THREAD: white house

WHITE HOUSE Slams Dangerous Antisemitic Campus Protests

22 April 2024 — White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates spoke out against recent protests at universities, emphasizing America’s commitment to peaceful protest while strongly condemning acts of violence and intimidation against the Jewish community. He described these actions as “blatantly Antisemitic” and “dangerous,” declaring such behavior unacceptable, particularly on college campuses.

Recent demonstrations at institutions like UNC, Boston University, and Ohio State have stirred significant controversy. These protests are part of a broader movement seen at Columbia University where over 100 students rallied for the university to sever financial ties with companies associated with Israel. The events have led to heightened tensions and several arrests.

At Columbia University, an encampment was established to show support for Palestine, resulting in multiple arrests including Isra Hirsi, daughter of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN). Despite facing legal challenges, the encampment expanded as protesters added more tents throughout the weekend. This surge in activity prompted Bates’ statement amid growing concerns over campus safety and decorum.

Bates reiterated the importance of upholding free speech while ensuring that protests remain peaceful and respectful. He underscored that any form of hatred or intimidation has no place in educational environments or anywhere else in America.

WHITE HOUSE Pleads: Israel, Restrain Your Gaza Offensive

15 January 2024 — The White House is urging Israel to temper its military offensive in the Gaza Strip. This plea comes as Israeli leaders maintain their resolve towards their operation against Hamas, Gaza’s ruling militant group. The discord between these close allies has become increasingly evident on the 100th day of war.

In response to a Hezbollah missile attack that claimed two Israeli lives, Israeli warplanes have struck back at Lebanon. This recent exchange has stoked fears that the current violence in Gaza could spark a wider conflict across the region.

The war, sparked by an unprecedented Hamas attack on October 7th, has led to nearly 24,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction throughout Gaza. It’s believed that roughly 85% of Gaza’s 2.3 million inhabitants have been forced out of their homes with a quarter facing potential starvation.

John Kirby, spokesman for the White House National Security Council spoke on CBS about ongoing discussions with Israel regarding transitioning to 'low-intensity operations’ within Gaza. Despite this dialogue, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains steadfast in his mission to dismantle Hamas and secure freedom for over 100 hostages still held captive.

GAME-CHANGER or Political Suicide? House Republicans Ponder Biden Impeachment

30 December 2023 — Under the guidance of Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), House Republicans are contemplating the impeachment of President Joe Biden. This idea stems from numerous 2023 investigations into both Biden and his son, Hunter, who are accused of exploiting their family name for personal gain.

The decision to impeach could be a tricky one for Republicans. On one hand, it could resonate with their core supporters as payback against Democrats’ previous attempts to impeach ex-President Donald Trump. On the other hand, it might push away independent voters and undecided Democrats.

Calls for Biden’s impeachment aren’t recent developments. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) has advocated for investigations into the president since he took office. With an ongoing inquiry and years worth of evidence gathered, Speaker Johnson might sanction an impeachment vote as soon as February 2024.

Nevertheless, this strategy carries significant risk. The evidence put forth by House Republicans against Biden seems vague at best, and initiating an inquiry doesn’t necessarily imply backing for impeachment itself — a point that 17 Republican House members from districts won by Biden in 2020 are eager to emphasize to their voters.

WHITE HOUSE Pleads for Israel-Hamas Ceasefire: Netanyahu’s Firm Stand Against Unconditional Truce

03 November 2023 — The White House is urging for temporary ceasefires in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. The goal is to facilitate aid delivery and ensure civilian safety. U.S. Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, put forth these proposals during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last Friday.

Blinken believes that these negotiations could potentially lead to the release of hostages held by Hamas, currently estimated at 241 by Israel. Yet, Netanyahu has adamantly declared he won’t agree to a ceasefire without the prior liberation of these hostages.

Blinken views this strategy as an opportunity to deliver much-needed relief to those impacted by the conflict and foster an environment conducive for hostage release. However, he conceded that a pause doesn’t necessarily guarantee the ultimate freedom of the hostages.

While Blinken’s proposal targets humanitarian relief amidst rising tensions, it remains uncertain how this plan will be received or executed given Netanyahu’s steadfast opposition against any ceasefire without preconditions met.

SHOCKING Upset: House Republicans DITCH McCarthy in Nail-Biting Vote

03 October 2023 — In an unexpected twist, the House has voted to strip McCarthy of his leadership role. The motion barely passed with a slim margin of 216-210. Among those who cast their vote for the removal were notable figures such as Reps. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Ken Buck (R-CO), Tim Burchett (R-TN), Eli Crane (R-AZ), Bob Good (R-VA), Nancy Mace (R-SC), Matt Rosendale (R-MT), and Matt Gaetz.

The push to dethrone McCarthy was sparked by Rep. Tom Cole’s motion, which fell flat in the House despite backing from ten Republican members. Gaetz, outspoken about his choice, lambasted those who “cower and bow down to lobbyists and special interests.” He blamed them for draining Washington’s vitality and piling debt on future generations.

However, not all Republicans were on board with this decision. Cole cautioned that ousting McCarthy would “send us spiraling into chaos.” On the other hand, Rep. Jim Jordan lauded McCarthy’s stewardship as “unshakeable” and asserted he had fulfilled his commitments.

ENGLAND’S Ancient Cotehele House Transforms Leftover Apples into Artistic Masterpiece

22 September 2023 — In Cornwall, England, the gardeners at the medieval Cotehele House have ingeniously turned a surplus of apples into an eye-catching spectacle. The leftover fruit from their renowned orchard has been repurposed to create a vibrant mosaic, as reported by SWNS.

The apple mosaic showcases a spectrum of colors from red to green, with additional touches representing leaves on the stem. The Cotehele is celebrated for its ancient apple orchard and this innovative use of excess fruit has become an annual tradition.

Dave Bouch, senior gardener at the manor, revealed to BBC Radio Cornwall that they selected the grass circle in front of the house for this unique display. This grand apple mosaic was completed in September 2023.