new ...“Despite decades of drilling and extraction of fossil fuels in the continent, many communities continue to experience energy poverty. Evidently fossil fuels are not the future for Africa. Why would President Al Jaber think that more fossil fuel extraction would change that? We want a just transition that delivers clean energy to people in Africa. Leaders at COP28 must act with integrity and leadership to ensure a sustainable future that delivers energy to communities. We reject more fossil fuel extraction. We reject dangerous distractions like carbon markets and CCS. We reject predatory loans instead of reparations for loss and damage. Climate justice requires a full, fast, fair, and funded phaseout of fossil fuels.”... — Oil Change International, 13h ago

new Maria's situation is not an isolated case. The Philippines is ranked as the world’s most disaster-prone country due to its high susceptibility to disaster and lack of adaptive and coping capacities. During disasters, both direct and indirect care work increase due to disruption of care-related services. Recognizing climate change’s profound impact on care work, the Philippines has been at the forefront of addressing the climate-care nexus. Oxfam Pilipinas and its partners have been campaigning to tackle social norms, advance policy reform and emphasize the importance of unpaid care work in community resilience building, leveraging evidence of exacerbated care tasks post-Haiyan. — ESCAP, 18h ago

new Modern Zionism, which emerged in the 1800s, is an unethical, immoral, and evil settler-colonial project, held together by lies, racism, propaganda, and the support of world superpowers with their own interests in the resource-rich region. It cannot provide a “safe haven” for Jews, and Zionism is antithetical to Jewish values. We see this in the way the government, currently led by genocidal fascist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is willing to kill Israelis, hostages (some of whom gave accounts of Oct. 7 and their time in captivity that do not suit the Israeli narrative of ruthless, senseless, barbaric behavior from Hamas), and staff from international medical organizations and the United Nations while bombarding Gaza. We see it in the repression of protests in Israel — the nature of which Palestinians have critiqued. We see it in the way that Israel treats Israeli Holocaust survivors, a third of whom live below the poverty line and must choose between food and other basic necessities at times. One could also easily make the argument that antisemitism is beneficial to a settler colony that is built and sustained by the fear of its settlers. Hence, it is to Israel’s benefit to flame the fires of antisemitism, making Jews worldwide less safe. The founder of modern political Zionism, Theodor Herzl, himself claimed antisemites “will become our most dependable friends, the anti-Semitic countries our allies.”... — Truthout, 20h ago

new Particularly striking in this regard are the attempts made to shift the blame onto the poor and high birth rates. These are falsities that must be firmly dispelled. It is not the fault of the poor, since the almost half of our world that is more needy is responsible for scarcely 10% of toxic emissions, while the gap between the opulent few and the masses of the poor has never been so abysmal. The poor are the real victims of what is happening: we need think only of the plight of indigenous peoples, deforestation, the tragedies of hunger, water and food insecurity, and forced migration. Births are not a problem, but a resource: they are not opposed to life, but for life, whereas certain ideological and utilitarian models now being imposed with a velvet glove on families and peoples constitute real forms of colonization. The development of many countries, already burdened by grave economic debt, should not be penalized; instead, we should consider the footprint of a few nations responsible for a deeply troubling “ecological debt” towards many others (cf. ibid., 51-52). It would only be fair to find suitable means of remitting the financial debts that burden different peoples, not least in light of the ecological debt that they are owed. — Watts Up With That? • The world's most viewed site on global warming and climate change, 21h ago

new Yes, Mozart died too young. Tragically. So, too, did Franz Schubert. Likewise for Hank Williams, Sr., Buddy Holly, Jimi Hendrix, and John Lennon. What has been denied to humanity as a result of these premature deaths is enormous. But although entrepreneurship and commerce and the production of material goods and services don’t stir the soul as music and literature, seemingly humdrum economic activities are what make our modern lives – including our art, literature, leisure, and learning – possible. Institutions and interventions that diminish market-tested economic activities make us poorer in body and spirit. Sadly, such institutions and interventions are many. — AIER, 23h ago

