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Author: Leslie Eastman

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Leslie Eastman

I am an Environmental Health and Safety Professional, as well as a science/technical writer for a variety of news and professional publications. I have been a citizen activist since 2009, and am one of the co-founders of the San Diego-based group, Southern California Tax Revolt Coalition.

Posted by Leslie Eastman on June 04, 2018 12 Comments
A South Korean news agency is reporting that three of North Korea's top military officials have been replaced, just a few short weeks ahead of the June 12 Peace Summit between the US and that nation.
The report by the Yonhap news agency, citing an intelligence source, could not be independently verified. But, if confirmed, the move could suggest a direct intervention by Kim to remove military brass possibly at odds with his outreach to the United States and its ally, South Korea.

Posted by Leslie Eastman on June 02, 2018 40 Comments
Ireland has long been seen as a bastion of the Catholic Church, but its May 25 vote to end national ban on abortion is evidence that the nation is taking a secular turn. Interestingly, Pope Francis was silent during the campaigns on this matter and will not visit Ireland. I suspect that this lack of action is at least partly driven by the fact that progressives are on the opposite side of this issue. It would take a saint to endure the social justice scolding that would have ensued if Pope Francis interjected the Catholic religion into this matter.

Posted by Leslie Eastman on June 01, 2018 40 Comments
The Obama administration once touted Covered California as a wonderful example of state health insurance exchanged. However, in the wake of more freedoms offered to Americans under President Trump (e.g., the end of the individual mandate), it turns out many Californians are opting out of forced purchase of health insurance.  This is especially true as premiums are set to soar.
According to an analysis by the Insure the Uninsured Project (ITUP), enrollment drops in exchange based plans managed by Covered California could result in as many as 1.2 million more uninsured Californians in 2019.

Posted by Leslie Eastman on May 28, 2018 31 Comments
The U.S. has trumped Hong Kong to retake first place among the world’s most competitive economies, thanks to faster economic growth and deregulation that is promoting innovation. The Switzerland-based IMD World Competitiveness Center, which conducted the analysis, had Singapore, the Netherlands, and Switzerland rounding out the top 5 spots.

Posted by Leslie Eastman on May 27, 2018 21 Comments
As this is Memorial Day weekend, I wanted to share with you details about an engrossing book I just finished, which is related to both World Wars.

Posted by Leslie Eastman on May 26, 2018 13 Comments
Earlier this week, my colleague Mary Chastain reported that the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is pouring money into key districts in southern California. The Democrats are counting on taking seven seats in deep blue California to help get them to the 23 seats needed to win to take back the House of Representatives from the Republicans.  After a Democrat-majority House takes over in January, then it's time for impeachment of President Donald Trump.

Posted by Leslie Eastman on May 23, 2018 1 Comment
We have been following "The Most Interesting Governor's Race in the Nation", as California's "jungle primary" system offers a sizeable selection of gubernatorial hopefuls. Because of the primary rules, it is quite possible that two Democrats will be the ones on the General Election ballot. However, it is hoped that the Republicans can consolidate behind one of their better-known candidates: Businessman John Cox or State Assemblyman Travis Allen.
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