fabiochiu/medium-articles huggingface dataset:
“A Call for the Palestinian Leadership Should Act as One”
By: William Black
Tags: Leadership, Lauder, Palestine, Trajectory

Here’s what’s significant about what I read. I can say that Palestinians should build on the visit of the Lauder and restore their relations with Israel, which reached a peak in 1993 before deteriorating rapidly after the 1995 assassination of Yitzhak Rabin. They have plunged into an ocean of aggression, terror, and confusion on a terrifying trajectory.

Come and dwell with me since it was not only what Lauder said that inspired me, it was also his attitude and sincere feelings for peace. Everybody talks about the visit of Lauder as an opportunity for Abbas and the Palestinians to move out of the box into which they were pushed.
“Palestinians Should not be Left Alone in Standing up for Justice ”
By: Krish Mathew
Tags: Human Rights, Justice, Palestine, Prisoners

Here’s my realization for the reading I had today. Although it is untrue that nobody cares for Palestinian prisoners, this belief is justified by thousands of Palestinian families. In order for the rights of prisoners to take center stage in the wider Palestinian struggle for freedom, Palestinians themselves and Palestinian solidarity networks everywhere must position the problem at the top of the political agenda of Palestine.

Adding this note that in order to gain basic human rights, Al-Akhras and thousands like him should not have to risk their lives, which should, in principle, be guaranteed under international law. Just as critically, Palestinian prisoners should not be left alone, paying the price for daring to stand up for justice and equity, and for the rights of their citizens.
Elon Student Project Offered Skewed Narrative of Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
By: Camera On Campus
Tags: Palestinian, Palestine, Terrorism, Zionism, Israel

By Candace Hall, 2019–2020 CAMERA on Campus Fellow

Photo: Koury Business Center/Wikimedia Commons

Every year, Elon University celebrates the academic achievements of its students by highlighting some of the undergraduate research that has been painstakingly gathered, organized, and presented to its professors and student body. However, this year, the content of one project took me aback.

The research offered by one student, a graduating senior, was an analysis of intergenerational narratives of violence among marginalized Argentinian and Palestinian women. The intent of the project itself was a valid and commendable effort to bring women’s narratives of violence, which have historically been marginalized or completely ignored, to public attention. However, there were aspects of the Palestinian narratives presented in the senior’s research that I found troubling.

Click here to read the rest on the CAMERA on Campus blog
Palestine strict the rules ahead anti-coronavirus measures
By: Lucas Bakker
Tags: Covid-19, Palestine

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Ishtaye said on Wednesday that the government is to tighten the measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 in the Palestinian territories.

“The rate of daily infections from coronavirus in the Palestinian territories is still high and worrying,” Ishtaye said innthe weekly meeting of the Palestinian Authority (PA) cabinet held in Ramallah.

He also added that the PA carries on with tightening the measures “to restrict the spread of the virus amid the intensive return of the virus in several countries.”

Ishtaye called on the Palestinian citizens “to contribute to combating the virus and abide by social distancing and wearing face masks in public and closed overcrowded places.

Meanwhile, he said that his government works on hiring hundreds of doctors, nurses and medical care servants, as well as increasing the number of ventilators and the number of beds in governmental hospitals.

In Gaza, the undersecretary of the interior ministry, Tawfiq Abu N’iem, warned earlier on Wednesday that his ministry might get back to imposing a full lockdown on the Gaza Strip if the number of COVID-19 cases increases.

Gaza Health Ministry said it recorded on Wednesday 127 new COVID-19 cases, adding that the total number of coronavirus cases recorded in the Gaza Strip had inflated to 3,700 since March. Enditem
“Palestinians is Winning the Battle of Legitimacy”
By: William Black
Tags: Palestine, Gaza, Isreal, Wine

I need to share the intriguing point on what I read. It’s about how the International law is one of the most discussed words with regards to the Israeli control of Palestine. In the case of tending to the Israeli wars and the attack of Gaza, the development of illicit settlements in the West Bank or the intrusion of politically-sanctioned racial segregation in Israel and the Occupied Territories, it is quite often present.

In any case, it sometimes, if at any time, converts into something concrete, regardless of the hugeness and value of the word. For instance, without global law ensuring Palestinian regular people against Israeli denials of basic freedoms, the Israeli attack of Gaza has proceeded with unabated for over 13 years. Taking a gander at it, there is the way that 1,000 illicit settlement units in the West Bank were endorsed a month ago by the Israeli government. Maybe, Palestinians are truly winning this time.
Tunisia expands a highly sensitive situation for a half-year
By: William Black
Tags: President, Kais Saied, Ministry Of Interior, Tunisia

The Tunisian specialists reported on Friday the expansion of the highly sensitive situation all through the nation for an extra half year.

As indicated by an assertion by the Tunisian administration, the highly sensitive situation will be reached out from 26 December to 23 June 2021.

