Notations On Our World: On the US Political Front

Our team has been assessing the aftermath of the US House Speaker's Resignation.   This is just one indication of it which the Heritage's Daily Signal reported on yesterday:

Mark Levin on John Boehner's Resignation: 'It's a Good Day, but Here's the Problem…'

"I don't mean to be offensive, but Kevin McCarthy? Really?"

Read More

It was quite shocking as we saw this as well from one of the other conservative newsletters earlier this morning as we went to press: 

Let Obama Shut It Down and Own It Establishment types believe that just as we are finally poised to recapture the White House, crazy tea party extremists are about to mess everything up because voters would blame and punish the GOP in 2016 for a shutdown. But they always tell us to wait until the next election. When we didn't control the House, they told us to wait until we did. Same with the Senate. Now they say we have to wait until Jeb Bush is president.

For folks who may not know who David Limbaugh is, he is the younger brother of the conservative talkshow host Rush Limbaugh.   Reports we reviewed noted that the last time Government shut down it cost the United States 24 Billion Dollars.    The outgoing speaker has said that there will be no shutdown--but the fight looms.

Kevin McCarthy has announced his candidacy to replace John Boehner when the Speaker's resignation becomes effective October 30.    We have seen reports that the Government Shutdown will be highly unlikely as potentially other issues might also be brought up for a vote which can pass with Democractic Support in the House     The so-called "Freedom Caucus" continues to be restless and the so called "Principled conservatives" continue to agittate.    There is also a race for the other leadership positions that is also beginning to take shape including Tom Price who is running for Majority Leader.

We must note that Presidential candidates have been quite busy as well.   Donald Trump came out with his tax plan as others continue to "pound the pavement" for money and votes. What continues to be fascinating is how the so-called "outsiders" continue to dominate the polls and how the establishment candidates continue to "lag".    The latest polls show Marco Rubio being ahead of his mentor, Jeb Bush!!!!   What we have also found quite fascinating is how the restlessness  and anger of the so-called "Conservatives" is amazing as they continue to agitate for their Social Agenda regarding Planned Parenthood.    

 It will be quite a few weeks as we look to a very busy October.     

The Friday Muscial Interlude (Special Edition): Michael Franti's Once A Day

It was quite a night at our home here in Orange County, California.   We were witness to a beautiful lunar eclipse that gradually dissipated into a full moon.    It gave us a moment of pause to be ever so thankful for the privilege and good fortune we have.  

On the eve of a new week and as we look to bid farewell to the 3rd Quarter we wanted to share this "Special" Musical Interlude that has at its' core living a life of purpose and remembering what's important which we have tried to live up to here in the properties of #Outsiders as we remember St. Serra's Admonition:  Sempre Adelante (Always Forward): 

Notation On Our World : On the Elections in #Canada

One of the fascinating elections is in Canada as the NDP is battling the Conservatives and a resurgent Liberal Party for the NDP Leader, Tom Mulcair to be the next Prime Minister of Canada.   Canada has some profound challenges especially as the Economy has experienced a recession in part due to the collapse of the oil prices.    This very interesting email was sent out a few days ago to underscore the challenge faced by the NDP and a follow-up fundraiser was sent out by Catherine Mulcair, the wife of the NDP Leader.

It will be an interesting three weeks in Canada and we will continue to assess and release Notations as developments warrant as a build-up to the election and the aftermath.   

c

Notations On our World (Special Edition): On the Virtual Road w/the Holy Father as @Pontifex Leaves The United States

It has been one of our greatest honors to have reported on the visit of the Holy Father to the United States as we have been "on the virtual road" with him.    He left the United States earlier tonight after conducting an open mass for an Estimated 1,000,000 People in Philadelphia: The City of Brotherly Love.     Vice President Biden was at The Philadelphia Airport to bid Farewell to the Holy Father as he blessed and noted "God Bless America" on this as reported by one of our go-to sites, +The Guardian : 

Notations For the Week-End: Reflections On the Interfaith Service w/@Pontifex @Ground Zero

Our team has been commenting on the travel of the Holy Father in the United States.   The Holy Father was at the 9/11 Memorial yesterday.   He began by being at the Pool, meeting with the families of the first responders and thereafter walking into the Museum after giving each person a Rosary. 

