Biden Bits: “It’s Time!”…

December 22, 2023 12:11 pm EST Tiff Biden Tweets (Open Thread) Comments Off on Biden Bits: “It’s Time!”…
Biden Tweets Christmas Logo. Image by Lenny Ghoul.

It’s Friday…

President Biden’s public schedule for 12/22/2023:

10:00 AM
Presidential Daily Brief		The President receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Closed Press
2:45 PM
Leaves the White House		The President and The First Lady depart the White House en route to the Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
South GroundsIn-Town Travel Pool
3:45 PM
Holiday Visit		The President and The First Lady make a holiday visit to patients and families at Children’s National Hospital
In-Town Travel Pool
4:10 PM
Leaves Children’s National Hospital		The President and The First Lady depart en route to the White House
In-Town Travel Pool
4:25 PM
Arrives at the White House		The President and The First Lady arrive at the White House
South Grounds In-Town Travel Pool

President Biden and the First Lady Visit Patients and Families at Children’s National Hospital @3:45 p.m. D.C., time:


Bilateral Friendships Tweets

From Thursday…

From the White House; Kyiv…

02/20/2023:

02/21/2023:

From the White House; Tel Aviv…

10/17/2023:

10/18/2023:

From the White House…

05/18/2022:

08/03/2023:

08/09/2022:

04/04/2023:

From NATO.int…

11/29/2023:

Press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg following the meetings of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs:

[snip]

NATO Acting Spokesperson: I’m afraid that’s all we have time for. Thank you very much.

[inaudible]: What about Sweden, any presents for Christmas?

NATO Secretary General: So, we had a good discussion on that. And the message from NATO Allies was very clear that we’ll see ratification finalise as soon as possible. We agreed in Vilnius on the importance of concluding the ratification process for Sweden. Therefore, I welcome that President ErdoÄźan some weeks ago, submitted the papers for ratification to the Turkish parliament, and that the Turkish parliament, the foreign relations committee has started the deliberations on that document. The fact that President ErdoÄźan submitted the papers also means that he actually recommended ratification, because that’s part of this proposal for the parliament, and therefore also in line with what we agreed in Vilnius. I also expect that they will now work with the parliament to ensure ratification because the agreement in Vilnius is actually two steps. One, to submit the papers for ratification that has happened and second to work with the parliament to ensure ratification. So we will continue to work on this and the sooner the better. Because it will be good for Sweden. It will be good for NATO and good for all NATO Allies to have Sweden as a full member

NATO Acting Spokesperson: Thank you very much.

NATO.int. 11/29/2023.

Note: not everything tweet related from the White House was posted–it’s an overview…

As of the middle of December Sweden was still NATO-In-Waiting…

From the White House…

The below links are mostly everything that happened while the President was overseas…

07/09/2023:

07/10/2023:

07/11/2023:

Readout of President Joe Biden’s Meeting with President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄźan of TĂĽrkiye

07/12/2023:

07/13/2023:


Christmas Time Tweet

From Thursday…

The video clip is 43 seconds long.

President Biden: Hello, Mariah. How are you?

Mariah Carey: Hello, sir.

President Biden: I’m a fan.

Mariah Carey: I’m a fan.

President Biden: I just want you to know (President Biden plays a clip of “All I Want For Christmas is You“)…

Mariah Carey: Oh…, we love it.

President Biden: Come on (Takes them on a tour)…

At the 15 second mark they play “All I Want For Christmas is You“…

At the 34 second mark Mariah hangs on ornament on the tree and says “Now it’s perfect”…


Had a Phone Call Tweet

From Thursday…

From the White House…

12/21/2023:

Readout of President Joe Biden’s Call with President AndrĂ©s Manuel LĂłpez Obrador of Mexico:

President Joe Biden and President AndrĂ©s Manuel LĂłpez Obrador of Mexico spoke this morning about ongoing efforts to manage migratory flows in the Western Hemisphere, building on the Los Angeles Declaration for Migration and Protection that President Biden launched in Los Angeles in June 2022. The President and President LĂłpez Obrador agreed that additional enforcement actions are urgently needed so that key ports of entry can be reopened across our shared border.  President Biden has asked Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall to travel to Mexico in the coming days to meet with President LĂłpez Obrador to discuss further actions that can be taken together to address current border challenges. 

White House.gov. 12/21/2023.

