the U.S. Constitution .
But despite Democracy prevailing in court , an editorial published by the New York Times sheds light on a relatively different deeper problem within the Republican Party .
The level of support that Trump 's coup has received and the actions they 've taken to bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the future of government and how remnants of Trumpism may remain long after Trump leaves the White House .
Trump 's ability to contort the political party for his own personal agenda is one thing but the post-election legal battle suggests that the embattled president may have `` pressed a mainstay of American politics for nearly two centuries into the service of overturning an election outcome and assaulting public faith in the electoral system . ''
Michael Steele , former Republican National Committee chairman , expressed concern about one glaring problem that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battle really is .
`` The act itself by the 126 members of the United States House of Representatives , is an affront to the country , '' said Steele said .
`` It 's an offense to the Constitution and it leaves an indelible stain that will be hard for these 126 members to wipe off their political skin for a long time to come . ''
Michael Abramowitz , president of the democracy advocation organization , Freedom House , also offered a critical assessment of how Trump 's actions compare to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go to great lengths to keep a tight grip on their government powers .
`` From a global perspective this certainly looks like many of the cases we 've seen around the world where an incumbent tries to hold onto power , '' Abramowitz said .
Over the last five weeks , the Trump campaign has filed more than 50 lawsuits contesting the results of the election .
As Inauguration Day approaches , it is still unlikely that Trump will accept the outcome of the election .
However , Sen. Amy Klobuchar ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the top-ranking members of the Senate Rules Committee , which governs election laws , insists the Supreme Court 's decision proves that democracy can survive in the coming weeks .
`` Our democracy has withstood Donald Trump for four years , '' said Klobuchar .
`` It can withstand these baseless lawsuits for four more weeks . ''

While President Donald Trump has insisted the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in his favor would restore trust in the country's election system, the fact that the court ruled against his and top-ranking Republicans' attempt to trample American democracy actually sends another message: no one is above the U.S. Constitution.
But despite Democracy prevailing in court, an editorial published by the New York Times sheds light on a relatively different deeper problem within the Republican Party. The level of support that Trump's coup has received and the actions they've taken to bring his agenda to fruition raises alarming concerns about the future of government and how remnants of Trumpism may remain long after Trump leaves the White House.
Trump's ability to contort the political party for his own personal agenda is one thing but the post-election legal battle suggests that the embattled president may have "pressed a mainstay of American politics for nearly two centuries into the service of overturning an election outcome and assaulting public faith in the electoral system."
Michael Steele, former Republican National Committee chairman, expressed concern about one glaring problem that shows just how disturbing the post-election legal battle really is.
"The act itself by the 126 members of the United States House of Representatives, is an affront to the country," said Steele said. "It's an offense to the Constitution and it leaves an indelible stain that will be hard for these 126 members to wipe off their political skin for a long time to come."
Michael Abramowitz, president of the democracy advocation organization, Freedom House, also offered a critical assessment of how Trump's actions compare to other incumbent leaders around the world who go to great lengths to keep a tight grip on their government powers.
"From a global perspective this certainly looks like many of the cases we've seen around the world where an incumbent tries to hold onto power,'' Abramowitz said.
Over the last five weeks, the Trump campaign has filed more than 50 lawsuits contesting the results of the election. As Inauguration Day approaches, it is still unlikely that Trump will accept the outcome of the election. However, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), who serves as one of the top-ranking members of the Senate Rules Committee, which governs election laws, insists the Supreme Court's decision proves that democracy can survive in the coming weeks.
"Our democracy has withstood Donald Trump for four years," said Klobuchar. "It can withstand these baseless lawsuits for four more weeks."


alternet--2020-12-12--'Without decency and without dignity': German newsweekly Der Spiegel names Trump 'Loser of the Year'

There 's nothing President Donald Trump seems to hate more than losing , judging by comments he 's made and by lawsuits he 's filed in the desperate , dying days of his single-term presidency .
And as the world gets ready to bid auf wiedersehen to Trump , the president must now endure the ignominious insult of being named `` Loser of the Year '' by one of Europe 's most widely read newsweeklies .
Der Spiegel , roughly the German journalistic equivalent of TIME—which , coincidentally , just named President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ —on Thursday published an article entitled `` Der Verlierer des Jahres , '' or `` Loser of the Year '' in English .
While the piece lacks the shock value of some of the more inflammatory imagery gracing the cover of Der Spiegel 's print editions over the course of Trump 's tenure , the article is a 3,300-word excoriation of the presidency of a man who authors Roland Nelles and Ralf Neukirch call `` a man who ... was never concerned with the common good , but always with one thing—himself .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ than ever since the times of the Civil War , '' the authors wrote .
`` This is not a byproduct of Trump 's politics , it is their goal ...
Permanent conflict is part of his strategy . ''
`` Nothing is normal under Trump , '' they concluded .
`` He refuses to admit defeat .
Instead , he speaks of massive electoral fraud , although there is no evidence for it .
The whole thing is not surprising .
Trump 's presidency ends as it began .
Without decency and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grandfather Friedrich Trump was banished from Bavaria by royal decree for draft-dodging—apparently it runs in the family—has a descendant of the Drumpfs of Kallstadt endured such public humiliation in Germany .
As for Der Spiegel , the magazine seems to be looking forward to the Biden era , as this post-election print edition cover—which reprises one of its iconic images evisceraitng Trump 's `` America First '' mantra—shows .
Our work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 License .
Feel free to republish and share widely .

