9/21/23: Zelensky Calls For Stripping Nukes From Russia, Ukraine Fires Controversial Spokesperson, Dems Panic Over Trump's Union Visit, Australian MP On Freeing Assange, Journalist Charged For Jan 6th, Republicans Attack Pro Union
Zelensky's controversial speech at the UN, Ukraine fires spokesman, Dems worry about Trump's union visit, Australian MP on freeing Assange, journalist charged for Jan 6th, Republicans attack pro-union
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Quick takeaways
The bipartisan delegation of Australian MPs traveled to the US to advocate for the release of Julian Assange, highlighting the global support for his cause.
Assange's case raises important issues of extraterritorial reach and journalistic freedom, emphasizing the need for consistent treatment and broader protections.
The Australian MPs found a positive reception in Washington, indicating a surprising level of concern and support for Assange's situation.
Support for Assange's release reflects broader concerns about press freedom and citizens' rights, urging a reevaluation of whistleblowers' treatment and safeguarding democratic principles.
Deep dives
Australian MPs advocate for release of Julian Assange
Two Australian members of parliament traveled to the United States to advocate for the release of Julian Assange. The bipartisan delegation consisting of three members from the lower house and three from the upper house reflects the strong support for Assange among Australians. The lawmakers are concerned about the prospect of Assange's extradition to the United States and are calling for his release to be able to return to his family. They believe that Assange's case raises issues of extraterritorial reach and the protection of journalistic freedom.
The principle behind advocating for Assange's release
The advocacy for Assange's release is grounded in the principle of extraterritorial reach. Members of parliament emphasize that Assange did not commit an offense in the United States and that his actions should be understood in the context of journalism. They also point out that others were involved in the release of classified information before Assange, highlighting the need for consistent treatment. The delegation believes that Assange's case has broader implications for press freedom and the protection of citizens' rights.
Reception in Washington and engagement with US officials
The Australian MPs have met with representatives from the Department of State and the Department of Justice, as well as several politicians in Washington. They have found a generally positive reception to their advocacy efforts, highlighting the surprising level of concern and support among Australians for Assange's situation. The MPs stress the importance of raising awareness about press freedom and the rights of citizens in the context of close Australian-US relations.
Support for Assange reflects broader concerns about freedom of the press
The support for Assange's release goes beyond his individual case. It reflects broader concerns about freedom of the press and the protection of citizens' rights in both Australia and the United States. The MPs argue that the Assange case should prompt a reevaluation of press freedom and the treatment of whistleblowers in order to safeguard democratic principles.
Overwhelming public support for auto worker strike
A recent poll reveals that 54% of Americans explicitly support the auto worker strike, with only 18% opposing it. The majority of the public is on the side of the striking auto workers, reflecting a growing disdain for corporate greed and support for workers. This support for strikes is comparable to the public's support for issues like complete abortion bans and defunding the police. Republicans who continue to oppose unions and side with corporations risk being on the wrong side of this popular sentiment.
Republican rhetoric against unions is short-sighted
Many Republicans, including Nikki Haley and Tim Scott, maintain a staunchly anti-union stance, rejecting the pro-worker sentiment gaining traction. Their rhetoric overlooks the changing public opinion and fails to acknowledge that Biden's support for unions resonates with a significant portion of the population. By dismissing unions and their demands, these Republicans risk alienating workers and ignoring the power dynamics at play in labor negotiations.
Biden's support for unions falls short
While Biden is portrayed as the most pro-union president, his actions do not fully support this claim. The United Auto Workers' decision not to endorse him due to disagreements on union jobs at new factories highlights the limitations of Biden's support. Moreover, his administration has hindered workers' rights to strike in the rail industry. Biden could do more to advocate for unions and workers, but his current stance is still better than his predecessors.
Krystal and Saagar discuss Zelensky's speech at the UN, Ukraine fires controversial spokesperson, Dems panic over Trump's union visit, Shawn Fain exposes corruption of the big three automakers, two Australian MP's join to discuss efforts to free Julian Assange, Democrats dominate in special elections across the country, journalist arrested for Jan 6th involvement, Republicans attack Biden over union support.