new Their education system is good but again what is lacking is implementation. Not all schools are good. In fact according to their own stats some of the best schools are now good schools and average ones have turned out to be bad. Any socialist economy suffers from funding because of the nature of how money is handled. But Canada has gotten worse. Some big EU economies have somehow managed to weather the bad effects of socialism. Hard to predict how things will look like in future. I guess US will still remain the strongest and the greatest but their arm twisting strength will reduce. China will continue to grow and thrive if they stop their aggressive control on capitalism. India will remain a bright spot for a few more years. Unless they reform law and order, agriculture and their labor system they will be stuck in the “bright spot” segment. I don’t have much hopes on EU because of the population decline and their stupid immigration policies (though slightly better than Canada). Japan also has an aging population with negative population growth. Their society is also not welcoming to immigrants. So no hopes there. Interesting times. The world has enjoyed tremendous growth since WW2. I guess ours and our children’s generation will see some chaos before things settle again. — Blind, 1d ago

new Jessica Bwali, Global Campaigner at Tearfund, said: “For people in poverty around the world, how public finance is spent could mean the difference between life and death. Either money goes to dirty fossil fuels and contributes to more drought, flooding and suffering; or it ushers in a clean energy transition and a safer, brighter future. Communities on the frontline of the climate crisis can’t afford any more delays. Four out of five people in sub-Saharan Africa live without access to electricity today and this affects health services, education and livelihood opportunities. In Zambia, we use hydroelectric power, but we still suffer massive power cuts because of droughts. The Kariba dam, for example, relies on a flow of water and when there is no water, the power supply dips. Many people suffer abject poverty because of this. Securing the loss and damage fund for people living in poverty was a good start for the Climate Talks here in Dubai. The urgent challenge now is to make sure that wealthy nations genuinely stump up the cash, and that public finance benefits people on the frontlines of climate change.”... — Oil Change International, 1d ago

new Jamaicans who live below the poverty line may routinely report that “war a gwaan” or that deadly conflicts between rivals are disrupting community life. People from the wider society often look at these disturbances from a distance, unable to comprehend how people who grew up together in relatively small spaces can be killing each other over turf, drugs, guns or the dubious distinction of “running the place”. Meanwhile, the State and its security apparatus implement states of emergency, the infamous SOEs, as the Band-Aid measure to future-proof the problem. — jamaica-gleaner.com, 1d ago

new Community gardens emerge as transformative remedies for urban health challenges. Addressing issues of physical and mental well-being, food insecurity, and fostering a sense of community, these green havens offer a holistic prescription for urban health. The adaptability and success stories underscore their potential impact. Encouragingly, readers are urged to explore and support local community garden initiatives, recognizing the profound benefits they bring to both individuals and communities. By cultivating these green spaces, we not only nurture plants but sow the seeds for healthier, more vibrant urban environments where well-being flourishes. Join the movement for a greener, healthier tomorrow. — LA Progressive, 1d ago

new His Reform and Opening, says Orville Schell, “Rammed Chinese society into reverse gear, stampeding the country into a form of unregulated capitalism that made the US and Europe seem almost socialist by comparison”. A new generation of illiterate peasants, particularly women, emerged. Life expectancy fell as poverty, prostitution, drug trafficking and addiction, the sale of women and children, petty crime, organized crime, official corruption, pollution, racketeering, and profiteering returned. Mao’s frazzled successors set about destroying most of the Cultural Revolution’s gains, says Dongping Han:... — The Greanville Post, 1d ago

new At this point, the question is not whether the far right is surging in Europe, but rather how national governments and the EU alike intend to counter fascism and far right extremism. Fear of the “Other” and the consequences of neoliberalism (economic insecurity, poverty, inequality and deteriorating living standards) are among the main causes behind the increasing public support for far right parties. Left unaddressed, and especially amid organizing conducted via the internet and social media, hard right politics will only grow, and far right violence will likely increase. What took place recently in Dublin, where hundreds of radical right rioters went on a rampage over unconfirmed reports on social media that three children had been stabbed by an “illegal immigrant,” may be a prelude to what the future holds for Western societies unwilling to address the factors that contribute to the spread of far right ideologies. — Truthout, 2d ago

new The Global Fund is a worldwide partnership to defeat HIV, TB, and malaria and ensure a healthier, safer, more equitable future for all. We raise and invest more than US$5 billion a year to fight the deadliest infectious diseases, challenge the injustice that fuels them, and strengthen health systems and pandemic preparedness in more than 100 of the hardest-hit countries. We unite world leaders, communities, civil society, health workers, and the private sector to find solutions that have the most impact, and we take them to scale worldwide. Since 2002, the Global Fund partnership has saved 59 million lives. — The Rockefeller Foundation, 2d ago

