Comments by "nuqwestr" (@nuqwestr) on "What will be the impact of a halt in US foreign assistance? | DW News" video.
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@nvmtt I'm in California, we pay for those Canadian planes. They're leased each year. Mexico sent 72 firefighters, looked good for the press.
California, particularly the Los Angeles County Fire Department, leases *two Canadian Super Scoopers* each fire season from Quebec's provincial government. The cost for leasing these aircraft is approximately **$4-5 million for a three-month period**. Additionally, there is an hourly flight cost of around **$515**.
The U.S. does not directly pay Canadian firefighters for their assistance. However, there are *mutual aid agreements* and *international support arrangements* in place. For example, during record-breaking wildfires, the U.S. has sent firefighters to Canada, and vice versa, to help manage and contain fires. These arrangements are based on cooperation and resource sharing rather than direct financial compensation.
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@SibusisoMaseko1 We have many reciprocal agreements:
U.S.-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA):
Benefit: Eliminates duties on many products traded between the two nations, significantly boosting bilateral trade. It was the first FTA the U.S. signed and has been in effect since 1985.
Security Cooperation Agreements:
Benefit: Through various defense pacts, including a $38 billion military aid package over a decade (2019-2028), the U.S. supports Israel's security needs while fostering joint military research, development, and interoperability. This includes programs like the Foreign Military Financing (FMF), which supports Israel's defense capabilities and contributes to U.S. defense industry through purchases.
Scientific and Technological Cooperation Agreement (STA):
Benefit: This agreement promotes collaboration in science, technology, and innovation, leading to mutual benefits in research and development. It establishes a framework for joint projects, intellectual property protections, and academic exchanges.
Binational Foundations (BIRD, BARD, BSF):
Benefit: These foundations facilitate cooperation in industrial research and development, agriculture, and science. Each has contributed significantly to technological advancements that benefit both countries' economies, with returns on investment far exceeding the initial funding. For example, BARD has returned an estimated $12 in economic value for every dollar invested.
Memorandum of Understanding on the Extension of Reciprocal Privileges and the Visa Waiver Program (MOU on Reciprocity):
Benefit: This agreement, signed in 2023, aims to extend reciprocal privileges to all U.S. citizens traveling to or through Israel, facilitating easier travel, business, and tourism while aligning with the Visa Waiver Program requirements. It also addresses entry issues for Palestinian-Americans, enhancing people-to-people connections.
Joint Economic Development Group (JEDG):
Benefit: This group explores economic cooperation, addressing trade impediments and fostering new commercial opportunities, supporting economic growth and stability in both nations.
Water and Energy Cooperation:
Benefit: Israel's expertise in water technology, particularly desalination and water management, has been shared with the U.S., notably in states like California. Conversely, U.S. investments in Israeli tech companies and joint projects like "BIRD Energy" support clean energy initiatives that benefit both countries environmentally and economically.
Cultural and Educational Exchanges:
Benefit: Programs like Fulbright have strengthened educational ties, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation in academic and cultural spheres, which indirectly supports economic and diplomatic relations.
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@nvmtt ? There are NO FORESTS in Pacific Palisades, I've lived there. The first arson fire was at the Skull Rock Trailhead on Jan 1, there was no wind event, so LAFD put it out right away, A 2nd fire was set on Jan 7th when winds were above 50mph, no stopping it in those conditions.
On January 9th, in Woodland Hills near the Kenneth Fire, and illegal alien was detained by residents, he was setting small fires with a blow torch. Video on YT of him being detained and then arrested by LAPD. New York Post has full details. I also once lived in Woodland Hills, CA
The Eaton Fire appears to be a spark from a Power Utility Tower. A lawsuit against SCE power company has been filed. Also video on YT of that.
Neither fires were in Forests, neither fire was natural. The main Palisades reservoir, Stone Canyon, was full and functional. 3.3 billion gallons of water. No Forests, not a water issue, the natural part of the wind. The Santa Ana Winds term was coined in 1886, long before the term "Climate Crisis" existed.
All the above is easy to fact check. The internet cuts both ways: FANTASY and FACT. Your choice.
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On January 9, 2025, a man was arrested in Woodland Hills, CA, following reports of him using a blowtorch in the area. Here's a summary based on available information:
Incident Details: The man was seen riding a bicycle while carrying a large blowtorch, allegedly attempting to set fire to old Christmas trees and garbage cans. Residents of Woodland Hills detained him through a citizen's arrest before law enforcement arrived.
Citizen's Arrest: Neighbors pursued the man after he tried to flee, and they managed to restrain him, even using zip ties at one point. This was captured in videos and reported by multiple news outlets.
Arrest: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) took the man into custody around 4:30 p.m. near Arcos Drive and Galendo Street. Although he was arrested, there was initially not enough evidence to charge him with arson or suspicion of arson; instead, he was arrested on suspicion of a felony probation violation.
Legal Outcomes: As of the last update, the man was not charged with arson due to insufficient evidence. However, investigations were ongoing, and there was mention of an ICE detainer being placed on him, suggesting he might be an undocumented immigrant.
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