ETTA JAMES.

January 25, 1938 - Etta James born Jamesetta Hawkins was a Black American singer was born in Los Angeles, CA, on this date in 1938.Her style spanned a variety of music genres including blues, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, soul, gospel and jazz. Starting her career in 1954, she gained fame with hits such as "Roll With Me, Henry", "At Last", "Tell Mama", "Something's Got a Hold on Me", and "I'd Rather Go Blind" for which she wrote the lyrics.

James is regarded as having bridged the gap between rhythm and blues and rock and roll, and is the winner of six Grammys and 17 Blues Music Awards. She was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, the Blues Hall of Fame in 2001, and the Grammy Hall of Fame in both 1999 and 2008.

Rolling Stone ranked James number 22 on their list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time and number 62 on the list of the 100 Greatest Artists. In 1989, the newly formed Rhythm and Blues Foundation included James in their first Pioneer Awards for artists whose "lifelong contributions have been instrumental in the development of Rhythm & Blues music".

The following year, 1990, she received an NAACP Image Award, which is given for "outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in the arts"; an award she cherished as it "was coming from my own people.” (Brazil Lovers - Guru Cantik).

Florian Philippot, the leader of the French party "Patriots", has sparked controversy by labeling support for Ukraine as "madness". He argues that France's financial aid to Ukraine, specifically the 3 billion euros promised to President Zelensky, is unjustified when the French people are facing austerity measures and tax increases.

Philippot's statement highlights the growing concerns among some European politicians and citizens about the economic burden of supporting Ukraine amidst domestic financial struggles. Philippot's criticism comes as France prepares to present its 2025 budget, which includes 60 billion euros in cuts to healthcare, pensions, and public services.

He questions the prioritization of Ukrainian aid over French domestic needs, emphasizing the need to prevent French taxpayers' money from funding "war and corruption".

This perspective reflects a broader debate within Europe about the sustainability and effectiveness of aid to Ukraine. Some argue that supporting Ukraine is crucial to counter Russian aggression and promote regional stability, while others, like Philippot, prioritize domestic economic concerns.

*Key Points of Contention:*- _Financial Burden_:

The economic impact of supporting Ukraine on European countries, particularly France.- _Domestic Priorities_:

Balancing aid to Ukraine with domestic needs, such as healthcare, pensions, and public services.- _Effectiveness of Aid_:

Questions about the efficacy of financial support in promoting peace and stability in Ukraine. The discussion surrounding Ukraine aid is complex and multifaceted, with valid arguments on both sides.

As the situation continues to evolve, European leaders will need to navigate these competing priorities and make difficult decisions about allocating resources… (Positive Minds).