There's nothing President Donald Trump seems to hate more than losing, judging by comments he's made and by lawsuits he's filed in the desperate, dying days of his single-term presidency. And as the world gets ready to bid auf wiedersehen to Trump, the president must now endure the ignominious insult of being named "Loser of the Year" by one of Europe's most widely read newsweeklies.
Der Spiegel, roughly the German journalistic equivalent of TIME—which, coincidentally, just named President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris its vaunted "Person of the Year"—on Thursday published an article entitled "Der Verlierer des Jahres," or "Loser of the Year" in English.
While the piece lacks the shock value of some of the more inflammatory imagery gracing the cover of Der Spiegel's print editions over the course of Trump's tenure, the article is a 3,300-word excoriation of the presidency of a man who authors Roland Nelles and Ralf Neukirch call "a man who... was never concerned with the common good, but always with one thing—himself."
"The country is more divided than ever since the times of the Civil War," the authors wrote. "This is not a byproduct of Trump's politics, it is their goal... Permanent conflict is part of his strategy."
"Nothing is normal under Trump," they concluded. "He refuses to admit defeat. Instead, he speaks of massive electoral fraud, although there is no evidence for it. The whole thing is not surprising. Trump's presidency ends as it began. Without decency and without dignity."
Arguably not since grandfather Friedrich Trump was banished from Bavaria by royal decree for draft-dodging—apparently it runs in the family—has a descendant of the Drumpfs of Kallstadt endured such public humiliation in Germany.
As for Der Spiegel, the magazine seems to be looking forward to the Biden era, as this post-election print edition cover—which reprises one of its iconic images evisceraitng Trump's "America First" mantra—shows.
Our work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 License. Feel free to republish and share widely.


alternet--2020-12-12--There's no comfort & joy in Melania Trump's bleak and impersonal Christmas decor

On Nov. 30 , the White House unveiled Melania Trump 's last Christmas decoration scheme .
Not only was this lame-duck hall-decking her final expression of holiday pomp as First Lady , despite what her husband publicly proclaimed , but it came tinted with her own admission of hostility .
On Oct. 2 , her former friend and senior advisor released audio from 2018 in which Mrs. Trump states , `` I 'm working my ass off on the Christmas stuff , that you know , who gives a f**k about the Christmas stuff and decorations ?
But I need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The décor , to the disappointment of snarky cultural commentators and Twitter , was a non-starter .
Unlike the seasons past with their grim barren branches and `` Handsmaid 's Tale '' cosplaying red trees , Trump 's 2020 Christmas was as generic and unmemorable as this year has been unprecedented and difficult .
`` America the Beautiful '' was the announced theme , a jingoistic phrase used as a title for everything from documentaries on the sexualization of American youth to the 50 designs of state quarters .
The Christmas trees , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready for a stock photo shoot .
Red glass spheres , gold ribbon garland , white lights .
A family photo background with no family present , only a woman in gold examining the work of the unpaid help .
It 's easy to dismiss this year 's decorations because , even in the best-lit official White House photography , they 're instantly forgettable .
We know there 's a lot on the Trump family 's docket right now , with all the pardoning and undermining of American democracy , and Christmas decorating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favorite responsibility in the first place .
If there was a year to phone it in , 2020 was the right pick .
But in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it shot cut into the official holiday 59-second video , that creepy East colonnade hallway of creepy Christmas past returns .
This year it is packed with urns .
Fifty , to be exact , said to display foliage from each state .
With zero holiday context , the black urns evoke a sea of funeral arrangements .
It 's easy to overlook in the banality of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subjects like Transportation and Wildlife .
Until you notice , deep in the notes , that the crimson-walled Red Room decorations have been dedicated to first responders .
As the official White House press release briefly explains , `` We salute America 's everyday heroes who serve as first responders and frontline workers .
Handmade ornaments highlight the many professionals and volunteers who serve their communities with a spirit of generosity . ''
As each day brings more COVID-19 cases , more deaths , more strain on our healthcare system resources , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calamity by name with its small token tree .
Our Nightmare Before Christmas queen is right back at it .
In years past , Twitter and memes have laughed off Melania 's bleak holiday decorating schemes as sad Soviet throwbacks .
She grew up in Slovenia in the 1970s and '80s , which was at that time governed by the League of Communists of Yugoslavia .
As an atheistic socialist state , Slovenia , with the rest of the Balkan nations , followed the USSR 's lead in discouraging the celebration of Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remained until Slovenia 's independence in 1991 , five years before Melania immigrated to the United States on a visitor 's visa .
This forbidding of Christmas , including a ban on decorated trees , has led to the false assumption by Westerners that Eastern Europeans and Russians dislike the holiday in the same humorless , utilitarian way we use to stereotype their disposition ( `` In Russia , television watches you ! ''
) .
In fact Slovenia has a rich history of embracing and influencing the Christian traditions we 're so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Their cities are covered in thousands of lights , often shining down on a thick blanket of snow .
The holiday markets , hives of food , drink and gifts during Advent , are large and grand enough to rival those in Germany .
Like Italy 's panettone and England 's fruitcake , Slovenia even has their own traditional Christmas bread — the potica , a sweet rolled Bundt-style cake filled with nuts , fruits and cinnamon .
When faced with the Soviets and their Christmas cancellation , Slovenians did n't abandon their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a week to New Year 's , calling their gilded evergreens New Year 's Trees and eliciting a big shrug from the powers that be .
