Posted by Jim on March 30, 2019
The people of the border communities in Ireland are today demonstrating
against the demands of the unionist far right as Britain moves closer
to a crash exit from the European Union and a remilitarisation of the
border area across Ireland from April 12.
Despite suffering another humiliating defeat in the House of Commons on
the Withdrawal Agreement she has negotiated with the EU, British Prime
Minister Theresa May continues to ignore all other options. That deal is
opposed by Tory extremists and the DUP, who are demanding a clean break
with the EU and the return of border controls between the two parts of
Ireland.
A number of protests are taking place today at border crossings between
Louth and Armagh, Cavan and Fermanagh, Monaghan and Tyrone, Donegal and
Tyrone, and Donegal and Derry.
Spokesperson for Border Communities Against Brexit, JJ O’Hara, said that
two decades of peace efforts are at “real risk” because of Brexit.
“There’s so much good work done over the last 20 years, from the Good
Friday communities,” he said. “So many communities came together, and so
many different projects have been developed cross-community and
cross-border.
“This is putting [everything] in jeopardy. It’s putting the Good Friday
[Agreement] in jeopardy.”
Sinn Féin’s Donegal-based Senator Padraig MacLochlainn said Brexit posed
a “huge threat” to the border communities and the economies on either
side.
“A majority of people in the North voted to Remain and the Tories along
with the DUP are ignoring this democratic mandate. Our rights, economy
and agreements must be protected,” he said.
“The antics on display at Westminster show clearly the complete
disregard the British Government has for Ireland, especially our border
communities.”
The British Labour Party has now called on Theresa May to finally accept
that her deal is dead and to call a general election.
But with only days left before a potentially cataclysmic departure from
the EU, May appears unmoved, apparently encouraged by the last-minute
support of a number of prominent Brexiteers, including Jacob Rees-Mogg,
Iain Duncan Smith and Boris Johnson.
She has until April 12th to go back to Brussels with new proposals and
seek a longer extension to the negotiation process, or see Britain leave
without a deal, taking the north of Ireland suddenly out of the EU
against its will.
The crisis has already brought the British system of government to a
halt. The two main parties are balkanised and at war within themselves,
while backbench MPs at Westminster have taken over control of parliament
from May, whose power has all but seeped away. One Minister described
the situation in Cabinet as “like the living dead”. Asked the point of
the third vote on May’s deal, he (or she) responded: “F*ck knows, I’m
past caring.”
On Friday, to mark the original planned exit day, loyalist flute bands
joined fascist Tommy Robinson and about a thousand right-wing activists
at a pro-Brexit demo in London. Participants loudly hurled abuse at
anti-Brexit MPs, parliament staff and members of the media until night
fell. Demonstrators jostled with journalists after the planned speeches
ended, and five were arrested. Scottish Nationalist Party justice
spokeswoman Joanna Cherry QC said that she was subjected to abuse as she
left Westminster and “told to go back to my own country”.
On Monday, MPs will stage a second series of “indicative” votes on
alternatives to the negotiated deal. In the first round of votes on
Wednesday none of the eight options considered – including a customs
union with the EU and a second referendum – were able to command a
majority, although those options were the most popular.
With support for Brexit in clear decline, discussions between the
various groups of MPs involved are taking place over the weekend to find
a compromise proposal. Another idea would see a crash ‘no deal’ Brexit
ruled out in favour of an extension to the deadline of about a year,
seen by many as the most likely next step.
Most commentators are predicting an imminent end to the political career
of Theresa May, something she has already promised her right-wing rivals
within the Tory party in return for support to pass her negotiated deal.
One plan is for a climactic ‘grand final’ vote next week between her
deal and a rival proposal stitched together by backbench MPs.
Regardless of the ‘Tory psychodrama’, as one Labour MP described it, the
European Union and the Dublin government Taoiseach Leo Varadkar are now
exclusively preparing for a crash Brexit on April 12. Tánaiste Simon
Coveney has said Dublin’s focus this weekend is turning away from what
is happening in Westminster to a “new phase”.
“That new phase is to focus more on preparing ourselves what essentially
would be an emergency of an accidental crash-out Brexit which I don’t
think anybody wants – certainly nobody here and only a very small
minority of people in Westminster are looking for that but it could
happen by accident.”
Posted by Jim on
John Manley. Irish News. Belfast. Saturday, March 30, 2019
AFTER yesterday’s Westminster drama commentators are going to have to find new words to convey the depth of uncertainty that British politics finds itself in.
The cure remains elusive for the Brexit condition and there’s a growing danger that it could become terminal.
All the options that were there ahead of the so-called MV2.5 remain on the table but the margin of defeat for Theresa May, arguably double what she had hoped for at the very least, means the Tory leader is unlikely to try and push the withdrawal agreement through for a fourth time.
