Unemployment denial appeal

World War 2 Stories

2014.11.12 02:29 JonLuca World War 2 Stories

A collection of memories from WWII, by actual veterans.

2010.03.19 21:25 Xert RedditRequest - Adopt an unmoderated community!

This subreddit is for requesting moderation privileges for an abandoned subreddit or to remove an inactive top mod from a subreddit you currently moderate.

[link]

2021.06.27 19:41 Tabbix Mors Maris Nostri: a TNO spinoff

Mors Maris Nostri is a Hoi4 mod and TNO spinoff set around a post-nuclear Mediterranean Sea. Play as one of many nations, new and old, in the post apocalyptic Mediterranean.

[link]

2024.04.29 07:13 ResilientRays [California] EDD: what should be my answer to "Reason No Longer Working" when filing unemployment?

I was informed I was impacted by the layoff. On the same day when my previous employer informed me the layoff, they put me on a potential policy violation investigation. After a few days, the HR verbally informed me that there was a violation, but the HR didn't tell me what violation was and didn't give me a termination / separation letter. Everything was verbal and I don't believe I violated any policy.
At the same time, I have all the paper work from the company that I was laid off. I also had a "Personnel Change of Status Notice" which is also "Layoff". I contacted my previous employer, but I had no luck.
I am filing California EDD Unemployment. Should I just put LayOff as the "Reason No Longer Working"? Could my previous employer tell the EDD the reason was not "Layoff"? If that happened, could I appeal and win?
Thanks

submitted by ResilientRays to EmploymentLaw [link] [comments]

2024.04.29 06:45 Every_Bumblebee6043 US citizen sponsoring SO Canadian spouse

Hi all,
The background of this post is that I’m a US citizen and married to a Canadian citizen. My spouse is a registered SO here in Canada, the story is actually pretty unique but I won’t share too much detail here. The crime isn’t sexual assault or rape, it was invitation to sexual touching with a 15 year old. No touching or any acts of sexual stuff happened. And the person decided to report my now husband (we weren’t together at the time) over a year later. He only served 60 days of 90 days in jail, and a year probation. He’s fully rehabilitated, this incident was over 8 years ago. We both live in Canada, I’ve got my Canadian permanent residency here and almost my citizenship here as well.
Now my question is, we are familiar with our difficult journey ahead to try to sponsor my husband through a marriage sponsorship. We’ve consulted with multiple lawyers and finally after spending lots of money we submitted our I-130 application and will retain another firm when we get to the appeal step. We’re currently waiting to hear back but we expect to hear in at least 2-3 years. We expect a denial and then we plan to appeal.
Does anyone have any experience with situations like this or has been through a similar situation? I’ve read a lot of stories and subreddits on the US citizen person doing the sponsoring having a criminal record, but in my case, I do not have a criminal record, it’s my spouse that does.
Is there any hope in our case? I’ve never read stories like ours where the sponsoring person is sponsoring someone with a criminal record.
Thank you all

submitted by Every_Bumblebee6043 to askimmigration [link] [comments]

2024.04.29 06:38 Every_Bumblebee6043 US citizen sponsoring Canadian spouse with criminal record

submitted by Every_Bumblebee6043 to immigration [link] [comments]

2024.04.29 06:36 Every_Bumblebee6043 US citizen sponsoring SO spouse

submitted by Every_Bumblebee6043 to USImmigrationHelp [link] [comments]

2024.04.29 05:21 dcmetro7 Banning TikTok is correct

Recently, u/TheAngryObserver's argued against the recent TikTok ban, passed by bipartisan majorities in Congress and signed by President Biden. The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, or PAFACA, was signed into law earlier this week, which ban TikTok in the U.S. if ByteDance, the company that owns TikTok, does not sell the company to an owner not associated with a 'foreign adversary.' While TikTok is mentioned specifically in the bill, the law provides for similar bans to be enacted against foreign-adversary-controlled apps in the future.
Banning TikTok is a prudent and forward-thinking idea, for two reasons that are, by themselves, each sufficient to justify a ban, but together demand one, such is the risk. I find Angry's well-meaning legal and ethical objections to the law unconvincing, and in his post I don't think he fully acknowledged the threat posed by continued operation of TikTok in the U.S. under CCP control.

Note on the CCP's relationship with private business

Before diving into the potential threats posed by TikTok in its current state, it is crucial to understand the nature of the relationship between the Chinese Communist Party and private businesses based in China. This 2023 article by the East Asia Forum gives an overview of the changing nature of party-corporate relations under the Party leadership of Xi Jinping. The CCP has always had a presence in China's private sector, but, in recent years, "the private sector is still seen as a frontier for party-building, with Chinese President Xi Jinping making it a priority." While party cells within private corporations used to be focused more on organizing "study sessions or social gatherings" for members, Xi has "called on the private sector to 'unite around the party,'" a directive to deepen party-corporation relationships and direct corporate funding towards Party functions.
Perhaps most emblematic of the Party's ongoing power grab in the private sector is how deeply the Party is becoming involved in everyday corporate functions, with the following passage referring to the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, a rough analogue to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce under control by the CCP:

The ACFIC also calls for the CCP to ‘exercise leadership over personnel management’, aiming to avoid ‘professional managers promoting whomever they like’. It also recommends that firms establish a monitoring structure under CCP leadership to surveil employees, detect ‘abnormal behaviour’ and deal with disciplinary violations.

This is not simply a matter of Chinese investors owning a company, rather than American ones; it is a fundamentally different relationship between private and public actors. Opposing the accumulation of power by such incestuous unions in the U.S. is not xenophobia. Angry's assertion that "TikTok itself remains adamant that it would refuse requests from ByteDance, its Chinese parent, or the Chinese government, for data. We, again, have no evidence to the contrary," in my view, misunderstands the relationship between Chinese private enterprise and the CCP. Xi clearly views the kind of independence Angry describes as an obstacle, and private investors who come to be seen as obstacles by Xi have a nasty habit of disappearing.

Data security

Angry describes the law as being driven by the fear of "potential risk that its sister, by being located in an enemy nation, could hypothetically take American data (such as emails), give it to said enemy, and then there's the possibility that that enemy could use these emails and whatnot against us."
The fear of data abuse is not based in hypotheticals. It is based in distrust of a political entity that has no credibility on the issue of respect for data privacy due to a series of conscious and deliberate actions:

In 2017, China passed the National Intelligence Act, which contains the following requirements, placing no limit on the amount of cooperation the government can demand of 'all organizations and citizens' of China

Article 7: All organizations and citizens shall support, assist, and cooperate with national intelligence efforts in accordance with law, and shall protect national intelligence work secrets they are aware of.
Article 10: As necessary for their work, national intelligence work institutions are to use the necessary means, tactics, and channels to carry out intelligence efforts, domestically and abroad.

In 2021, TikTok's head of public policy for the Americas, Michael Beckerman, testified that 'we don't share information with the Chinese government' and that American user data is stored in the U.S. and in Singapore.
In 2022, leaked recordings of TikTok employees confirmed that, despite TikTok's public protests to the contrary, 'everything is seen in China,' and that there exists a Beijing-based executive 'Master Admin' who 'has access to everything.' While TikTok publicly insisted on the soundness of their 'Project Texas' strategy to store data in the U.S, a consultant working with TikTok said he felt that "with these tools, there’s some backdoor to access user data in almost all of them, which is exhausting.”
In 2022, in response to those recordings obtained by Buzzfeed, the TikTok user data of two journalists, one from Buzzfeed, "was accessed while ByteDance employees were investigating potential employee leaks to the press, according to the company."
In 2023, TikTok backtracked on its assertion that U.S. data is stored in the U.S, saying that American content creators' data, including tax forms and social security numbers, are indeed stored in China.
in 2024, TikTok insists that 'we have invested billions of dollars to keep U.S. data safe and our platform free from outside influence and manipulation,' conveniently ignoring that the greatest threat to Americans' data security are not 'outside influencers' but people within TikTok and ByteDance itself.

Maybe you believe TikTok's denials when they say that they're working really hard to protect data security, and this time they really mean it. But I sometimes step back and marvel at what TikTok is asserting it has the right to do. A subsidiary of a larger company is attempting to convince us that it has no obligations to follow the directives of the authorities it answers to; they are insisting that, when the time comes, they can be trusted to disobey the requests of their investors, their owners at ByteDance, and the Party agents embedded throughout the company. I know everyone likes to fantasize about telling their boss 'no.' But I do not think the security of Americans' location data and social security numbers should depend on such a fantasy, especially when the boss in question runs what is likely the most comprehensive surveillance state in the history of the world.

Information

While data security concerns have taken up the lion's share of the discourse surrounding the law, I find the concerns for the future of discourse itself even more concerning. Our decisions -- political, social, financial -- are only as good as the information we base them on. In Democracy in America, one of the first major studies of American political culture in the 1830s, Alexis de Tocqueville wrote that

What best explains to me the enormous circulation of the daily press in the United States, is that amongst the Americans I find the utmost national freedom combined with local freedom of every kind.

In other words, not only did the great amount of important political questions presented to the American people at the not just the national and state but also the local levels necessitate a large industry dedicated to the spread of information, but that such freedom to decide depended on newspapers; or, as de Tocqueville says of newspapers, "to suppose that they only serve to protect freedom would be to diminish their importance: they maintain civilization."
Social media is often the vehicle for news today; when you click a CNN tweet to read the full story or see the headlines on news, the content you're reading is written by journalists, but the mechanism by which it reaches you is social media; thus, it is impossible to talk of news without talking of social media. Furthermore, 58% of Americans prefer to get their news on digital devices, a number that has been on a steady rise as TV and radio news fade.
According to its own data, TikTok has about 150 million users in the U.S. alone (more conservative estimates still place the figure above 100 million). That's nearly half of the entire U.S. population getting news from TikTok; having their worldview shaped on TikTok; trusting TikTok's algorithm to steer high-quality stories to them and misleading or dishonest stories away from them. I don't think we fully acknowledge how much power that is.
Consider a hypothetical. The PRC has, for years, insisted that 'reunification' with Taiwan is inevitable, and a high-priority goal of the CCP. The line used to stress 'peaceful reunification,' but no longer. On some day in the not-too-distant future, America may wake up to a world in chaos -- yet another 21st-century imperialist invasion, certain to lead to mass devastation and pushing the world closer to war. But how will we learn of this development? The first thing I, and most Americans, do upon waking up is to roll over, pick up my phone, and check social media.
But for many on that fateful day, the first thing they see will be exactly what the CCP wants them to see. Before you watch the news; before you read the headlines; before you speak to your family or your friends; the people who will have the most power to shape your perception of the unfolding conflict will be the organization that was once exposed for explictly ordering moderators to ban mentions of Tiananmen Square and Tibetan independence. TikTok insists that it has loosened these restrictions, but even if that is true, do you trust them to maintain that 'freedom of expression' during a time of war? In war, information is yet another good that must be mass-produced. Consider how Russia flooded TikTok itself with misinformation in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine, seeking to control the narrative from the start, demoralize Ukraine and its Western supporters, and thus dissuade any potential white knights from riding to their victim's rescue.
It is not difficult to imagine what the CCP, in effective control of a platform that reaches three hundred million American eyeballs, could do with that power. Angry brings up a good point -- he says 'Americans have, with some very specific and limited exceptions, the right to lie.' This is true. But the CCP is not an American citizen. It is a foreign adversary, who largely sees American power as a threat to its own interests and its democratic institutions as threats to its own legitimacy. It conducts industrial espionage on Americans, stealing trade secrets and sowing distrust. It launched an information campaign in 2022 to "discourage Americans from voting while highlighting U.S. political polarization" and has honed their info-op tactics for this year. It threatens global stability by its imperialistic bullying of its weaker neighbors in Asia. It launches hacking attacks on Americans critical of the regime. These are not the acts of a friendly competitor or a rival. These are the actions of a party that believes that our loss is their gain.
If you think the state of our public discourse is in a bad state now, I urge you to use your imagination as to what the controllers of a platform with an opaque recommendation algorithm and an opaque report system that resides at all times in the pocket of half of America can do. Detoxifying our murky political discourse will be difficult, but it will become impossible if the United States' greatest geopolitical adversary is allowed a pipeline into it through which to pump raw sewage. Even if they're not using it now, I'd prefer that pipeline not exist in the first place.

Legality

Angry presents several reasons he believes the . I do not find these convincing.

"Obviously, it prevents the 100 million American TikTok users from expressing themselves, a violation of the First Amendment."

Is the government banning a certain content of speech? No. As established, you can parrot Chinese propaganda as an individual in public all you want.
Is the government banning a certain kind of speech? No. You can make short-form videos saying whatever you want on other platforms, and indeed several other companies have moved into the short-form video space for this purpose, and doubtless more will if TikTok is indeed banned. It can hardly be argued that moving from TikTok to YouTube Shorts or Instagram Reels places an undue burden on TikTok's users in their exercise of free speech.
So the government is neither telling people what they can say, nor telling them how they can say it, nor placing an illegal burden on those who want to speak. Corporations cannot indefinitely forestall any legal consequence for their otherwise harmful behavior by declaring their place of business to be a 'free speech zone,' and thus declare anyone who interferes with it as a violator of the First Amendment. Saying that banning TikTok violates the First Amendment rights of its users is like saying the health inspector can't shut down an Olive Garden with a rat infestation because Olive Gardens are places where people can theoretically discuss contentious issues.

"The bill is probably unconstitutional, as the state of Montana discovered when it tried a similar scheme while ago."

The preliminary injunction issued in the Montana case cites First Amendment concerns that I addressed above. The case is currently being appealed, and as such the Montana ruling should not be seen as the court system's final opinion on this matter.

"It is also a piece of legislation sanctioning a specific person/company, a bill of attainder, which is illegal under Article 1, Section 9."