new When low-income countries found themselves in need of emergency financial assistance from international financial institutions, the aid came at a heavy price. These countries were required to implement policies such as privatization, deregulation, and tax cuts in exchange for the loans. Unfortunately, the conditions attached to these loans, known as structural adjustment programs, had disastrous consequences. They led to the destruction of many economies and exacerbated inequality in others, perpetuating a cycle of poverty. — Modern Diplomacy, 2d ago

new The reduction of poverty incidence in an LGU can validate as well the claims by NGOs, cooperatives, and like entities, of improvement in the economic conditions of beneficiaries and their communities. The LGU receiving the award thus becomes a model of good governance showcasing good practices in the specific field for which it has been recognized. The Most Competitive City Award explicitly highlights that enhancing productivity leads to improved living standards and prosperity for all. — INQUIRER.net, 2d ago

new As with many things at the international level, progress in one area is often simultaneous with a perceived lack of progress in others. Despite efforts of the United Nations to push for more global gender equality, feminist scholars such as Tickner (2005) have argued that women suffer from discrimination that means they are still not being taken seriously at both an institutional and grassroots level. And, it is hard to read the case of Saudi Arabia vis-à-vis the United Nations as evidence of this changing. Discrimination and inequality for women remains, particularly in states that may be suffering from poverty, war or deprivation. And, when António Guterres became UN Secretary General in 2017 he continued an unbroken run of male leadership going back to the founding of the organization in 1945. As a result, and despite progress, feminists remain watchful over the United Nations and critical of its ability to achieve the results needed. A continued negative gendered perspective within the functioning of the organisation serves to slow or hinder structural change for women around the world. The critique seems to have caught on and Guterres (2020) has made commitments towards using his leadership to make this ‘the century of women’s equality’. — E-International Relations, 2d ago

new A nation’s economic development story is incomplete without recognizing the pivotal role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) at all levels of the country. Countries like America, China, and others have thrived due to the emergence of SMEs, while the poverty in many developing nations can be linked to the neglect of these crucial entities. Before 2000, small businesses in countries like Nigeria were hindered by their limited reach, unable to compete with larger corporations employing traditional advertising methods such as billboards, radio, and print media. — The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News, 2d ago

new The mission of Orange County Health Department (OCHD) is to promote and protect health, enhance quality of life, and preserve the environment for everyone in Orange County. In 2023, North Carolina Local Health Department Accreditation (NCLHDA) Board awarded OCHD Reaccreditation with Honors, highlighted two unique programs during their visit: Family Success Alliance (FSA), which serves families to break the cycle of poverty, and the Gateway Collaborative, which offers services in the Gateway Village housing community with the goal of bringing agencies together to support residents. — newswise.com, 2d ago

new During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Argentine government announced a country-wide lockdown which started in March 2020 and kept the nation captive for more than 12 months. This included restrictive measures such as travel, transport and citizen-movement restrictions, stay-at-home orders, store closures and reduced operating hours.[42] Coupled with fiscally irresponsible policies, such lockdowns caused at least 40 per cent of the population to drop below the poverty line.[43] It led to the entire collapse of every sector of the Argentine economy, with finance, commerce, manufacturing industry and mining being the most seriously affected. Only Melbourne under Premier Dan Andrews was more ardent in stripping residents of their lliberties. — Quadrant Online -, 2d ago

