MsKreed

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Biden’s controversial ‘cannibalism’ remarks meet pushback in Papua New Guinea

In contentious remarks made last week following a visit to a war memorial, Biden twice hinted that the US was unable to recover his uncle Ambrose Finnegan’s remains after his plane crashed near the island of New Guinea during the war “because there used to be a lot of cannibals” in the region.

 

In a statement from his office Monday, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape conceded that Biden may have misspoken, but he pushed back against the characterization of cannibalism in the Pacific Island nation, which encompasses the eastern half of New Guinea and more than 600 nearby islands.

“President Biden’s remarks may have been a slip of the tongue; however, my country does not deserve to be labeled as such,” Marape said.

 

While cannibalism was documented among remote tribes in the region in the mid-20th century, Papua New Guinea has struggled to shed stereotypes in more recent decades, and Biden’s comments were met with criticism inside the country.

“PNG shouldn’t be seen as cannibals because of our past history. We are part of the modern civilization,” said one comment on social platform X.

“What utter rubbish is he on about?” asked another X user in PNG’s capital Port Moresby.

In a Facebook post, PNG Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko warned that Biden’s “uninformed remarks” could undermine relations between the countries, which had deepened in recent years as Washington vies for influence with Beijing in the strategically important Pacific.

“These apparent untrue remarks by the sitting President is a low point in our bilateral relations,” Tkatchenko said.

 

Source

22 hours ago, Chris said:

Has anyone noticed how, the more he recovers, the more John Fetterman seems to be moving to the center, politically speaking?

Like, he’s become the voice of most reason for the Democrats it feels like.

It’s pretty common throughout human history for life-altering challenges to be “revelatory” experiences.  Having to fight for oneself tends to inspire appreciation for what they have, as well as instilling a sense of "reverence" for self-reliance. And I am happy to see the change in him.

Granted, it’s also becoming much more common for people to be encouraged to claim victim status and veer toward an entitlement mentality when faced with challenges.

Fetterman “could” have that. Lots of people do. (“Whoa is me! I was dealt a shitty hand.  Now the world owes me!”).

But fortunately for him, it seems he may have discovered that, instead of “gimme” (because I’ve suffered) handouts that might make his handicap existence more tolerable.......his own motivation and perseverance has been far more effective in improving his circumstances.

For the record....

Although I believe it’s wrong for Moss to shirk the ACFR reporting, I tend to agree with the other point he made in his letter:

If the County taxpayers are stakeholders (“owners”) of any facility or venue that has operating expenditures and revenue, the operations and financials of said facility need full transparency and accountability.

This has been the case since.....forever. The Airport, Park Station and the Nursing Facility are county-owned "operations" that draw revenue from utilization. And all of their personnel decisions and expenditures are transparently reviewed and approved by the Legislature. Their revenue/expense books are transparently included in County financial reporting.

Example: The Aviation Director's appointment (and his salary) are approved by the Legislature, and if he wants to pay someone to wax the floors at the Airport.....that process is subject to oversight and approval.

The same premise should apply to the Arena (as well as the Fairgrounds Community Center, once it comes to fruition).

However under CCCR, we don't know who appointed Robert Kramarik Marketing & Sales Director for First Arena. Is the “operating team” made up of volunteers or are they salaried positions?

We also don’t know how events like “Cabin Fever” are funded.   

We know they had “carnival activities” (like inflated attractions and giant games). But no idea if those attractions were donated by a sponsor, or if the Arena put out for bids.....or if the Marketing Director has the authority to hire Bobby K Entertainment if he wants.

On a final note:

Just as Moss seems determined to clash with the Legislature, there are also a few Legislators who continue to look for reasons to clash with Moss.

I think most of the public has had enough of the bickering and tit-for-tat attacks between the local branches. And we do appreciate those Legislators who don't engage in that petty power struggle.  

On 4/19/2024 at 10:37 AM, Chris said:

I watched some of this guy's other videos and honestly, he seems like an asshole. 

Yes....he definitely seems to be looking to provoke Public Servants. 

This (and some of his other videos) highlight a lot of examples of civil servants inappropriately reacting to his (First Amendment protected) goading. 

As long as they are a threat, members of the “public” are within their rights to probe and/or express disapproval of Public Servants’ actions (even in an irritating and/or disrespectful manner). And employees are expected to remain professional at all times, even in the face of “provocative” public scrutiny.

10 hours ago, Lawana Morse said:

Not being eligible because of the type of opinion issued by Insero doesn’t mean the treasurers office can’t still make the choice to produce the work for the required reporting. 

So, the County can still prepare/submit an ACFR report for the sake of transparency/accountability......even if ineligible to receive the “gold star” COA? 

10 hours ago, KarenK said:

Just struck me as an attempt to create more drama.

Yeah.....This sort of makes me wonder if the decision to “likely not continue” could be reaction to the suggestions (made 2 days earlier during Monday’s meetings Monday’s meetings HERE), by Legislator Sweet that the Legislature should have the Exec’s actions scrutinized by lawyers and auditors.  

