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@ISIDEWITHDiscussionsDaily Discussion19hrs ago

Daily Discussion - February 1, 2025

Welcome to the daily discussion - a place to discuss today’s breaking political news and trending topics.

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 @ISIDEWITHsubmitted…34mins34m

US Airstrikes Target ISIS in Somalia Under Trump's Orders

The United States conducted airstrikes in Somalia targeting ISIS operatives, marking the first such attacks in the African nation during President Donald Trump's second term. Trump stated that the strikes, coordinated with Somalia's government, killed many ISIS fighters, including a senior attack planner. The operation highlights the ongoing U.S. military efforts to combat terrorism in Africa. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the strikes were directed by Trump and executed by U.S. Africa Command. This move underscores the administration's focus on counterterrorism in volatile regions.

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 @ISIDEWITH submitted…3mos3MO

AOC Sparks Backlash After Ditching Gender Pronouns

Famously progressive Democrat congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez raised eyebrows by removing her pronouns from her X account. The move from Squad lawmaker, 35, seen as one of the most liberal members of Congress, was seen by some as a sign that the cultural tide is turning following Donald Trump's election win. Journalist Benjamin Ryan said records showed AOC removed her 'she/her' pronouns sometime between August 3, 2023, and May 28, 2024. Critics branded her a hypocrite, and noted that just two years ago AOC apologized to followers for not having pronouns in her Instagram bio, claiming they 'fell off' and she didn't realize. Conservatives were quick to mock AOC after it was realized that she had removed the pronouns from her account bio. Some also noted that she changed her moniker from the genderless 'Representative' to 'Congresswoman' as she removed her pronouns. Ocasio-Cortez has long been a supporter of transgender rights, including so-called gender-affirming care for children, and transgender girls competing in female sports.But the Democrats more extreme stances were blamed as a massive vote loser for Kamala Harris in the recent election.An advert showing her supporting taxpayer-funded gender reassignment surgeries for illegal migrant prisoners was played on repeat by Team Trump.Many Dems' insistence that opposing hormones for trans children or banning trans girls from joining female sports teams was transphobic further alienated centrists.Immigration and inflation were the issues that ultimately swung the election for Donald Trump, but the Dems' unpopular trans stance has now forced a reckoning within the party.

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 @ISIDEWITH submitted…2 days2D

Trump Targets FAA Diversity Programs In Crash Aftermath

Trump made controversial claims linking diversity initiatives at the FAA to a deadly Potomac River collision that killed 67 people, despite acknowledging he had no evidence to support these assertions.The disability recruitment program Trump criticized actually began during his own administration in April 2019, with the FAA launching a pilot program for 20 people with targeted disabilities to work in air traffic operations.Experts, including Tennessee Garvey from the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, stated that no aviation incident has ever been attributed to diversity initiatives as a cause or contributing factor.The federal policy for hiring people with disabilities dates back to the Bush administration in 2003 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which was initially created to protect veterans with disabilities.FAA workforce diversity has shown minimal changes over recent years: white male representation decreased from 58.9% in 2016 to 55.3% in 2023, while employees with targeted disabilities increased from 0.7% to 2%.The aviation industry's diversity efforts were primarily driven by labor shortages and the need to fill positions as pilots retire, rather than purely demographic goals.All candidates, regardless of background or disability status, must meet the same rigorous standards for aptitude, medical qualifications, and security clearances.Historical barriers, including segregation, prevented Black aviation professionals from entering the industry until the civil rights movement and subsequent lawsuits.The Biden administration has continued similar diversity initiatives, with slight increases in representation across different demographic groups.A pending lawsuit filed by a conservative legal organization claims discrimination against applicants due to Obama-era hiring practices, though the case hasn't been resolved.

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