It was a very moving ceremony that honored the fallen.   It was a ceremony that brought about the best of humanity and how resilient humans are--and how the beauty of faith can overcome hatred.   We could not help but be moved   as Imam Khalid Latif and Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove opened the proceedings with an embrace.     We also were so moved as the Holy Father embraced Imam Latif after the ceremony.     This was just one beautiful scene of many the World was witness to with Rabbi Cosgrove, Imam Latif and the Holy Father:   

Our team caught an interview with a retired New York Fire Department Fire Firefighter, Peter D'Ancona.   He was a Marine For 10 years before joining the Department and was one of the first responders that ran into the building and as Brian Williams of MSNBC noted, "worked the pile".   Members of our team were driven to near tears as he noted how he had never walked through the Museum and remembered his Brother Firefighters who had fallen--some 343 members of them.  We salute them all.

Cantor Azi Schwartz's moving Jewish  Prayer of the Fallen sent shivers down our spine as we listened to it and he ended it with "Shalom" (Peace):  

What the Youth sang that moved the Holy Father moved us all:  




It is a prayer and an aspiration we all aspire to.  Let there peace on what the Holy Father reminded us is our Common Home.

An #Outsider Newsflash (W-End Editoin): Clinton Global Initiative 2015 is Here!!

We have a busy weekend here in #Outsiders as we will be on the "Virtual Run" as we make the "Virtual Rounds" of the Clinton Global Initiative, share comments/updates on The United Nation General Assembly and of course continue to be on the "Virtual Road" with the Holy Father.   

Please note this guidance from the Clinton Global Initatiive on the eve of this mometous weekend:

I can hardly believe it, but tomorrow is the first day of the 11th Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Annual Meeting – our annual gathering where new and returning members from the public, private, and non-profit sectors come together and make commitments to address some of the world's most pressing challenges. In 2005, when President Clinton launched CGI, his goal was to turn ideas about how to improve the world into tangible action. To date, CGI members have answered his call by making more than 3,200 Commitments to Action which have improved the lives of over 430 million people in more than 180 countries.  This year's theme, The Future of Impact, builds on the achievements of CGI members over the past decade and prompts us to expand and replicate proven solutions in the areas that need them the most.  And I hope you can join us. We will be livestreaming this Sunday's Opening Plenary, moderated by President Clinton and Chelsea Clinton, and many other interesting conversations and talks over the course of the meeting.  Click below to receive a reminder to watch our live webcasts, starting with the Opening Plenary on Sunday, September 27.  We've accomplished so much in our first 10 years, and CGI looks forward to continuing to make a difference for many years to come.  Robert Harrison Chief Executive Officer Clinton Global Initiative

The Friday Musical Interlude; Klaus Badelt's Pirates of the Caribbean

It is Friday yet again and time for the Friday Musical Interlude.   Our team decided to do something differently and to feature Klaus Badelt which we hope all enjoy as we wish all a fabulous weekend:

Notations On Our World: On the Virtual Road w/the Holy Father & Other Thoughts

As we went to press this morning, The Holy Father is at the United Nations addressing the UN General Assembly after having met with the UN Staff.    He is reminding us all of the realities of the World today as we have been witness to the painful realities in Syria, Iraq and Libya.    This is as the Holy Father spoke up for the Iran Deal.    The Holy Father reminded us of the selfless need for service and that brothers have to stand by each other.     The Holy Father is leaving the UN on his way to the 9/11 Memorial (An Update: The Holy Father is at the Interfaith Memorial Service as all major faiths (Jewish, Islam, Buddhist, Hindus et. al) are represented--it is such a  beautiful scene to be witness to).  

This weekend is also the weekend that the UN launches the Sustainable development goals today which we briefly alluded to and will be discussing it at length in our Visions Channel.    The "Mural" we have noted is available on the UN Sustainable Development Goal Website that depicts 17 of the major goals:



We are also receiving shocking news of an expansion of the FIFA probe.    Fifa President Sepp Blatter and UEFA President Platini have been apparently implicated in the Swiss Corruption Probe of FIFA.   We also are assessing the news of the US Speaker of the House of Representatives resigning his office and his seat in Congress at the end of October as he was trying to stave off a revolt by the more conservative members.        

Quite a morning......

