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NOVEMBER 2023 ISSUE



EDITORIAL: OVER A CUP OF TEA



“What can you do for China?”



My youngest sister, Nancy, is a geologist who took her MBA at Rice University in Texas. One thing I remember she told me at the time of her studies there is very appropriate nowadays that Filipinos are having a heavy problem with China that claims ownership over most of South China Sea, including areas that legally belongs to the Philippines. Nancy once mentioned that one of her professors was a Chinese-American lady who began her first day of class by asking her students who among them were interested in doing business with China, that time undoubtedly the most attractive country to do business with because of its cheap labor and great incentives offered to foreign investors. The professor reportedly said in a very prominent Chinese accent: “You should know that China welcomes world investors, but you must also be aware that China wants you to answer this question -- ‘What can you do for China?’” -- READ MORE



our STORIES AND FEATURES





Response to Horrific Attacks in Israel Must Avoid Collective Punishment for Gaza and Confront Obstacles to Peace



By Patrick Gaspard


Crimes against humanity demand our full witness and urgent reckoning. This is essential to prevent cruel echoes in history as we work to advance the fragile cause of peace. The horrifying attack by Hamas against civilians in Israel is an unspeakable horror that compels a reckoning for the terrorist perpetrators. But if that overwhelming punishment extends to innocent Gazans who have been turned into human shields, there will be a loss of moral clarity and a profound deepening of historic grievances. This will be fertile ground for terror and tragedies into the next generation. The United States—with our 9/11 shock and catastrophic response in Iraq—needs to take up partnership with Israel during this crisis through the prism of those hard lessons. -- READ MORE

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The House Republican Study Committee Budget Proposes Harsh Changes to Social Security



By Alan Cohen


The House Republican Study Committee (RSC), a caucus of 176 House Republican members, has proposed multiple harsh changes to Social Security in its fiscal year 2024 budget. Although the budget is vague on details, a press conference held by the RSC Spending and Budget Task Force and reporting from Roll Call indicate that the budget proposes to raise the retirement age at which Americans can receive full Social Security benefits to 69. This would cut the benefits of future beneficiaries by about 13 percent. The budget also recommends two harmful benefit cuts for future beneficiaries of the Social Security retirement program, and it would make harsh changes to the Social Security Disability Insurance program. --READ MORE

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Analysis of CFPB Complaints by State: Helping Consumers in Wisconsin



On October 3, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) v. Community Financial Services Association of America regarding the constitutionality of the agency’s independent funding structure. CFPB critics have long sought to limit the agency’s congressionally given autonomy and, by extension, its capacity to promote a fairer financial marketplace for all consumers. The Supreme Court’s decision in the case, which will come down next spring, could significantly harm consumers and spread uncertainty in the financial markets. --Since opening its doors 12 years ago, the CFPB has been a formidable advocate for everyday Americans, holding financial institutions accountable for predatory practices and returning $17.5 billion to wronged customers across the 50 states, including in Wisconsin. --READ MORE

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How Supreme Court Cases on Gun Violence and Abortion Will Affect Women



By Sabrina Talukder


In the 2023 term, the U.S. Supreme Court is likely to hear two cases, one on gun violence and one on abortion access, that will directly and disproportionately affect women.


Oct 2, 2023--Today, the U.S. Supreme Court officially kicks off its fall 2023 oral arguments, during which the justices will delve into some of the most politicized topics of the year. Leading up to this new term, the Supreme Court has been roiled with controversy, from the upending of legal precedent to serious ethics violations. This has resulted in an all-time low of public confidence in the court—all in all, putting even more weight on this term’s upcoming decisions than deliberations usually carry.​ ---READ MORE



Assessing Risk and Reward in the Saudi Megadeal



By Allison McManus


In recent weeks, the United States and Saudi Arabia have continued to explore a potential “megadeal” that would see the Saudis recognize the state of Israel. National security adviser Jake Sullivan traveled to the Saudi capital Riyadh in late July to discuss a “more peaceful, secure, prosperous, and stable Middle East,” and some White House officials seem to be particularly eager to advance a process before the end of 2023. The next few months provide an opportunity for the administration, and Congress, to use discussions on normalization to align priorities around a relationship with Saudi Arabia and ensure the talks contribute to—rather than disrupt—a vision of peace, prosperity, and stability in the region.-- READ MORE​



Putting Health Over Profit: How Pharma Can Make Medicine More Affordable for Women



By Kierra B. Jones


October 16, 2023 -- This summer ushered in a wave of groundbreaking and long-overdue women’s health advancements amid a year rife with attacks on abortion care and reproductive freedom. On July 13, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made a landmark decision to approve the first hormonal birth control pill for over-the-counter (OTC) sale with no age restrictions. And just a few weeks later on August 4, the FDA approved the first oral medication to treat postpartum depression (PPD). Yet even with these remarkable innovations in women’s health and wellness, one persistent question remains: Will these drugs be affordable and accessible? -- READ MORE



LOCAL NEWS



MADISON & DANE COUNTY in Wisconsin



Dane County Awards $10.8 Million to Create 458 New Affordable Housing Units



Supporting limitations on city purchases from nuclear weapons producers



MORE NEWS/FEATURES



Civil Rights Groups Send Post-Affirmative Action Report to Harvard, UNC, and over 100 Additional Colleges and Universities Detailing Options for Equitable and Diverse Higher Education After the Supreme Court Decision



6 Ways Bidenomics Is Delivering for Young People



JACL Condemns Attack on Seattle's Wing Luke Museum and Inadequate Law Enforcement Response



Become a Part of the Dane County Team!


We offer a wide range of benefits including fully paid dental and HMO health insurance premiums for full time employees. The County will also provide contributions towards POS health insurance premiums, retirement, and short/long term disability. Additional benefits available include long term care, vision coverage, flex spending account and deferred compensation programs paid in full by the employee, and 6 weeks of paid parental leave for birth or adoption of a child (for further details visit www.countyofdane.com/emprel).


For current job openings go to: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/countyofdane

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heidipascual2016@yahoo.com