The nonpartisan Congressional Research Service evaluated this concern and others and noted that

In two recent judicial challenges, courts held that legislation restricting transactions with PRC-based Huawei and Russia-based Kaspersky Lab did not violate the Bill of Attainder Clause because the laws sought to protect U.S. security, not punish a private actor. Proposals that would provide for a judicial trial or agency action before imposing applicable sanctions, such as H.R. 7521, would not violate the Bill of Attainder Clause.

As established before, there is an existing national security concern, and the fact that the bill provides a window of time to offload the company before any sanctions would come into place undermines the legal notion that ByteDance is being explicitly being punished for past actions without trial.

"It also directly infringes on the property rights of TikTok's owners without due process, which raises Fifth Amendment concerns-- read, TikTok is having its property seized even though it hasn't been found guilty of a crime."

The CRS evaluated this concern as well, noting that,

In one relevant example, a federal court of appeals held that, before the President could order a PRC-based company to divest an acquisition under the CFIUS process, the government needed to provide the affected company with the unclassified information on which it based its decision and the chance to respond.

TikTok has been presented with the American concerns over data privacy and information, and has been given a chance to respond. Furthermore, the CRS argues that Congress may have even fewer legal obligations in this case, unless the law is 'palpably arbitrary' -- a description that cannot be applied to the myriad reasons the U.S. has to be suspicious of increasing CCP power in the U.S.

Conclusion

Continued Chinese ownership of TikTok poses a serious threat to American data security, to its free and open discourse, and to its national security. As you follow the proceedings, I urge you to consider philosopher Karl Popper's famous Paradox of Tolerance, which holds that an infinitely tolerant society will inevitably be infiltrated by intolerant ideas, having no mechanism with which to stunt their growth. In history, free societies that protect human rights are the exception, not the rule, and, in a time of rising authoritarianism around the world, free societies cannot afford to become paralyzed in the phase of such a threat. For an entity whose reign has been characterized by nothing so much as the constant crushing of human freedom to demand protection under the same aegis of civil liberties the American government extends over its own citizens is like a pack of wolves trying to squeeze their way through a doggy-door designed for the owner's pet spaniel.
I was supportive of the bill before it passed, and the events since the signing of the bill have only served to further convince me of its necessity. Shou Zi Chew, the CEO of TikTok, posted a greasy statement of defiance in which he insists that he cares about 'YOUR voice' on a platform that has been accused, He talks about how the 'freedom of expression on TikTok reflects the same American values that make the United States a beacon of freedom' just weeks after the site limited researcher access to data on politically-charged hashtags like 'UyghurGenocide' and 'TiananmenSquare' in response to a Rutgers study which found that 'there was a “strong possibility” TikTok content was being amplified or underrepresented based on how it aligns with the Chinese government’s interests.' It seems that, for TikTok, patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.

submitted by dcmetro7 to AngryObservation [link] [comments]

2024.04.29 04:22 Miserable_Reveal_562 Has anyone ever gotten denied for unemployment benefits, appealed the decision and won?

So I got one more “fuck you” letter from this disgusting company denying my unemployment benefits for the 3 weeks I went being unemployed. The letter was rather disgusting in nature with how it was worded, which isn’t surprising because that’s what this company is: disgusting.
Yes, unfortunately I was termed. First time in my whole working career that this has ever happened to me. Was what I did wrong? Hindsight is 20/20, so with that said, I would say yes it was. However, I was never put on any sort of PIP, warning, written up, coached on anything, and so on. Never had any of that against me in the decade I was there. It was just straight to “your employment is under review” which lasted a month followed by being termed. Let’s also not forget to also point out that I was never told that what I was doing (along with basically everyone else who did it and probably still does it) was wrong nor was/is it in their stupid “claims code of conduct” or anything like that. All I know is: if this happened maybe 5-7 years ago, I’d still have my job at this terrible company. I got termed because this is the kinda company Todd Combs wants for all those poor souls who still work there.
My other question here is: what would you do? Fight the power based on principle? Or just bitterly walk away? I feel like I have a strong case for an appeal argument to be heard and it’s one I think I can win, but I’m very torn about what exactly to do.
In 3 weeks time, yes I did find a new job that I’m absolutely beyond happy at. Yes my wife makes a very good salary to the point where I didn’t really have to worry financially during that time. But I’m torn on what to do. I’m a big believer in “if you don’t stand for something, you can fall for anything” yet I also realize that it might be child’s play that I’m fighting for 60% of my gross for 3 weeks.

submitted by Miserable_Reveal_562 to Geico [link] [comments]

2024.04.29 03:47 Karaxxlee4785 Looking for peoples opinions because I'm pretty sure theres no way to know for sure what will happen.

So I had received some months of pandemic unemployment in Massachusetts when it had first become a thing. Like sooo many other people, months and months after it had stopped I received a letter that I now owed it all back. Well I'm a broke AF single mother of 2 and live paycheck to paycheck so no way could I afford to pay it all back, especially since it was still the middle of the pandemic and nobody had any clue what was going to happen still and I wasn't back to work yet. Anyways I had forgotten to send in an appeal in the correct time frame so I still owe that money.
When tax season came around this year I wasn't in any big hurry to file my taxes since I figured that the IRS would just take my whole return before I got it and I wouldn't see a penny. I ended up filing my taxes on the day before the last day to file and every other day or so I would check in on each of the "where's my refund" websites (both state and federal sites) and about 4 days after originally filling it the state site switched from accepted to approved and sent via direct deposit with a date. Well imagine my surprise when exactly a week later on the date the website said I actually received my state return. I was so pleasantly surprised because boy o boy did that help with so many bills and other things for me and my kids!
Anyways my question is, what are the odds that I actually receive my federal return as well? I'm trying not to get overly hopeful and just prepare myself for the worst but it's hard to not get excited because if I receive my federal return I can buy myself a used car to make our lives easier. I was thinking that it's pretty good odds since I got my state refund that I will get my federal refund but I'm not sure if the pandemic unemployment was through the federal government and not state so they would only take my whole federal return and let me have the state one. I also know that the IRS can take any money you get including paychecks so that's why I figured they would take both.

 What does everyone think? Is it likely I'll get my other refund since I got the first one?

TL;DR ~~ Long story short :: I owe money from pandemic unemployment so I thought that the IRS would intercept my whole tax return and I would get nothing.... I ended up getting my state return so I am wondering if that means I will likely receive my federal return as well or if it's likely that the IRS will take that. Would they take 1 and not the other?
Wish me luck!! 😆

submitted by Karaxxlee4785 to TaxQuestions [link] [comments]

2024.04.29 03:45 Karaxxlee4785 Looking for opinions since I know that there probably isn't a definite answer.

 What does everyone think? Is it likely I'll get my other refund since I got the first one?

submitted by Karaxxlee4785 to tax [link] [comments]

2024.04.29 01:35 JohnDF85 Trying to find for a "reasonable" price

Hello, 30 year old male with 133 BMI here. Been trying to diet my whole life with minimal success. I got prescribed wegovy through plush, however my insurance which costs me 55k a year (cigna) refuses to cover (denied pre auth attempt). Says employer (I have it through spouse) does not cover it. Pharmacy and wegovy site both say "covered' albeit with a 1.3k co-pay. It seems like the denial is not appealable. Do I just take the $500 mfr coupon and try to apply it with the cigna discount for what hopefully will be a net of $800? Any other ideas? TIA!

submitted by JohnDF85 to WegovyWeightLoss [link] [comments]

2024.04.29 00:32 dorapinkykitty How did you develop into YOU and not what everyone told you you were? I want to start.

Considering pretty widespread and pervasive issues of learned helplessness and self-fulfilling prophecies for most ASD/Audhd people, I've only recently realised that I too have been socialised to see myself as the 'me' that I was pigeonholed into from a very young age.
In a nutshell, how can I begin to break free of the ableist and sabotage-y identity narrative forced on me since I was a kid? Like most of us, I've been prescribed a 'likely' life for me since birth (and if this is for you, no hate! It was always said with an air of criticism for me personally): asexual, isolated, unemployed/manual labour, no romantic life, no education, no kids and ultimately no significance.
I want to embrace my attractiveness, my appeal, my inherent value and intellect, my sociability, academic achievement and innate charm simply as a human, and not feel such a pervasive sense of impostor syndrome about myself.
But I wonder how. I always feel like I 'ought' to not see myself as the above things as I was never 'built' to be perceived as worthy or valuable to others (or even myself), but I feel this was coming from a mostly narcissistic mother's place of jealousy and spite.
I don't mean to come off as braggadocio, but I've had a few recent experiences that prove my worth to myself, undoubtedly, and I feel a new found willingness to try. I'm going to a top university, my looks are finally settling, I'm moving on from a bad part of my life (hopefully), I can hold down a job and have overcome obstacles of social anxiety and insecurity, all in a matter of a few months(!).
I feel..proud of myself. :D But wonder why that piece of internal infrastructure seems to want to reel me back in like a dog on a leash, and put me back 'where I belong'. How can I overcome this issue, is it something anyone here experiences?

submitted by dorapinkykitty to AutisticWithADHD [link] [comments]

2024.04.29 00:28 dorapinkykitty How did you develop into YOU and not what everyone told you you were? I want to start.

submitted by dorapinkykitty to AutismInWomen [link] [comments]

2024.04.28 23:52 J_ODay Dad's VA Claim Rollercoaster

Originally I typed this up with the intent to share it to VeteransBenefits but after re-reading the rules there I figured maybe this would be the best place instead? If it's too long or not considered a true "success," apologies and I'll be sure to remove!
Hi,
This is mostly a gratitude post for everyone who shares their experiences, their wins, and even their losses with the VA claims process (unfortunate data is still valuable data).
My dad is in his mid-70s, is a Gulf War veteran, retired after 25 years of military service, and although he's otherwise fit as a fiddle (his Dr constantly compliments him on his clear arteries and muscle mass retention for his age - likely a result of good genetics and staying as active as possible maintaining an 80 acre farm) he experienced congestive heart failure on 01Jan2017. He now has an internal defibrillatopacemaker combo in his chest to monitor the condition and assist in the times when his heart stops again.
For the past 7+ years we (my parents, my 4 older siblings, and myself) have been struggling to navigate the VA claims process and for the most part have been wildly unsuccessful. Part of the issue is that I live in another state and am spearheading the efforts, and part is plain ol' collective ignorance of the system. We recently found out that in May 2017 someone at the VA submitted a claim for the congestive heart failure as well as several other older conditions that resulted from my dad's active service (a cracked vertebra and its consequential conditions) on my dad's behalf without actually telling my parents or walking them through the process and explaining that there are follow up action items for them to complete, namely the physical exams in support of the claim. Good intentions, but it unfortunately caused quite a bit of churn for us. More on this situation later, but we found out recently that he was denied any rating under that claim.
In 2017 I didn't know enough about the VA to help, and it wasn't until 2019 when my dad was casually reminiscing with my brother (also a Gulf War veteran, 20 years younger than our dad and oddly enough also a sufferer of unexplained congestive heart failure) about the oil raining from the sky while they were there and the burn pits they both were around that we as a family had the notion, "Hey it's weird that father and son are both generally healthy individuals, both were overseas in the Gulf War together, and then both experienced congestive heart failure within one year of each other over 2.5 decades after they left the southwest Asian theater... Maybe there's something to it?" and started looking into it. Cue our discovery of the burn pit registry and "Gulf War Syndrome" on the VA website.
Someone told us about the Disabled American Veterans and mentioned maybe they could help us, so I located and collected as many of my dad's service records as possible and triangulated his service dates to try to connect the CHF to his service, then reached out and scheduled time to speak to a rep at the VA clinic. Since I didn't realize there had already been a VA claim submitted for dad's CHF in 2017, and I guess the DAV rep wasn't able to see that original claim, we submitted another "new" claim for CHF and Gulf War Syndrome to the VA in June of 2019. The claim was denied, but we didn't fully understand why and didn't realize we could follow up with the DAV to get help understanding. Disheartened, dad felt frustrated at the outcome and embarrassed that he "asked for free money" and was denied, and then asked me to drop it.
When I heard about the PACT Act a few years ago, I decided we would try again. The squeaky wheel gets the oil, right? Dad relented, so last April we submitted his Intent to File. On 31May2023 we were able to complete and submit the (now third) "new" VA claim for dad's CHF related to his Gulf War service. It was comprised of 3 separate heart-specific conditions as well as 3 respiratory-related conditions that his doctors mentioned were caused by or exacerbated by his heart condition. I didn't know anything about the process, wasn't aware of the difference between "new claim" vs "supplemental claim," and wasn't aware that VA letters were sent to my dad's online VA account. Dad went to every single VA mandated exam, we supplied every service record we had and every medical record pertaining to dad's CHF starting with that ER visit on new years day 2017, and we made sure to check dad's VA account periodically for updates. And then we just waited.
As was our new tradition every few weeks, I asked my parents to video call me and log into dad's VA account so we could check the status of the claim one day last month, and we saw there had been a decision made. When we pulled up the letter, it showed denied for 3 of the 6 conditions we submitted - each of the respiratory conditions. The 3 heart-related conditions did not get adjudicated (a term I learned from this sub!); they simply weren't spoken-to in the decision letter at all. It was like we never submitted them.
Immediately my dad asked if we should give up, if the juice was really worth the squeeze with all of this. Half-jokingly, I reminded him he didn't raise his daughter to be a quitter, that I hadn't been a quitter for 33 years, and that I had no intention of picking up the habit now. He just kind of shrugged.
Confused, I pulled up the 38CFR to try to familiarize myself with VA claim decision making requirements. I checked this sub and others for anything similar and for others' experiences to see if I missed something or if there was recourse for the denial. I wasn't able to figure it out myself, so I again reached out to the DAV via their website, included as much detail as possible as well as this most recent claim number, and hoped for the best. This was in the first week of April.
I received an email from a rep asking that I fill out the various required forms for the DAV to assist us, which we completed and sent back. I also asked a few questions to help my understanding of the overall process and why only half of the conditions submitted were adjudicated. The response I received was from a different rep telling me that dad had already submitted a claim for his CHF in 2017 and it was denied because dad failed to attend his scheduled exams with the VA to support that 2017 claim, and that was why it wasn't adjudicated in this most recent claim; it simply wasn't considered during the claims process at all this time. The rep said we would have to submit a supplemental claim if we wanted to move forward with the CHF claim, but didn't offer much else. This was good info to learn, but still left us unsure what exactly to do next or how to go about it.
I began drafting a response to this second rep thanking them for their time and explaining that it was all information I wasn't aware of when I reached out initially and to ask for additional help, but life got a bit busy and I was still trying to untangle exactly what happened versus what should have happened in this process, and I didn't finish or send the drafted email. However, toward the end of last week my parents called from my mom's phone asking if I thought I'd be able to hear a voicemail saved on my dad's phone if they played it on speaker. I said we could always try and see what happens, and I listened to the voicemail - it was the first DAV rep that had replied to my online inquiry.
He was reaching out to explain that the CHF claim that was denied in 2017 meant that our most recent "new claim" for CHF was essentially considered void and would require submission on different, specific forms as a "supplemental claim" if we wanted to move forward with it. He then went on to let my parents know that he took it on himself to transfer the information to the correct forms and resubmit to the VA, that they should receive a physical letter as well as another letter in dad's online VA inbox regarding this submission, that he would be available for questions if they had any, and that he would reach out when he had more information.
I couldn't help but start crying.
This was the first time it felt like we got any real help in this endeavor, and while it isn't a guarantee that dad's heart conditions will be connected to his service or that he'll receive any disability rating for them, it's a small comfort to know that there are resources that know and understand this convoluted process and are willing and able to help veterans and their family members navigate it.
It's been incredibly frustrating to try to get my dad the benefits he deserves after serving his country for 25 years. It's been heartbreaking to see his health decline and know in my heart of hearts that it's linked to his time overseas, and it's irritating to me personally that he missed my birth to be over there but can't get a fair rating for the health consequences resulting from being there (I know, I know - I don't even remember my own birth so why would I care, but it's the principle of the matter!). It's been infuriating to hear him ask me time and time again to give up or question if it's worth my time and effort to fight the giant-roll-of-red-tape that is the VA to get what he's owed. It's enraging to think of the people who honorably served their country only to suffer negative health conditions as a consequence of that service but don't know the process or have anyone to advocate for them and end up giving up on it, and especially so for our older vets that are too tired and too unsure of regulations and technology to fight their own fight.
I guess all I wanted to do with this post was thank y'all for the guidance you have here and encourage anyone and everyone I can to just keep trying. There are free resources out there that can help. Please don't feel like asking for what you're owed is somehow a bad thing or something to be embarrassed of, and please don't give up fighting for it. I know it's exhausting, I know it sucks, but please know you're worth it.
Dad's supplemental claim might get denied, too, but I won't stop there. Through this sub I've learned about the various options for appeals, the second level review, etc. and I cannot thank you all enough for sharing your wisdom. It finally feels like we at least have a map we can follow, and all you wonderful internet strangers are to thank for it. I'm not sure how helpful I can be here, but if anyone has questions about the process I'm more than happy to attempt answering! But please know there are obviously better qualified individuals than I who can likely provide better guidance lol