Blaming barren , disturbing holiday decorations as being lost in translation does n't shake out .
Slovenian culture gives many f**ks about Christmas .
Where , then , does this aesthetic hostility come from ?
And what does it mean ?
Christmas decorating has been an official First Lady duty since 1961 , when Jacqueline Kennedy unveiled the first themed tree in the Blue Room .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a collection of handmade ornaments depicting toys , birds and ballerina angels .
Tracing the evolution of the White House Christmas tree and its decorations follows along in perfect symmetry with the styles and sensibilities we associate with each era 's zeitgeist .
In 1967 , Lady Bird Johnson 's tree echoed a more natural , handspun philosophy in line with hippie counterculture expanding its influence into the mainstream .
The wildly colorful blue spruce was adorned with popcorn strings , daisy strands and cranberry garland .
Ten years later , Rosalynn Carter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tree exclusively of their artwork .
In the 1980s , Barbara Bush 's tree represented characters from children 's books , tying into her personal literacy work .
Michele Obama 's first Christmas tree emphasized the need for environmental sustainability , using LED lighting and recruiting the National Parks Service to replant the trees after the holiday season .
Although the decorations have evolved significantly over the decades , they have consistently represented the nation at the moment .
They do not represent the individual woman or the First Family ; the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deemed worthy of attention .
The point was to be inclusive , a festive arrangement for the nation .
This tradition veered off the tracks in 2017 , when the Trumps came into power on a populist wave .
Their administration made no secret that their main focus and priorities remained in their personal circles of family and loyalists .
Keeping in step with her husband and well-appointed stepchildren , Melania made the 2017 holiday White House over in her own aesthetic .
In a dress as white as her dead tree branches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clawing , ominous shadows up the walls .
The theme , `` Time-Honored Tradition , '' was as contemptuous as her `` I Really Do n't Care , Do U ? ''
Zara coat .
Because that 's what is on full display here in the dead branches , the blood-red trees and the funeral urns .
Trump does n't simply fail to give a f**k about Christmas .
Many Americans do n't celebrate or enjoy the Christmas season .
It 's a fraught time of year packed with impossible expectations , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an obsessive focus on togetherness that is unavailable to so many of us .
Loving the holidays is n't a prerequisite for being a compassionate and capable presidential spouse .
It 's safe to assume that , in the over five decades of Decembers since Kennedy 's first master-plan , the White House has been home to a few women who have no personal fondness for gingerbread or tinsel .
However , each of these women allowed their staff and volunteers to create a representative display because it was an American tradition .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ national tragedies for all citizens .
There is a comfort to seeing this ubiquitous landmark displaying the trappings of winter , of celebrating another year gone .
These decorations hold space for that most idealistic of visions that one day out of 365 can be magical .
It is one of the only days most Americans are sure to have off work , to spend with our favorite people — or at the very least , with our favorite takeout and streaming shows .
It 's about as close to peace as we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the official United States White House Christmas into her own aesthetic , Trump harnesses yet another tool in the First Family 's arsenal to attack the concept of a collective union .
The past does n't matter because it does n't feed the tastes and ego of present power .
The norms that have been unwritten for generations of leaders , decorum and expectations that are vital to keeping a nation of millions on an even keel , are n't just ignored .
They 're gleefully torched to the ground .
Tradition should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customs and adaptation is important .
We should celebrate changes that make our winter celebrations more inclusive .
It 's important to continue honoring other holiday observances that go beyond a Judeo-Christian mentality .
Conversations on how we can adapt the trappings of the season to be more sustainable are worth having .
In nearly six decades of White House Christmas themes , there is an evolution of the familiar into the present .
As important as it is to remain relevant to the wide United States audience , reinvention must be done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funneling the focus down to the aesthetics of one ruthless family that is openly hostile to any `` non-believers . ''
Trump 's contempt for our traditions is on full display not just in her first years of inhospitable decorating , but even in this , the supposed generic answer .
The inoffensive trees , identical to those placed next to Santa at every suburban mall from East to West coast , are a phoned-in effort in a year the country needs extreme comfort .
Not caring in her recordings , and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that fails to pull focus .
I 've been staring at these photos for hours , and I still ca n't commit to memory what they look like .
As unremarkable as the White House tennis pavilion project completed this week , joining the Rose Garden make-under as her permanent , pointless contributions to the grounds .
It 's a minor void of leadership in a staggering line of leadership voids , but it is another willful abandonment of the rhythms of American democracy and public ceremony .
A few steps away from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the funeral home hallway , President and Mrs. Trump have chosen to continue hosting large holiday gatherings with a full calendar of December social events .
As `` America 's everyday heroes '' beg people to stay home and ease our overloaded healthcare system , the Trumps wo n't even condescend to requiring guests to wear masks .
Melania does n't need haunted , gothic arrangements to communicate her apathy for Americans .
After all , what is materialistic hatred when you can put your heart into action this Christmas ?
Tabitha Blankenbiller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eden , '' a collection of essays about food , writing , family , sex , coming-of-age , and overcoming personal odds to live your best life .
You can follow her on Twitter @ tabithablanken .