Prague Tweet

From Thursday…

The Reuters video clip is 42 seconds long. There is only text and video footage of the police clearing the scene following the mass shooting.

AP News reported, that an unnamed Charles University student opened fire in the philosophy department building killing at least 14 on Thursday. More than 20 people were wounded. Police cautioned the death toll could rise. The gunman has also died, but it’s unclear if the gunman took his own life or if he died following a shootout with police.

They went on to say the gunman is suspected of killing his father earlier Thursday.

Police searched the shooters home and now believe the shooter is also responsible for the deaths of a man and his two month old daughter on the 15th of December.

Prague police do not believe he had an accomplice.

Charles University released the following statement…

Charles University (CU) held a memorial service today (Dec. 22) in front of the main entrance to the Carolinum building at OvocnĂ˝ trh in Prague, honoring the victims of the shooting at the Faculty of Philosophy of Charles University. Charles University’s leadership including rector Milena KrálĂ­ÄŤková, dean of the Faculty of Philosophy Eva LeheÄŤková, the leadership of the Faculty of Philosophy, and representatives of the Czech Rectors’ Conference, laid wreaths at the memorial site. Many other public figures participated in this memorial service, including the Prime Minister Petr Fiala, ministers of the Czech government, ambassadors, members of the academic community, and the general public.

Charles University has not yet been officially informed by the Czech Police about the identities of the victims. Therefore, the university’s leadership cannot communicate this information to the leadership of the Faculty of Philosophy. However, the university is understandably in contact with the relevant authorities. The families of the deceased and the injured have already been contacted by the Czech Police. Most of the injured are in a stable condition, with one person currently in serious condition.

Since last night, Charles University has been actively cooperating in analyzing the situation with soft target protection expert Zdeněk Kalvach. Soft targets refer to places with a high concentration of people and, by nature, usually difficult to secure. These places are vulnerable to unexpected violent attacks, such as the one faced by innocents at the Faculty of Philosophy, on Thursday, December 21, 2023, in the afternoon.

Currently, the building of the Faculty of Philosophy remains inaccessible. The police have handed the building over to the university, but so far, only security staff and technicians who are assessing the building’s condition and damage have been allowed in. Personal belongings are currently not permitted to be retrieved from the building. As soon as there is a change in this matter, and it becomes possible to retrieve items, Charles University will inform everyone immediately. Thank you for your understanding.

The leadership of the Faculty of Philosophy has declared a dean’s holiday until January 2, 2024.

The Charles University Endowment Fund has launched a collection to support the families of the victims and also faculty, staff, and students affected by the shooting at the Faculty of Philosophy. Charles University greatly appreciates the support that victims receive from Czech and foreign institutions, companies, and individuals through the Endowment Fund. The fund’s collection currently exceeds 16 million CZK (over $700 000), with more contributions promised. The use of these funds will be coordinated with the leadership of the Faculty of Philosophy. Thank you all!

Today at 7:30 p.m., an ecumenical service for the victims of the shooting at the Faculty of Arts of the Charles University will take place in the Church of the Holy Salvator (Křížovnická 4) in Prague. Ecumenical prayer led by Msgr. prof. Tomáš HalĂ­k. On Saturday, December 23, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in the Cathedral of St. He welcomes the Prague Castle to hold a requiem for the victims of the shooting. The event is organized by the Prague Archbishopric and the Castle. On Saturday, December 23, 2023, at 3 p.m., it will take place in the church of St. Martina ve zdi (Martinská 8, Prague) to hold a moment of silence for the victims of the shooting at the Faculty of Arts of the Charles University.

The leadership of Charles University and the Faculty of Philosophy are currently addressing a large number of suggestions and inquiries related to the situation. Even with enormous efforts to respond promptly, quick reactions cannot be guaranteed at this time.

We ask everyone, especially the media, to approach the topic of death and the families of the deceased with sensitivity and to give them the necessary peace in which they can mourn. Thank you.

We keep the families of the deceased and injured in our thoughts.

Leadership of Charles University and the Faculty of Philosophy

(Prague, December 22, 2023, 14:30)

CUNI.cz. 12/22/2023.

Clemency Tweets

From Friday…

From the White House…

12/22/2023:

Statement from President Joe Biden on Clemency Actions:

America was founded on the principle of equal justice under law. Elected officials on both sides of the aisle, faith leaders, civil rights advocates, and law enforcement leaders agree that our criminal justice system can and should reflect this core value that makes our communities safer and stronger. That is why today I am announcing additional steps I am taking to make the promise of equal justice a reality.
 