But you can’t rule anything out. Nor can we discount the possibility that Mrs May will throw all the balls in the air by resigning or calling a general election.
However, assuming the prime minister doesn’t hit the nuclear button just yet, there will now be a number of concurrent processes that will both seek to buy time and break the deadlock.
Crashing out remains a possibility but it is something that will be arrived at by accident rather than design, and given its far-reaching consequences for Britain, Ireland and the EU, it’s hoped there’ll be enough of a collective effort to avoid such a scenario.
On Monday, MPs will continue their search for consensus through the indicative votes process, which given yesterday’s events must surely carry more weight than it did on Wednesday.
Brexiteers are justifiably unnerved by parliament’s intervention, as the more momentum it gathers, the greater the likelihood of a soft landing or no Brexit at all.
The most popular options emerging from the backbencher-led process were a second referendum and a customs union between the UK and the EU, so support is expected to coalesce around these, though in common with the Withdrawal Agreement and every other solution floated thus far, they don’t yet have the backing of a majority of MPs.
Given the disparate nature of Westminster at present, coupled with overriding party and personal interests, finding consensus is near impossible.
Meanwhile, the British government is expected to ask the EU for another extension though this is likely to be conditional on a change of tack, given that Mrs. May’s approach appears to have run out of road. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was yesterday talking of a “long extension”, which will require participation in the European elections in late May.
This is an outcome that nobody wanted, as the election will prove to be a divisive distraction but a legal necessity.
Much commentary on the current logjam cites Theresa May’s Lancaster House speech and her insistence since that the UK must leave the customs union.
What is now apparent is the need to rewind and reboot the Brexit process, this time forging a more workable strategy with broader cross-party support.
But perhaps it’s just wishful thinking to believe the Tory leader has the room to maneuver or the inclination to concede she made fundamental mistakes.
Posted by Jim on March 28, 2019
PLAQUE DEDICATION
Tomorrow, Friday, March 29, 2019, at 1100 hours, a Plaque Dedication will be held honoring the memory of Firefighter George F. Froehlich, L-87, who died on March 29, 2018. The dedication will take place in the quarters of E-167 and L-87, 345 Annadale Road, Staten Island, NY. All off-duty members and their families are invited to attend. Members are requested to attend in dress uniform.
PLAQUE DEDICATION
On Monday, April 15, 2019, at 1100 hours, a Plaque Dedication will be held honoring the memory of Firefighter Ronald P. Svec, L-82, who died on February 2, 2018. The dedication will take place in the quarters of E-162 and L-82, 256 Nelson Avenue, Staten Island, NY. All off-duty members and their families are invited to attend. Members are requested to attend in dress uniform.
HOLY NAME SOCIETY JUBILEE 2019: 95TH COMMUNION MASS & BREAKFAST
The NYC Fire Department Holy Name Society (Manhattan, Bronx, Staten Island) will be holding their annual Communion Mass & Breakfast in Memory of Our Fallen Firefighters on Sunday, April 28, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral at 10:15 AM. Breakfast will follow immediately at the New York Hilton Hotel (Avenue of the Americas and 53rd Street). This year’s honorees are Battalion Chief & Holy Name Society President from 1980-2018 Joseph Bryant (Battalion 35, Retired) and Deputy Chief James P. Ginty (Rescue Operations). Additionally, the Father Mychal Judge Humanitarian Award will be presented to the Nurses of the FDNY. Tickets are $65.00. Please contact Chris Ward at cward23@optonline.net or 516-376-6208 for tickets. More information can be found online at www.fdnyholynamesociety.com/.
FF WILLIAM TOLLEY FUNDRAISER
The 2nd Annual “Tolley” shoot is here! The event is a 15-station sporting clays shoot. Proceeds will benefit First Responder and Military families in New York. Tickets cost $175 per person and include food, range fee, and one raffle ticket. The event is scheduled to take place on Monday, June 3, 2019, from 8:00 AM–3:00 PM at LI Sporting Clays located at 165 Gerard Road, Yaphank, NY. Visit facebook.com/firesanddrumsfoundation to register.
FDNY APPRECIATION DAY AT SIX FLAGS
Join FDNY Appreciation Day at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ, on Saturday, June 22. Tickets are available at a reduced rate of $35.99 for all FDNY employees and their families with the FDNY promo code and include theme park admission, rides, a live concert featuring Shilelagh Law at 5:00 PM, FDNY Parade at 3:00 PM and Fireworks at 10:00 PM. To order tickets, visit sixflags.com/greatadventure and enter the promo code “FDNY.” A percentage of each ticket sold through this link will be donated back to the FDNY Family Transport Unit.