On Nov. 30, the White House unveiled Melania Trump's last Christmas decoration scheme. Not only was this lame-duck hall-decking her final expression of holiday pomp as First Lady, despite what her husband publicly proclaimed, but it came tinted with her own admission of hostility. On Oct. 2, her former friend and senior advisor released audio from 2018 in which Mrs. Trump states, "I'm working my ass off on the Christmas stuff, that you know, who gives a f**k about the Christmas stuff and decorations? But I need to do it, right?"
The décor, to the disappointment of snarky cultural commentators and Twitter, was a non-starter. Unlike the seasons past with their grim barren branches and "Handsmaid's Tale" cosplaying red trees, Trump's 2020 Christmas was as generic and unmemorable as this year has been unprecedentedand difficult. "America the Beautiful" was the announced theme, a jingoistic phrase used as a title for everything from documentaries on the sexualization of American youth to the 50 designs of state quarters. The Christmas trees, in the familiar pine style, look ready for a stock photo shoot. Red glass spheres, gold ribbon garland, white lights. A family photo background with no family present, only a woman in gold examining the work of the unpaid help.
It's easy to dismiss this year's decorations because, even in the best-lit official White House photography, they're instantly forgettable. We know there's a lot on the Trump family's docket right now, with all the pardoning and undermining of American democracy, and Christmas decorating was clearly not the First Lady's favorite responsibility in the first place. If there was a year to phone it in, 2020 was the right pick.
But in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it shot cut into the official holiday 59-second video, that creepy East colonnade hallway of creepy Christmas past returns. This year it is packed with urns. Fifty, to be exact, said to display foliage from each state. With zero holiday context, the black urns evoke a sea of funeral arrangements. It's easy to overlook in the banality of the other rooms and trees with inoffensive subjects like Transportation and Wildlife. Until you notice, deep in the notes, that the crimson-walled Red Room decorations have been dedicated to first responders. As the official White House press release briefly explains, "We salute America's everyday heroes who serve as first responders and frontline workers. Handmade ornaments highlight the many professionals and volunteers who serve their communities with a spirit of generosity." As each day brings more COVID-19 cases, more deaths, more strain on our healthcare system resources, the White House cannot even mention the calamity by name with its small token tree.
Our Nightmare Before Christmas queen is right back at it.
In years past, Twitter and memes have laughed off Melania's bleak holiday decorating schemes as sad Soviet throwbacks. She grew up in Slovenia in the 1970s and '80s, which was at that time governed by the League of Communists of Yugoslavia. As an atheistic socialist state, Slovenia, with the rest of the Balkan nations, followed the USSR's lead in discouraging the celebration of Christmas on Dec. 25. This official stance remained until Slovenia's independence in 1991, five years before Melania immigrated to the United States on a visitor's visa.
This forbidding of Christmas, including a ban on decorated trees, has led to the false assumption by Westerners that Eastern Europeans and Russians dislike the holiday in the same humorless, utilitarian way we use to stereotype their disposition ("In Russia, television watches you!"). In fact Slovenia has a rich history of embracing and influencing the Christian traditions we're so familiar with here in the States. Their cities are covered in thousands of lights, often shining down on a thick blanket of snow. The holiday markets, hives of food, drink and gifts during Advent, are large and grand enough to rival those in Germany. Like Italy's panettone and England's fruitcake, Slovenia even has their own traditional Christmas bread — the potica, a sweet rolled Bundt-style cake filled with nuts, fruits and cinnamon. When faced with the Soviets and their Christmas cancellation, Slovenians didn't abandon their celebrations. They just scooted them down a week to New Year's, calling their gilded evergreens New Year's Trees and eliciting a big shrug from the powers that be.
Blaming barren, disturbing holiday decorations as being lost in translation doesn't shake out. Slovenian culture gives many f**ks about Christmas. Where, then, does this aesthetic hostility come from? And what does it mean?
Christmas decorating has been an official First Lady duty since 1961, when Jacqueline Kennedy unveiled the first themed tree in the Blue Room. She chose The Nutcracker ballet, and commissioned a collection of handmade ornaments depicting toys, birds and ballerina angels. Tracing the evolution of the White House Christmas tree and its decorations follows along in perfect symmetry with the styles and sensibilities we associate with each era's zeitgeist. In 1967, Lady Bird Johnson's tree echoed a more natural, handspun philosophy in line with hippie counterculture expanding its influence into the mainstream. The wildly colorful blue spruce was adorned with popcorn strings, daisy strands and cranberry garland. Ten years later, Rosalynn Carter worked with special needs Americans to create a tree exclusively of their artwork. In the 1980s, Barbara Bush's tree represented characters from children's books, tying into her personal literacy work. Michele Obama's first Christmas tree emphasized the need for environmental sustainability, using LED lighting and recruiting the National Parks Service to replant the trees after the holiday season.
Although the decorations have evolved significantly over the decades, they have consistently represented the nation at the moment. They do not represent the individual woman or the First Family; the focus is shifted onto groups or causes deemed worthy of attention. The point was to be inclusive, a festive arrangement for the nation.
This tradition veered off the tracks in 2017, when the Trumps came into power on a populist wave. Their administration made no secret that their main focus and priorities remained in their personal circles of family and loyalists. Keeping in step with her husband and well-appointed stepchildren, Melania made the 2017 holiday White House over in her own aesthetic. In a dress as white as her dead tree branches she wandered through a cursed forest throwing clawing, ominous shadows up the walls. The theme, "Time-Honored Tradition," was as contemptuous as her "I Really Don't Care, Do U?" Zara coat.
Because that's what is on full display here in the dead branches, the blood-red trees and the funeral urns. Trump doesn't simply fail to give a f**k about Christmas. Many Americans don't celebrate or enjoy the Christmas season. It's a fraught time of year packed with impossible expectations, the irrepressible rise of the past, and an obsessive focus on togetherness that is unavailable to so many of us. Loving the holidays isn't a prerequisite for being a compassionate and capable presidential spouse. It's safe to assume that, in the over five decades of Decembers since Kennedy's first master-plan, the White House has been home to a few women who have no personal fondness for gingerbread or tinsel.
However, each of these women allowed their staff and volunteers to create a representative display because it was an American tradition. A constant through years holding personal and national tragedies for all citizens. There is a comfort to seeing this ubiquitous landmark displaying the trappings of winter, of celebrating another year gone. These decorations hold space for that most idealistic of visions that one day out of 365 can be magical. It is one of the only days most Americans are sure to have off work, to spend with our favorite people — or at the very least, with our favorite takeout and streaming shows. It's about as close to peace as we get.
By centering the image of the official United States White House Christmas into her own aesthetic, Trump harnesses yet another tool in the First Family's arsenal to attack the concept of a collective union. The past doesn't matter because it doesn't feed the tastes and ego of present power. The norms that have been unwritten for generations of leaders, decorum and expectations that are vital to keeping a nation of millions on an even keel, aren't just ignored. They're gleefully torched to the ground.
Tradition should not be immovable. Reinvention of our customs and adaptation is important. We should celebrate changes that make our winter celebrations more inclusive. It's important to continue honoring other holiday observances that go beyond a Judeo-Christian mentality. Conversations on how we can adapt the trappings of the season to be more sustainable are worth having. In nearly six decades of White House Christmas themes, there is an evolution of the familiar into the present. As important as it is to remain relevant to the wide United States audience, reinvention must be done in the spirit of expansion, not funneling the focus down to the aesthetics of one ruthless family that is openly hostile to any "non-believers."
Trump's contempt for our traditions is on full display not just in her first years of inhospitable decorating, but even in this, the supposed generic answer. The inoffensive trees, identical to those placed next to Santa at every suburban mall from East to West coast, are a phoned-in effort in a year the country needs extreme comfort. Not caring in her recordings, and in her practice. There is an emptiness that fails to pull focus. I've been staring at these photos for hours, and I still can't commit to memory what they look like. As unremarkable as the White House tennis pavilion project completed this week, joining the Rose Garden make-under as her permanent, pointless contributions to the grounds. It's a minor void of leadership in a staggering line of leadership voids, but it is another willful abandonment of the rhythms of American democracy and public ceremony.
A few steps away from the token First Responder tree, down the funeral home hallway, President and Mrs. Trump have chosen to continue hosting large holiday gatherings with a full calendar of December social events. As "America's everyday heroes" beg people to stay home and ease our overloaded healthcare system, the Trumps won't even condescend to requiring guests to wear masks. Melania doesn't need haunted, gothic arrangements to communicate her apathy for Americans. After all, what is materialistic hatred when you can put your heart into action this Christmas?
Tabitha Blankenbiller
Tabitha Blankenbiller is the author of "Eats of Eden," a collection of essays about food, writing, family, sex, coming-of-age, and overcoming personal odds to live your best life. You can follow her on Twitter @tabithablanken.