Tunisian President Kais Saied had recently broadened the highly sensitive situation on 25 November for a time of one month, after already forcing it for a half year.

In 2015, the Tunisian specialists pronounced a highly sensitive situation unexpectedly following a psychological militant assault, which has since been expanded a few times for various periods.

In May 2011, Tunisia saw psychological oppressor acts that raised in 2013, prompting the passings of many security officials, military faculty, and travelers.

The highly sensitive situation gives the Ministry of Interior uncommon forces including prohibiting public social affairs, forcing curfews, reviewing shops day and night, checking official statements and distributions, radio stations, true to life, and dramatic exhibitions.

The specialists can utilize these purviews without getting earlier consent from the legal executive, which has been the subject of expanding global and public analysis.
A Promised Land Hardcover — 17 November 2020
By: Salim Mithani
Tags: Barak Obama, Books, Obama, Barak, President

A riveting, deeply personal account of history in the making-from the president who inspired us to believe in the power of democracy

In the stirring, highly anticipated first volume of his presidential memoirs, Barack Obama tells the story of his improbable odyssey from young man searching for his identity to leader of the free world, describing in strikingly personal detail both his political education and the landmark moments of the first term of his historic presidency-a time of dramatic transformation and turmoil.

Obama takes readers on a compelling journey from his earliest political aspirations to the pivotal Iowa caucus victory that demonstrated the power of grassroots activism to the watershed night of November 4, 2008, when he was elected 44th president of the United States, becoming the first African American to hold the nation’s highest office.

Reflecting on the presidency, he offers a unique and thoughtful exploration of both the awesome reach and the limits of presidential power, as well as singular insights into the dynamics of U.S. partisan politics and international diplomacy. Obama brings readers inside the Oval Office and the White House Situation Room, and to Moscow, Cairo, Beijing, and points beyond. We are privy to his thoughts as he assembles his cabinet, wrestles with a global financial crisis, takes the measure of Vladimir Putin, overcomes seemingly insurmountable odds to secure passage of the Affordable Care Act, clashes with generals about U.S. strategy in Afghanistan, tackles Wall Street reform, responds to the devastating Deepwater Horizon blowout, and authorizes Operation Neptune’s Spear, which leads to the death of Osama bin Laden.

A Promised Land is extraordinarily intimate and introspective-the story of one man’s bet with history, the faith of a community organizer tested on the world stage. Obama is candid about the balancing act of running for office as a Black American, bearing the expectations of a generation buoyed by messages of “hope and change,” and meeting the moral challenges of high-stakes decision-making. He is frank about the forces that opposed him at home and abroad, open about how living in the White House affected his wife and daughters, and unafraid to reveal self-doubt and disappointment. Yet he never wavers from his belief that inside the great, ongoing American experiment, progress is always possible.

This beautifully written and powerful book captures Barack Obama’s conviction that democracy is not a gift from on high but something founded on empathy and common understanding and built together, day by day.
‘ PLAQUE’S AWARD PRESIDENT “XXavion West” NOMINATION COMMITTEE VETS CHAIRMAN NOMINATION Into A High Performing Machine ‘
By: Rajiv Rodriquez
Tags: Médium, Xxavion West, Plaque Awards, 2021, President

By: Barron Smore | The Associated Press

ON, Toronto PLAQUE’s Awards President West on Wednesday began vetting a Chairman to serve and represent the label recording academy and studio as a board measures during the voting preliminary and resources for the other voting members, that would also support the executive branch, bipartisan genre category executive board member. The Executive vetting requires a complete presidential appointment, however, the formal vetting is determined, P.A.S.C, granting preliminary candidates selection allowing both the President & Chairman designations.

Plaque Awards Music & Video Genre Photo By| Plaque Awards Canada

The action came while President West was giving his speech to local reporters virtually at his home residence, Canada, commenting about his recent business venture capitalizing in the Entertainment Sector. West has pushed for this decision to claim another committee official after escalating the core values, including profitable goals for the PLAQUE’s awards annual engagement.

AMR. Executive Dr. Sandra Wells., acting chairman of the Plaque’s Committee, avoided any statements and comments as President West vetoed her decision, calling his decision long overdue in efforts of appointing six ‘ creators’ announcing its debut on Monday.

The ‘ Chairman’ and other board members led by President will oversee its tenure as the Canadian musician, and video PLAQUE recording academy worldwide.

