A big “oopsy” occurs with the national security team. Of course, Democrats are making a mountain out of a mole hill.
A 21-year-old sues the Trump administration because she is going to be deported. Is this case justified? Let’s talk about it.
And the science community makes a fantastic discovery. It also opens more ethical questions.
Oops!
The accidental leak of classified Yemen war plans occurred when National Security Advisor Michael Waltz inadvertently added Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, to a high-level Signal group chat called “Houthi PC small group”1.
This chat included top Trump administration officials such as Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio1.
Goldberg received detailed information about upcoming U.S. strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, including specifics on weapons packages, targets, and attack timing, approximately two hours before the operation began on March 1523.
The leak exposed significant policy disagreements within the administration, with Vice President Vance expressing reservations about the timing of the strikes1.
It also raised serious concerns about the Trump administration’s handling of classified information, as the use of non-government-sanctioned messaging apps for such sensitive discussions potentially violates security protocols4. The incident has prompted calls for investigations and hearings from both Democrats and Republicans, with some officials suggesting that Waltz’s position as National Security Advisor may be in jeopardy56.
The White House has confirmed the authenticity of the leaked Signal group chat, with National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes stating, “The message thread that was reported appears to be authentic, and we are reviewing how an inadvertent number was added to the chain.”1 The administration has launched an investigation into the security breach, focusing on how classified information was shared on a non-government-sanctioned messaging app.2
President Trump initially claimed he was unaware of the sensitive information being shared, telling reporters he knew “nothing” about the incident approximately 2.5 hours after it was reported.3 The State Department has also addressed the leak, with spokesperson Tammy Bruce fielding questions about the “inadvertent” sharing of military plans by top officials.4 As the situation unfolds, the White House faces mounting pressure to address the security lapse and its potential consequences for national security and international relations.
https://www.wsj.com/politics/national-security/trump-us-war-plans-atlantic-editor-c1589558?st=GTG822
A Privilege, Not a Right
Yunseo Chung, a 21-year-old Columbia University student and legal permanent resident, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to prevent her deportation. Chung, originally from South Korea and living in the U.S. since age seven, is accused of obstructing U.S. foreign policy due to her participation in pro-Palestinian protests. The lawsuit alleges that ICE actions against her are part of a broader effort to suppress constitutionally protected speech and activism123.
Chung was arrested during a sit-in protest on March 5 and later targeted by ICE agents, who visited her parents’ home and dormitory after issuing an administrative arrest warrant. Her legal team argues these actions aim to intimidate non-citizen activists and violate First Amendment rights56. Chung seeks an emergency injunction to block her detention or deportation while the case proceeds812.
Yunseo Chung’s involvement in protests has significantly impacted her academic career. Following her arrest during a March 5 sit-in protest at Columbia University, she was placed on “interim suspension,” which restricted her access to campus facilities13. Additionally, she faced disciplinary actions for distributing controversial posters, though the university ultimately found no policy violations14.
Some things:
- I also want to know what else she did. Is this the only crime she committed?
- It is a privilege to get a green card. It is not a right.
- If you commit a crime, that green card can be pulled.
- She does not have the same rights as citizens.
- Why didn’t she become an American citizen? Because she hates America.
- This does point out that deportation should go on a case by case basis.
More Ethical Questions
Scientists have recently developed human embryo-like structures in laboratories using stem cells, bypassing the need for sperm, eggs, or fertilization. These models mimic early human embryos up to 14 days old, the legal limit for such research in many countries. They include features like a yolk sac and amniotic cavity, resembling real embryos more closely than previous models. The research aims to provide insights into early pregnancy stages, miscarriage, birth defects, and infertility while avoiding ethical concerns tied to traditional embryo research12.
Led by Jacob Hanna at the Weizmann Institute in Israel, the work uses chemically modified embryonic stem cells to self-organize into structures that resemble embryos. The models even released hormones that could turn a pregnancy test positive in the lab. Despite their promise for understanding early development, ethical debates persist regarding their regulation and use125.