alternet--2020-12-13--WSJ columnist slammed for insisting our future FLOTUS should be called 'kiddo' instead of 'Dr. Jill

WSJ columnist slammed for insisting our future FLOTUS should be called 'kiddo' instead of 'Dr. Jill Biden'

On a day when Trumpite dead-enders vigorously blasphemed out of pretty much every orifice ( I kinda wanted to show up to their faux-Christian pity party with a giant `` Where 's Your God Now ? ''
sign ) , this might be the craziest thing you 'll see today .
Needless to say , this is bonkers times infinity : Here 's the text , for the non-tweeterers among us : Okay , that 's the most condescending thing I 've read since — well , maybe ever .
Why oh why did Donald Trump do so poorly with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
Of course , what makes this literary offal even more risible is the fact that the author , Joseph Epstein , is the proud owner of an honorary ( i.e.
, unearned ) doctorate .
Pete Buttigieg 's husband , Chasten , had one of the better responses : And he turned this heaping shit-midden into lemonade : I suppose Epstein was trying to be `` funny , '' but he failed .
Badly .
Conservatives have to understand that they 're not amusing and never were .
There 's something about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't lend themselves to humor .

On a day when Trumpite dead-enders vigorously blasphemed out of pretty much every orifice (I kinda wanted to show up to their faux-Christian pity party with a giant "Where's Your God Now?" sign), this might be the craziest thing you'll see today.
Needless to say, this is bonkers times infinity:
Here's the text, for the non-tweeterers among us:
"Madame First Lady—Mrs. Biden—Jill—kiddo: a bit of advice on what may seem like a small but I think is a not unimportant matter. Any chance you might drop the 'Dr.' before your name? 'Dr. Jill Biden' sounds and feels fraudulent, not to say a touch comic. Your degree is, I believe, an Ed.D., a doctor or education, earned at the University of Delaware through a dissertation with the unpromising title 'Student Retention at the Community College Level: Meeting Students' Needs.' A wise man once said that no one should call himself 'Dr.' unless he has delivered a child. Think about it, Dr. Jill, and forthwith drop the doc."
Okay, that's the most condescending thing I've read since — well, maybe ever. Why oh why did Donald Trump do so poorly with suburban women? It boggles the mind!
Of course, what makes this literary offal even more risible is the fact that the author, Joseph Epstein, is the proud owner of an honorary (i.e., unearned) doctorate.
The Daily Beast:
Incoming first lady Jill Biden has a doctorate in education and, like many with that academic achievement, she uses the title "Dr." before her name. Now comes Joseph Epstein, writing in The Wall Street Journalthat she should drop the title because it "sounds and feels fraudulent, not to say a touch comic." (Worth noting that Epstein addresses Biden as "kiddo," which sounds and feels belittling, not to say a touch sexist). Epstein, who has a bachelor's degree and an honorary doctorate, goes on to write, in a sentence dripping with derision, that Biden obtained her degree from the University of Delaware "through a dissertation with the unpromising title 'Student Retention at the Community College Level: Meeting Students' Needs.'" He also seemed put out that she didn't have to pass an exam in Greek or Latin, and that she got her doctorate when she was—gasp!—in her 50s.
Pete Buttigieg's husband, Chasten, had one of the better responses:
And he turned this heaping shit-midden into lemonade:
I suppose Epstein was trying to be "funny," but he failed. Badly.
Conservatives have to understand that they're not amusing and never were. There's something about overt sexism and creeping fascism that just don't lend themselves to humor.
Weird, huh?


alternet--2020-12-13--They blew it: Millions will see unemployment benefits delayed — no matter when new relief bill passe

They blew it: Millions will see unemployment benefits delayed — no matter when new relief bill passes

The outdated , hard-to-staff computer systems used by numerous state unemployment insurance programs made headlines this spring , as those @ @ @ @ @ first wave of devastation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic , and the subsequent aid ushered @ @ @ @ @ .
Now , as current aid is set to end Dec. 31 , Congress continues @ @ @ @ @ round of coronavirus relief before adjourning to head to their warm homes for the holidays @ @ @ @ @ , states are revealing that , thanks to those outdated programs , it 's already @ @ @ @ @ disruptions in unemployment payments for as many as 12 million struggling Americans .
As POLITICO @ @ @ @ @ involved simply are n't able to flip a switch once the Republican Senate finally stops @ @ @ @ @ nation .
The news comes as new unemployment claims ending the week of Dec. 5 @ @ @ @ @ As noted here on Thursday , `` it did n't have to be this way @ @

The outdated, hard-to-staff computer systems used by numerous state unemployment insurance programs made headlines this spring, as those systems were overwhelmed by the first wave of devastation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the subsequent aid ushered in by the CARES Act. Now, as current aid is set to end Dec. 31, Congress continues to battle over the next round of coronavirus relief before adjourning to head to their warm homes for the holidays. Even if they succeed, states are revealing that, thanks to those outdated programs, it's already too late to avoid weeks-long disruptions in unemployment payments for as many as 12 million struggling Americans.
As POLITICO reported Friday, the systems involved simply aren't able to flip a switch once the Republican Senate finally stops blocking much-needed relief to the nation.
Worker advocates say it could take weeks for the jobless aid programs to get back online as lags in programming for outdated state systems cause delays in relief checks. "We're already too late," said Michele Evermore, an unemployment insurance expert at the National Employment Law Project. From the time Congress passes an extension of unemployment aid, she said, many states wouldn't be up and running for "three weeks or four weeks" at the fastest.
[...]
Anything Congress includes in the next round of aid that is even modestly different from the programs implemented earlier this year "is going to take time to reprogram," said Elizabeth Pancotti, a policy adviser at the pro-worker Employ America. "In some states that might be a week or two; in other states, we've seen it [take] five, six, seven weeks."
[...]
Should Congress pass an extension of the programs, states would then have to wait for the U.S. Labor Department to issue guidance before sending out payments — which could be hard to turn around quickly during the holidays.
The news comes as new unemployment claims ending the week of Dec. 5 soared to 1.28 million. As noted here on Thursday, "it didn't have to be this way."


alternet--2020-12-13--'Irrelevant to the course of justice': CNN reports Bill Barr dismissed Trump’s tweets as ‘the depose

'Irrelevant to the course of justice': CNN reports Bill Barr dismissed Trump’s tweets as ‘the deposed king ranting’