submitted by J_ODay to VeteransSuccess [link] [comments]

2024.04.28 22:04 King_Kyuu I’m about to lose everything

I 24M am trying to come to terms with this but in the past 2 months things only get worse. I recently got out of a long term abusive relationship with my ex and unfortunately I really had put a lot of time, energy, and effort into this prior to understanding what would happen. About 2 years into our relationship we decided to move in together and at the time I was aware that because of her credit that she would unlikely be able to sign for an apartment so I did it and in hindsight that was probably dumb and nieve but at the time it didn’t matter because I could financially support living there with or without her so that even if we separated it wouldn’t be a big deal.
Unfortunately I inevitably lost my job due to attendance as I have Sickle Cell Anemia and I frequently end up hospitalized from symptoms and Walmart obviously knows but it’s Walmart so ofc they didn’t feel as though there was anything they could reasonably do to accommodate me.
I went back home to my partner know what was going on and it was met with “I can’t really be sympathetic with your situation “ and a few days later we ended up in a huge argument that I wanted to parts of. I’m doing my best to disengage but she only escalates more and more even when it became obvious that she was hurting me she didn’t care so I left the apartment to get away because there was no other way I was being chased and trying my not to get physical with her. When I come back she’s written all over the doors and walls with permanent black and red paint and at that point I called the cops cause I was going to snap and had her removed to be done with that.
After dealing with that I filled a claim for unemployment to help with all of the unexpected expenses and was following the process but unfortunately my phone line was disconnected during the process and I couldn’t access my account online for this reason I couldn’t contact them for 2 weeks to keep filing for benefits. When I got my phone back online I called them immediately to let them know and to reset my password however the next day when I sign in it tells me my claim has been denied due to not requesting payment on my scheduled days so I had to appeal it but unfortunately this happened later in the month so now I only have 1 weeks to find out how I will pay my rent and the following 2 weeks to pay my car note and figure out how to pay that as well.
Edit: I wasn’t very clear about what I was asking help with so let me ask are there anymore resources that I should be aware of that could help my financial situation?
I’m trying to appeal my benefits situation but the only way I’ve been somewhat sustaining other than that is doordashing.

submitted by King_Kyuu to povertyfinance [link] [comments]

2024.04.28 21:44 Yonoi Should I learn abit of Hindi to impress the hiring manager?

Born and raised Canadian of Indian origin. Been unemployed for nearly 1 year and I finally got an interview at Walmart (Monday).
I walked in the store today, to check it out before my interview and to do some weekend errands , I noticed most workers look South Asian and the manager is of South Asian descent himself (name gives it away).
I really, really need this job. I either adapt or be homeless. Should I try incorporating some Hindi words and flex my background during the interview to make me more appealing to the manager?
On one hand, he might actually consider me due to similar background cultures. On the otherhand, I don’t speak good Hindi. I know abit Hindi but not as much compared to recent newcomers, thus making me stand out from crowd.
Sorry, I might be stupid idiot for thinking of using my race and ethnicity to get me a job but I am desperate rn. Probably highly illegal.

submitted by Yonoi to torontoJobs [link] [comments]

2024.04.28 18:48 jwnbran Appeal Process

Long story short, after being denied my increase last November (iirc) and struggling to pursue an appeal in fear of another denial, I ended up submitting my appeal package beginning of March. I’m currently in my head way too much about it and already thinking worst case scenario. I’m hoping someone doesn’t mind answering a couple questions from their experience.

I know time for decisions varies significantly. How long did you have to wait for any type of new information? What helped you stay sane to keep from going down the rabbit holes of the mind?
I’m kind of stuck at the moment with Veterans Guardian. Worst case scenario, is there a va disability attorney that is nationally recognized that someone would recommend?

Thank you to all that are able to take a few moments to share.

submitted by jwnbran to VeteransBenefits [link] [comments]

2024.04.28 17:54 RogueOtterAJ [QCrit] PEOPLE AS THINGS (Adult Fantasy, Attempt #2) 96K

My first attempt is under the title THE DESIRES OF OBJECTS (https://www.reddit.com/PubTips/comments/1atahm2/qcrit\_fantasy\_the\_desires\_of\_objects\_80k/) Better, worse? Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
Gill Rewin, former shopkeeper, is freshly unemployed and drowning in debt. A loan shark has already claimed his eye; if he misses another payment, he’ll forfeit his free will. So when a government researcher offers Gill the morally dubious but lucrative job of spying on his former professor, Gill accepts.
In the cutthroat city of Relkavin, power is wielded through potem, manmade objects with magical abilities that manifest spontaneously and mysteriously. These objects run the gamut from weather-predicting trinkets to mind-controlling typewriters. Dr. Harkan Reeves—once a respected scientist, now a paranoid recluse haunted by grief—has allegedly discovered the long-lost secret of creating potem. And Gill was (supposedly) his favorite student. So Gill approaches Harkan and offers his services as an assistant and caretaker. His goal is simple: Win Harkan’s trust, steal the secret, and collect his reward.
As Gill works his way past Harkan’s thorny defenses, however, he grows increasingly attached to the damaged, brilliant man. And when Harkan reveals that potem are created by binding the souls of the deceased to objects, Gill knows he can’t hand this power to the government. But Gill’s deadline is closing in. With no one else to turn to, he must decide whether to tell the truth and place his trust in the man he was supposed to betray.
PEOPLE AS THINGS may appeal to fans of A MARVELLOUS LIGHT or THE BOOK EATERS. It is 96K words.
Chapter One

The shop was quiet. Rain tapped against the dark window like a lonely ghost asking to come in. Gill Rewin had just finished cataloging the most recently acquired items. In one hand, he held a thick, leather-bound book of inventory which contained a listing of all the registration numbers, along with descriptions written in his neat, careful handwriting. He reviewed the latest.
2368: Clay doll, six inches in length, age unknown. Discovered in a cave in the foothills of the Northern Mountains. Increases fertility when carried. Price: 500 d.
507: Candle, four inches long, manufactured within the last ten years, powers a result of spontaneous manifestation. Acquired three months ago. Gentles unruly horses when lit within a twenty-foot range (no effect on humans). Causes unpredictable behavior in dogs and other canines. Price: 40 d.
9112: Glass jar containing one pickled fetal pig, former property of the biology department of Relkavin College, powers a result of spontaneous manifestation. Predicts weather by changing color, pale greenish-gray for approaching rain, pale pink for sun. Occasional aberrations occur. Accuracy not guaranteed, but makes an excellent conversation piece. Price: 80 d.
According to tests, the pig also turned purplish, on occasion—Gill had observed this once—but since this didn’t correspond with any obvious meteorological events, no one had figured out what it meant. Subtle seismic activity deep beneath the Earth’s surface, perhaps, or the erratic movements of planets and moons untold miles away, or some atmospheric fluctuation undetectable to human senses. Potem were full of such mysteries. It was one of their charms.
“I’m going to finish up some paperwork,” Mrs. Prull announced, pulling Gill from his thoughts.

submitted by RogueOtterAJ to PubTips [link] [comments]

2024.04.28 15:15 wanderingmind Why young men and women are drifting apart - Economist article