As an independent artist or vloggers begin their submission process for the field genre category placement, many of the various fields are looking slim as voting closes in July of next year.
The Safe Presidential Transition Act
By: Peter Mcclard
Tags: Law, Democracy, Constitution, President, Constitutional Reform

I hereby propose that:

Starting On Midnight, One Month Before the Election Day (The first Tuesday in October) and Up Until Noon, Inauguration Day, the following Presidential Actions shall be limited and governed strictly by Congress:

Issuing of Pardons and Commutations Firing or Hiring of Cabinet Level Positions Non-Emergency Military Campaigns or Adventures Use of Emergency Powers Mass-firing of government Employees Executive Orders of All Sorts Foreign Travel Federal Executions

And then after Election Day (Midnight on Wednesday) these would be:

Continued campaigning or imploring the public Holding non-celebratory rallies, organizing or encouraging large gatherings or protests Control or influence over ascertainment

Such that for any of those things to be legally binding or allowed during the Safe Transition Period and Post-Election Period would require:

A majority approval in the House of Representatives and A majority approval of the Senate

Reasoning

The Start of the period is set to one month Before the Election so that any such Unitary Pardons or Actions would become known to the Public in time for them to ascertain the character and intentions of the Incumbent BEFORE voting instead of after, when it’s too late.

The End of the period is the time at which the Next President assumes the office, be it the Incumbent or not, thus safeguarding the lame duck period from abuse.

The Congressional Approval is required so that the President retains the Constitutionally Granted powers but not unfettered or abused, and must convince Article I, the People’s Representatives, that the motivations are legitimate and just and in the Interest of the American People.

This is necessary because an entirely Trust-based system is way too vulnerable to an unethical, immoral or unhinged Executive.

Penalties

Abrogations of these rules, would necessitate further diminished Presidential protections to the point where we must insist on the People’s right to have the Executive indicted and arrested during this lame duck period as any other serious lawbreaker would be. Such penalties would be decided by Congress.
President-elect Joe Biden and his better half, Jill Biden, will get their first portion of Covid immunization on Monday, a progress official said.
By: Inki Pinki
Tags: Trump, Covid 19, America, Joe, President

VP choose Kamala Harris and her significant other, Doug Emhoff, will get their first shots the next week.

Biden has said he would accept the immunization when was suitable and that he would do as such out in the open to raise trust and mindfulness.

VP Mike Pence and his better half, Karen, were inoculated prior Friday, as was House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Government authorities are among the first to get the shots as a component of longstanding designs to ensure congruity of government.

Late surveys have indicated that trust in the antibody is expanding yet that numerous Americans actually harbor questions.

President Donald Trump has said he will take the antibody, however hasn't said when. White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany on Tuesday declined to set a course of events, or to focus on him getting it while still in office.

On Thursday, the change reported that Representative Cedric Richmond, who has been named one of Biden's White House helpers, has tried positive for Covid, turning into the primary known contamination among the duly elected president's senior counsels.

Biden was tried after Richmond’s contamination was known, and the president-electetried negative for Covid-19 on Thursday. The progress group said Biden didn’t have "close contact" as characterized by the U.S. Places for Disease Control when they showed up together at a mission occasion Tuesday in Georgia, Biden representative Kate Bedingfield said in an articulation.
If you would allow a comment from an outsider, a non-American, who has been following American…
By: Wilfred Hildonen
Tags: USA, Checks And Balance, Politics, President, Democracy

If you would allow a comment from an outsider, a non-American, who has been following American politics for some time and especially this latest stunt, I have some perspectives on what the flaws might be.

First of all, it seems to me that the past is being treated as something sacrosanct; not to be touched, but revered. It’s true that at the time it was developed more than two hundred years ago, it was indeed revolutionary and unique in the world, but as time passed, other countries developed and since USA is steeped in its sense of exceptionalism and as such, unwilling to learn from others, it’s like the fairy tale about the race between the hare and the turtle.

First of all; today the American President appears to be more like a non-royal King than a mundane politician. In the day it was revolutionary, to elect the sovereign democratically, and creating checks and balances to its power, but the checks and balances should have been developed further as time passed. One way to do that, would have been to reduce the powers of the presidency and to introduce a system with a premier or prime minister, leading a government coming from and responsible to a parliament. Parliamentarism in other words.

And of course; electing a federal parliament should be based on a universal electoral system. Needless to say that the electoral college is such an outdated, antiquated concept today, that it’s barely understood elsewhere in the world.

And the idea that politicians get to elect judges and justices is not a good one, if the thought is to have an independent judiciary, independent from politics. As far as I understand, even the local heads of the police are being elected. That might seem like a democratic principle, but the result is of course that the police isn’t as neutral as it should be.

I’m sure that there are other aspects which deserve a closer scrutiny, but the basic thought is to forget about exceptionalism and take a look at other countries and federations, particularly those who are doing well, and learn from them.
Electoral College confirms Joe Biden’s victory
By: David Goodkind
Tags: Electoral College, President, Biden, Trump

Presidential voters representing the Electoral College confirmed President-Elect Joe Biden’s victory on Monday. 538 total votes were cast with 306 going towards Biden and 232 going for President Donald Trump. The vote featured no “faithless electors”.