Attorney General Bill Barr is dismissing President Donald Trump 's tweets , according to a new report by CNN .
@ @ @ @ @ to CNN 's Jaimie Gangel , `` none of this matters— it 's the deposed @ @ @ @ @ the course of justice and to Trump 's election loss . ''
Maggie Haberman of @ @ @ @ @ her analysis .
The report came after Trump had repeatedly lashed out at Barr on @ @ @ @

Understand the importance of honest news ?
So do we.
The past year has been the most arduous of our lives. The Covid-19 pandemic continues to be catastrophic not only to our health - mental and physical - but also to the stability of millions of people. For all of us independent news organizations, it’s no exception.
We’ve covered everything thrown at us this past year and will continue to do so with your support. We’ve always understood the importance of calling out corruption, regardless of political affiliation.
We need your support in this difficult time. Every reader contribution, no matter the amount, makes a difference in allowing our newsroom to bring you the stories that matter, at a time when being informed is more important than ever. Invest with us.
Make a one-time contribution to Alternet All Access, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you.
Click to donate by check.


alternet--2020-12-13--'We had no idea': Florida newspaper apologizes for endorsing congressman who signed on to Trump coup

'We had no idea': Florida newspaper apologizes for endorsing congressman who signed on to Trump coup attempt

Rep. Michael Waltz received the Orlando Sentinel 's endorsement in the 2020 general election for Congress .
On Thursday , Waltz joined onto the traitorous Texas lawsuit seeking to overturn the results in four states because they did n't break for Donald Trump .
On Friday , the paper 's Editorial Board formally apologized to their readers .
Trump has not been able to prove one case of voter fraud , and this latest lawsuit from Texas did n't even allege fraud .
It just argued that states like Pennsylvania and Georgia did n't adequately suppress the vote like they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as you should know , was ridiculous in every sense of the word .
The corrupt Texas attorney general , Ken Paxton , who is bucking for his own pardon , essentially argued that states like Georgia made Trump lose by extending early and mail-in voting—which is exactly what Texas did .
Never mind that the Constitution specifically says that states can run their own elections as they see fit , and never mind that you ca n't argue election rules after an election , and never mind that Texas had no standing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me really hoped that SCOTUS would have taken this case up .
I have my reasons . )
The fact that a representative of the United States government is okay with overthrowing an election ( and let 's not say `` overturn , '' —let 's call this coup what it is ) , is seditious and , I would argue , treasonous since we 've been in a war with Vladimir Putin .
Instead of fighting us head-on , Putin has instead successfully taken control of a major U.S. party to destroy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a coward who 's afraid to stand up for democracy or is seriously okay with turning us into a developing autocracy beholden to Russian interests .
The only thing I know for sure is that he does n't deserve to represent the United States .
Kudos to the Orlando Sentinel for calling this assault on our democracy what it is .
Others need to follow suit .
Yes , it 's embarrassing and did n't go anywhere , but that 's not the point .
Republicans know that the overwhelming majority of Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their platform , they simply decided to reject democracy .
Utah Sen. Mike Lee did n't misspeak when he argued against `` rank democracy '' in this country .
The GOP has become dangerous , authoritarian , and fascist under Trump , and it looks like they 'll be staying that way after Trump .

Rep. Michael Waltz received the Orlando Sentinel's endorsement in the 2020 general election for Congress. On Thursday, Waltz joined onto the traitorous Texas lawsuit seeking to overturn the results in four states because they didn't break for Donald Trump. On Friday, the paper's Editorial Board formally apologized to their readers.
We had no idea, had no way of knowing at the time, that Waltz was not committed to democracy.
During our endorsement interview with the incumbent congressman, we didn't think to ask, "Would you support the effort to throw out the votes of tens of millions of Americans in four states in order to overturn a presidential election and hand it to the person who lost, Donald Trump?"
Trump has not been able to prove one case of voter fraud, and this latest lawsuit from Texas didn't even allege fraud. It just argued that states like Pennsylvania and Georgia didn't adequately suppress the vote like they did in Texas. The case, as you should know, was ridiculous in every sense of the word. The corrupt Texas attorney general, Ken Paxton, who is bucking for his own pardon, essentially argued that states like Georgia made Trump lose by extending early and mail-in voting—which is exactly what Texas did.
Never mind that the Constitution specifically says that states can run their own elections as they see fit, and never mind that you can't argue election rules after an election, and never mind that Texas had no standing to sue. (Although part of me really hoped that SCOTUS would have taken this case up. I have my reasons.)
The fact that a representative of the United States government is okay with overthrowing an election (and let's not say "overturn,"—let's call this coup what it is), is seditious and, I would argue, treasonous since we've been in a war with Vladimir Putin. Instead of fighting us head-on, Putin has instead successfully taken control of a major U.S. party to destroy us from within. Waltz is either a coward who's afraid to stand up for democracy or is seriously okay with turning us into a developing autocracy beholden to Russian interests. The only thing I know for sure is that he doesn't deserve to represent the United States.
Kudos to the Orlando Sentinel for calling this assault on our democracy what it is. Others need to follow suit. Yes, it's embarrassing and didn't go anywhere, but that's not the point. Republicans know that the overwhelming majority of Americans rejected their platform. Instead of adjusting their platform, they simply decided to reject democracy. Utah Sen. Mike Lee didn't misspeak when he argued against "rank democracy" in this country. The GOP has become dangerous, authoritarian, and fascist under Trump, and it looks like they'll be staying that way after Trump.


alternet--2020-12-13--UN chief at climate summit: 'Can anybody still deny that we are facing a dramatic emergency?'