Why young men and women are drifting apart Diverging worldviews could affect politics, families and more An illustration depicting a young woman and a young man leaning against opposite sides of a brick wall
Mar 13th 2024atlanta, beijing and warsaw
id. In a trendy food market in Warsaw, Poland’s capital, two female engineers are discussing how hard it is to meet a nice, enlightened man. Paulina Nasilowska got a big pay rise a few years ago. Her boyfriend asked: “Did you have an affair with your boss?” He is now an ex-boyfriend.
Ms Nasilowska’s friend, Joanna Walczak, recalls a man she met on Tinder who revealed that he was a “red-pill” guy (a reference to “The Matrix”, a film, meaning someone who sees reality clearly. In the “manosphere”, a global online community of angry men, it means realising that men are oppressed.) He thought household chores and child care were women’s work, and that women could not be leaders. They didn’t have a second date.
Typically for young Polish women, Ms Nasilowska and Ms Walczak support parties of the liberal left, which take women’s issues seriously and promise to legalise abortion. Young Polish men, they complain, hew more to the right, or even to the far right. Consider last year’s election. Then the top choice for 18- to 29-year-old men was Confederation, a party that touts free-market economics and traditional social values. (“Against feminists. In defence of real women” is one of its slogans.) Some 26% of young men backed it; only 6% of their female peers did.
Young Polish men have their own set of complaints. Feminism has gone too far, say two firemen in their 20s in a small town. Lukasz says he used to be able to go to a village dance party and “the women there were wife material.” Nowadays “they’re all posting shameless pictures of themselves on social media,” he laments. The media are “all biased and pushing the culture to the left”, complains Mateusz (neither man would give a surname). People no longer admit that men and women often want to do different kinds of work.
In much of the developed world, the attitudes of young men and women are polarising. The Economist analysed polling data from 20 rich countries, using the European Social Survey, America’s General Social Survey and the Korean Social Survey. Two decades ago there was little difference between men and women aged 18-29 on a self-reported scale of 1-10 from very liberal to very conservative. But our analysis found that by 2020 the gap was 0.75 (see chart 1 ). For context, this is roughly twice the size of the gap in opinion between people with and without a degree in the same year.
Put another way, in 2020 young men were only slightly more likely to describe themselves as liberal than conservative, with a gap of just two percentage points. Young women, however, were much more likely to lean to the left than the right, with a gap of a massive 27 percentage points.
In all the large countries we examined, young men were more conservative than young women (see chart 2). In Poland the gap was 1.1 points on a scale of 1-10. It was a hefty 1.4 in America, 1 in France, 0.75 in Italy, 0.71 in Britain and 0.74 in South Korea. Men and women have always seen the world differently. What is striking, though, is that a gulf in political opinions has opened up, as younger women are becoming sharply more liberal while their male peers are not.
For young women, the triumphs of previous generations of feminists, in vastly increasing women’s opportunities in the workplace and public life, are in the past. They are concerned with continuing injustices, from male violence to draconian abortion laws (in some countries) and gaps in pay to women shouldering a disproportionate share of housework and child care. Plenty of men are broadly in their corner. But a substantial portion are vocally not. Young women’s avid liberalism may spring from a feeling that there is much work still to be done, and that opposition to doing it will be stiff.
The gap does not translate straightforwardly into voting patterns, but it is visible. One poll found that 72% of young American women who voted in House elections in 2022 backed the Democratic candidate; some 54% of young men did. In 2008 there was barely any gap. In Europe, where many elections offer a wide array of parties, young women are more likely to support the most left-wing ones, whereas young men are more likely to favour the right or even the radical right.
In France in 2022 young men were much keener than young women on Eric Zemmour, a presidential candidate who wrote a book rebutting Simone de Beauvoir, France’s best-known feminist. Germany’s election in 2021 saw the largest ever left-right gap between the votes of young women and men, according to Ansgar Hudde of the University of Cologne. In Portugal, where the far-right Chega party surged in an election on March 10th, support for it is concentrated among voters who are young, male and less educated. And South Korea in 2022 elected an overtly anti-feminist president; more than 58% of men in their 20s voted for him. Some 58% of women in their 20s backed his rival.
Young and cranky
The attitude gap between the sexes is also visible in how they view each other. People in 27 European countries were asked whether they agreed that “advancing women’s and girls’ rights has gone too far because it threatens men’s and boys’ opportunities.” Unsurprisingly, men were more likely to concur than women. Notably, though, young men were more anti-feminist than older men, contradicting the popular notion that each generation is more liberal than the previous one. Gefjon Off, Nicholas Charron and Amy Alexander of Gothenburg University use a Dutch analogy to illustrate the difference between young (18-29) and old (65+) European men. It is as great, on this question, as the gap between the average supporter of Geert Wilders’s radical-right Party for Freedom and the Liberal Democrats.
A similar pattern holds in other advanced countries. Although a higher share of young British men think it is harder to be a woman than a man than think the opposite (35% to 26%), they are likelier than old British men to say it is harder to be a man than a woman. Young British women are more likely than their mothers to believe the opposite. Nearly 80% of South Korean men in their 20s say that men are discriminated against. Barely 30% of men over 60 agree, making their views indistinguishable from those of women in their 20s or 60s.
In China pollsters do not ask about voting intentions, but they find a similar divergence between young men and women when it comes to gender roles (see chart 3). Yue Qian of the University of British Columbia and Jiaxing Li of the Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences looked at survey data for 35,000 Chinese people. In their analysis they found that young men were much more likely than young women to agree with statements such as “men should put career first, whereas women should put family first” and “when the economy is bad, female employees should be fired first.”
Young Chinese men’s views were not much different from those of older men, whereas young women’s views were far more egalitarian than their mothers’. Claire, a market researcher in Beijing (who uses an English name to preserve her anonymity), says she wants a partner who will treat her as an equal and share the housework. “I think most Chinese men would fail that test,” she sighs. Dr Qian notes that when Chinese parents go to “matchmaking corners” in parks, they brag about their sons’ jobs and degrees, but hide their daughters’ achievements, fearing they will put off potential suitors.
What is going on? The most likely causes of this growing division are education (young men are getting less of it than young women), experience (advanced countries have become less sexist, and men and women experience this differently) and echo chambers (social media aggravate polarisation). Also, in democracies, many politicians on the right are deftly stoking young male grievances, while many on the left barely acknowledge that young men have real problems.
But they do, starting with education. Although the men at the top are doing fine, many of the rest are struggling. In rich countries, 28% of boys but only 18% of girls fail to reach the minimum level of reading proficiency as defined by pisa, which tests high-school students. And women have overtaken men at university (see chart 4). In the eu, the share of men aged 25 to 34 with tertiary degrees rose from 21% to 35% between 2002 and 2020. For women it rose faster, from 25% to 46%. In America, the gap is about the same: ten percentage points more young women than men earn a bachelor’s degree.
Differences in education lead to differences in attitude: people who attend college are more likely to absorb a liberal, egalitarian outlook. The education gap also leads to differences in how men and women experience life, work and romance. To simplify: when a woman leaves university in a rich country, she is likely to find a white-collar job and be able to support herself. But when she enters the dating market (assuming she is heterosexual), she finds that, because there are many more female graduates than male ones, the supply of liberal, educated men does not match demand. Charelle Lewis, a 26-year-old health-care worker in Washington, dc, complains that men her age have “a little-boy mindset”.
The dating scene can also be bleak for men who did not go to university. Upwardly mobile women reject them. Michal Pazura, a young Polish dairy farmer, takes a break from inflating tractor tyres and recalls a girlfriend who “didn’t like the smell” of the farm and left him to live in a town. “I wanted a traditional, stable lifestyle. She wanted fun.” Male farmers have such a hard time finding spouses that a reality show called “Farmer Wants a Wife” is one of the most popular on Polish television. “It’s hard to say what young women want in a man these days,” says Lukasz, the Polish fireman. Previously, they just wanted a man with “a stable income, who could fix things in the house…and who had a driving licence”, he recalls.
Will the gulf in attitudes affect how many of today’s young people eventually couple up and have kids? It is too soon to know. But for those who think the rich world’s tumbling birth rates are a problem, the early signs are discouraging. In America, Daniel Cox, Kelsey Eyre Hammond and Kyle Gray of the Survey Centre on American Life find that Generation Z (typically defined as those born between the late 1990s and early 2000s) have their first romantic relationship years later than did Millennials (born between 1980 and the late 1990s) or Generation X (born in the decade or so to 1980), and are more likely to feel lonely. Also, Gen Z women, unlike older women, are dramatically more likely than their male peers to describe themselves as lgbt (31% to 16%). It remains to be seen whether this mismatch will last, and if so, how it will affect the formation of families in the future.
The backlash against feminism may be especially strong among young men because they are the ones who feel most threatened by women’s progress. Better jobs for women need not mean worse ones for men—but many men think it does. Older men are less bothered, since they are more likely to be established in their careers or retired. Younger men, by contrast, are just starting out, so they “are most likely to perceive women’s competition as a potential threat to their future life course”, argue Dr Off, Dr Charron and Dr Alexander. In a recent study, they found that young European men are especially likely to resent women (and feel that feminism has gone too far) if unemployment has recently risen in their area, and if they perceive their society’s institutions to be unfair. Anti-feminist views, they add, are a fair predictor of right-wing authoritarian ones.
Not all male grumbles are groundless. In some countries, divorce courts tend to favour the mother in child-custody disputes. In others, pension rules are skewed. Men enter the labour market earlier and die younger, but the retirement age for women in rich countries is on average slightly lower. In Poland it is five years lower, so a Polish man can expect to work three times longer than he will live post-retirement, while for a Polish woman the ratio is 1.4, notes Michał Gulczyński of Bocconi University. This strikes many men as unfair. Mateusz, the Polish fireman, recalls when a left-wing lawmaker was asked, if she was so keen on equal rights, what about equalising the pension age? “She changed the subject,” he scoffs.
Another factor that particularly affects young men is conscription. They are the first to be called up; women are often exempt. In South Korea, where military service is universal for men and notoriously gruelling, it fuels male resentment. In Europe conscription is no longer common, but Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has made young men in neighbouring countries, such as Poland, more scared they may be drafted, says Mr Gulczyński.
Social media, the lens through which young people increasingly view the world, may have aggravated polarisation. First, they let people form echo chambers. When homogenous groups of like-minded people discuss an issue, they tend to become more extreme, as individuals vie for affirmation by restating the in-group’s core position in ever-stronger terms, and denouncing those who dispute it.
When groups of frustrated young men link up online, the conversation often descends into misogyny. In male-dominated Chinese chatrooms the phrase “feminist whore” is common, along with a pun that inserts the character for “fist” into “feminist” to make it sound more aggressive.
Once a man joins an angry online group, the pressure to remain in it is strong. Benjamin, a student in Washington, dc, says he used to be a “red-pill guy …working as a janitor, eating McDonalds and wallowing in self-pity”. He’d watch classes online about how to boost his self-confidence and pick up women. When he quit the manosphere, his friends taunted him as a “blue-pill” (someone fooled by the establishment) or a “cuck” (a weak man).
Second, algorithms hook users with content that terrifies or infuriates, making the world seem both more frightening and more unjust than it is. Women who click on #MeToo stories will see more of them; ditto for men who click on stories of men being falsely accused of rape. Each may gain an exaggerated idea of the risks that they personally face.
“When you go into a gym to work out and a woman’s in your line of vision, you look at her and all of a sudden you’re famous on TikTok for being a sexual harasser or something,” says Kahlil Rose, a 28-year-old conservative man in Atlanta. This has not happened to anyone he knows. But he has seen it on his phone, so it looms large in his consciousness. Benjamin, the student in Washington, offers a similarly gloomy perspective: “Men my age are afraid to get married because they hear a cautionary tale: woman cheats, files for divorce and takes everything he worked for.”
Women see a different world online. Julia Kozik, a student in Warsaw, follows a tip she saw on TikTok. When she rides in a cab, she tears out a strand of hair and puts it under the seat in case she is abducted and the police need dna evidence. “I avoid men at all costs, mostly,” she says.
The political left has done a fair job of persuading women that it cares about their problems. But it has not figured out how to talk to men, argues Richard Reeves, a liberal scholar, in “Of Boys and Men”. Progressives often assume “that gender inequality can only run one way, that is, to the disadvantage of women”. And they apply labels like “toxic masculinity” so indiscriminately as to suggest that there is something intrinsically wrong with being male. Rather than drawing immature boys and men into a dialogue about their behaviour, this “is much more likely to send them to the online manosphere, where they will be reassured they did nothing wrong and that liberals are out to get them”.
Making America virile again
Some politicians on the right, by contrast, have found ways to connect with disgruntled males. Donald Trump is an obvious example. He cultivates “an image of virility and manliness”, argues Mr Cox of the Survey Centre on American Life. He appealed to young men who don’t follow the news by showing up at an Ultimate Fighting Championship event. He also tends “to side with men in cultural conflicts”. In 2018 he decried what he said was a shift in the burden of proof in cases of rape and sexual assault: “It’s a very scary time for young men in America when you can be guilty of something you may not be guilty of...That’s one of the very, very bad things that’s taking place right now.” Progressives may dismiss this as the self-interested griping of a serial abuser. But there’s reason to believe that Mr Trump’s macho behaviour “resonates with young men”, says Mr Cox.
What neither side has done well is to tackle the underlying problems that are driving young men and women apart. Most important, policymakers could think harder about making schools work for underperforming boys. Mr Reeves suggests hiring more male teachers, and having boys start school a year later, by default, since they mature more slowly than girls do. Also, since “the desegregation of the labour market has been almost entirely one-way”, the state could beef up vocational training to prepare young men for occupations they currently shun, such as those involving health, education or administrative tasks. If such reforms help more boys and men adjust to a changing world, that would benefit both men and women.

submitted by wanderingmind to Lal_Salaam [link] [comments]

2024.04.28 14:49 ASICmachine Custodia Bank To Appeal Denial of Access to Fed Master Account (x-post from /r/Bitcoin)

submitted by ASICmachine to CryptoCurrencyClassic [link] [comments]

2024.04.28 14:42 No-Comparison-9307 Custodia Bank To Appeal Denial of Access to Fed Master Account

https://bitcoinnews.com/legal/custodia-bank-appeal-master-account/

submitted by No-Comparison-9307 to Bitcoin [link] [comments]

2024.04.28 14:40 UnDead_Ted Daily Dose Verse John 13:35 Everyone Will Know

John 13:35 ^NIV

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

Sunday - 40/28/2024
John reiterates this idea in his first letter (1 John 3:14; 4:20). Jesus sets love as the primary outward sign of a person's Christian faith. He is especially referring to love between those who claim to be His followers. Earlier in the evening, Jesus humbly washed the feet of His disciples (John 13:2–5). He explained that this was an example of service for them to follow (John 13:12–17). In the prior verse, Jesus indicated that this command to love falls under that same umbrella: we are to love as Jesus loved (1 John 3:16; Ephesians 5:25). This was phrased as a renewed, re-emphasized command stemming from those He had given before (Matthew 22:36–40).
No aspect of Christian faith can be dismissed, though some are more pressing than others . These include sound doctrine (Titus 2:1; 1 Timothy 6:3–5) and moral behavior (1 John 1:7; Colossians 3:1–10). But the gold standard for living out Christian belief, and the means by which believers are to distinguish themselves from non-believers, is expressed in this verse. As Paul expresses in 1 Corinthians chapter 13, nothing is commendable unless it is done out of love (1 Corinthians 13:1–3). Love must be pursued truthfully and with good judgment (Ephesians 4:15; John 7:24; 1 John 3:18), but it cannot be set aside under any circumstances.

In Other Words: Indeed, the centrality of love in the Christian faith is a theme that echoes throughout the New Testament, underscored repeatedly by Jesus and expounded by His apostles in their writings. Here are some thoughts on how love serves as the foundational principle for Christian living, as referenced in your discussion: Jesus' Example of Service: Jesus demonstrated love through acts of service, most notably when He washed His disciples' feet. This act was not only a lesson in humility but also a directive to love others through tangible, selfless actions (John 13:2-5, 12-17). This emphasizes that love in the Christian context is not merely emotional but actively demonstrated in daily life. The New Commandment: Jesus' command to love as He loved is a direct call to His followers to exhibit a deeper, sacrificial kind of love, as illustrated in His own life. This is a love that goes beyond normal expectations and societal norms, aiming to reflect the unconditional love Jesus Himself showed (1 John 3:16; Ephesians 5:25). Love as the Identifying Mark of Believers: The notion that love is the primary way Christians are distinguished from non-believers is powerfully stated in John's letters and reinforced by Jesus’ teachings. This love is not only a private virtue but a public testimony to the transformative power of faith in Christ (1 John 3:14; 4:20). The Supremacy of Love in Christian Ethics: Paul's discourse in 1 Corinthians 13 highlights the supremacy of love over all other virtues and gifts. Without love, even the most impressive spiritual gifts or sacrifices are rendered empty (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). This underscores that love is the greatest spiritual gift and should be the driving force behind all actions. Love Combined with Truth and Judgment: While love is paramount, it does not negate the necessity for truth and sound judgment. Believers are encouraged to speak the truth in love and make righteous judgments, ensuring that love does not devolve into mere sentimentality or compromise on moral and doctrinal integrity (Ephesians 4:15; John 7:24; 1 John 3:18). Living Out This Love: The challenge for believers is to live out this high calling of love in everyday interactions and in the broader community. This involves both heart attitudes and practical actions, continually seeking to embody the love of Christ in all relationships and circumstances. These reflections invite believers to constantly evaluate their lives against the standard of love that Jesus set and the apostles reiterated, ensuring that their faith is not just professed but powerfully demonstrated through love in action.

