20 May 2022
Daily Newsletter
Buffalo Shooting: 911 Dispatcher Accused of Hanging Up on Tops Worker
The Facts
A 911 dispatcher has been suspended after allegedly hanging up on a Tops supermarket employee during the Buffalo mass shooting on Saturday.
The store's assistant manager said she called 911 during the attack and whispered as she could hear the shooter was in close proximity. The dispatcher allegedly slammed the phone down out of annoyance.
The dispatcher was put on administrative leave on May 16 pending a disciplinary hearing in the week of May 30, when the County Office will reportedly seek to terminate their job.
The Spin
Narrative A
It is right that the dispatcher is facing disciplinary action or, even, being fired. She failed to follow protocol, and her completely unacceptable conduct put lives at risk.
Narrative B
A review of the call shows it's unclear who hung up on whom. The dispatcher's conduct also had no effect on the police dispatch, as authorities arrived in the minute after the first 911 call was made. Although the conduct was unacceptable, the matter is still up for review.
Quad Leaders Denounce Militarization Amid Sino-Russian Drills
The Facts
At the Quad Tokyo Summit on Tues., Biden and the leaders of Australia, India, and Japan reiterated their commitment to a "free and open" Indo-Pacific, denouncing "attempts to change the status quo by force" and "the militarization of disputed features."
During the meeting, China and Russia conducted bomber flights around Japan, fueling tensions in the region. Regional powers fear that China can follow Russia's example and take military actions to expand its sphere of influence.
This comes a day after the US Pres. warned that if China were to attack Taiwan, the US would respond militarily - although a contrast to previous vague warnings, the White House denies it represents a new approach toward the self-governing island.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
The old-fashioned US mentality of hegemony as well as ideological and military conflict has brought instability to the Asia-Pacific. Nations in the region should work together to support collective security, stability, and prosperity.
Pro-establishment narrative
This trip sends a strong message to North Korea and China by showing that strong relationships between the US and its allies are paramount to the Biden administration. The US is committed to a free and democratic Indo-Pacific, and these alliances are vital to protecting such principles in Asia.
Nerd narrative
There is a 15% chance that there will be a US-China war by 2035, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
House Passes Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act
The Facts
The House passed legislation Wed. to bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to last weekend's racially-motivated mass shooting in Buffalo, NY; the bill will next go to the Senate.
The Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act, which passed on a nearly party-line vote, 222-203, would create domestic terrorism offices across three federal agencies: the Dept. of Justice, the Dept. of Homeland Security, and the FBI.
The offices would monitor, investigate, and prosecute domestic terror, and provide annual assessments on the state of threats from white supremacist violence, as well as research "white supremacist and neo-Nazi infiltration of the uniformed services."
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Republicans continue to be obstructionists against even the least-ambitious Democrat-proposed bills. This bill is a necessary measure to fight white supremacist terrorist attacks that are becoming all too common in the US. The GOP continues to harbor members who either tacitly - or even openly - support these terrorists. Hopefully, stronger legislation can be passed in the future to combat this crisis.
Republican narrative
This is a superfluous and dangerous bill. It imperils US national security because it would narrow the scope of what defines terrorism and divert resources away from tackling foreign threats. Besides, federal and state law-enforcement agencies already have all the authority they need; there's no reason to overhaul existing terrorism laws.
SpaceX Reportedly Paid $250K to Settle Harassment Claim against Musk
The Facts
Elon Musk on Thurs. was reported to have been accused of soliciting sexual services from a flight attendant on his private jet in 2016, with his aerospace company SpaceX paying $250K to settle her allegations of sexual misconduct two years later.
Business Insider reported that the attendant, who worked as a member of the cabin crew on a contractual basis for SpaceX's corporate jet fleet, accused Musk of exposing himself to her, touching her leg without consent, and offering to buy her a horse in exchange for a massage.
The flight attendant reportedly gave Musk a massage, but declined his sexual advances.
The Spin
Narrative A
Musk, like many other rich and powerful men in this world, abused his power to take advantage of a woman in a vulnerable situation. His reportedly inappropriate advances ultimately amount to sexual harrasment and he needs to be held accountable.
Narrative B
This is the first allegation of sexual misconduct against Musk, and it clearly is a politically motivated hit piece against the tech mogul. The woman in question did not even come forward herself; instead, her friend did, and it's unclear whether she consulted with the flight attendant beforehand.
Narrative C
Musk's acolytes will no doubt read his ominous warning of impending "dirty tricks" as a remarkable prediction of how the Democratic liberal left media were going to try to take him down. But the truth is that Musk's tweet came on Wed. after - and probably because - Business Insider reached out to him for comment on the story.
Day 86 Roundup: Donbas Bombardment Continues, Russia Claims Full Control of Mariupol
The Facts
Zelenskyy has said that Russia's renewed offensive on the Donbas region has turned it into "hell" and left it "completely destroyed." In his nightly address on Fri., the Ukrainian president said Moscow should be held financially responsible and made to pay compensation for the destruction.
Meanwhile, Russia has now claimed full control of Mariupol, stating that the last 500 Ukrainian forces holed up in the Azovstal steelworks plant surrendered on Friday. This brings the total number to have surrendered since Mon. to 2,439, according to Russia's defense ministry.
Nevertheless, Russian authorities are struggling to establish administrative control in Mariupol, according to military analysts. An advisor to the city's Mayor, Petro Andyrushchenko, has also claimed that the Donetsk People's Republic (DNR) are responding to factional infighting in Donetsk, though this couldn't be independently verified.