Posted by Jim on March 27, 2019
REP. JEFFRIES: “HOUSE DEMOCRATS WERE GIVEN THE MAJORITY TO DEFEND HEALTH CARE AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT WE ARE DOING”
REPRESENTATIVE JEFFRIES:
Once again, the Republicans have shown their true colors. They simply cannot help themselves. Americans all across the country woke up to news that the Trump Justice Department is once again launching an assault on health care in the United States of America. The Republicans want to take away health care from tens of millions of Americans again. The Republicans want to impose what would be effectively an age tax on Americans between 50 and 64 forcing a dramatic increase in premiums, copays and deductibles. Once again, the Republicans want to strip away protections for Americans with pre-existing conditions. They simply cannot help themselves. This was a defining issue of the 2018 midterm elections. We embraced this fight because House Democrats were given the majority in order to defend health care on behalf of everyday Americans and that is exactly what we are doing. Yesterday, Chairman Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Chairman Bobby Scott (VA-03) as well as other Members of the House Democratic Caucus, including Chairman Richard Neal (MA-01) introduced legislation to strengthen the Affordable Care Act. That legislation will protect Americans with pre-existing conditions. Our legislation will expand access to health care coverage. While at the same time, the Trump Justice Department files reckless legal papers to try and destroy health care for tens of millions of Americans. You can’t make this up! And so, there’s a clear contrast in terms of what we as House Democrats are about and what Republicans are about. Republicans fight for the wealthy, the well-off and the well-connected. Democrats fight for working families, middle-class folks, senior citizens, the poor, the sick and the afflicted. Period. Full stop. That’s the contrast and it’s going to play itself out in front of the American people.
U.S. Representative Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) is the Chair of the House Democratic Caucus. He sits on the Judiciary and Budget Committees and proudly represents New York’s 8th Congressional District, including parts of Brooklyn and Queens in the House of Representatives.
Posted by Jim on
PLAQUE DEDICATION
On Saturday, March 30, 2019, at 1000 hours, a Plaque Dedication will be held honoring the memory of Lieutenant Christopher J. Raguso, E-302, who died on March 15, 2018. The dedication will take place in the quarters of E-302 and L-155, 143-15 Rockaway Blvd. Queens, NY. All off-duty members and their families are invited to attend. Members are requested to attend in dress uniform.
BAYSIDE ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
The 2nd annual Bayside St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Saturday, March 30, 2019, at 11:00 AM. This year’s Grand Marshal will be Chief Ed Kilduff, Retired Chief of Department, with Aides Phil Brady, Martin Dolan, Betty McLoughlin, John Ryan, and Rev. Msgr. Thomas Machalaski, Sacred Heart. Formation location will be between 35th and 36th Avenues at 10:30 AM. Pipe Band and Color Guard will be marching as well. All members participating in the march are requested in their Class A Uniform. For further information, please contact Lt. Gerard Walsh, BN 51, at 347-525-4108 or FF Daniel Casey, E316, at 917-484-2291.
FDNY BASEBALL TRYOUTS
FDNY Baseball Tryouts will be held March 27 and April 2 at 10:00 AM at Victory Field Forest Park, (Woodhaven Blvd and Myrtle Ave) in Queens. If you have any questions, please email smiller@fdnybaseball.com.
FIRE MUSEUM ANNUAL EGG HUNT
The New York City Fire Museum is hosting its Annual Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 20, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Children hunt for eggs throughout the two exhibit galleries and enjoy entertainment at the third-floor event space. Purchase tickets at http://www.NYCFireMuseum.org or by calling (212) 691-1303. Museum is located at 278 Spring Street, Manhattan.
MYRTLE BEACH NEVER FORGETS MEMORIAL GOLF OUTING
The 8th Annual Myrtle Beach Never Forgets Memorial Golf Outing, a charitable event run by firefighters, for firefighters, will be held May 20-22, 2019. The tournament entry fee is $240 and includes two rounds of golf, a welcome gift and two nights of barbecue. For more information, and to register, please visit myrtlebeachneverforgets.com or call 843-282-2645.
PURDUE GLOBAL OFFERS UNDERGRAD DEGREE PROGRAMS FOR IAFF MEMBERS
Through IAFF’s partnership with Purdue University Global, members and their family members can enroll in affordable undergraduate degree programs. Some of the many education benefits available to you and your immediate family members through Purdue University Global include: tuition reduced to $230 per credit for undergraduate degree programs, textbooks and course materials included for undergraduate programs, waiver of application and per-term technology fees, 100 percent online learning, monthly start dates to fit your schedule and a three-week free trial of undergraduate classes with no financial obligation. In addition, you can earn credit for eligible work-life experience, IAFF training, Pro Board fire certifications, NREMT certifications, prior learning and more. Purdue Global is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and recognized as a FESHE institution. Fire science degrees are IFSAC accredited. Visit the IAFF-Purdue Global website (https://go.purdueglobal.edu/els/iaff/) or call 866-583-6765 for more information.