Context Summary....

John 13:31–35 contains one of the most powerful commands given to Christians: that love for others is the defining sign of faith for ''all people,'' marking the life of a true believer. Jesus frames this as a new commandment, using His own example as the standard. In giving this charge, Jesus once again predicts His impending death and departure from earth.

In Other Words: John 13:31-35 captures a pivotal moment in the life and ministry of Jesus, particularly as it pertains to His instructions about love and the example He sets for His followers. This passage comes at a critical juncture—the Last Supper—when Jesus, aware of His imminent betrayal and crucifixion, prepares His disciples for His departure. Here's an exploration of these verses and their significance: Context and Overview: After Judas leaves the supper to betray Him, Jesus begins to speak more openly about what is to come, referring to His glorification through His death, resurrection, and ascension. This "glorification" refers to the culmination of His earthly ministry and the fulfillment of His redemptive mission. It's within this charged, solemn context that He gives the new commandment. The New Commandment: Jesus says, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." This commandment is "new" not because the concept of love was unknown in Jewish teaching but because it is now grounded in the nature and extent of Jesus' love. His love—sacrificial, unconditional, and self-emptying—becomes the benchmark for His followers. Implications of the New Commandment: Defining Mark of Discipleship - The love Jesus commands isn't just any kind of love; it is a love modeled after His own. This love is proactive, not reactive; it acts selflessly and seeks the good of others, even at great personal cost. A Witness to the World - Jesus underscores that by this love, "all people will know that you are my disciples." The distinctive quality of this love would be so profound that it would serve as the primary witness to the world of the truth and transformative power of the gospel. Love as a Reflection of Jesus' Own Love- By linking the command to love one another with the way He has loved them, Jesus sets a high standard. His love was about to be supremely demonstrated through His death on the cross—this is the measure of love He calls His followers to emulate. Application and Reflection: Reflect on the Sacrificial Nature of Love - Consider how Jesus' willingness to go to the cross defines the way we should approach our relationships and service to others. How might we more fully embody this type of sacrificial love in our own lives? Identify Practical Ways to Love Others: Jesus showed His love through actions—from washing His disciples' feet to laying down His life. Reflect on practical ways to demonstrate love in everyday interactions and commitments. Consider the Witness of Our Love: Think about how our love for one another can testify to the gospel's power. In what ways can stronger demonstration of love among believers impact our witness to the world around us? John 13:31-35 thus not only sets a profound theological and ethical framework but also challenges believers to live out these principles in tangible, transformative ways

Chapter Summary....

Jesus meets with a smaller group, possibly only the twelve disciples, in a private setting. Before eating a meal, Jesus performs the work of a lowly servant, washing the feet of the disciples. He explains that this is an object lesson. Their Lord is willing to serve in humility, so they are obligated to do the same. Jesus also predicts His impending betrayal, subtly telling Judas to leave and complete His conspiracy. The disciples don't realize what's happened, however. Peter foolishly brags about his loyalty. Jesus responds with a cutting prediction: Peter will deny his relationship to Christ three times in the next few hours.

In Other Words: In the scenes you've described, we see a dramatic and profound moment in the Gospel narratives, particularly in John 13. This chapter is rich with symbolic acts and foretelling events that shape the foundational principles of Christian discipleship and community. Here’s a deeper look into the key components of this passage: Foot Washing as a Lesson in Servanthood: Symbol of Service and Humility - Jesus washing the disciples' feet was a powerful act that inverted social norms and expectations about leadership and service. By performing a task reserved for household servants, Jesus illustrated a new way of leadership grounded in humility and service to others. Mandate to Follow - After washing their feet, Jesus explained that He had set an example for them. Just as He, their Lord and Teacher, had washed their feet, they should also wash one another's feet (John 13:14-15). This act was meant to be a tangible lesson in servanthood, emphasizing that no service is too menial when done out of love and care for others. The Prediction of Betrayal Announcement of Betrayal - The meal also becomes a backdrop for the revelation of Judas' impending betrayal. Jesus' announcement is subtle, not directly naming Judas at first, but making clear that His betrayal is imminent (John 13:21). Reaction and Confusion - The disciples are puzzled by Jesus' statement about betrayal, and even after Jesus indicates who the betrayer is through the giving of the morsel of bread, they struggle to understand the full meaning of the events unfolding around them. Peter's Misplaced Confidence Peter’s Vow - In the course of the Last Supper, Peter boldly declares his loyalty to Jesus, even to the point of laying down his life for Him (John 13:37). Jesus’ Response - Jesus responds to Peter's boast with a sobering prophecy—that Peter will deny Him three times before the rooster crows (John 13:38). This prediction highlights not only Peter's misunderstanding of his own capacity for faithfulness but also underscores the theme of human frailty and the need for divine grace. Reflections: These events at the Last Supper serve as profound lessons in discipleship: Humility and Service - The act of foot washing serves as a continual reminder for believers about the core Christian values of service and humility. Reflect on how you can incorporate these principles into your interactions and responsibilities. Understanding Human Weakness - Peter’s bravado and subsequent denial remind us of our own vulnerabilities and the need for vigilance in our spiritual commitments. It challenges us to examine our own assurances and to seek strength and humility in our faith journey. Readiness to Forgive - Jesus’ foreknowledge of Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial, yet His continued love and instruction towards them, exemplifies the readiness to forgive and redeem that characterizes divine love. These lessons culminate in a rich tapestry that underscores the transformative and countercultural ethos of Christian life as taught and exemplified by Jesus. The narrative invites deep reflection on personal faith, the nature of true leadership, and the unconditional love that should define the community of believe.

Reflect

John 13:35 is a pivotal verse where Jesus says, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." This verse provides a foundational principle for Christian identity and witness. Reflecting on this verse can help deepen understanding and inspire practical application in one's life. Here are some of my questions and a reflective prompts to consider:

Questions for Reflection on John 13:35

1) What does it mean to love "as Jesus loved"? Consider the context in which Jesus spoke these words, including His actions and teachings at the Last Supper.

Loving "as Jesus loved" is a central call of Christian discipleship and is deeply rooted in the actions and teachings of Jesus Christ as depicted in the New Testament. This type of love is characterized by several key attributes:

1. Sacrificial Love

Jesus’ love was primarily sacrificial, exemplified most clearly through His crucifixion. He willingly laid down His life for the sake of humanity, demonstrating that true love often involves self-sacrifice for the good of others. This means putting others’ needs, wellbeing, and salvation before one's own comfort or safety.

2. Unconditional Love

Jesus loved without conditions. He did not base His love on the attractiveness, merit, or reciprocity of those He loved. This is evident in His outreach to society's outcasts, His forgiveness of sinners, and His care for the oppressed and marginalized.

3. Servant Leadership

Jesus introduced a radical concept of leadership and greatness founded on servanthood rather than power or control. He washed His disciples' feet, a task typically performed by servants, to demonstrate how His followers should treat one another with humility and service.

4. Inclusive Love

Jesus broke down cultural and social barriers of His time. He interacted with Samaritans, Gentiles, tax collectors, women, and others who were often excluded from religious and social privileges. His love crossed boundaries and embraced all people, regardless of their social status or past.

5. Forgiving Love

One of the most profound aspects of Jesus’ love is His willingness to forgive. From forgiving those who crucified Him to offering redemption to those who betrayed and denied Him, His love was marked by a capacity to forgive and restore relationships.

6. Teaching Love

Jesus also loved by teaching. He spent much of His ministry teaching His disciples and followers about the Kingdom of God, challenging them to think differently about God, themselves, and the world. His teachings were an integral part of His love, guiding people toward truth and liberation.

7. Empathetic and Compassionate Love

Jesus often moved with compassion, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and comforting the sorrowful. His empathy wasn’t just emotional but also led to concrete actions to alleviate suffering.

Implementing This Love

To love as Jesus loved means to integrate these attributes into daily life. It calls for a love that is active, practical, and deeply transformative. This love challenges followers of Christ to look beyond their own needs, to forgive when it's hard, to serve without expecting anything in return, and to extend their care to those who are different from them. It's a high standard—one that requires continual growth, reliance on divine strength, and a deep commitment to live out one's faith authentically.

2) How can the love among believers be a testimony to the world? Reflect on how the quality of relationships within the Christian community can act as a witness to those outside of it.

1. Demonstrates the Reality of the Gospel

The Gospel is not only a message to be heard but a reality to be seen. When believers love one another in the self-sacrificial, unconditional way that Jesus loved, it provides a visible proof of the Gospel's transformative power. This kind of love is countercultural and can draw others to inquire about the faith that inspires it.

2. Offers a Contrast to Societal Norms

In a world often characterized by division, self-interest, and strife, the love among believers offers a stark contrast. This love showcases a community built on forgiveness, unity, and mutual care, which can be incredibly appealing to those tired of the typical societal conflicts and breakdowns.

3. Validates Believers’ Testimonies

When believers proclaim a message of love and redemption but live out a reality of conflict and hypocrisy, their message is undermined. Conversely, when their lives reflect genuine love, it validates their words about who Jesus is and what He teaches. This congruence between message and lifestyle makes the Christian testimony more credible and compelling.

4. Reflects God’s Love to the World

Believers are called to be mirrors reflecting God’s love to the world. The Bible describes God as love, and when believers live out this love, they provide a glimpse of God’s character to those who might not otherwise know Him.

5. Creates a Sense of Belonging

Love within a community creates a welcoming environment that can draw others in. Many people are looking for a place to belong and feel valued; a loving community can meet this deep human need, serving as a bridge to the Gospel.

6. Encourages Reconciliation

The love among believers often transcends cultural, racial, and economic barriers that typically divide societies. This can be a powerful witness to the reconciliatory power of the Gospel, showing that it is possible to unite under a common identity in Christ despite external differences.

7. Motivates Social Justice and Compassion

A community that practices Jesus’ command to love will naturally be involved in acts of compassion and justice, addressing the needs of the less fortunate and standing up for the oppressed. Such actions not only alleviate suffering but also point to Jesus’ teachings about caring for the "least of these," which can intrigue and inspire outsiders.

The love among believers is essential not only for healthy community life but also as a vital form of outreach. It serves as both a preview of the heavenly kingdom and a practical demonstration of the Gospel's power, inviting others to explore and eventually embrace the Christian faith.
3) Are there limits to this commandment of love? Think about situations where loving others might be challenging. How should Christians handle such scenario?

The commandment to love one another, as Jesus loved, is indeed profound and far-reaching, but it also presents real challenges in complex or difficult situations. While the commandment itself has no limits in terms of its scope—meaning Christians are called to love always and everyone—the practical application can be nuanced, especially in challenging circumstances.

1. Loving in the Face of Harm or Abuse

In situations involving harm, abuse, or any threat to someone's well-being, loving others doesn’t mean permitting or enduring wrongdoing. Christians are called to seek justice, protect the vulnerable, and promote healing. Loving in such situations may involve taking action to stop the abuse and helping both the victim and the perpetrator find help and redemption. This might include intervention, reporting crimes, and supporting both justice and rehabilitation efforts.

2. Loving Those Who Oppose or Persecute

Loving those who are antagonistic or hostile towards one's beliefs can be particularly challenging. This type of love involves praying for them, responding with kindness rather than retaliation, and maintaining integrity. It means showing respect and compassion even when it is not reciprocated.

3. Boundaries in Love

Loving others does not imply a lack of boundaries. It’s healthy and necessary to establish limits that prevent relationships from becoming enabling, codependent, or harmful in other ways. Boundaries help sustain long-term, healthy interactions by ensuring that relationships are mutually respectful and edifying.

4. Loving and Truth-Telling

Love does not avoid confronting difficult truths. In fact, part of loving another person well is being willing to speak truth when it is needed, even if it is uncomfortable. This should always be done in a spirit of kindness and grace, aiming for restoration and growth rather than condemnation.

5. Loving in Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Forgiveness can be extremely difficult, especially in cases of deep hurt or betrayal. While Christians are called to forgive as an act of will, in alignment with how Jesus forgave, reconciliation can be a more complicated process that might require time, repentance, and restoration. Sometimes, full reconciliation is not possible if the offending party is unrepentant or continues in harmful behaviors.

6. Practical Challenges of Everyday Love

Day-to-day irritations and conflicts also test the command to love. Practicing patience, kindness, and self-control in the face of daily challenges is also a part of living out this command. This might mean taking time to understand others' perspectives, managing one’s own reactions, and seeking peace and unity actively.

Handling Challenges in Love

In all these scenarios, Christians should seek wisdom through prayer, counsel from trusted advisors, and guidance from Scripture. Handling tough love situations requires a balance of grace and truth, mercy and justice, and patience and assertiveness. It involves a continuous reliance on God’s strength and an ongoing commitment to grow in love, understanding that human love will never perfectly mirror the love of Christ, but it is always the goal for which to strive.

4) How does this command to love one another challenge cultural norms about relationships and community? Consider the implications for how Christians interact not just with each other, but also with wider society.

The command to love one another challenges cultural norms about relationships and community in several significant ways, both within the Christian community and in wider society:

1. Radical Inclusivity

Cultural norms often dictate that we associate primarily with those who are similar to us—whether in terms of race, socioeconomic status, political beliefs, or lifestyle choices. However, the command to love one another challenges these norms by calling Christians to embrace radical inclusivity. It requires believers to love and accept people from all walks of life, regardless of their differences or backgrounds.