Around the 2hr23min mark, the Multi-Services Committee discusses an earlier tabled resolution ("Resolution renewing agreement with ClearGov Inc. on behalf of the Chemung County Department of Information Technology")

This was tabled at last month's meeting for lack of Budget Committee approval. And tabled again this month because the Multi-Services Committee still "wasn’t sure" whether it had been addressed by The Budget Committee yet.

The answer is yes....The Budget Committee did vote on (and pass) the renewal agreement for this software in their April 1st  meeting HERE .

However, it was noted that payment for this (unauthorized) renewal agreement had already been disbursed to the vendor in February. 

These are legitimate concerns.... the Legislator approved this software in May 2023 HERE, with the clear expectation that it was a “trial basis”, and the Executive team absolutely would need additional approval before renewing this agreement: 

This week’s Standing Committee Meetings HERE, committee proceedings were preceded by several presentations (From Public Health lead poisoning to Wastewater Treatment, to the services of Cornell Cooperative Extension)

Around the 1hr25min mark.....The Ag Society’s new President had the a presentation.

He began by highlighting plans for this year’s Fair (sounds very promising!). 

Then he discussed infrastructure projects they have done on the Fairgrounds recently. As well as appealing for County Funding ($100k) to facilitate infrastructure grants that the County can’t apply for itself (they can only be awarded to the Ag Society). And that rolled into a discussion about the value of utilizing the Fairgrounds year round. 

It sounds like there is interest from outside (regional) organizations (like Monster Truck rallies, etc). However, it doesn't seem that the County any staff (as the property owner) to promote coordinate.  

There wasn’t any specific mention of the Building that was proposed with ARP funds approved...but it sounded as if the Legislature could be hearing a more complete plans (hopefully in the near future).  While the gentleman from the Ag Society seems very motivated, sincere and capable.....it isn't quite clear to me who would be responsible for bringing events to the the Fairgrounds if the County eventually approves a multi-use facility. 

I understand the Ag Society has deep ties to the Fairgrounds, but they are really only a "tenant", that doesn't control the property.  But I doubt that would be any worse than having the Fairgrounds "operated" by the IDA/CCCR like First Arena. 

Sadly...pretty accurate

10 minutes ago, Zapp Brannigan said:

To bad momma wasn't around for that.

Right. 

Where's Darwin when we need him?

7 hours ago, Jim said:

About 4-5 weeks ago, I discovered the news about the state's new grand program and wrote a letter to the Star-Gazette. I sent it 3 times, and each time they refused to publish it. So, I have written the editors asking for a reason, but they refuse to answer me.

I copied your letter into Word and it counts 790 words. If you submit an edited version under 500 words, perhaps they would publish it then?

There is no designated bike lane, and the sections where a bicycle could "fit" outside the fog line looks like it's clearly striped to show it's not a bike lane. 

When I worked in the DOT building in Hornell, I had a conversation with the boss in the Traffic Department and was told the only time it’s OK to cross the fog line is to pass on the right.....in the case where there is not any turning lane, and the vehicle in the traffic lane is making a left turn, and is stopped waiting for oncoming traffic.

And, although you wouldn’t know it from what LEO ignores around our area, the laws say that bicyclists are required to follow the same rules of the road as motor vehicles. 

So, regardless of whether the bus width partially crossed that line -- if the bicyclist was intentionally fully occupying that illegal space they are violating the "don't cross the line" law much more than the bus. 

I have long felt that local LEO are fomenting a serious safety risk by not citing cyclists for their constant violations of traffic laws.

10 hours ago, KarenK said:

Another "unfunded mandate" required out of city funds those taxpayers have to cover.

Exactly!

To tell us what anyone (even laypersons) can clearly see. 

And what if the mandated study believes there is some chance that it 'could' be salvaged?  Where do the funds come from to take immediate action for it to stay in a 'salvageable' condition (before further decay requires....another study)?  

Just need a little paint over the graffiti and some TLC.

Pay no attention to the full grown trees growing in the pool floor (foundation of the structure), it's nothing that a few volunteers with a couple bags of Sakrete can't spiff up good as new.

34 minutes ago, Chris said:

Or perhaps they could have pursued a trade or a field of study that they could actually put to practical use in the job market in the first place.

Good point!

But, unlike the current “forgive everyone by EO” policy, at least the PSLF required them to find some sort of worthwhile public service employment to be considered.

In my case, my degree was incomplete, but still had student loans.  My state employment during the PSLF repayment wasn’t related to my educational work, but were public service jobs. I started as a mail clerk in prison, and then I transferred to IT work for 10+ years.

However -- According to this statement on the official White House Page, pursuing a trade or a field of study that has no practical use in the job market is a specific reason for someone to have their loans discharged:

Since eliminating gluten, I no longer eat macaroni salad......but any ‘mayo based’ salad (macaroni, potato, egg salad, or even tuna salad) should have some crunch in it. Otherwise its just a mushy pudding texture. Like baby food. 🤢🤮

Never had carrots, but it would be worth trying. Celery and/or onions – absolutely necessary. But they must be raw/fresh. because the only thing worse than having an intentionally mushy texture is mushy ingredients that are supposed to be crisp.