While the official vote is typically not newsorthy, public interest has increased due to the President’s insistence that the election was rigged and continued litigation his legal team has pursued. The accusations against the election process brought to question how many “faithless electors” there would be in this election. There were 10 “faithless electors” in 2016 despite 32 states and the District of Columbia enforcing laws and fines that discourage rogue electors.

Adding to the drama of the vote was the refusal to acknowledge presidential election results before the Electoral College vote by a majority of republicans in Congress. While not completely accepted yet by the whole collection, that sentiment has shifted since the vote went official as more republicans have been vocal in their acceptance of the results.

The Electoral College vote appears to have cemented the election process. Trump’s legal team has thus far been largely ineffective, having pursued 57 lawsuits and only being granted relief in one. So far, courts have found no widespread evidence of voter fraud or evidence that any fraud would change the outcome of the election. Only 5 cases remain active.

The Electoral College represents all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The candidate who crosses 270 votes wins the Electoral College and the presidential election.
Transcript of Donald Trump’s latest speech
By: Gustavus Adolphus
Tags: Politics, President, USA, Trump

In case you haven’t seen it, here is the transcript of Donald Trump’s speech today. I’m sure you will enjoy it.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TRUMP: We have seen the very, very dark cloud that has been hanging over our nation for many, many years. And it has been raining down on our nation for many years.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TRUMP: And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been to a campaign event, and I’ve watched thousands of people, and I have to say, I’ve never seen so many people so excited. And I’m glad to see that. And I’ve always said, “You know, this is what we need to be doing, we need to be working like crazy.”

We need to be working like crazy. We have to have — we need to have a tremendous spirit of enthusiasm and energy in our country.

And we’ve seen it all week. We have seen the people. We have seen the enthusiasm. We have seen the people that have been in the streets, the rallies, the marches, the marches. We have seen the people that have been in the airports, and the airports are always packed. They are always packed.

I think it is really amazing. And I think we have to have a tremendous spirit of enthusiasm in our country, and we’ve seen it all week.

So, thank you very much.

END VIDEO CLIPS

(APPLAUSE)

TRUMP: And we have to have an incredible spirit of enthusiasm and energy in our country.

And we have to have an incredible spirit of enthusiasm and energy in our country.

Thank you.

(APPLAUSE)

(END VIDEO CLIPS)

(APPLAUSE)

BARTIROMO: Thank
A Promised Land
By: Katherine G. Macrae
Tags: Barack Obama, Memoir, Life Lessons, Globalization, President

A Promised Land

A Promised Land book cover

If you love politics and have a penchant for intelligence, critical thinkers and leaders with heart, be certain to add this wonderfully narrated memoir by the man himself, to the top of your audiobook list.

Goodreads Best Memoir and Autobiography 2020 Winner, ‘A Promised Land’, written and narrated by the Author, President Barack Obama was totally enthralling to listen to and one of the very best audiobooks I’ve enjoyed to date.

An inside look into the White House, an incredible man and President who led with high functioning acumen, empathy and grace, despite opposition every step of the way by the Republican party’s rich, white, racist men’s club, determined to undermine him.

President Obama is a masterful writer, narrator, and leader. Possessing a rare and thoughtful emotional quotient, coupled with his superior intelligence and driven by an unwavering determination to do what is right, as he considers all who would be impacted by his actions, not just his personal aspirations.
THERE WAS VOTER FRAUD
By: Jordan Dale
Tags: Elections, Politics, Trump, Election Fraud, President

And Trump Committed It!

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Donald Trump voted this year in Florida, claiming that the Mar-a-Lago golf club was his permanent address. The problem is that Mar-a-Lago cannot be Trump’s permanent address. One of the conditions that Trump agreed to when developing the club was that no individual can stay there more than 21 days per year. How can you claim a new permanent address in a location where you are not permitted to stay more than one seventeenth of the year under of a legally binding agreement?

Falsely claiming a permanent address in order to vote somewhere is classic voter fraud. If you or I did it in order to vote for Biden in Pennsylvania or Georgia or Arizona, Trump and his minions would be trumpeting (pun intended) it to any media outlet or court that would listen.

The hypocrisy is shameful. Since Biden won the election, Trump and his team have been claiming election fraud right and left, only to have virtually every single claim rejected. The rejections have tellingly come from Republican officials and judges just as consistently as from Democrats.

Yet Trump himself changed where he voted from New York, where his vote would have been inconsequential in the presidential election because his home state was a lock to reject him, to Florida, where, at least before November 3, it looked like every vote would matter. And he did it by falsely claiming residency there.

Voter fraud is a felony. And it is a felony under state law, not federal law, meaning Trump can’t pardon himself. How ironic would it be if Florida filed charges and the only successful voter fraud case arising out of the 2020 election turned out to be against Trump himself?
Potential Post-Presidential Posts Perfect for a Past POTUS
By: Michael Burg
Tags: Sarcasm, Trump, Comedy, Humor, President

HUMOR

Potential Post-Presidential Posts Perfect for a Past POTUS

Get a job!