2. Selfless Sacrifice

In many cultures, individualism and self-interest are highly valued, often at the expense of others. However, the command to love one another challenges this mindset by calling Christians to selfless sacrifice and service. It teaches believers to prioritize the needs of others above their own desires and comforts, even when it requires personal sacrifice.

3. Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Cultural norms around conflict resolution often prioritize winning, revenge, or holding grudges. However, the command to love one another challenges these norms by emphasizing forgiveness and reconciliation. It teaches believers to seek peace and restoration in relationships, even when it's difficult or costly.

4. Embracing Diversity

Cultural norms may perpetuate prejudice, discrimination, or exclusion based on factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, or religion. However, the command to love one another challenges these norms by calling Christians to embrace diversity and celebrate the unique gifts and contributions of all people. It teaches believers to value every individual as a beloved child of God, worthy of dignity and respect.

5. Counter-cultural Witness

In a world marked by division, conflict, and hostility, the command to love one another presents a counter-cultural witness. It demonstrates to wider society the transformative power of love to bridge divides, heal wounds, and build community across differences. It challenges cultural norms that perpetuate division and encourages a vision of unity, reconciliation, and mutual flourishing.

Implications for Interaction

In practical terms, the command to love one another challenges Christians to actively engage with wider society in ways that reflect the values of the Kingdom of God. It calls believers to advocate for justice, promote reconciliation, and embody the love of Christ in their interactions with others, both individually and collectively. This includes advocating for the marginalized, standing against injustice, and working towards the common good of all people, regardless of their background or beliefs. The command to love one another challenges Christians to be agents of transformation in the world, challenging cultural norms that perpetuate division, inequality, and injustice, and striving to create communities of love, inclusion, and reconciliation that reflect the values of the Kingdom of God.
5) In what ways have you experienced this kind of love within the Christian community? Reflect on how these experiences have impacted your faith and your view of God.

1. Unconditional Acceptance

Many individuals within the Christian community have reported experiencing a profound sense of unconditional acceptance and belonging. This often occurs through supportive relationships within a church or small group setting, where individuals feel fully embraced for who they are, regardless of their background or struggles. This kind of love can have a transformative impact, fostering a deep sense of security and identity as beloved children of God.

2. Practical Acts of Service

Another common experience is witnessing and receiving practical acts of service and kindness within the Christian community. Whether it's providing meals for those in need, offering a listening ear during difficult times, or volunteering to help with practical tasks, these acts of love demonstrate the tangible expression of Christ-like love in action. Experiencing such acts of service can deepen one's faith by reinforcing the belief that love is not just a feeling but a tangible force for good in the world.

3. Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Forgiveness and reconciliation are central themes within the Christian faith, and experiencing these firsthand within the Christian community can have a profound impact on one's faith journey. Whether it's experiencing forgiveness for past mistakes or witnessing the reconciliation of broken relationships, these experiences can offer a powerful testimony to the transformative power of God's love and grace. They can also challenge and reshape one's understanding of God as a loving and forgiving Father.

4. Empathy and Support in Times of Need

Finally, many individuals within the Christian community have experienced genuine empathy and support during times of need or crisis. Whether facing illness, loss, or other hardships, the outpouring of love and support from fellow believers can provide a source of strength and comfort. These experiences can deepen one's trust in God's provision and care, as well as foster a sense of interconnectedness and mutual dependency within the body of Christ.

Experiencing love within the Christian community can profoundly impact one's faith and view of God by providing tangible demonstrations of God's love in action. These experiences can reinforce core Christian beliefs about the nature of God's love, as well as inspire and empower individuals to live out their faith more fully in their own lives.
6) What are practical ways you can show this kind of love in your daily interactions? Think about specific actions or changes you can implement to better reflect this commandment in your life.

1. Acts of Kindness

Hold the door open for someone.
Offer to help carry groceries or heavy items.
Send a thoughtful text or email to check in on a friend or family member.

2. Active Listening

Practice listening without interrupting or formulating a response.
Show empathy by acknowledging the other person's feelings and experiences.
Reflect back what the other person has said to ensure understanding.

3. Random Acts of Generosity

Pay for someone's coffee or meal anonymously.
Leave a generous tip for a server or delivery person.
Donate to a charity or cause that is meaningful to you.

4. Words of Encouragement

Offer sincere compliments to uplift others.
Write a note of encouragement to a coworker or friend.
Verbally express your appreciation for someone's efforts or qualities.

5. Forgiveness and Grace

Choose to forgive someone who has wronged you, even if they haven't apologized.
Let go of grudges and resentments, focusing on moving forward positively.
Extend grace and understanding to others, recognizing that everyone makes mistakes.

6. Volunteerism and Service

Volunteer your time at a local shelter, food bank, or community organization.
Participate in a neighborhood cleanup or service project.
Offer your skills and expertise to help someone in need, such as tutoring or mentoring.

7. Hospitality

Invite someone new to join you for a meal or social gathering.
Welcome newcomers to your community or workplace with warmth and hospitality.
Create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and accepted.

8. Prayer and Support

Pray for others regularly, lifting up their needs and concerns to God.
Offer emotional support to those going through difficult times, lending a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on.
Be present for others in times of joy and celebration, sharing in their happiness and excitement.

By incorporating these practical actions into your daily interactions, you can demonstrate love and kindness to those around you, making a positive impact on their lives and fostering a culture of compassion and caring in your community.

Reflection Prompt

Reflect on the concept of sacrificial love: Jesus not only taught the principle of love but demonstrated it throughout His life, culminating in His sacrifice on the cross. This kind of sacrificial love goes beyond feelings and encompasses actions taken for the good of others, even at personal cost. Consider how you can embody this type of love in your relationships with family, friends, and even strangers. Are there habits or attitudes you need to change to better reflect this love? How might your relationships transform if this type of love was the foundation?
This verse invites believers to evaluate not just their personal faith but also the quality of their relationships within the community of faith. It challenges individuals to live out their faith visibly and tangibly, making love the defining characteristic of their interactions both inside and outside the church. Prayer for John 13:3 Prayer for John 13:3.
Let's Pray:
Gracious God,
As we turn our hearts to Your Word in John 13:31-35, we are reminded of the profound commandment You have given us—to love one another as You have loved us. Lord, this call to love is not just a suggestion but a fundamental aspect of our identity as Your followers.
We thank You, Father, for the example of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who demonstrated love in its fullest measure through His sacrificial life and death on the cross. Help us to emulate His love in our daily lives, that our actions may be a reflection of Your love to the world around us.
Grant us, Lord, the grace to love not only those who are easy to love but also those who may be difficult or different from us. May Your love transcend barriers of race, ethnicity, social status, and ideology, uniting us as one body in Christ.
Lord, we pray for the strength to love sacrificially, putting the needs of others above our own desires and interests. Help us to be generous with our time, resources, and compassion, seeking opportunities to serve and uplift those in need.
Father, as we endeavor to love one another, we pray that Your love may shine brightly through us, drawing others into Your kingdom and glorifying Your holy name. May our love for one another be a testimony to the world of Your grace, mercy, and unfailing love.
We lift up this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
In Jesus precious name
Amen.

submitted by UnDead_Ted to TheDailyDose [link] [comments]

2024.04.28 09:17 Pineapple-85 AITAH for lying about my work references. I was fired. (LONG STORY

I am a (38F) ages are as of today not when this all starts. In 2018 I got a new job, it was with a company B I had wanted to work with for a very long time. It is technically a corporation, they had good pay 100% paid healthcare 401k w/match. My SO (43M)at the time was a diabetic so that was so important. Small dept. 4 people Myself, my supervisor W, my counter part J who tenured and literally wrote the job description and manual for the job. J trained me. W was/is figure head she has no clue what actually went into the day to day. She was get weirdly nit picky and micromanaged about certain things. She only ever supervised in order to save face. It went as far as in a meeting with our department she to talk about the exact amount of hours of leave each of us had, aside from herself it was so inappropriate. It was a weird flex because the amount of PTO you have or get increases after year one, year 3, year 5, year 7 and 10+ years. I literally cannot count the amount of times my counterpart or I would make a decision because she either did not answer is or whatever only to be called into her office and asked "So, can you walk me through your process." I worked on so many useless projects because I would do all this work would end up on here desk and end there. Because of this it made it seem as though, I wasn't doing much. No, none of this was reported to HR, due to knowing about the retaliatory nature of the workplace at the time. I knew people who worked in different departments and it was like a different world. I did use our anonymous ethical help website several times, it seemed to go nowhere. I worked on my associates degree (I started directly into the workforce at 18, while working with this company B. I tried several times to make lateral or upward movement but was unsuccessful. I became discouraged, I tend to be a loyal person leaving a job is hard for me. I know dumb right. I worked in proximity to our security guard. There were several instances where he would say derogatory, rude or uncomfortable comments. He would specifically watch certain people on the cameras. Including videos of staff falling or being injured in some way. Cold weather climate so ice and snow. I informed W again thinking she would do what needed to be done. Over the years I collected 19 pages of emails, plus hand written notes as well. All together was like 30 pages. "She would just say try to keep everything separate he has his job you have yours." There was an incident in which, we had an intern I knew her personally. Who randomly quit I asked her about it she said the above mentioned security guard was massaging her on Facebook. Tell her how pretty she was etc. He knew she had a husband and kids. This was my last straw. I submitted a complaint through the ethics email but I did not post anonymously this time W had not been reporting other incidents. L from HR scheduled an in person meeting before the end of the day. Based on the meeting, all provided information was completely new to HR (no they did not say that it was the things that were unsaid like the horrified look on her face when she read some of the emails. They had no documented incidents on him. I made the decision in 2022 I applied at other places and found something pretty quickly. During this time W was demoted/ dept. Restructured no longer the head of her department but her title did not change. I can't say I didn’t find that satisfying. I also gave a scathing exit interview in regards to that department and W in general.
I left in June 2022. For company C I started my new job at the end of June 2022. I liked my new position well enough, it paid more but you had to contribute to health care. In October 22 I got a call from L in HR at Company B. I was asked about coming in to meet with the legal team we will call them B & S for a job placement as a Paralegal in training/ Jr. Paralegal. I agreed because well 100% paid health care and knowing not every department had the issues my previous department had. It was also a training position with education reimbursement and it was part of the position I continue my education all pluses.
I was offered the position and moved back to company B in mid/late November. Company C did not seem very understanding, I felt bad I had not intended to have such a short time there but I put in a standard two week notice.
I was also told I would be coming on as 4 year employee like I had not left. The first few months were great, let me preface this by saying I did love this job, the actual work. I made so much progress on projects left to sit dormant for 5 - 30 yrs old. My new supervisor B and I got along well but she did not actually ever have time to train me. We made a plan however for me to start classes in the fall of 23.
In late Jan 23, I ended up with family services voluntary placements two boys 10 & 11. I already have a daughter 18. This understandably was an adjustment, I had to change my schedule up a bit. I had to take more time off work than I would have liked. B became a little chilly.
In Feb 23, my husbands sister died after years struggling with drugs. She was out of state supposedly going to rehab, it really broke him. 💔 II took a few days off to help him coordinate things.
In May 23, My husband started having a mental break. He went as far as to shutting off our main breaker to get peace and quite. We live in a cold climate in May nights are still cold. I had to call the cops. It turned into a massive thing. Leaving home was terrifying, because of how unstable he was even with the kids at school we have pets. Additionally, my estranged father who is in assisted living got a blood infection. Things went down hill by the end of May/beginning of June. His blood pressure was not stable, hospice and limited life saving measures were recommended. Things got worst from there at one point, I was told he had hours to live. The majority of my family lives in WA. Which is not where I'm at currently. So I was calling, messaging ect. Family members about my dad. All while my husband is speaking in computer code running around town shirtless. I was so torn, I requested a leave of absence due to severe circumstances unpaid, which was denied. I was told I had not been an employee for a year and did not qualify for leave without pay. (Which was not what was said at time of hire, I was brought on as a 4 year employee. Unless they just decided I wasn't when it suited them. I was told I would have to use my PTO(PAID TIME OFF). B even cried while I told her what was happening in my life. I was told and I quote "Take the time with your family" and things like family is the most important thing. (Except everybody doesn’t come from the same type of family, and sometimes that becomes a huge issues.) I at no time felt my job was in jeopardy.
In June of 23 I had a severely hard time, my husband had gone crazy causing us to lose half our income. I say crazy because some of it was definitely manipulation. He was in and out of mental hospitals etc. My dad is in hospice care but showing signs of stability. I however was starting to crack and my depression was kind of eating me. I kicked my husband out of the house. I ended up taking off two weeks from work total, to deal with everything. 80 hours of PTO, was a hard hit. When I returned to the office I was put on a PIP (Performance Improvement Plan) by B which was the only time it was ever addressed. We were supposed to have follow up meeting none of them happened. I was taken aback, I felt kind of betrayed. I worked for an organization which prided themselves on family values. B herself had a husband and 3 kids at home she worked from home whenever she needed to. (I was never even offered that option). The relationship between me and B going forward was cordial, not friendly. I also never spoke to her again about anything aside from work or if I needed to request time for appointments, court (cause of husband) and school stuff or illness which violates policy. It isn’t like she gave a bleep anyway.
In July 23 Husband had stabilized but by the end of July had another major break down. My Dad also miraculously gets better and is taken out of hospice.
In Aug. 23 even with everything's going on started classes, like I agreed to do. Plus side my husband was doing better towards the end of the month still not in the home but making progress. Steady meds and therapy taking some accountability for his actions but also in serious denial of having mental health issues.
In Oct 23 my husband moved home he was on meds in therapy. There were hard boundaries meds, therapy agreeing to leave in the case he ends up feeling like he might not be right in his head. He was in agreement with everything, that is the problem with people with mental illness who refuse to accept it they are in agreement until they are not. If im honest now I let him come back out of guilt and some semblance of love, but I knew deep down the relationship was over.
In Nov 23 I am getting to the end of my semester the years events plus working full-time, school full-time, kids and pets. (I also still had the two boys in my home.) I was exhausted. I hit the one year mark qualifying me for LWOP (leave without pay or so the handbook says.) I was so run down and had sick kids I took the day off.
In Dec 23 I had finals the following week plus board week. My boss knew about this, I took a Friday off to prepare for the upcoming week, but really to prep for finals and presentations. I came into work the following week, I had literally emailed my boss buttoning up the last of my projects (the olders ones I was mentioning.) I worked until Thursday the day all board members left, I have a cousin through marriage on the board. I sent an email and got a snippy/bitchy/condescending tone and replied not just to me but everyone on the thread I replied I didn’t match tone but was matter of fact in my reply. I immediately got a weird feeling though. 20 minutes later she popped her head into my office and said hey can you come in and meet with me. When we walked passed her office, I already knew what was coming.
Sure enough, the head of HR was in the meeting room. I immediately went into panic mode and can get upset when feeling corners the room was small. It was a bad approach for me personally. I was presented a termination letter for violation of my PIP in relation to attendance. I mentioned the LWOP policy they literally didn't even acknowledge what I said. I was offered a severance package, which was pointed out was not required but because of my school they were making and exception. It including clauses saying not to say anything "disparaging about them", if the truth is disparaging sue me. They didn’t even pay my half of what the semester cost me, I was two days from submitting my school reimbursement I wouldn’t even have had that debt without them. They continued to talk, I got upset. I signed the papers and got up and walked out, the HR guy was still talking. I got up told him I was good and walked away. He followed me to my office, with the saddest look on his face. He kept offering to have my office packed for me. I looked at him and said "it is my property and I won't be leaving without it". I would not trust them to pack my things. Turned in my badge and company CC. He helped me to my car (it was nice of him, I was just not in the headspace.)
I was angry and hurt, I just wanted to get the F out of there before I blew up. I even thought I wanted to Jerry Mcguire that shit.(not even the same kind of profession, but the scene is iconic and never once in my life has I felt that way.) I know it was not professional. It was just like all my pent up anger from not just the last year but the four years I worked here prior. I just couldn't believe it.
I also acknowledge wasn't I the best employee due to my life’s chaotic state my work life balance was F'd. I was extremely angry at first but I made my choices. Did I really feel like I had any other options at the time NO.
Who plans to have all that shit happen in less then a year?
Awesome side note! My husband secretly stopped taking his meds probably 5 - 10 days after I lost my job.
In Feb 24 I am still unemployed, getting more freaked out about it. I kept putting in applications, I go on interviews than it stops. Then shit hits the fan and my husband again goes off his rocker. It was like on replay of the first time and second breakdowns. I tried to help him, brought him to the hospital he was in denial. Kept saying he just needed sleep. I dealt with it for 6 days, all while he kept saying he was fine. Which was obviously not the case after 6 days of little to no sleep. I hit my breaking point, I dropped him off at the hospital. Telling him I was done. He returned to the home broke my bedroom door, was removed by the police no charges were pressed they just held him over night. I got a temporary than long term restraining order.
In March 24 I did a part time temp job while still looking for full-time work. I continued to interview and still not get the jobs. I have now become extremely discouraged. I also found out not only did Company B who fired me restructure get restructured again). But W was no longer a manager her entire department was dismantled. Jr. Paralegal position was never filled and actually now no longer exists.
In April 24 Well almost at the end or the end for now folks. I had a couple promising interviews, they follow-up about references right away. Which I have my Two previous supervisors and J my counter-part from Company B.
Here is where I'm needing advice, I just needed to tell the story for context or to get it out either way.
The hiring manager asked for a more recent supervisory reference? Which I don't have. W is chilly and bitter before the most recent restructure. B was well a F*ing ⛱️, so that is out. Company C was less than impressed with my 5 month stay. That leaves my last usable supervisory references from 2017 and 2012. I didnt get the job obviously.
I just don't know what to do, I don't want to lie but I am getting desperate. I have a family to care for. I have survived on unemployment but its about to run out. I have mounting debt after digging myself out of a whole from a bad car loans years back (no lemon laws in this state). Does any one have any advice? How to frame this? I want to say J was my supervisor, but it isnt technical true. She did train me was more experienced though. I also am not sure how to frame or answer questions about why I left my last job. I said I was terminated due to a restructure the position no longer exist. (Which is not untrue, but also not exact true either.) Thanks for reading this long story ask questions, if you want. For those who want to criticize, be rude or mean. Trust me I do enough of that about this entire thing myself