First, I am commuting the sentences of 11 people who are serving disproportionately long sentences for non-violent drug offenses. All of them would have been eligible to receive significantly lower sentences if they were charged with the same offense today.
 
Second, following my pardon of prior federal and D.C. offenses of simple possession of marijuana, I am issuing a Proclamation that will pardon additional offenses of simple possession and use of marijuana under federal and D.C. law. Criminal records for marijuana use and possession have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities. Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana.  It’s time that we right these wrongs.  
 
Just as no one should be in a federal prison solely due to the use or possession of marijuana, no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either. That’s why I continue to urge Governors to do the same with regard to state offenses and applaud those who have since taken action.
 
I have exercised my clemency power more than any recent predecessor has at this point in their presidency. And while today’s announcement marks important progress, my Administration will continue to review clemency petitions and deliver reforms that advance equal justice, address racial disparities, strengthen public safety, and enhance the wellbeing of all Americans.

White House.gov. 12/22/2023.

Clemency Recipient List:

Today, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. is using his authority under the Constitution to uphold the values of redemption and rehabilitation by commuting the sentences of 11 fellow Americans who are serving unduly long sentences for non-violent drug offenses. 

President Joseph R. Biden Jr. is commuting the sentences of the following 11 individuals:

White House.gov. 12/22/2023.

Felipe Arriaga â€“ Sunnyside, Washington
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine (District of Montana). 
Sentence: 20 years of imprisonment, 10-year term of supervised release (December 17, 2009).
Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on April 20, 2024, leaving intact and in effect the 10-year term of supervised release with all its conditions and all other components of the sentence.

Earlie Deacon Barber â€“ Dothan, Alabama
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of a mixture and substance containing cocaine and more than 50 grams of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base (Northern District of Florida). 
Sentence: Life imprisonment, 10-year term of supervised release (September 9, 2009).
Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on April 20, 2024, leaving intact and in effect the 10-year term of supervised release with all its conditions and all other components of the sentence.

James Michael Barber â€“ Gastonia, North Carolina
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine and 280 grams of cocaine base (Western District of North Carolina). 
Sentence: 15 years and eight months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (February 13, 2015).
Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on February 20, 2024, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release with all its conditions and all other components of the sentence.

Anthony Ewing â€“ Union City, Georgia
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (crack) (Central District of Illinois). 
Sentence: 20 years of imprisonment (as amended by order of June 22, 2017), 10-year term of supervised release (January 22, 2016).
Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on April 20, 2024, leaving intact and in effect the 10-year term of supervised release with all its conditions and all other components of the sentence.

Quittman Andre Goodley â€“ Austin, Texas
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (Western District of Texas). 
Sentence: 20 years of imprisonment, 10-year term of supervised release (July 18, 2012).
Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on February 20, 2024, leaving intact and in effect the 10-year term of supervised release with all its conditions and all other components of the sentence.

Deondre Cordell Higgins â€“ Kansas City, Missouri
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base (Western District of Missouri).
Sentence: Life imprisonment, no supervised release (August 30, 2011).
Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to a term of 25 years, leaving intact and in effect all other components of the sentence and with the final two years of his incarceration in prerelease custody, to the maximum extent permitted by law.

Leroy Lymons â€“ Pensacola, Florida
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine (Northern District of Florida). 
Sentence: Life imprisonment, 10-year term of supervised release (June 12, 2012).
Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to a term of 27 years, leaving intact and in effect the 10-year term of supervised release with all its conditions and all other components of the sentence.

Angel Rosario â€“ Allentown, Pennsylvania
Offense: Distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base (crack) within 1,000 feet of a public school; distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); distribution of cocaine base (crack) within 1,000 feet of a public school (two counts); distribution of cocaine base (crack) (two counts) (Eastern District of Pennsylvania). 
Sentence: 21 years and 10 months of imprisonment, eight-year term of supervised release, and $2,500 fine (July 19, 2012).
Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on April 20, 2024, leaving intact and in effect the eight-year term of supervised release with all its conditions and all other components of the sentence.