new The 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) gave the world a surprise on its first day, Thursday. Delegates from more than 160 countries unanimously agreed to formally establish the Loss and Damage Fund, pledging more than $400 million to support the world's particularly vulnerable countries in their efforts to cope with the loss and damage caused by climate change. This groundbreaking progress has brought much-needed good news to the world, raising confidence and expectations for the outcomes of this conference.The issue of funding has been a focal point in recent UN climate conferences, with prolonged and intense debates surrounding the amount of aid and compensation developed countries should offer for their historical emissions, as well as the ways of raising and distributing the funds. However, the urgency of the severe climate change situation has led to significant achievements. Developed countries have committed to mobilizing $100 billion a year to support climate finance. The establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund was a decision made at COP27 in Egypt in 2022, but its implementation has not been easy. Nonetheless, this time, several developed countries have made pledges toward the fund. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), host country of COP28, committed $100 million, Germany, $100 million, the UK, 40 million pounds (about $50.6 million) and 20 million pounds for other arrangements, Japan, $10 million, and the US, known for its grandstanding on climate issues, only $17.5 million. When it comes to paying, some countries revealed their true face. The amount pledged by the US is meager in comparison with its status as the world's largest economy and the responsibility in addressing climate change it should bear given its highest historical cumulative carbon emissions, leading to criticism from attending delegates and experts who deemed it "disappointing," "shocking," and "embarrassing."However, amid this disappointment, there were heartening developments. When the US once again let the world down at the critical moment, other countries stepped up. On the second day of the climate conference, Friday, the UAE announced $30 billion for a new climate finance fund, aiming to mobilize $250 billion by the end of the decade. It also aims to improve the flow of money into projects to reduce emissions, especially in the Global South.Washington should really feel ashamed of this scene. The New York Times bluntly questioned in a September article: How Long Can America's Climate Hypocrisy Last? "It's nothing new for climate ambition and climate hypocrisy to flicker back and forth like the two faces of a lenticular hologram," said the article. Even the American media itself says so, showing how bad the US' performance is on climate issues.Another typical example is the deliberate effort by the US to woo Pacific island nations, establishing new embassies and claiming to help them maintain "maritime security." However, when it comes to the climate issues that these countries genuinely care about, Washington exhibits conspicuous stinginess and parsimony. The true focus of Washington in its diplomacy is becoming increasingly evident to people.At any rate, the US cannot be absent when addressing the issue of climate. Even if other countries are proactive, they cannot fill the irresponsible void left by the US. Conversely, if the US fails to set an example on climate issues, it completely loses its qualification to pursue global leadership. In any case, the US must shoulder its due obligations and responsibilities. The Democratic Party shows a more positive attitude toward climate issues than the Republican Party. The Biden administration should take advantage of its time in office to push for substantive progress on climate issues with greater determination and force.This current climate conference's crucial agenda is the "Global Stocktake," where each contracting party will review progress and gaps in implementing key provisions of the Paris Agreement. The focus will also be on "four paradigm shifts": fast-tracking energy transition and slashing emissions before 2030; transforming climate finance, by delivering on old promises and setting the framework for a new deal on finance; putting nature, people, lives and livelihoods at the heart of climate action; mobilizing for the most inclusive COP ever. These are ambitious goals indeed.In the realm of climate, every step forward is incredibly challenging. It is precisely because of this difficulty that each achievement is so valuable. Regardless, we observe that human society is moving forward step by step, even though the pace is still too slow and lags behind the rate of environmental degradation. How to ensure that this collective effort of all humanity involves less short-term selfish calculations and more long-term vision of shared future, and stronger climate actions, is crucial for the future and fate of humanity. No one can escape or evade this duty, especially for countries with significant responsibilities and obligations. — globaltimes.cn, 2d ago

new There has been a lot of talk about working towards a ‘living wage’ for palm oil smallholders. However, an investigation by The Gecko Project last year highlighted flaws in “plasma” smallholder schemes which were billed as a way to lift local communities out of poverty but, according to the report, have excluded many smallholders from the earnings that were legally promised to them as part of the scheme. What is your assessment of the findings and what it tells us about smallholder inclusion in the palm oil economic growth story?... — Eco-Business, 2d ago

new Heng Kiah Chun, Regional Campaign Strategist for Greenpeace Southeast Asia said: “Southeast Asians have had to deal with toxic haze for decades now due to Asean’s lack of political will to stop the haze even in their own backyard. It has impacted entire generations who have been forced to live with seasonal haze, some have suffered from health issues because their basic rights to clean air were not met. Asean pronouncements are useless if people continue to suffer and are forced to bear toxic air pollution. It’s time for Asean to act, put their citizens’ health and well-being first and put an end to Transboundary Haze.”... — Eco-Business, 2d ago