1 hour ago, TTL News said:

Under President Joe Biden, the Department of Education has made it easier for some specific groups of borrowers, like public sector workers, to qualify for loan forgiveness.

Rather than action to “reinvent” the concept at the whim of the Executive branch, the existing program for public sector workers should have been made permanent and advertised as an option to invite and encourage more participants.

All of the pearl-clutching that vital, essential jobs like teachers, healthcare professionals, social workers, etc are unable to escape “forever debt” from student loans was a myth.  Any of those people willing to dedicate 10 years to public sector or non-profit employment while keeping up 120 payments (even income contingent reduced payments) had the choice to have the remainder of their loans “forgiven”.

In addition.....even borrowers with incomplete or unrelated degrees could have their debt “forgiven”. Instead of  working at Starbuck’s and whining about “forever debt”, an Art Studies major could have debt forgiven after working in a school cafeteria or food bank for 10 years.  

I am very familiar with the details of that existing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program - that was passed by Congress during the GW Bush administration.

It was a good premise, but flaws in the intent/interpretation of eligibility requirements were not discovered until the 10 year mark (2017) when the earliest borrowers qualified to have their remaining debt ‘forgiven’.....and found that many banks and loan servicers had not counted their 120+ payments as "eligible". 

Congress and Trump acted to introduce the Temporary Expanded Public Service Loan Forgiveness (TEPSLF), which clarified and corrected much of the program’s failings. It took a few years for the corrected data to be processed.....but by 2021, most of the erroneously rejected borrowers were in the clear. Their remaining debt was erased, and any overage beyond 120 payments that they'd paid during the 2017-2021 "correction" interval was refunded (I was one of those people).

Instead of continuing the program in its amended format....the “temporary” correction was allowed to expire and Biden went full force on his plan to “forgive everyone” without Congressional action.

I like to dip my fries in sour cream or French Onion dip.

13 hours ago, TTL News said:

Berliner writes that as a Subaru-driving, Sarah Lawrence College graduate who "was raised by a lesbian peace activist mother," he fits the mold of a loyal NPR fan.

🤣

Nailed it!

And, as if to balance the Margy Taylor's guano loco on the far right......e have The View's Sunny Hostin saying the eclipse, earthquakes and the life cycle of cicadas are due to Climate Change.

On 4/1/2024 at 10:15 AM, TTL News said:

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99 percent of the time, 99 percent is just about as good as 100 percent.

But when it comes to a solar eclipse, the math doesn't work that way.

“Going to an eclipse but not going into totality is like driving 99% of the way to Disneyland, looking at your kids in the back seat, and then turning around and driving home because it is not the experience,” says Deb Ross, chair of Rochester’s eclipse task force.

She picked up that analogy at the national eclipse meeting we both attended last fall in San Antonio.

Remember the Alamo, because it's one of the places where that 99 percent will make a huge difference come April 8th.

 

Read the rest here.

So, looks like this lady was correct....the last 1% was a significant change after all. Perhaps we sometimes underestimate how much light the sun put out if 1% provides that much illumination. LOL

OK...I was able to compress it and it worked

Well that sucks.  It only allowed the shorter (3 sec) video. The 36 second one said file too large. 

20A around Warsaw was steady, but not too bad Sunday when I drove in. 

But this morning was a shi-ite show.

Dozens of troopers that must have been deployed to Buffalo/Niagara paraded back, along with the tourists.  I left there about 11:30 after the traffic stream on 20A slowed. But hit it serious bumper-to-bumper at Mt Morris around Letchworth.  Then 390 and 86 were still heavy for midday on a Tuesday. 

We had dense cloud cover that obscured the corona, but 4 solid minutes of eerie dark. It was surprising that at 3:19 it was "dull" like a huge hail storm was fixing to hit, then really dark.  And it happened very suddenly.

How dark did this area get? I'm wondering if 98% only got to the "eerie gloom" that preceded the full dark totality I saw?

The clouds cleared out a lot and by 4pm, we could see the waning partial clearly with glasses, but no one could get the silhouette to show up on a camera. 

(I took a short video on my phone panning the horizon during the totality.  It isn't as dramatic as the "live" view was, but I will see if I can post it here from my phone.)

Sounds fine for the Upper and Middle Classes that follow a “standard” 5-day, 40hr schedule.

But workers with the luxury of working under that model are minority. Most are in the Proletariat Class, service and labor jobs that are part-time, irregular shifts and/or commonly have OT. 

Seems like Bernie is being pretty Bourgeoisie by throwing all those ‘deplorables’ under a bus.

13 minutes ago, Chris said:

Meanwhile, a lot of humans are freaking out about tomorrow being The Rapture or something.

Sure, when it occurs (without warning and/or explanation) it would sure seem magical. And I imagine the first few people who predicted (“prophesized”) the event were seen as somehow godlike.....back in ancient times (or perhaps a few isolated tribes in modern times).

But now?

The whole idea that it can be precisely forecast by mere mortals of every stripe (good, bad and indifferent) should dispel any theories of a deific Apocalypse.

Perhaps Darwin will step like we saw happen with Heaven's Gate.