Photo by Ana Cernivec on Unsplash

Grab the bull by the horns Donald, and get a job.

You’re going to need a steady income to keep Melania properly decked out, gold plate everything in sight, pay lots of lawyers and go clubbing so you can grab some pudenda. Plus your orange-hued self tanner will set you back a pretty penny. Then there’s the matter of your barber bills for your bitchin’ bouffant.

But all that aside, you’ve spent years identifying with commoners as a Washington outsider. Commoners work, and here’s what they do. Join the club.

Maid

You can Make Ajax Great Again and scrub some bowls. We’ll be busy cleaning up after your four-year dump of a presidency. You could at least return the favor.

Field Worker

Watch out for the rapists and the murderers in the bunch but since you’re great at everything, picking fruit alongside a bunch of criminals shouldn’t be a stretch for you. Who knows, maybe this can be part of your community service sentence.

Writer

You’ve honed your twitter skills over the last four years. Now you’ll have the opportunity to make all that succinctness pay off. Haiku and limericks will likely be your forte.

Here’s a prompt to get your creative juices flowing.

There once was a guy named Trump …

(You take it from here for the next four limerick lines. If you’ve got a sudden case of writer’s block, “Trump” rhymes with dump, rump, stump, slump, bump, hump and chump.)

Local Delivery Truck Driver

Here’s another minimum wage option for you since you so identify with the common man. Humping freight, getting filthy, eating bad food and breathing toxic fumes all day should really solidify your connection. Oh but wait, you do some of those things in your present job. Maybe not enough of a stretch for ya, or maybe the perfect fit. We’ll see.

Walmart Greeter

You’ll be among your people. When they say “pardon me” and ask where something is you should feel right at home. Do try not to misdirect people too badly though. I know it has become an ingrained habit, but that’ll land you in even more hot water than you’re in now.

Don’t forget to pardon yourself first. You may be facing some intense scrutiny even if you attempt to blend in at Walmart.

Game Show Host

Oh sorry, that’s on your resume already.

“2016–2020: Ran the greatest show on earth like a boss. I was the best at everything. Duties included: Managing Director — Department of Lies, Misinformation and Disinformation; perfecting laughing stock image; leaving messes for others to fix; tweeting like a deranged chimp on LSD; thinning the population.”
Sunday, December 13, 2020
By: Lukasz Laniecki
Tags: USA, Barack Obama, Politics, Leadership, President

Woke up 4:00 am

The question is can we really make such comparison. Can we really establish who did the worst and who did the best job at being POTUS (President of the USA). I think we can’t. I mean, we can do that (we can make such comparisons, because hey, who will stop us, right?), but it makes very, very little (if at all any) sense.

You can’t just compare two presidencies, because A/ the people who became the presidents had different challenges (sometimes the challenges were bigger, sometimes they were way smaller — they never get to pick which challenges they will face — they need to face whatever life throws at them), B/ each next president was influenced by what the previous presidents did or tolerated on their watch (hence what was unthinkable in the late 18th century was not the same what was unthinkable in the early 19th century, and so on and so forth), C/ things changed — the reality changed (the culture changed, the people changed, the way the politics is made changed, the geo-political situation in the world changed), and D/ some people were presidents only for a short while (and almost didn’t have any challenges), some were presidents only once, and some twice.

How do you compare two people who became the presidents under very different circumstances (in a drastically different reality of the world)? You can do that, as I said, but it will make zero sense.

It’s ludicrous to compare those things. Maybe someone who you consider the best president ever would do a very poor job had he (or she — there were no female POTUSes so far) had the misfortune of being the US president during one of the most challenging periods in the entire history of the USA. Of course, we can also have a discussion how we will establish which periods were the most challenging periods in the entire history of the USA (and which weren’t), but let’s say that someone in the 1930s and later, in the midst of WWII had a hell of a challange. Or in reverse, maybe this person, having much more challenging issues on his or her plate, would never do some of the questionable things he or she did. Maybe having such humongous challenges would not give this president enough time and space to engage in some questionable practices. We’re only people, and we can never really tell how we would behave / what we would do (or would have done) under very different circumstances (in an entirely different reality of the world).
The President Of The United States Does Not Read
Tags: Lazy, Intersting Facts, President, Political, Intelligence

Every president of the United States gets a daily 3-page briefing according to critical global events that need his immediate attention. Trump would make it evident that he was not reading his daily briefings. His intelligence team decided that instead of having a three page summary of important global events, they would just give him 3 note cards based on the most necessary events that absolutely need his attention. This worked for a while, but then they noticed that the president would not read the 3rd card. So they made another change. They put the absolute most important events on the first two notecards and the 3rd notecard would not be as important. This worked for a while, but it because apparent to Trump’s intelligence team that he was not reading his note cards at all.
Saturday, December 12, 2020
By: Lukasz Laniecki
Tags: USA, Barack Obama, Politics, President, Psychology

Woke up 4:00 am

The book (The Worst President in History: The Legacy of Barack Obama) says “the worst president in history”, but what is history?