submitted by Pineapple-85 to CharlotteDobreYouTube [link] [comments]

2024.04.28 08:40 Alteredchaos 📢 Sunday News - a busy week... the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities report on the violations of disabled is in, and a MP defects to Labour!

UK has made no significant progress in addressing its ‘grave and systematic violations’ of disabled people, UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) has found
Responding to publication of new report, coalition of Deaf and Disabled Peoples' Organisations says it is a 'much-needed counter to government rhetoric claiming they are protecting the most vulnerable'.
In a report published in 2017, the UNCPRD found that cuts to benefits and care funding had led to ‘systematic violations' of the rights of persons with disabilities, and it made a series of recommendations including that the UK government carry out a meaningful, rights-based, cumulative impact assessment of welfare reform measures adopted since 2010, while also ensuring that sufficient budget allocations are made available to cover extra costs associated with living with a disability.
However, in its new follow up report - based on meetings with a wide range of government officials as well as briefings with Deaf and Disabled Peoples' Organisations (DDPOs) - the Committee has concluded that 'no significant progress' has been made and that the UK Government has -

'... failed to take all appropriate measures to address grave and systematic violations of the human rights of persons with disabilities and has failed to eliminate the root causes of inequality and discrimination... This failure exists particularly with respect to the State party’s obligation to guarantee the right of persons with disabilities to live independently and be included in the community, to work and employment, and to an adequate standard of living and social protection...'

Specifically, the Committee makes findings in relation to -

the work capability assessment (WCA) -

'... [the] process is complex and onerous, the application itself has increased in size, which means that many applicants opt out of completing the application. Applicants are not always allowed assistance or support in assessment meetings, and assessors are inexperienced and/or unqualified in working with and understanding the lived experience of disabled people, in particular to people with intellectual and/or psychosocial disabilities.'

the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill and, in particular, automated decision-making -

'There is a tangible concern that artificial intelligence tools and algorithms may harbour inherent biases, potentially leading to punitive measures that, fundamentally, could impart a sense of criminalization and psychological distress among individuals.'

benefit deaths -

'The evidence received revealed a disturbingly consistent theme: disabled people resorting to suicide following the denial of an adequate standard of living and social protection, starkly contradicting the foundational principles enshrined in the Convention.'

refugees and asylum seekers -

'The Committee is deeply concerned by reports that disabled refugees, asylum seekers and those in refugee-like situations do not receive adequate benefits and support to live in the community, and are experiencing challenges in obtaining personal assistants, assistive devices, accessible housing and essential disability supports.'

Accordingly, the Committee makes a series of recommendations including that the UK government should urgently -

take all legislative and administrative measures necessary to ensure a nationally consistent framework to implement and monitor obligations under the Convention across the UK, and establish a comprehensive consultative process to closely consult with and actively involve persons with disabilities through their representative organisations in the National Disability Strategy;
take all legislative, policy and administrative measures to prevent, review and respond to occurrences of ‘unexpected deaths’ and ‘benefit deaths,’ including appropriate redress and reparation measures for victims’ families;
undertake an inquiry to examine the impact of the WCA and its replacement, to ensure that any assessment process recognises the dynamic relationship of individual circumstances with the environment is trauma-informed, based on the human rights model of disability, and enables individuals to seek redress for adverse impacts resulting from the process; and
ensure that the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill establishes safeguards and review mechanisms to prevent the risk of encoded biases in artificial intelligence tools and algorithms, ensuring that such technologies are deployed in a manner that respects human rights, prevents discrimination, and upholds the principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness.

UK DDPO Coalition Co-ordinator Ellen Clifford said today -

'The government’s attitude towards the UN special inquiry is evidence that their treatment of Deaf and Disabled people is wilful and calculated. This is reflected in the damning findings of the report. The limitations of the inquiry process are that there are just too many deliberate rights violations to include in one report. However, the report validates the experiences of Deaf and Disabled people across the UK and is a much-needed counter to government rhetoric claiming they are 'protecting the most vulnerable' when they are doing the exact opposite.'

For more information, see UN Committee slams government failure to address disability rights violations from dpac.uk.net

Dan Poulter: Conservative MP and ex-health minister defects to Labour
In an exclusive TV interview today, the MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that he could no longer look his NHS colleagues and patients in the eye and stay on as a Conservative.
The consultant psychiatrist, who served as a health minister under the coalition from 2012 to 2015, told the BBC:

"I found it increasingly difficult to look my NHS colleagues in the eye, my patients in the eye, and my constituents in the eye with good conscience."

He suggested the party had stopped valuing public services, saying:

"The difficulty for the Conservative Party is that the party I was elected into valued public services... it had a compassionate view about supporting the more disadvantaged in society... I think the Conservative Party today is in a very different place."

Watch the interview on BBC iPlayer or read the article on bbc.co.uk

Government confirms that it will legislate to remove benefits from those who’ve been claiming for more than 12 months if they don’t comply with conditions set by their work coach
New legislation will change rules to remove benefits entirely from the long-term unemployed who ‘don’t accept available work'.
The update came in a speech by the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last week to the Centre for Social Justice, in which he outlined -

'... a package of sweeping reforms to put work at the heart of welfare and deliver on his 'moral mission' to give everyone who is able to work, the best possible chance of staying in, or returning to work.'

Mr Sunak said that in the next parliament the government will change the rules to remove benefits entirely from the long-term unemployed who 'don’t accept a job' -

'There is no excuse for fit and able claimants on unemployment benefits who can work, not to engage with the support available to them or adhere to conditions set by their Work Coach. If someone is assessed as able to work and continues to receive taxpayer-funded benefits, it is right and fair that we expect them to engage fully with this process. There are more than 450,000 people who have been unemployed for 6 months and well over a quarter of a million who have been unemployed for 12 months. These are people who will have had to access intensive employment support and training programmes. There is no reason those people should not be in work, especially when we have over 900,000 vacancies.'

As a result, Mr Sunak said that -

'We will legislate in the next parliament to change the rules so that anyone who has been on benefits for 12 months and doesn’t comply with conditions set by their Work Coach - including accepting available work - will have their unemployment claim closed and their benefits removed entirely. Because unemployment support should be a safety net - never a lifestyle choice.'

The announcement follows the launch of November 2023's Back to Work Plan that introduced proposals including the closure of claims of those who 'refuse to engage' with the jobcentre that the Work and Pensions Secretary said would mean no claimant should reach 18 months of unemployment in receipt of their full benefits if they have not taken 'every reasonable step to comply with Jobcentre support'.
NB - new DWP statistics released on the same day as the Prime Minister's speech, Long-term out of work and 'Searching for Work claimants on Universal Credit, show that in January 2024 there were 1.231 million claimants in the 'searching for work' conditionality group and, of these, 474,000 had been searching for work, or more work, for six months or more, 320,000 had been searching for work for 12 months or more and 223,000 had been in the group for 18 months or more.
For more information, see Prime Minister’s speech on welfare: 19 April 2024 from gov.uk

New AET regulations introduced despite SSAC warning against increasing thresholds while gaps remain in the evidence base for their effectiveness
Rejecting Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) advice for a slower or phased implementation of the increases to the Administrative Earnings Threshold (AET), DWP says it is 'committed to providing more intensive support to in-work customers'.
Following previous rises in the AET in both September 2022 and January 2023, the Chancellor announced in his March 2023 budget that there would be a further increase and, to that end, regulations were laid last week that increase the thresholds to £892 for individual claimants and £1,437 for couples with effect from 13 May 2024 (equivalent to 18 and 29 hours per week respectively at the national living wage).
NB - claimants earning below the AET are placed in the Intensive Work Search (IWS) group and are required to take active steps to move into work or increase their earnings.
However, in a letter to the Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride dated 8 March 2024 (but published by the DWP 22 April 2024), SSAC Chair Dr Stephen Brien advises that the (then) draft regulations were being taken on formal reference by the Committee due to a number of concerns, including that -

the evidence presented by the DWP did not sufficiently consider or reflect the learning from previous changes to the threshold, contrary to a written commitment that had been given by the government to the Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee in January 2023;
the regulations were at risk of being implemented in a way that -
- could fail to deliver adequately the government’s stated policy intent of getting more claimants into higher-paid work;
- would lead to adverse unintended consequences; and
- could create a risk of significant hardships, for example financial penalties and additional undue burdens for some claimants in vulnerable situations; and
the draft Equality Impact Analysis did not demonstrate that the Department had paid ‘due regard’ to its equality obligations or considered the impact of the AET on those with protected characteristics.

Accordingly, the Committee sets out a series of recommendations, including that the Department should -

develop the evidence base around the circumstances where IWS would be the most effective approach, and for those cases where alternatives should be considered; and
adopt a slower or phased implementation until it has sufficient numbers of appropriately trained work coaches in place before the influx of around 140,000 additional claimants requiring more intensive in-work support, and all other balancing factors have been considered.

Dr Brien concludes -

'In the absence of a persuasive rationale for the current timetable for full implementation, we are of the strong view that the Department should review its current plan for these regulations to come into force... and take the time necessary to continue to build its evidence base, ensuring it understands more fully the impacts, risks, and what potential mitigations may be required.'

However, while the DWP's formal response to the SSAC - published alongside Dr Brien's letter - acknowledges the need for further evaluation it rejects the recommendation to delay or slow down implementation -

'The Department is committed to delivering the increase to the AET and provide more intensive support to in-work customers... Jobcentre managers continually prioritise operational activity and the activities our work coaches undertake. Operational decisions are always made to ensure customers have the best outcomes possible. As with previous changes to the AET, operational managers will ensure that the pace of rollout of this change is aligned with both their available work coach resource and the need to deliver other priority activities.'