Notations On Our World: On #UNGA70 , #HAJJStampede & Other Thoughts

As we went to press here, we have been on the "Virtual Road" as the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly is getting under way as well as the Sustainable Development Summit and of course, the visit of the Holy Father that we released a Notation earlier.     We will be discussing the #GlobalGoals in our Visions Channel over the ensuing weeks 

  

1. Image gallery thumbnail

   Image gallery thumbnail
   

   
   
   

The World is converging on Europe, including Iran's President who landed in New York a few hours ago accompanied by a delegation including the Foreign Minster, Dr. Zarif:

We have also been assessing the grim news out of Saudi Arabia in the aftermath of the death of over 700 Pilgrims during the Hajj Stampede.    Our team received reports of over 200 Iranians injured and the number of death are apparently around 12 (as reported by IRNA--According to China Daily, it is upward of 89).    We're also seeing reports that the intiial reports of 717 dead may rise.    There have also been Indian Injuries.    Saudi King Salman has promised a thorough inquiry as his Health Minister blamed the victims for "not following directions" as noted by the Guardian of London. 

The Iranian President issued out a message of condolence and directive to his First Vice President on steps to be taken to take care of the wounded and to transfer the bodies of the fallen back to Iran.   Ayatollah Khameini, the Supreme Guide (Leader), declared three days of national morning in honor of the fallen.    The Holy Father also remembered the fallen when he spoke at St. Paul's Catheral  in New York:

Notations On Our World: On the "Virtual Road" w/the Holy Father

Image Courtesy:  The Vatican 

It has been quite a morning in Washington as our team listened to the Holy Father as he spoke before a joint session of Congress.    It is of note how he is the 266th Successor to St. Peter and is the Vicar of Christ.

As the Holy Father began, it was of note how Brian Williams of MSNBC noted that he had  the audience when he noted how he was ever so happy to be in the Land of the Free and the Home of Brave.   He also noted how he was a son of Immigrants and how all were at one time Foreigners.  It was a powerful message to counter all who have somehow seem to have forgotten this message today. 

As we assessed the aftermath, it was so amazing to us that over 9 Million Hits were already visible on Google.     Here is a link to the full text of the Holy Father's Speech for all who wish to review it for reference courtesy of ABC News .   For our team, it was striking how he reminded the Congress and the American People on the legacy of Abraham Lincoln, Dr Martin Luther King Jr., Dorothy Day and Thomas Menton.  As the ABC News story noted, the later two may have to be "Googl'd".   It did underscore how the Catholic Church has played such a central role in the evolution of the United States.   What was also crucial was the  need to compromise, embrace a sense of inclusion and be hopeful.    To us, it was a pastoral message in keeping with what our team has come to realize about his Ministry as epitomized by his enyclical on climate change and to "protect our common home" which we have noted in this link for all to review. 

There were many poignant moments throughout the Holy Father's visit to the US Capitol.  As he walked through Statutory Hall and stood by the statue of St. Junipero Serra, it was his visit to the Speaker's Balcony and how he asked all to pray for him--even the non-believers.    It was also of great significance as he decided to spend lunch with the homeless at Catholic Charities in Washington.      He reminded all of how the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph were homeless and how the spirit of compassion and love has to be the order of the day.   

It was also quite a moment as a Catholic Vice President Of the United States and a Catholic Speaker of the House looked on as the Holy Father spoke.   We found it also poignant how the Speaker lost his composure on numerous occasions during the speech.   We could not wonder as we were witness to history as to what President Kennedy might have thought of this day.     

Our team was also amazed by the perceptive view that the Holy Father had yesterday as he worked his way through on his Popemobile to the Sainthood ceremony at The Catholic University of America in Washington.  A 5-Year Girl by the name of Sophie Cruz broke through the Security Barrier and the Holy Father noticed her and directed that the Security Team bring the girl to her for a blessing:

      

Image Source:  The Daily Mail (UK) 

She gave the Holy Father a letter asking his help in forestalling the deportation of her family since they are in limbo as the Immigration fight continues onward.  

After his visit with the homeless at Catholic Charities, he got in his Fiat 5000 with the license plates "SCV 1" (which stands for State City of Vatican) as he went back to the Apostolic Nunciature (Embassy) for a bit of rest before going on to New York as he addresses the General Assembly, leads an interfaith Service at the 9/11 Memorial and thereafter goes on to Philadelphia--the City of Brotherly Love.

It is ever so fun to be witness to history as we will be assessing the journey of this interesting man that with his soft voice is having such an impact on our World.