World leaders are n't doing enough to address the human-caused climate crisis .
That seemed to be the main message of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres ' speech on Saturday at the Climate Ambition Summit 2020 , hosted by the U.N. , the United Kingdom , and France in partnership with Chile and Italy to mark the fifth anniversary of the Paris agreement .
`` Paris promised to limit temperature rise to as close to 1.5 degrees as possible .
But the commitments made in Paris were far from enough to get there .
And even those commitments are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Carbon dioxide levels are at record highs .
Today , we are 1.2 degrees hotter than before the industrial revolution .
If we do n't change course , we may be headed for a catastrophic temperature rise of more than 3 degrees this century . ''
`` Can anybody still deny that we are facing a dramatic emergency ? ''
he asked .
`` That is why today , I call on all leaders worldwide to declare a State of Climate Emergency in their countries until carbon neutrality is reached .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognizing the urgency and the stakes .
I urge all others to follow . ''
Scores of government and business leaders from across the globe joined Saturday 's virtual event , which followed the recent release of a series of alarming U.N. climate reports and came ahead of the U.K.-hosted COP26 in Glasgow—postponed until next November because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
Despite the need for urgent , ambitious action , `` the dozens of leaders who spoke mostly offered tweaks to existing commitments or promises of bolder moves before crucial talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than breakthrough new policies to hasten the end of fossil fuels , '' Reuters reported .
Echoing a key takeaway from The Emissions Gap Report 2020 , the latest edition of an annual publication from the U.N .
Environment Program published Wednesday , Guterres said it is `` unacceptable '' that governments are giving Covid-19 relief and recovery money to polluters rather than fully committing to setting `` our economies and societies on a green path in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development . ''
`` This is a moral test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country , city , financial institution , and company needs to adopt plans to reach net zero emissions by 2050—and start executing them now , including by providing clear short-term targets .
Key emitting sectors such as shipping , aviation , and industry must also present and implement new , transformational roadmaps in line with this goal . ''
`` Technology is on our side .
Sound economic analysis is our ally .
Renewable energy is getting less expensive with every passing day , '' the U.N. chief continued .
`` Climate action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new jobs , better health , and resilient infrastructure .
But let us remember that this transition must be just . ''
At the summit , `` a total of 75 leaders announced 45 renewed pledges to cut emissions , 24 net zero commitments , and 20 adaptation and resilience plans , '' according to Bloomberg Green .
`` It is not enough and the clock continues to tick , '' warned COP26 president Alok Sharma .
`` The choices we make in the year ahead will determine whether we unleash a tidal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come . ''
While some of the climate action plans put forth by the summit 's participants were criticized as not bold enough , the Associated Press noted that some major economies were totally absent from the event .
Australia , Brazil , Indonesia , Mexico , Russia , and Saudi Arabia were not at the summit .
The Trump administration also declined to participate , but `` American representatives at the virtual meeting included Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , Gov .
Charlie Baker of Massachusetts , and U.S. business leaders , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' according to the AP .
Although President Donald Trump formally withdrew the United States from the Paris agreement the day after the November election , President-elect Joe Biden—who won support from climate action advocates leading up to his defeat of Trump—on Saturday reiterated his commitment to returning to the accord .
`` The United States will rejoin the Paris agreement on day one of my presidency , '' Biden said .
`` I 'll immediately start working with my counterparts around the world to do all that we possibly can , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economies for a climate summit within my first 100 days in office . ''
`` We have before us an enormous economic opportunity to create jobs and prosperity at home and export clean American-made products around the world , harnessing our climate ambition in a way that is good for American workers and the U.S. economy , '' added Biden , who served as vice president to President Barack Obama .
Biden recently appointed John Kerry , the former secretary of state under Obama who helped craft the Paris agreement , as his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ met with mixed reactions from climate campaigners in the United States .
In the midst of the summit , U.S. advocacy groups and progressive politicians issued renewed demands for bold action to address the planetary emergency , with some calling for a Green New Deal : Writing for his newsletter The Phoenix on Friday , journalist and meterologist Eric Holthaus declared that `` limiting warming to less than 1.5°C is an existential necessity .
Joe Biden wo n't get us there on his own , but he could make a transformative leap in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid pandemic turned back the clock on emissions worldwide .
But it 's changed nothing—yet—about the problem that got us here : Extractive capitalism working in partnership with white supremacy , patriarchy , and imperialism , '' Holthaus wrote .
`` To change everything , we need everyone healthy , valued , and loved . ''
`` That means NOW IS A SUPER IMPORTANT TIME , '' he added .
`` If we return to business as usual post-Covid , it will be a disaster that may be unrecoverable .
Climate change needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country 's recovery plans in 2021 . ''