new Over time, the plastic crisis has worsened as several landfill sites in Indonesia have experienced overload and fires. Communities living on the frontline are breathing toxic fumes that are harming people’s health. Sarimukti landfill, Bandung, experienced a fire in August. Our coalition, the Indonesian Zero Waste Alliance, reported that more than 50 residents of Cipatat, West Bandung had complained of sore throats, shortness of breath and eye irritation. The plastic pollution crisis is accelerating social injustice within communities and fueling the climate crisis, and the only way to stop it is for governments to agree on a strong global plastics treaty that is firmly rooted in a human rights-based approach. — Eco-Business, 2d ago

new The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative is spurring international cooperation to end new development of fossil fuels, phase out existing production within the agreed climate limit of 1.5°C and develop plans to support workers, communities and countries dependent on fossil fuels to create secure and healthy livelihoods. The push for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is spearheaded by a bloc of 10 nation-states from Latin America, the Pacific, the Caribbean and South East Asia. The global network behind the proposal is now formed by 2,200 civil society organisations, over 3,000+ scientists and academics, 101 Nobel laureates, the World Health Organisation and hundreds of health professionals, Vatican Cardinals and thousands of religious institutions, a growing number of grassroots organisations, 9 Peruvian indigenous nations, thousands of youth activists, 100 cities including Los Angeles, Kolkata, Lima, Vancouver, London, and Warsaw, more than 600 Parliamentarians across the world and a growing number of businesses. For more information on the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative and proposal, access here. — The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, 2d ago

new Economic historians ascribe this growing demand for human capital to the transition from an agricultural economy to a highly skilled manufacturing and services-based economy, first in western societies and then globally. Empirical evidence supports the idea that this transition has caused birth rates to slow down. For instance, analysis of individual returns from the 1911 Irish census suggest that a child remaining in school between the ages of 14 and 16 caused an up to 27% reduction in fertility. — phys.org, 2d ago

new The Caribbean, in particular, stands at the precipice of a climate crisis that threatens millions of lives. The region is grappling with massive challenges, including a unique vulnerability to hurricanes and rising sea levels. Coastal communities are particularly at risk due to increased storm severity. These changing weather patterns lead to other interconnected issues, such as economic disruptions from the loss of tourism—a vital source of income for many islands. If effective action is not taken, the impact of these environmental issues on the vibrant cultures and economies of the Caribbean islands will only intensify over the coming decades. — The National Interest, 2d ago

new On how the impact of the Nigeria’s business environment on the operations of Advonics, he opined that ” Unstable fiscal policy, lack of enabling infrastructure, insecurity, poor power supply, multiple tax system, poor transportation network and connectivity, lack of enabling environment and critical infrastructure needed to drive the economy has been the bane of our economy. Security and availability of and reduction in cost of funds will aid entrepreneurs doing business in Nigeria. While Nigeria government has designed a variety of financial programs to support businesses, the government should be more consistent in policies formation and implementation.”... — The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News, 2d ago