Up to the moment when the book was published history was what happened before. It meant that it didn’t include Donald Trump. But now Donald Trump’s first term is also history.

Does it mean the book (authors) anticipated Donald Trump’s first term, and after he’s been in office for four years after Barack Obama their opinion (expressed in the title of their book) still holds? Such can be the impression.

Everybody who will grab the book in 2020 can also assume that Donald Trump’s first term (will there be second?) was also analysed and the conclusion was formed with Trump’s presidency in mind. Which it wasn’t, because it couldn’t have been.

The title is tricky, because history is history, and because today will be history tomorrow the claim even in 2050 (and beyond) can be understood that Barack Obama was the worst US president taking into account all past presidents of the United States. Even those who took office decades after him, which makes such claim (and book title) ridiculous. It could still hold after several decades, but only by accident (and if we all agreed that we can actually establish who was such worst president). Of course, some will check the publication date and conclude that it didn’t include those who became presidents after Barack Obama.

It’s like a stain which cannot be removed. Of course, it’s still only somebody’s opinion. But because it appeared in print (the authors managed to publish a book in which this opinion was shared) many people are likely to accept the claim at face value. Because that’s what many (or maybe even most) do. They see something in a newspaper, or blog post, or book and they tend to treat the thing as something which is the truth. Or at least as something which is not merely an opinion (it usurps to be the truth — when they disagree they attack it, because they “know” that it’s not the truth and they see it as their obligation to nullify it). When something appears in print or is broadcasted, people have the tendency to forget that it’s only someone’s opinion. There is no need to nullify an opinion, but that’s precisely what most of those who disagree will do after they’ve read it in an article or book (or heard in some broadcast). Many will behave like that even if it didn’t appear in print or wasn’t broadcasted — even if it’s their uncle’s opinion (or someone else’s they know).

Of course, the people who love Barack Obama (fewer and fewer each year, now that his presidency is over) will never treat it as the truth. But others can, and will (unless they’ll also find a book entitled The Best President in History: The Legacy of Barack Obama — which will mean that they’ll be confused).
When 50+ lawsuits (including 2 at Supreme Court) are dismissed for lack of evidence, how can people…
By: Marcia Frost
Tags: Votes, Election, 2020, President, Donald Trump

When 50+ lawsuits (including 2 at Supreme Court) are dismissed for lack of evidence, how can people still believe the election results are wrong?
The team we are bringing together
By: Kamala Harris
Tags: Kamala Harris, President, Policy

The team we are bringing together

Good afternoon.

Over these past few days and weeks, we have announced members of our administration, who will help us meet the unprecedented challenges facing the American people.

We have brought together a health care team that will help contain this pandemic once and for all, an economic team that will help build an economy that works for working people, and all those looking to work, and a national security and foreign policy team that will help keep our nation safe, and restore and advance our leadership around the world.

Today, we are announcing leaders who will help deliver immediate relief to every corner of our great country, from rural communities to big cities and every place in between, leaders who will help care for our veterans and their families, and advance opportunity for all Americans at this consequential moment for our country.

At a time when one in eight households say they didn’t have enough money for food in the past week, we need leaders who understand that no one should go hungry in the United States of America.

At a time when one in six renters are behind on rent, we need leaders who will not only help provide relief to all who need it, but help address the affordable housing crisis in America.

I was in high school by the time my mother saved up enough to put a down payment on a home.

So, I understand the dignity of homeownership, and the importance of making the American dream a reality for everyone.

At a time when veterans, including those I’ve represented in California, have been strained by almost two decades of war and economic hardship, we need leaders who will treat all who’ve worn our nation’s uniform, and their families, with the dignity and respect they have earned.

Leaders who will be focused on doing what’s in the best interests of the American people, who will negotiate trade deals that are good for workers and good for our economy, who will address the defining challenges of our time — from combatting our climate crisis to advancing racial justice.

That is what these remarkable Americans will do. I know them well. And some are dear friends.

These leaders have different backgrounds and lived experiences. They bring to their roles different skills, perspectives, and areas of expertise.

And they all reflect the very best of our nation.

They are all dedicated and compassionate public servants, and all of them are ready to hit the ground running on day one.

So, congratulations Mr. President-elect on these outstanding choices.

I look forward to working with you — and the team we are bringing together — to meet the urgent challenges facing our nation, and rebuild our country in a way that lifts up all Americans.
Friday, December 11, 2020
By: Lukasz Laniecki
Tags: USA, Barack Obama, Books, Leadership, President

Woke up 4:00 am

Yesterday I started to listen to the recording of the book on Barack Obama — The Worst President in History: The Legacy of Barack Obama. I’m somewhere in the middle of it. Informative, even if one has no idea what is true and what isn’t (like myself).