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
This invasion is an egregious violation of international law. Putin's ultimate aim is to restore the Soviet empire, even if it takes massive bloodshed and false pretexts such as calling the 2014 Ukrainian revolution after a fraudulent election a "coup". This unprovoked attack is the latest chapter in Putin's Orwellian attempt to rewrite history.
Pro-Russia narrative
NATO and the US have ignored Russia's security concerns by breaking its promise not to expand eastward in return for German reunification. These concerns are legitimate and taking them seriously would have avoided the Ukraine tragedy.
Nerd narrative
There is a 99% chance that at least 25k Russian soldiers will be killed in the Russo-Ukrainian war before 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Boris Johnson Will Not Face Further Partygate Fines
The Facts
UK PM Boris Johnson will face no further action after the Metropolitan Police closed their investigation surrounding lockdown-breaking parties in Downing Street according to No.10.
The PM was among recipients of 126 fixed-penalty notices for gatherings which took place on eight dates between May 2020 and April 2021. He was fined £50 for his involvement.
Focus is now on the impeding publication of an internal report by senior civil servant Sue Gray. A redacted version was made available while police were making inquiries, but a Cabinet Office spokesperson stated that its "findings will be updated" following the conclusion of the Met's investigation.
The Spin
Left narrative
The PM's attempts to dodge blame have revealed his dishonesty. Boris Johnson is no longer in control of his government and his arrogance and complacency in the face of mounting problems will have electoral consequences. Tories should remove Johnson as leader for the sake of their party, and, the country.
Right narrative
With the close of the Metropolitan Police investigation, Johnson can breathe a sigh of relief - one of the main threats to his tenure as PM has come to a close. However, attention must now turn to mitigating the effects of the Sue Gray report and the cost of living crisis to recover his reputation.
Nerd narrative
There is a 50% chance that Boris Johnson will leave office on May 25, 2023, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Jan. 6 Committee Presses Georgia Rep. About Capitol Tours
The Facts
The House Select Committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the US Capitol has asked another GOP representative for their cooperation.
In a letter issued to Rep. Barry Loudermilk, the Committee stated that it has obtained evidence that the GA Republican led tours of the Capitol on Jan. 5, 2021, when the compound was closed due to COVID restrictions.
Based on public reporting and witness testimony, the Select Committee alleges that these tours may have been part of an effort by some individuals to gather evidence about the building in advance of Jan. 6.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Laudermilk often gets overlooked in the disgrace that is the House GOP caucus, but he is a stand-out MAGA wingnut who compared the first impeachment of Trump to Pontius Pilate's trial of Jesus. Now the Jan. 6 Committee has come calling with some very inconvenient questions. This will not end well for Loudermilk.
Republican narrative
Once again the Jan. 6 Committee is using the media to construct verifiably false narratives in order to cast Republicans in a bad light. Loudermilk led a family of his constituents on a tour, and none of the places visited by that group were breached on the 6th, and nor were any members of that family charged in connection with the riot.
Cynical narrative
This is an explosive allegation by the Jan. 6 Committee. It suggests that the conspiracy to stop certification and ultimately overturn the election on Jan. 6 stretched well beyond the former president and down into the ranks of Republican lawmakers. The Committee better have the goods to back up such a claim.
Boeing Starliner Capsule Successfully Returns to Earth
The Facts
On Wed., Boeing's crew taxi returned to Earth from the International Space Station. The Starliner capsule parachuted into the New Mexico desert just four hours after leaving the ISS, bringing a mannequin back to the Earth's surface.
The uncrewed capsule completed a six-day mission to the ISS. The successful mission is a key step for NASA's Commercial Crew Program - which is an initiative for private companies to bring NASA astronauts into Low Earth Orbit.
Last Fri., Boeing's uncrewed Starliner spacecraft successfully docked for the first time with the International Space Station (ISS).
The Spin
Narrative A
A few years ago, it seemed to be a given that Boeing - the world's largest aerospace company and a titan of global aviation - would dominate in the commercial space field. Instead, SpaceX disrupted the industry and beat them to the launchpad. Boeing now risks being stuck in a catch-up limbo amid its worsening reputation.
Narrative B
This is an exciting development for both Boeing and NASA. The do-over test is off to a successful start, and Boeing is catching up to SpaceX. A second transportation option for NASA provides competition, innovation, and flexibility. It also means it won't have to rely on Russian spacecraft.
Biden Invokes Defense Production Act for Baby Formula Shortage
The Facts
On Wed., Pres. Biden invoked the Defense Production Act (DPA) in an effort to increase the production of baby formula amid a nationwide shortage.
The DPA was first enacted to avoid wartime shortages and requires companies to enter into contracts to produce materials deemed necessary for national defense.
The order directs suppliers of formula ingredients to prioritize companies that manufacture infant formula. It also authorizes the Department of Defense (DOD) to use its aircraft to import formula.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Biden's recent actions show that his administration is taking the baby formula shortage seriously and treating it like the crisis that it is. Enacting the DPA, approving funding, and reopening Abbott's Michigan plant will all work together to help families get through the worst of this shortage.
Republican narrative
The decision to invoke the DPA is little more than a poor attempt of keeping up appearances. It won't actually solve the problem because the crisis is due to a lack of inventory and production capacity, not a lack of ingredients. As for flying in supply, the planes won't be able to import enough formula to justify the expense. Biden and the Democrats continue to fumble this issue.