new Oakland’s flatlands southeast of downtown are the backdrop of most of the city’s shootings and murders.The area stands in stark contrast to the extreme wealth of the millionaire homes that dot the Oakland Hills and the immaculate, flower-lined streets of downtown. The city’s revived waterfront, named after famed author and local hero Jack London, draws tourists to trendy restaurants.On a Saturday night in August, Shawn Upshaw drove through the flatlands along International Boulevard, past the prostitutes who gather on nearly every corner for at least a mile, and into “hot spots,” where someone is shot nearly every weekend, he said.“When I grew up, women and kids would get a pass. They wouldn’t get caught in the crossfire,” said Upshaw, 52, who was born and raised in Oakland. “But now women and kids get it, too.”Upshaw works as a violence interrupter for the city’s Department of Violence Prevention, which coordinates with the police department and community organizations in a program called Ceasefire.When there’s a shooting, the police department alerts Upshaw on his phone and he heads to the scene. He doesn’t wear a police uniform. He’s a civilian in street clothes: jeans and a black zip-up jacket. It makes him more approachable, he said, and he’s not there to place blame, but rather to offer help and services to survivors and bystanders.The goal, he said, is to stop a retaliatory shooting by a rival gang or grieving family member.Police also use crime data to approach people with gang affiliations or long criminal records who are likely to use a gun in a crime — or be shot. Community groups follow up with offers of job training, education, meals, and more.“We tell them they’re on our radar and try to get them to recognize there are alternatives to street violence,” said Oakland Police Department Capt. Trevelyon Jones, head of Ceasefire. “We give them a safe way of backing out of a conflict while maintaining their street honor.”Every Thursday at police headquarters, officers convene a “shooting review.” They team up with representatives from community groups to make house calls to victims and their relatives.After the program launched in 2012, Oakland’s homicides plummeted and were down 39 percent in 2019, according to a report commissioned by the Oakland Police Department.Then COVID hit.“You had primary care that became an issue. You had housing that became an issue. You had employment that became an issue,” said Maury Nation, an associate professor at Vanderbilt University. “It created a surplus of the people who fit that highest risk group, and that overwhelms something like Ceasefire.”With ever-rising housing prices in Oakland and across California, homeless encampments have multiplied on sidewalks and under freeway bypasses. The city is also bracing for the loss of jobs and civic pride if the Oakland Athletics baseball team relocates after April 2024, following departures by the NBA’s Golden State Warriors in 2019 and the NFL’s Raiders in 2020.“Housing, food insecurity, not having jobs that pay wages for folks, all can lead to violence and mental health issues,” said Sabrina Valadez-Rios, who works at the Freedom Community Clinic in Oakland and teaches a high school class for students who have experienced gun violence. Her father was fatally shot outside their Oakland home when she was a child. “We need to teach kids how to deal with trauma. Violence is not going to stop in Oakland.”Homicides in Oakland climbed to 123 people in 2021, police reports show, dipping slightly to 120 last year. Police have tallied 108 homicides as of Nov. 12 this year. Neither the police department nor the city provided statistics on how many of those killings involved firearms, despite repeated requests from KFF Health News.Experts also blame the rise in killings in Oakland and other American cities on the prevalence of gun ownership in the U.S., which has more guns than people. For all the pandemic disruption worldwide, homicide rates didn’t go up in countries with strict gun laws, said Thomas Abt, director of the Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction at the University of Maryland.“We saw gun violence, homicides, shootings spike up all around the country. And interestingly, it did not happen internationally,” Abt said. “The pandemic did not lead to more violence in other nations.”... — Governing, 2d ago

new Argentinians, for sure have not forgotten the misery they went through 20 years ago, and a similar onslaught of poverty-inducing economic measures by another neo-liberal /neo-fascist president, Mauricio Macri (December 2015 – December 2019) – a four-year period during which Macri made sure that the riches gained by hardworking Argentinians during the 15 years of recovery, were transferred north – to the IMF, Wall Street, and the elites of the Unite States, Europe and international corporations. — Truth11.com, 2d ago

new Leaders of civil society organizations were allowed to present their views in the plenary sessions along with the government representives. These statements were supplemented by educational sessions on dozens of topics. Most powerful for me were the young students from many countries who condemned nuclear weapons as creating insecurity and violating their right to life, who demanded more inclusion of youth and women in policy making. Scientists reminded us of the climate and agriculture research predicting that even a limited regional nuclear war will darken the earth’s skies enough to cause mass starvation of billions after the blast and fallout kills the first hundred million people. Representatives of the indigenous peoples who were harmed by weapons production and testing in the U.S., Australia, Khazakstan, and the Pacific gave stirring testimony of the loss of their land and multigenerational health, demanding justice for what they have suffered. The parties to the TPNW formally agree to address their concerns for healing and remediation. Several of the remaining Hibakusha (nuclear bomb survivors) from Japan shared their incredible stories and pleas for never again. Lining the hallways were works of beautiful art from the dawn of the nuclear age to the present. Concerts, vigils, prayer services, and protest marches were held at city venues nearby. — World BEYOND War, 2d ago

new There was no mistaking the loathing that the two men have for each other. When they traded insults, there was nothing pro forma in the activity. Newsom made it clear that he sees DeSantis as an autocratic culture war fighter who has no compunction in using his office to go after vulnerable groups. The Floridian, in turn, smeared Newsom by portraying him as a proponent of unaccountable Big Government, invoked public discontent over COVID-related school shutdowns in California, blamed Newsom’s policies for the rise in homelessness and addiction issues in California, and at one point, even pulled out a map purporting to show all the areas of San Francisco in which human feces had been found on city streets in recent months. While the concept certainly triggered an ick-response, it was not a particularly effective prop. — Truthout, 2d ago