Holocaust Remembrance Day, the one thing we seem to agree on, and Weekend Whats
Today is Holocaust Remembrance Day. So let’s remember a few things as we scream our way through our current immigration debate. America was highly unwelcoming to Jews fleeing Nazi Germany, even in the months after Kristallnacht when it was clear things were going to get really bad. Here’s Vox on how America’s rejection of Jews fleeing Nazi Germany haunts our refugee policy today.
+ WaPo: “Otto Frank’s efforts to get his family to the United States ran afoul of restrictive American immigration policies designed to protect national security and guard against an influx of foreigners during time of war.” Otto Frank was Anne Frank’s father.
+ On Friday, President Trump issued a statement to “remember and honor the victims, survivors, heroes of the Holocaust.” My parents are both survivors and heroes, and on their behalf, I’d like to suggest that the statement be edited to include the word Jews. (We have given deniers of facts enough fuel, let’s not add more…)
+ The remembrance of past refugee policies is not intended as an attack on America, which eventually welcomed both my parents (lucky for me, lucky for America), but rather to add some context to our discussion of today’s refugees and immigrants … and walls. Let’s start with some key facts about refugees to the U.S.
+ “That vetting process is very, very involved. It usually takes about two years.” Pro Publica with a few facts about how the U.S. currently vets refugees.
+ In an executive order, the White House indicated that Sanctuary Cities “have caused immeasurable harm to the American people and to the very fabric of our Republic.” On the other hand, Sanctuary Cities are safer and more productive. And it’s worth noting that the states with the most immigrants tended to vote against the anti-immigrant candidate.
+ In somewhat related news, Trump and Peña Nieto had an hour long call today after publicly fighting about the wall and who will pay for it. If the Mexican president has any sense of humor, he called collect.
Solar Eclipses
It turns out we do agree on some things. From Quartz: America is torn apart by partisan politics — except when it comes to buying solar power. (This either means we agree that we need alternative energy because the world is getting hot, or just that we agree that saving money is pretty cool.)
Weekend Whats
As a news curator, I definitely picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue. I’m sure you’ve been overwhelmed by Trump-related news as well. So take a break from the jaw dropping, brain-squeezing, soul-sucking, hope-smashing news from DC, and spend a little time with a person who actually did help make America great. Norman Lear is the Opposite of Trump.
+ You know how everyone keeps telling you how powerful and well done the documentary 13th is? Well, they’re right. And its look at the criminalization of African Americans couldn’t be more timely. Watch it on Netflix.
+ Since torture is back in the news, it’s a good time to go back and read Chris Hitchens’ article about the time he got waterboarded. Believe Me, It’s Torture.
Roe Weighed
“Life is winning again in America.” So said VP Mike Pence as he addressed thousands of anti-abortion protestors in Washington. Donald Trump may seem like an unlikely champion of abortion rights, but his executive orders, his comments on Supreme Court justices, and his selection of Pence as veep, have given abortion opponents reason for optimism.
+ BBC: Netherlands government to counter Trump abortion funding ban
+ Pacific Standard: Europe’s Reproductive Blights.
Trump’s Fantastic Week
There’s little doubt that Donald Trump’s first seven days in office have been troubling to many. But, as always, it’s worth a reminder that we don’t all think alike. Many Trump voters are thrilled with the promise of the border wall. And The Guardian reports from a Michigan county that helped get Donald Trump elected, where people are actively choosing to ignore news they don’t want to hear – or not receiving news at all. “Papers? I’ve no idea what they are talking about — I don’t see them. If it don’t put a dime in my pocket, I don’t worry about it.”
Faker, Faker, Fake Me a Lie
“Advancements in audio and video technology are becoming so sophisticated that they will be able to replicate real news–real TV broadcasts, for instance, or radio interviews—in unprecedented, and truly indecipherable, ways.” Technology can already be blamed for providing a platform for fake news to spread. But you ain’t seen nothing yet. From Nick Bilton: Fake News Is About To Get Even Scarier Than You Ever Dreamed.
+ Speaking of fake news, Veep Pence has vowed a full evaluation of voting rolls, Trump’s claim that two were shot dead in Chicago during Obama’s speech was not true, and Trump personally called the Park Service to ask for photos that would prove his inauguration crowd was big.
+ For a week or so, I’ve been calling on news outlets to launch a Lie Tracker. Buzzfeed is the first publication to take my advice (though it could be better). I hope others follow suit.
Better Finnish That Butt
Finland is looking to turn itself into the world’s biggest no smoking section. They’re not just trying to cut down smoking, they’re looking to get rid of it completely. Here’s how they plan to do it.
The Call is Coming From Inside the House
Presidents Trump and Putin are set to chat via telephone for the first time since the inauguration. And according to Kellyanne Conway, the possibility of dropping sanctions is “under consideration.” John McCain immediately warned against that “reckless course.”
+ Buzzfeed: “A series of surprising arrests of some of Russia’s top cybersecurity figures has left international cybersecurity officials and analysts wondering whether Russia is cleaning house of suspected spies or going through an internal shakeup.”
Help Me Sell Out
Just a quick heads-up that, starting in February, I’ll be looking for a new, annual sponsor for NextDraft. If your company is interested (and interesting), reply to the newsletter or contact me at dave [at] davenetics [dot] com. I don’t want a bunch of advertisers, so I’m looking for a one year minimum commitment.
Bottom of the News
The Internet has been hijacked by those looking to spread hate and lies. Let’s remind ourselves what the Internet was really supposed to be all about. Weird cat stories and photos. In that spirit, here’s the secret history of the first cat in space.
+ Flopping in basketball is growing trend. So that makes it even more impressive that Oregon junior Dillon Brooks just performed the most ridiculous flop ever. (Oh, and in another basketball game, a player’s eye popped out.)
+ Nestle is looking to increase sales of Nesquik by lowering the sugar content and making the bunny skinnier.
+ One last reminder to please click on the share button at the bottom of this Read Real News post on Facebook. Don’t Like It (which won’t help). Share it (which will). Spread the word.