For more information, see The Universal Credit (Administrative Earnings Threshold) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 from gov.uk

Chair of the Work and Pensions Select Committee says the DWP has done nothing to stop carers building up huge overpayments of benefit despite knowing what people are earning
Highlighting the Department's access to real-time information from HMRC, Work and Pensions Committee Chair says that 'carrying on in that way is not right'.
In a debate in Westminster Hall on 24 April 2024 - following recent media reports of claimants who have earned above the carer's allowance earnings limit resulting in large overpayments and, in some cases, prosecution for fraud - Committee Chair Stephen Timms said -

'How has the Department allowed overpayments which, in some cases, clearly cover quite a few years, to accumulate? From real-time information from His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, the Department knows what people are earning, and it can stop payment of carer’s allowance to those who are no longer eligible. Indeed, the Government’s response to the [Select Committee's 2019 report] confirmed that there is an automatic notification when weekly net pay exceeds the carer’s allowance earnings limit, yet the Department does nothing, instead allowing people to build up these huge overpayments, and then prosecuting them. Carrying on in that way is not right.'

The Westminster Hall debate on carer's allowance is available from Hansard. Also see next news item...

DWP says that large overpayments of carer’s allowance have arisen where claims were made before HMRC income alerts were introduced
During the Work and Pensions evidence session, Mr Latto confirmed that the Department receives regular monthly alerts from HMRC via the Verify Earnings and Pensions (VEP) system that was introduced for carer's allowance in 2018, and that it has an algorithm to identify which of those alerts are most likely to indicate an overpayment, either due to undeclared income or earnings having risen over the weekly carer's allowance limit (currently £151).
Responding to a question as to how claimants have built up overpayments of up to £20,000 despite these alerts, Mr Latto went on to say -

'... the issue will be if they have been on carer's allowance for a long time, particularly if they were there before VEPs existed... they may have built up overpayments over quite a long period, and by the time that we've uncovered them, it's something we're seeing in the press reporting at the moment.'

However, when asked to comment on a recent carer's allowance overpayment prosecution in which the judge said that he was 'truly unimpressed' with the Department's handling of the case, DWP Director for Fraud, Error and Debt Strategy Vikki Knight said -

'All that I would say, you wouldn't expect me to discuss individual cases and I want to be absolutely clear that the DWP does not prosecute. We will investigate where we've had those cases. We will refer that evidence from our investigators to our Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and then they will base it on the public interest test and then they will take that to the courts and the courts will decide on that.'

Pressed for a clearer response, DWP Minister Mims Davies added that -

'We are a learning organisation, but I would hasten to add that in all cases there's always more that obviously the judge has looked at, the CPS has looked at. Therefore what we see in the paper isn't always the whole picture.'

The Work and Pensions Committee evidence session on carer's allowance is available from parliament.tv

DWP has issued almost 100,000 civil penalties in respect of overpaid carer’s allowance since 2020, amounting to almost £5 million
Work and Pensions Minister also confirmed that, over the same period, 225 administrative penalties have been accepted with a total value of more than £410,000.
Responding to a written question in the House of Commons about the number of people who have received fines for overpayments of carer's allowance, DWP Minister Paul Maynard advised that a total of 96,100 civil penalties have been issued since 2020 -
Financial years - Volume of civil penalties - Value (£m)

2020/2021 - 14,900 - £0.747
2021/2022 - 26,300 - £1,309
2022/2023 - 24,800 - £1.241
2023/2024 - 30,100 - £1.506

Mr Maynard reported that, over the same period, a total of 225 administrative penalties (offered as an alternative to prosecution) have been accepted with a total value of £416,700.
Note: in a separate written answer, Mr Maynard also advised that, since February 2022, there have been 119 cases accepted for prosecution for benefit fraud by the Crown Prosecution Service where carer’s allowance was the primary overpayment.
Mr Maynard's written answer is available from parliament.uk

DWP confirms it is allocating £2.5 million to local authorities to support the administration of the Verify Earnings and Pensions (VEP) service
In Housing Benefit Subsidy Circular S6/2024, the DWP advises housing benefit staff that this year's funding allocations will be up to £2.5 million (compared to the £9.7 million allocated for 2023/2024) which will continue to help provide local authorities with the capacity to process VEP tasks during the financial year ending March 2025.
NB - the Circular advises that local authorities are required to -

fully engage in the VEP administration process;
effectively utilise funds to process all of the tasks sent; and
accurately complete management information to record VEP task outcomes within the VEP service.

The DWP also confirmed that each local authority will receive a single upfront payment, as set out in Annex A of the circular, in the week commencing 22 April 2024.
S6/2024: Funding for the Verify Earnings and Pensions service for the financial year ending March 2025 is available from gov.uk

Government commits to issuing a code of practice in relation to DWP’s new powers to access claimants’ bank account data
The government has confirmed that a code of practice is being drafted to regulate the DWP's use of future powers to access data from claimants' bank accounts. The draft code will be available in summer 2024 before Department carries out a 'test and learn' exercise in early 2025.
With the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill (DPDIB) set to provide new powers for the DWP to compel financial institutions to monitor accounts and relay data about possible benefit fraud and error, concerns were raised in the House of Lords committee debate on the Bill (24 April) about the proportionality of the measures, and in particular, the lack of a code of practice to limit their scope.
However, Work and Pensions Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Viscount Younger assured members that -

'... the code of practice is already in development; we are working positively with around eight leading financial institutions through an established working group that meets regularly to shape the code.'

While Viscount Younger said that the draft code will not be available to Parliament before the Bill progresses to Report stage, he nevertheless provided some detail on what it will contain -

'... it will provide guidance on issues such as the nature of the power and to whom it will apply. It will also provide information on safeguards, cover data security responsibilities and provide information on the appeals processes should a third party wish to dispute a request.'

Note: despite the update from the Minister, Labour's Baroness Sherlock said that she remains concerned, stating -

'These powers could do anything from something that might sound very proportionate to something that might sound entirely disproportionate, and we simply have not heard anything that enables us to make a judgment... I therefore ask the Government to think again before Report about ways in which they might provide assurance about a more contained and proportionate approach to these measures.'

For more information, see the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill House of Lords Committee Debate from parliament.uk

Public Accounts Committee (PAC) warns that a significant number of vulnerable claimants may lose their benefits by failing to migrate to universal credit
The Public Accounts Committee calls on the DWP to ensure that legacy benefit claimants are not 'cast into financial hardship due to a bureaucratic change'.
In a new report, Progress in implementing Universal Credit, the Committee highlights that the DWP is in the process of moving 900,000 legacy benefit claimants to universal credit. However, the Committee notes that -

'Around one in five households on tax credits who received a migration notice have not moved to universal credit and so have had their benefit stopped. The median value of tax credits received by people who did not claim universal credit was £3,200 a year. The Department has a limited understanding of why some people do not switch to universal credit, but says it is reassured by having received only 20 complaints about the migration process from April to December 2023. But this does not provide sufficient assurance that people are not falling into hardship.'

Highlighting that the Department is now planning a survey of people who have not claimed universal credit, having before not been routinely in contact with people to ask why they are not claiming, the Committee adds that -

'Organisations who work with benefit claimants are also concerned about the proportion of legacy benefit claimants not transferring to universal credit and the financial impact it may have on them. The Department expects the non-claim rate for households claiming its legacy benefits, who are being migrated from April 2024, will be much lower at around 4 per cent. However, even a small proportion of people not transferring to universal credit could translate into a substantial number of people facing financial hardship.'

As a result, the Committee recommends that -

'The Department should publish by the end of August 2024 the universal credit non-claim rates by type of legacy benefit, and set out the action it is taking in the event that the non-claim rates are higher than expected. Before the end of the year, the Department should also publish the results of the survey of those tax credit claimants who did not apply for universal credit alongside a statement of what lessons it would learn.'

The Committee also recommends that the Department should -

set out what it will do to monitor the adequacy and effectiveness of the in-house support it provides to claimants moving to universal credit, particularly whether it has sufficient capacity to meet the need for face-to-face support; and
explain how it will keep the operation of the Citizens Advice Help to Claim service under review in light of the fact that it no longer offers face to face support, and the actions it will take should the service be unable to meet demand, particularly for vulnerable claimants.

Turning to transitional protection for those migrating to universal credit, the Committee notes that organisations who work with benefit claimants are concerned about how the Department calculates amounts that are due, how accurate its calculations are, and the risk that people are receiving incorrect payments which they cannot check themselves. As a result, the Committee recommends that -

'The Department should explain better in its guidance and the migration notices it sends to claimants how transitional protection is calculated, using simple language and examples based on real cases.'

In addition, the Committee says that it is not convinced that universal credit is achieving the scale of expected economic benefits -

'The government predicts that universal credit will generate £10.4 billion of benefits a year once fully rolled-out, with £6.1 billion coming from increased employment. However, analysis of DWP’s evidence base that universal credit is benefiting the labour market found that the DWP cherry-picked positive facts and also made other assumptions not supported by empirical evidence.'

The Committee also highlighted that the proportion of universal credit overpaid in 2022/2023 was 12.8 per cent (£5.5 billion) which is down from 14.7 per cent (£5.9 billion) in 2021/2022 but still significantly above pre-pandemic levels.
The Committee adds that, when questioned as to whether universal credit is fulfilling its intended objective of reducing fraud and error compared to the legacy system, the DWP fell back on its explanation of a societal increase in the propensity to commit fraud rather than providing assurance about the actions it is taking. As a result, the report encourages future Committees to keep a close eye on the issue and to continue to hold the DWP to account for its progress.
Committee Chair Meg Hillier said on 26 April -

'Our Committee has scrutinised universal credit since its inception. We must not forget how massive a change it is to how benefits are delivered, impacting millions of people. This means if the transition from legacy benefits to universal credit fails even an apparently small proportion of people, it will lead to real world misery for thousands. The DWP must make sure that people are not cast into financial hardship due to a bureaucratic change, and that robust support is in place for those vulnerable claimants who need it most.'

For more information, see Universal Credit: PAC raises alarm over risk of vulnerable claimants losing benefits from parliament.uk

DWP issued guidance for local authorities participating in the Housing Benefit Award Accuracy Initiative in 2024/2025
New housing benefit circular advises on fraud and error activities that local authorities are expected to undertake in return for additional funding.
In HB Circular A5/2024, the DWP confirms that local authorities participating in the initiative - a five-year programme that started in April 2020 designed to reduce housing benefit fraud and error - will receive additional funding for the fifth and final financial year of the project ending March 2025 to enable them to undertake the following activities -

Full Case Reviews (FCR), that require the local authority to look at and consider all the current claim details and evidence associated with the claim, as well as any other information or evidence they can source for the weekly housing benefit award to be reviewed;
Housing Benefit Matching Service (HBMS) referrals including Self-employed Earnings Reviews (SERs) based on data matches showing potential undeclared income; and
the correct recording of cases on local authority IT systems and the return of relevant management information to DWP.

The DWP also acknowledges that a large proportion of cases identified as high-risk and therefore subject to an FCR involve working-age claimants who will also be subject to migration to universal credit action during 2024/2025. As a result, the Department advises -

'... we still expect local authorities to undertake FCRs on working age cases but will want to consider the complexity and duration needed to complete any of the working age FCRs highlighted as high risk (as there may be a risk of migration to universal credit action occurring before activities are complete). Local authorities are advised they can move down the list to choose cases that make best use of the funding provided, including pension age reviews which are not subject to migration to universal credit.'

In addition, the Department provides similar advice in relation to the other award accuracy work -

'It is expected there will be a significant reduction in the overall working age housing benefit caseload. So, we ask local authorities to complete the HBMS referrals and SERs as soon as possible as this will maximise the opportunity to remove fraud and error in the housing benefit caseload ahead of universal credit migration action.'

Note: indicative activity volumes and funding for each local authority are set out at Annex D to the circular, while HB Subsidy Circular S5/2024, also published today, confirms the individual funding allocations.
For more information, see HB Circular A5/2024 from gov.uk

Conservative MP brands plan to scrap WCA and allow work coaches to decide fitness for work ‘a crazy idea’
Nigel Mills made the comments as the Commons work and pensions committee was taking evidence from campaigning organisations on the government’s employment plans.
Under plans announced last spring, the WCA would be scrapped and disabled claimant's who cannot work would only be able to qualify for a new health element of universal credit if they also receive PIP, DLA or ADP.
But this would leave it to DWP’s work coaches – who will usually have no health-related qualifications – to decide if a disabled person should carry out work-related activity.
The WCA will not be scrapped until after the next general election and not until 2026 at the earliest, DWP has said.
Mills, a Conservative member of the committee, said:

“My experience of constituents is they don’t generally have a great deal of time or regard for their work capability assessment medical professional.”

He added:

“The idea that I’m going to trust a work coach and share my biggest issues and concerns and seek their support and want their counselling if they’ve just told me I’m not getting the extra benefit is extraordinarily unlikely, isn’t it?
It’s just going to destroy the relationship between them and the claimant.
I just can’t imagine many work coaches are going to fancy this sort of flicking through the file and going, ‘You do get the extra money… you don’t.’
It seems like a crazy idea.”

Later in the evidence session, the mental health charity Mind raised serious concerns about government reforms to tighten the WCA in the years leading to its eventual abolition. Nil Güzelgün, interim head of policy and campaigns at the mental health charity Mind, raised concerns about the changes to the substantial risk criteria, and stressed how important the current protections are. She told the committee that the safeguards were:

“critical for people with mental health problems so they cannot be retraumatised or hospitalised because of activities that are required by the jobcentre or work coaches”.

For full details you can watch the committee discussion on parliamentlive.tv

submitted by Alteredchaos to DWPhelp [link] [comments]

http://activeproperty.pl/