Esaias J. Tucker â€“ Tallahassee, Florida
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and more than 280 grams of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and more than 28 grams of cocaine base (Northern District of Florida). 
Sentence: 20 years of imprisonment, 10-year term of supervised release (January 29, 2013).
Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on April 20, 2024, leaving intact and in effect the 10-year term of supervised release with all its conditions and all other components of the sentence.

Darryl Allen Winkfield â€“ Augusta, Georgia
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute, and to possess cocaine and cocaine base with intent to distribute; distribution of cocaine hydrochloride (three counts); possession of cocaine and cocaine base with intent to distribute (Southern District of Georgia). 
Sentence: Life imprisonment, 10-year term of supervised release (September 29, 1998).
Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on April 20, 2024, leaving intact and in effect the 10-year term of supervised release with all its conditions and all other components of the sentence.

Kenneth Winkler â€“ Indianapolis, Indiana
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine (Southern District of Indiana). 
Sentence: 20 years of imprisonment, 10-year term of supervised release (July 23, 2012).
Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on February 20, 2024, leaving intact and in effect the 10-year term of supervised release with all its conditions and all other components of the sentence.

A Proclamation on Granting Pardon for the Offense of Simple Possession of Marijuana, Attempted Simple Possession of Marijuana, or Use of Marijuana:

   In Proclamation 10467 of October 6, 2022 (Granting Pardon for the Offense of Simple Possession of Marijuana), I exercised my authority under the Constitution to pardon individuals who committed or were convicted of the offense of simple possession of marijuana in violation of the Controlled Substances Act and section 48–904.01(d)(1) of the Code of the District of Columbia (D.C. Code).  As I have said before, convictions for simple possession of marijuana have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities.  Through this proclamation, consistent with the grant of Proclamation 10467, I am pardoning additional individuals who may continue to experience the unnecessary collateral consequences of a conviction for simple possession of marijuana, attempted simple possession of marijuana, or use of marijuana.  Therefore, acting pursuant to the grant of authority in Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution of the United States, I, Joseph R. Biden Jr., do hereby grant a full, complete, and unconditional pardon to all current United States citizens and lawful permanent residents who, on or before the date of this proclamation, committed or were convicted of the offense of simple possession of marijuana, attempted simple possession of marijuana, or use of marijuana, regardless of whether they have been charged with or prosecuted for these offenses on or before the date of this proclamation, in violation of:

(1)  section 844 of title 21, United States Code, section 846 of title 21, United States Code, and previous provisions in the United States Code that prohibited simple possession of marijuana or attempted simple possession of marijuana; 

(2)  section 48-904.01(d)(1) of the D.C. Code and previous provisions in the D.C. Code that prohibited simple possession of marijuana;

(3)  section 48-904.09 of the D.C. Code and previous provisions in the D.C. Code that prohibited attempted simple possession of marijuana; and

(4)  provisions in the Code of Federal Regulations, including as enforced under the United States Code, that prohibit only the simple possession or use of marijuana on Federal properties or installations, or in other locales, as currently or previously codified, including but not limited to 25 C.F.R. 11.452(a); 32 C.F.R. 1903.12(b)(2); 36 C.F.R. 2.35(b)(2); 36 C.F.R. 1002.35(b)(2); 36 C.F.R. 1280.16(a)(1); 36 C.F.R. 702.6(b); 41 C.F.R. 102-74.400(a); 43 C.F.R. 8365.1-4(b)(2); and 50 C.F.R. 27.82(b)(2).
 

     My intent by this proclamation is to pardon only the offenses of simple possession of marijuana, attempted simple possession of marijuana, or use of marijuana in violation of the Federal and D.C. laws set forth in paragraphs (1) through (3) of this proclamation, as well as the provisions in the Code of Federal Regulations consistent with paragraph (4) of this proclamation, and not any other offenses involving other controlled substances or activity beyond simple possession of marijuana, attempted simple possession of marijuana, or use of marijuana, such as possession of marijuana with intent to distribute or driving offenses committed while under the influence of marijuana.  This pardon does not apply to individuals who were non-citizens not lawfully present in the United States at the time of their offense.

     Pursuant to the procedures in Proclamation 10467, the Attorney General, acting through the Pardon Attorney, shall review all properly submitted applications for certificates of pardon and shall issue such certificates of pardon to eligible applicants in due course. 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.

White House.gov. 12/22/2023.

This is an Open Thread.


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About Tiff 2558 Articles
Member of the Free Press who is politically homeless and a political junkie.