— A Josh, on the second Josh Fight for the better Josh. It’s a josh pit.
Taiwan
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The Story
President Biden warned of a military response if China invades Taiwan.
What happened?
Biden was in Japan for a meeting with US allies in Asia. When asked whether the US would defend Taiwan militarily, he said “yes.” Big deal, because the US normally maintains an ambiguous position here.
Ambiguous how?
In 1979, the US opened ties with China. In exchange, the US promised to recognize Beijing’s government as the legitimate one over a unified China, including the self-governing island of Taiwan. It’s called the “One China” policy. But that same year, the US pledged to supply Taiwan with means to defend itself — and continues to do so, through arms sales.
And China’s position is…?
It views Taiwan as a breakaway province. Chinese President Xi Jinping has said reuniting the two “must be fulfilled,” and has ramped up activity over Taiwan’s airspace. Last year, a top US commander in the region said he thought China could attack “in the next six years.” But things are especially tense these days. That’s because some see parallels between Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s plans for Taiwan.
So what happens now?
Biden says he expects China’s invasion “will not happen.” But if it did, Biden implied he’d take “even stronger” action than in Ukraine. The statements surprised Biden’s own admin (and not for the first time). The Defense Department says the comments don’t mark a policy shift. China said there’s “no room for compromise” on its sovereignty.
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It’s not clear what US military involvement on behalf of Taiwan would look like. Many are hoping that the world won’t need to find out.
And Also...This
What people with opinions do…
Vote. Today, voters in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, and Minnesota head to the polls to pick their candidates for the November midterms. In Georgia, which flipped the Senate blue last election cycle, former football star Herschel Walker looks likely to win the GOP nomination to try to take Sen. Raphael Warnock’s (D) seat. Meanwhile in the state’s race for governor, current Gov. Brian Kemp (R) — who got on former President Donald Trump’s bad side — is facing Trump-backed primary challenger former Sen. David Perdue. Whoever wins will go head-to-head with Stacey Abrams (D), who’s running uncontested.
…Oh and Texas has some runoff elections from its March primaries. That includes an attorney general race another George Bush is running for.
What’s having a reckoning…
The Southern Baptist Convention. Over the weekend, a shocking report exposed a series of sexual abuse allegations and alleged mishandling by the SBC, the nation’s largest Protestant denomination. The third-party report was commissioned last year by church leaders — and its findings were alarming. An SBC staffer maintained a list of ministers and hundreds of other people affiliated with the church that had been accused of abuse — while leadership allegedly stonewalled and even “vilified” survivors. Plus, the SBC’s former president was accused of sexual assault in 2010 (he denied the accusations, but later resigned from his position). The church’s current president reportedly says there “are not adequate words” to express his reaction. The report urged the church to create a database to make abusers known publicly, among other recommendations. The SBC is expected to consider those during its annual meeting next month.
What’s got Big D Energy...
Tomatoes. Yesterday, a study revealed that scientists have genetically modified tomatoes to make them a good source of vitamin D. An estimated 1 billion people in the world are deficient, but vitamin D is important: It keeps bones, muscles, and teeth healthy. Beyond sunlight, some main sources are fish and eggs — a problem for vegans who don’t consume any of that. Now, thanks to the secret sauce of CRISPR, vegans can get their Heinz on another option. Since those genetically modified tomatoes have the equivalent of two eggs’ worth of vitamin D. Talk about a ketch-up with the times.
Who’s getting another shot…
Kids under 5. Yesterday, Pfizer said its three-dose vaccine offered strong protection to children in that age group. The FDA is set to meet next month to review Pfizer’s and Moderna’s applications to authorize their vaccines for the kids.
That’s the percentage of Americans who started psychotherapy and benefited from it, according to a review of hundreds of studies. Talking to a mental health expert can improve emotion and coping skills. It’s even been linked to positive changes in quality of life. *Double checks our next session is booked.*
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Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. A wearable sex toy that’ll free your hands for other things. Did someone say partner play? Dame’s Eva vibrator sure did. It’s designed to stay right where you want it. Plus it’s waterproof and comes with three buzzy intensity levels. How handy.*
2. Sustainability tips for every room in your home. It’s not always easy being green. So we partnered with Avocado to build a (virtual) house full of eco advice. With simple ideas you can work into your routine. Please, come on in.*
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We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Long story short…Isabella S (CA). She’s making it possible for millions of petite fashionistas to find clothing made for real women's proportions. Check it out here.
(Some) Birthdays…Dr. Arielle Haves Bayer (NY), Cole Wasserstrum (NY), Peri Labovitz (GA), Kelsey Ross (VA), Eileen Papa (NY), Alex Aronson (CA), Lauren Wolf (IL), Darlenne Helena (VA), Katie Strickland (SC), Oliver McIntosh (NJ), Megan Seery (MA), Angela Walmsley (WI), Samantha Parker (VA), Hillary Knutzen (WA), Jill Chittum (KS)
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