Notations On Our World: On the "Virtual Road" w/the Holy Father

Our team was on the "Virtual Road" as the Holy Father finished his first formal day here in the United States.   Tomorrow is also quite a day as he will be addressing a joint session of Congress.   Our team just received this from the Office of Speaker Boehner that is the most comprehensive guide to the proceedings including some very cool "facts" for all to enjoy:

Your Watch Guide for the Pope’s Visit to the Capitol September 23, 2015 | Read Online Tomorrow, Pope Francis will address a joint meeting of Congress.  This will be the first time in history that a Pope has addressed Congress, and here’s how you can tune in and take part: The Pope’s entire visit to the Capitol – beginning at approximately 9:15 am ET– will be livestreamed at speaker.gov/pope.  Whether on your computer or mobile device, you’ll be able to watch Pope Francis’ arrival, his address to Congress, and his anticipated appearance on the Speaker’s Balcony.   Speaker Boehner has posted a timeline of the morning’s events on Medium. Exclusive live streamed video will be available on Speaker Boehner’sFacebook page, featuring behind-the-scenes moments that will not be aired anywhere else. Real-time updates on the Pope’s movements inside the Capitol, as well as information about security and accessibility, will be available on Twitter. More photos, videos, and even GIFs will be available on Speaker Boehner’s many social networks, including Instagram, Vine, and Flipboard. You can also get exclusive content delivered to your inbox.  Make sure you’re on the list by signing up here. Leading up to the speech, visit speaker.gov/pope for behind-the-scenes coverage, including the Speaker’s thoughts on the Pope’s visit, and much more, including: The full story of how this all came together, going back to the first time Speaker Boehner asked a Pope to address Congress. The answers to frequently asked questions such as, “Will Pope Francis deliver his address in English?” The historical trivia behind the day, including the name of the first head of a church to address Congress. Get the perspective of inner-city Catholic school students who will be on hand for the Pope’s visit, and meet all of the Speaker’s guests. Check out the Pope's view when he walks out on to the Speaker’s balcony.  While you’re at it, see the audience’s perspective – and yours too. Take a look at our digital plan, which is all about ensuring you have the best seat in the house, and telling the story of this historic moment for the Capitol and the country. We hope you’ll join us tomorrow at speaker.gov/pope.

Notations On Our World (Special Edition): The Holy Father in Washington

As we are going to press with this special edition of "Notations" The Holy Father is at the Catholic University of America presiding over the canonization of Junipero Serra.    St. Junipero Serra was quite a remarkable man that left a life of comfort to come out to the New World to serve.    His example is quite remarkable and we here at @ #Outsiders have adopted his mantra of "Siempre Adelante..."Always Forward".

The ceremony is just quite a scene to be witness to as the ceremony begins with a retrospective  of Junipero Serra and his life in Spanish.    Earlier todya, The Holy Father was formally welcomed by the President of the United States at the White House.      His remarks on the call to action on Climate Change was telling:



Witness to history......

Notations On Our World: On the Fate of Al Jazeera Journalists (#FreeAJStaff)

Our team was very gratified this morning as we received word at our Virtual Studios that The Al Jazeera Journalists Mohammad Fahmy and Baher Mohammad were pardoned by President Sisi of Egypt as he prepared to leave for the UN General Assembly in New York.   It was in many respects the culmination of a 3 year campaign that we here @ #Outsiders were very gratified to support as we all agitated to #FreeAJStaff.     

As we celebrate this good day, we must never forget all who have continued to pay a heavy price for Freedom.    We remember them all on this day.

   

Notations On Our World (Special Edition): On Europe & The Refugee Crisis

The European Union has agreed on a plan.    Here is the news clip courtesy of the Guardian of London (which was released to our Twitter Feed earlier on #Europe Watch)  that detailed the broad structures which lays out how 120,000 refugees will be settled throughout Europe:


The Syrian Inferno rages on though as Russia and Iran seem to have doubled down on their support for Bashar Assad.   It was interesting how Russia and Israel agreed to "coordinate" efforts.    We view Putin's comments that the Syrian Army was in no position to open a second front as quite telling in underscoring the true nature of the challenge being faced as Assad fights for survival with support from Hizbollah, Iran and Russia.   This is as more continue to leave with nothing more than the clothes on their backs.

An #Outsider Newsflash: National Voter Registration Day

We here at #Outsiders are here today to join @Bing to  celebrate National Voter Registration Day and to urge all to register to vote:

   

It is of note that 23 States in the United States offer Online Registration as we hope all check out this guidance from +USA.gov we received earlier today at our Virtual Studios:

Use Today as a Day to Encourage Others to Register

Are you registered to vote? If not, celebrate National Voter Registration Day today and register! It’s now easier since 23 states offer online voter registration. Find out if you can register online with your state, or if you need to download a National Mail Voter Registration Form to mail in.

Follow the conversation on Twitter using #GetRegistered and tell others why registering to vote is important to you.