The book contains 200 inconvenient truths about Obama’s presidency, as the authors say “the facts that define his legacy”. I don’t know if they’re facts, or only something which was so called by the authors.

I also don’t know 200 inconvenient truths about G.W. Bush Jr’s presidency, or Clinton’s, or G.W. Bush Sr’s, or Nixon’s, or Reagan’s, or Kennedy’s, or Truman’s, or Adams’s, or Washington’s, or any other US president.

I guess I will never be able to find out if the claim that Barack Obama was the worst president in history (of the USA — I think it’s worth adding) is legitimate. If he could actually be the worst president in the history of the USA.

What I do know is that this title was chosen for a reason (I wrote about it yesterday) and I wouldn’t be much surprised if the authors admitted one day that actually they too don’t know if that claim is fair. They could say that they wanted the title to be more extreme so that more people will notice and grab the book — which is very likely the truth. At least some truth I can establish.
The Forgotten President
By: Mark Bowser
Tags: History, George Washington, Success, Constitution, President

The Forgotten President

By Mark Bowser

Photo by Michael Schofield on Unsplash

Was George Washington really the first President of the United States? Are you sure?

George Washington became President of the United States in 1789, however, we won the War for Independence in 1781 to earn our freedom from Great Britain. So, what happened during all those intervening years? Were we leaderless? Did we have a functioning government in those years?

After we won the war at Yorktown, the Congress met and drafted a document called the Articles of Confederation. In essence, this was the first Constitution for the United States. And on March 1, 1781 it was ratified by all thirteen colonies making it the law and guiding principles for the infant nation.

At that time Congress elected unanimously a President of the United States. The official title was President of the United States in Congress Assembled. The man the Congress unanimously elected was John Hanson.

John Hanson served for only one year. During that pivotal year, Congress established the Treasury Department. Two other prominent establishments during the Hansen administration included the adoption of the Great Seal of the United State. This seal is still in use to this day. Another prominent accomplishment was that the fourth Thursday of every November would be a day of thanksgiving.

But, did this really make Hanson the first President of the United States? How come we didn’t learn about him in our history classes in school?

George Washington considered Hanson the first president. He addressed him in his correspondence by that title and he congratulated Hansen by saying, “I congratulate your Excellency on your appointment to fill the most important seat in the United States.”

After Hanson’s term was up, Congress elected another president. This went on until the Constitution was adopted in 1789. That is when George Washington was elected President of the United States. So, if we want to get technical about it, Washington was the eighth president, not the first.

But, it is very proper and fitting that George Washington is considered the father of our country and the first President of the United States. He is the first president under the Constitution of the United States. A document that is revered for its wisdom and rights to the people.

So, next year when we celebrate Presidents’ Day, let’s not forget Mr. Hanson and the other six forgotten presidents under the Articles of Confederation. And, let’s celebrate all of the presidents and future presidents that have helped lead the greatest nation in the history of the world. So, now you know. Thanks for reading today.

Mark Bowser is a Professional Speaker, Author, and host of the popular podcast “Let Me Tell You a Story with Mark Bowser.”

Find out more about Mark Bowser at www.MarkBowser.com and www.LinkedIn.com/in/markbowser.

Subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, and other major platforms.
THE EVOLUTION OF GHANA’S DEMOCRACY
By: Adu Marfo Stephen
Tags: USA, Politics, Ghana, President, Democracy

Almost 30 years through the 4th republic, the people of Ghana have learnt the relevance and beauty of this system. While this small African country cannot compare themselves to the more than 200 years old masters of democracy The United States, they are proud of the achievements and direction of democratic evolution. For the first time in Ghana, the two presidential candidates from the two major political party (The New Patriotic Party and The National Democratic Congress) have both serve their first term — John Dramani Mahama as president from 2012 to 2016 on the ticket of The National Democratic Congress and William Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo from 2017 till date who was re-elected for another term.

Ghana went to the polls on 7th December 2020 to elect a president out of 12 presidential candidates. The violent reputation of some African countries follows Ghana even though She (Ghana) has earned a reputation for herself, yet still, those who know nothing about Africa and follows the some-what true stereotypes counts Ghana among the worst of the worst. It will be no news to me if some international communities had fear of violence because, with people, you can never know what to expect and it was no surprise to me when less than 60 election violence was recorded out of which less than 10 were major and the rest was ordinary violence. That shows the long way we have come as a democratic nation.

The day before elections, people (which I count myself a part) were surprised about the atmosphere. In 2008, we heard some violent behaviour that went on prior to elections same in 2012 and 2016. But with the just-ended elections, we felt like we are in a ghost country, people were going about doing their normal business. Now even as the elections have ended and the winner has been announced by the electoral commission still the violence stands at less than 60 as compared to the almost 600 in 2000.