Efforts are underway in countries like the UK to establish governance frameworks for this rapidly advancing field. Researchers emphasize that these models are not identical to human embryos and cannot develop beyond 14 days or be implanted into a womb13.
The use of lab-grown embryo models raises several ethical concerns:
- Moral Status of Embryo Models: The question of whether synthetic embryos should be granted moral status akin to natural embryos is central. While they are not identical to human embryos, their increasing complexity and resemblance to real embryos challenge existing ethical frameworks135.
- Regulation and Oversight: Current laws often do not classify synthetic embryos as “embryos,” leaving them outside traditional regulations like the 14-day rule. This creates ambiguity and raises concerns about unregulated research15.
- Potential for Full Development: If synthetic embryos are modified to develop beyond the 14-day limit or achieve milestones like organogenesis, it could lead to moral dilemmas about creating entities capable of life solely for research purposes64.
- Public Trust and Transparency: Rapid scientific advancements risk outpacing ethical discussions, potentially eroding public trust. Clear guidelines are needed to ensure responsible use and avoid misuse12.
- Religious and Philosophical Beliefs: Some argue that embryos, even synthetic ones, may have intrinsic moral value, rooted in beliefs about personhood beginning at conception7.
These concerns highlight the need for robust ethical guidelines tailored to this emerging field.
https://www.bbc.com/news/health-66715669?utm_source=perplexity
Dumbass of the Day
It Figures
Mattel has recently introduced a doll inspired by the Philippine folklore creature known as the manananggal. The doll, named Corazon Marikit, is part of the Monster High Designer Series 2 and celebrates Filipino fashion and traditions. Here are some key features and details about this unique doll:
Key Features of Corazon Marikit
- Inspiration: The doll is inspired by the manananggal, a mythical creature from Filipino folklore known for its ability to separate its upper body from its lower half and fly at night, often associated with vampiric traits123.
- Design: Corazon Marikit is dressed in traditional Filipino attire, featuring a terno-inspired pink and red ensemble, a rattan bag, an embroidered fan, and Bahay Kubo-inspired heels. The doll also includes intricately embroidered batwings and vampire-like fangs34.
- Mechanism: The doll’s body can detach into two parts, mimicking the manananggal’s ability to separate its upper and lower halves. The packaging includes a two-part design with levers that allow collectors to display the doll in various poses127.
- Availability and Price: Corazon Marikit is priced at $75 and is available exclusively on Mattel’s official website138.
Cultural Significance
This release reflects Mattel’s commitment to celebrating diverse cultural narratives and promoting inclusivity in its product lines. The doll has been well-received by fans, particularly within the Filipino community, who appreciate its cultural significance and detailed craftsmanship36.
The introduction of Corazon Marikit follows other efforts by Mattel to highlight Filipino heritage, such as the release of a Filipina Barbie designed by Filipino-American artist Carlyle Nuera.
The Manananggal is a mythological creature from Philippine folklore. It is typically described as a female monster or witch that can detach her upper body from her lower body and grow wings to fly at night in search of prey, usually pregnant women and their unborn children.
The lower half of the Manananggal is said to stay behind and is vulnerable to attack during this time. To prevent the Manananggal from reattaching, salt or ash should be spread on the lower half of the body, so the myth goes. The creature is also said to have an aversion to garlic and to be vulnerable to sunlight, which can cause it to turn to ash. The legend of the Manananggal has been the subject of many Filipino horror films and is still a popular part of Philippine culture.
Manananggals are a type of aswang, meaning ‘evil spirit’, with the name deriving from ‘tangal,” which means “to remove.” Similar creatures exist in Southeast Asia, such as the penanggal in Malaysia and the krasue in Thailand, but they detach from their heads instead of their lower torsos.
https://www.ancient-origins.net/news-general/manananggal-0017938