 

Thought(s) For the Week

As our journey throughout #outsiders continues, our team settled on this latest  from +Jonathan Huie :

It is about being hopeful and about truly looking ahead.     We could not help but also be reminded of the admonition from St. Junipero Serra as he reminded us all to: 

How Far We've Come!!! :-)

Our team was busy on the evening review when we ran across this that we wanted to share.   Just in case anyone does not know, this is an IBM 5 Mb Hard Drive that was being shipped in 1956.   Enough Said!!!

Notations On Our World: On the Eve of the @Pontifex (The Pope) arrival in the US (Updated)

As we went to press, The Holy Father was finishing off his tour of Cuba that saw him meet Fidel Castro.

Our team decided to do a brief "retrospective" on the Pope's Climate Change encyclical which has drawn some fire recently from the more conservative elements of the Republican Party.   Our team found is especially funny as the conservative firebrand Michelle Malkin noted how the Vatican should embrace Air Conditioning.    We released this to the Daily Outsider Twitter Feed earlier today:

On the eve of the @Pontifex visit to US, reflections on his encyclical on climate change – as it happened http://t.co/jRGhENQdsq

— The Daily Outsider (@DailyOutsider) September 21, 2015

We also wanted to report on this open letter from the Marshall Project we periodically consult as the Holy Father will be visiting a Prison in Philadelphia which is also remarkable that underscores the commitment he has to social justice everywhere around the World: 

Dear Pope Francis. You are about to enter Philadelphia’s largest jail. Here’s what you should know. The facility is dangerously overcrowded. Inmates are subjected to humiliating treatment, including beatings that have been recorded on video. And local officials are constantly battling with judges and federal investigators over the pace of reform. It is a microcosm of America’s debate over the state of corrections. A letter from The Marshall Project. THE MARSHALL PROJECT 

The Washington Post's James Hohman in his  "Daily 202" had an interesting take on the views of the Holy Father notable for all to review:

1. He wants to open Cuba. His Vatican played a central behind-the-scenes role in last year’s secret U.S.-Cuba negotiations. Long before he was elevated to the papacy, with a book he wrote in the ’90s, Francis spoke out against the American embargo. Visiting Cuba this weekend, he praised the thaw between the two long-estranged neighbors as “an example of reconciliation for the entire world” that “fills us with hope.”
2. He strongly backs immigration reform. The pope has decried the “inhuman” conditions that migrants face coming to the U.S. from Mexico, and he’s proddedEurope to accept more Syrian refugees. “I expect that Francis, in his address to Congress, will challenge our national conscience on immigration and remind us of the growing human toll resulting from our indifference and failures of political will,” Jose H. Gomez, the archbishop of Los Angeles, the nation’s largest Catholic community, writes in an op-ed for today’s Wall Street Journal. “In calling Americans to compassion and hospitality, he will also be calling us to reclaim our roots as a nation of immigrants and a refuge for the world’s downtrodden.”
3. He calls for aggressive climate change action. The Pope issued a 184-page encyclical on climate change this summer, saying humans are mostly to blame. “The Earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth,” he said, describing global warming as “one of the principal challenges facing humanity in our day.”
4. He supports the Iran nuclear deal. Last week, at the International Atomic Energy Agency conference in Vienna, the Vatican’s foreign minister praised President Obama’s agreement, saying that “the way to resolve disputes and difficulties should always be that of dialogue and negotiation.”
5. He recognizes Palestinian statehood. The Vatican signed a May treaty that was widely criticized by Jewish leaders in both Israel and the U.S.
6. He talks about income inequality more than even the Democratic presidential candidates. Francis spent decades pastoring in the slums. “Inequality is the root of social evil,” Francis says. He decries “trickle-down theories” as a “structurally perverse economic system.” Visiting Bolivia this summer, the Pope called the unfettered pursuit of money “the dung of the devil.” He says the problems of the poor should be “radically resolved by rejecting the absolute autonomy of markets and financial speculation.”
7. A devotee of social justice, this Pope has repeatedly urged more public assistance for the poor. “Politics, though often denigrated, remains a lofty vocation,” Francis wrote in a 2013 exhortation. “I beg the Lord to grant us more politicians who are genuinely disturbed by the state of society, the people, the lives of the poor! It is vital that government leaders and financial leaders take heed and broaden their horizons, working to ensure that all citizens have dignified work, education and healthcare.”

It was also quite remarkable as Politico just reported that the United States has apparently reached out to the Vatican to assist with the release of the 4 Americans being held in Iran.   We here @ #Outsiders are also following the case of the 4 Americans and will provide commentary as required.