This election recorded the highest number of electorates voting for different parties for presidential and parliamentary, goes to show that well-deserved people in the eyes of Ghanaians are being elected. The days when some Ghanaians used to vote based on religion, personality and party seem to be passing by. The evolution of Ghana’s democracy is truly amazing.
Ghana president reappointed with 51% of votes
By: William Black
Tags: Election, Election Commission, Ghana, President, Nana Akuffo Addo

Active President Nana Akufo-Addo won the official decisions in Ghana by a tight edge. The political decision commission reports.

Addo won 6,730,413 votes, equivalent to 51.59%, the opponent 6,214,889, 47.36%.

There was no absence of conflicts. The cost of viciousness in Ghana associated with the official and parliamentary races held last Monday in the nation is five dead.

The outcomes saw a tight edge between resistance applicant John Mahama and active president Nana Akufo-Addo.

The strain between the two applicants was soaring, with Mahama blaming Addo for needing to utilize the military to “sabotage the vote result.”

Ecowas, the association of West African states, called for quiet on Wednesday, seeking a positive result to the decisions.
Thursday, December 10, 2020
By: Lukasz Laniecki
Tags: Clickbait, Barack Obama, Books, President, Reading

Woke up 3:00 am

“A land of promise” or “a promising land” make much more sense than “a promised land”.

Yesterday when I was searching for the new book by Barack Obama I chanced upon the book by Matt Margolis and Mark Noonan entitled The Worst President in History: The Legacy of Barack Obama.

Turns out there are people who believe that Barack Obama was the worst president in the entire history of the USA.

For some it’s Donald, and for others it’s Barack. Who is right and who is wrong?

Most likely nobody.

A week ago or so I chanced upon a Medium post entitled How I’ll make $10,000 With This Single Article On Medium And How You Can Too — Explained by someone called Bola Kwame.

One of the ingredients of the secret sauce according to Bola Kwame (and I think he or she is right) is the title. The story has to get people to click on it. So the title should be a click bait. Whether or not I want to use it as my tactic is a different thing. I agree with Bola that click baits work. The title will stand a better chance of becoming a click bait if you’ll use extremes, says Bola. And again, I agree. He / She explains On the internet, the more extreme content, the big and bold claims, the outliers, that’s what people love to read, that’s the kind of content the internet wants. “How I lost 5 pounds” vs “How I lost 50 pounds”, “How I learned to run 1 mile” vs “How I learned to run a full marathon” Bola says that in each case of the two the latter is more captivating, and would entice you to click.

Now we know why someone would call someone the worst president in history. A title The Worst President in History: The Legacy of Barack Obama is a way better title (from the point of view of the author — how many copies of the book he or she will sell) than for example The Legacy of Barack Obama, or The Mistakes of Barack Obama, or The Unfulfilled Promises of Barack Obama, or even than the following titles Do I Think That Barack Obama Was The Worst President in History? or Why I Believe That Barack Obama Was The Worst President in History? or Could Barack Obama Be The Worst President in History?



Nothing trumps the actual title The Worst President in History: The Legacy of Barack Obama. It doesn’t matter that it’s just someone’s opinion and that it’s not automatically the truth. This person can be the only person in the entire world who has such opinion (hard to believe when there are 1,356 ratings on Amazon, 73% of which are 5 star reviews). But as a title for a book it’s great, I must admit.

That’s how people who care about marketing create the titles. Click baits rule because they work. Unfortunately. The author may actually be a lousy writer or thinker, but if the title’s right there is a greater chance that people will buy his or her shit.
Passion for the details
By: Joshua Stump
Tags: President, Elections, Donald Trump, Vote

It is so heartening to see how many Americans care so passionately about the procedural intricacies of local voting laws. Personally, before this year I had no idea what the Pennsylvania constitution said about how that state should choose its Presidential electors. But now that I see the unrestrained outrage of people who have never even been to Pennsylvania at the mere suggestion that some procedure was not followed to the letter, I understand how derelict I have been showing concern for obscure extra-jurisdictional voting procedures.

Please accept this as my repentance.

I am especially impressed at the devotion of my fellow Americans to the rule of law in this area irrespective of its practical impact. For example, despite the fact that curbside voting, allowed due to a pandemic, makes zero difference in the outcome of how a vote is cast, so many people stand ready to deny the votes of thousands because of their belief that this procedure may violate another state’s law (BTW, it doesn’t).

Given the zeal many seem to have for inconsequential procedural nuances in places they’ve never set foot, I can only imagine the fervor that awaits our lamest duck President for the dozens of significant, substantive laws he has violated once he can no longer hide like a shivering coward behind the office he continues to dishonor.

Is it any wonder why he refuses to come out from under his rock? I mean, seeing how his own supporters safeguard laws I’ve never heard of, he must be terrified to learn how they will prosecute the laws we all know well.