World leaders aren't doing enough to address the human-caused climate crisis.
That seemed to be the main message of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres' speech on Saturday at the Climate Ambition Summit 2020, hosted by the U.N., the United Kingdom, and France in partnership with Chile and Italy to mark the fifth anniversary of the Paris agreement.
"Paris promised to limit temperature rise to as close to 1.5 degrees as possible. But the commitments made in Paris were far from enough to get there. And even those commitments are not being met," Guterres said. "Carbon dioxide levels are at record highs. Today, we are 1.2 degrees hotter than before the industrial revolution. If we don't change course, we may be headed for a catastrophic temperature rise of more than 3 degrees this century."
"Can anybody still deny that we are facing a dramatic emergency?" he asked. "That is why today, I call on all leaders worldwide to declare a State of Climate Emergency in their countries until carbon neutrality is reached. Some 38 countries have already done so, recognizing the urgency and the stakes. I urge all others to follow."
Scores of government and business leaders from across the globe joined Saturday's virtual event, which followed the recent release of a series of alarming U.N. climate reports and came ahead of the U.K.-hosted COP26 in Glasgow—postponed until next November because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Despite the need for urgent, ambitious action, "the dozens of leaders who spoke mostly offered tweaks to existing commitments or promises of bolder moves before crucial talks in Glasgow in late 2021, rather than breakthrough new policies to hasten the end of fossil fuels," Reutersreported.
Echoing a key takeaway from The Emissions Gap Report 2020, the latest edition of an annual publication from the U.N. Environment Program published Wednesday, Guterres said it is "unacceptable" that governments are giving Covid-19 relief and recovery money to polluters rather than fully committing to setting "our economies and societies on a green path in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development."
"This is a moral test," he said. "Every country, city, financial institution, and company needs to adopt plans to reach net zero emissions by 2050—and start executing them now, including by providing clear short-term targets. Key emitting sectors such as shipping, aviation, and industry must also present and implement new, transformational roadmaps in line with this goal."
"Technology is on our side. Sound economic analysis is our ally. Renewable energy is getting less expensive with every passing day," the U.N. chief continued. "Climate action can be the catalyst for millions of new jobs, better health, and resilient infrastructure. But let us remember that this transition must be just."
At the summit, "a total of 75 leaders announced 45 renewed pledges to cut emissions, 24 net zero commitments, and 20 adaptation and resilience plans," according toBloomberg Green. "It is not enough and the clock continues to tick," warned COP26 president Alok Sharma. "The choices we make in the year ahead will determine whether we unleash a tidal wave of climate catastrophe on generations to come."
While some of the climate action plans put forth by the summit's participants were criticized as not bold enough, the Associated Pressnoted that some major economies were totally absent from the event. Australia, Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, and Saudi Arabia were not at the summit.
The Trump administration also declined to participate, but "American representatives at the virtual meeting included Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Gov. Charlie Baker of Massachusetts, and U.S. business leaders, such as Apple chief executive Tim Cook," according to the AP.
Although President Donald Trump formally withdrew the United States from the Paris agreement the day after the November election, President-elect Joe Biden—who won support from climate action advocates leading up to his defeat of Trump—on Saturday reiterated his commitment to returning to the accord.
"The United States will rejoin the Paris agreement on day one of my presidency," Biden said. "I'll immediately start working with my counterparts around the world to do all that we possibly can, including by convening the leaders of major economies for a climate summit within my first 100 days in office."
"We have before us an enormous economic opportunity to create jobs and prosperity at home and export clean American-made products around the world, harnessing our climate ambition in a way that is good for American workers and the U.S. economy," added Biden, who served as vice president to President Barack Obama.
Biden recently appointed John Kerry, the former secretary of state under Obama who helped craft the Paris agreement, as his climate envoy—a move welcomed by Guterres but met with mixed reactions from climate campaigners in the United States.
In the midst of the summit, U.S. advocacy groups and progressive politicians issued renewed demands for bold action to address the planetary emergency, with some calling for a Green New Deal:
Writing for his newsletter The Phoenix on Friday, journalist and meterologist Eric Holthaus declared that "limiting warming to less than 1.5°C is an existential necessity. Joe Biden won't get us there on his own, but he could make a transformative leap in the right direction."
"The Covid pandemic turned back the clock on emissions worldwide. But it's changed nothing—yet—about the problem that got us here: Extractive capitalism working in partnership with white supremacy, patriarchy, and imperialism," Holthaus wrote. "To change everything, we need everyone healthy, valued, and loved."
"That means NOW IS A SUPER IMPORTANT TIME," he added. "If we return to business as usual post-Covid, it will be a disaster that may be unrecoverable. Climate change needs to be at the heart of every country's recovery plans in 2021."


alternet--2020-12-13--This Ohio GOP lawmaker tested COVID-positive twice. That didn’t stop him from going maskless to work

Republican state Representative Stephen Hambley last month tested positive for the deadly coronavirus .
Twice .
Ignoring state and federal guidelines , he went back to work after just a few days .
He reportedly has never received a negative test since his positive tests November 22 and 28 .
Democrats say he never informed them of his positive status ( he claims he did ) , as he continued his duties , including sitting on committees , and even voting to restrict `` the ability of the Ohio Department of Health to issue quarantine and isolation orders related to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Capitol Journal 's Jake Zuckerman reports .
Now , at least four lawmakers – two Republicans and two Democrats , have tested positive for COVID-19 , after spending time alongside Hambley at a House Finance Committee hearing on December 2 .
It 's not just those four lawmakers who are sick .
A Democratic spokesperson says nine Democratic lawmakers in total are either sick or awaiting coronavirus test results .
The Republican spokeswoman has not answered questions about any other Republicans .
On November 19 Rep. Hambley told the the House Civil Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test result .
`` Before we start , I do need to announce that one of our staff members was diagnosed this morning with covid , '' he said .
`` I 'm asking all members and staff to please take the abundant amount of caution — masking , distance , sanitation , so forth .
The administration as well as the leadership has been informed of this and we 're following the necessary safety protocols . ''
And yet , the Ohio Capitol Journal reports , `` the committee continued its work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the virus to isolate from others . ''
Two days after Hambley received his own first positive coronavirus test result he shared this post on Facebook , detailing COVID-19 timelines and progression .
He did not mention his own diagnosis .
The Journal adds that `` footage from recent House floor sessions show Hambley giving floor speeches and meandering about the House floor , not wearing a mask . ''
`` Hambley is not seeking reelection .
On Dec. 2 , he gave a farewell speech ( image above ) , about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chamber .
He was maskless the whole time . ''

Republican state Representative Stephen Hambley last month tested positive for the deadly coronavirus. Twice. Ignoring state and federal guidelines, he went back to work after just a few days. He reportedly has never received a negative test since his positive tests November 22 and 28.
Democrats say he never informed them of his positive status (he claims he did), as he continued his duties, including sitting on committees, and even voting to restrict "the ability of the Ohio Department of Health to issue quarantine and isolation orders related to the pandemic," as the Ohio Capitol Journal's Jake Zuckerman reports.
Now, at least four lawmakers – two Republicans and two Democrats, have tested positive for COVID-19, after spending time alongside Hambley at a House Finance Committee hearing on December 2.
It's not just those four lawmakers who are sick.
A Democratic spokesperson says nine Democratic lawmakers in total are either sick or awaiting coronavirus test results. The Republican spokeswoman has not answered questions about any other Republicans.
On November 19 Rep. Hambley told the the House Civil Justice Committee of an aide's positive COVID test result.
"Before we start, I do need to announce that one of our staff members was diagnosed this morning with covid," he said. "I'm asking all members and staff to please take the abundant amount of caution — masking, distance, sanitation, so forth. The administration as well as the leadership has been informed of this and we're following the necessary safety protocols."
And yet, the Ohio Capitol Journal reports, "the committee continued its work regardless of CDC guidelines recommending those exposed to the virus to isolate from others."
Two days after Hambley received his own first positive coronavirus test result he shared this post on Facebook, detailing COVID-19 timelines and progression. He did not mention his own diagnosis.
The Journal adds that "footage from recent House floor sessions show Hambley giving floor speeches and meandering about the House floor, not wearing a mask."
"Hambley is not seeking reelection. On Dec. 2, he gave a farewell speech (image above), about 15 minutes in duration, to the chamber. He was maskless the whole time."