As part of the Trump administration’s drive to lionize the late Charlie Kirk and chill criticism of his politics, the State department announced on Tuesday that it had revoked visas for a half-dozen noncitizens who had “celebrated” his assassination in recent weeks online.
The State Department shared the offending remarks in a thread on X, redacting the posters’ handles and avatars.Many of the comments were crass and incendiary – the kind of protected political speech at the heart of the First Amendment, which applies to citizens and noncitizens alike. One Argentine suggested that Kirk shoudl “rest in fucking piss” because of his life devoted to “spreading racist, xenophobic, misogynistic rhetoric,” while a Brazilian national asserted that Kirk “DIED TOO LATE.”
Nota Baloyi, a South African who spoke to The Intercept on Wednesday, had his visa revoked for tweeting that Kirk “won’t be remembered as a hero. He was used to astroturf a movement of white nationalist trailer trash!”
Baloyi told The Intercept that he deleted his post from X after South African right-wingers flagged it for the State Department by tagging Secretary of State Marco rubio, who tweeted in the days after Kirk’s death that visa revocations were “under way” and that noncitizens who were “cheering on the public assassination of a political figure” should “prepare to be deported.” Baloyi disputed that his post was mocking or making light of Kirk’s death.
“While the government can revoke visas for many reasons,the First Amendment forbids it from doing so based on viewpoint.”
“I was keeping this matter to myself until the State Department posted about it,” said baloyi, who is currently in South Africa and last visited the U.S.in 2023.
Last Friday he received a brief email notification from the U.S. consular office revoking his visa. the message made no reference to his social media activity.
“I thought immediately, ‘what could I have done?'” he said.
He realized what was happening after the State Department shared his post on Tuesday. “I was being targeted because I’m an enemy of right-wing South Africans,” Baloyi said, “especially those who have been going around the world and pleading to the Trump administration to let them in as refugees and victims of a nonexistent white genocide.”
Baloyi’s remarks and others flagged by the State Department are all examples of core political speech,according to attorneys who slammed the revocations as blatantly unconstitutional.
“This is a profound threat to free expression,” wrote Brian Hauss, senior staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union’s Speech, Privacy and Technology Project, in a statement to The Intercept. “The government is“`html
Understanding and Managing Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Table of Contents
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-eckbom Disease, is a neurological condition characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by uncomfortable sensations. These sensations are often described as creeping, crawling, pulling, throbbing, aching, or itching. While primarily affecting the legs, RLS can sometimes occur in other parts of the body, like the arms or torso. It’s more common than many people realise, affecting an estimated 7-10% of the U.S. population. Fortunately, effective management strategies are available.
What Causes Restless Legs Syndrome?
The exact cause of RLS isn’t fully understood, but research suggests several factors play a role. In many cases, RLS is considered to have a genetic component; approximately 40% of people with RLS have a family history of the condition. However, it doesn’t always run in families, and spontaneous cases occur.
Several other factors can contribute to or worsen RLS symptoms:
- Iron Deficiency: Low iron levels, even without anemia, are strongly linked to RLS.
- Dopamine Imbalance: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps control muscle movement. Dysfunction in dopamine pathways in the brain is believed to be a key factor.
- Chronic Diseases: Conditions like kidney failure, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy can increase the risk of RLS.
- Medications: Certain medications, including some antidepressants, antihistamines, and anti-nausea drugs, can trigger or exacerbate RLS.
- Lifestyle factors: Caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco use can worsen symptoms.
- Pregnancy: RLS is more common during pregnancy, notably in the third trimester.
Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome
The hallmark symptom of RLS is an overwhelming urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations. Key characteristics include:
- Symptoms begin or worsen during periods of rest or inactivity: Sitting or lying down for extended periods typically triggers symptoms.
- Symptoms are partially or temporarily relieved by movement: Walking, stretching, or jiggling the legs can provide temporary relief.
- Symptoms are worse in the evening or at night: This is a common pattern, making it tough to fall asleep.
- Sensations are described as unpleasant: The sensations are rarely painful, but they are deeply uncomfortable and disruptive.
The severity of RLS symptoms can vary substantially from person to person. Some individuals experience mild, infrequent symptoms, while others suffer from severe, daily disruptions to their sleep and quality of life.
Diagnosing Restless Legs Syndrome
Ther’s no specific test to diagnose RLS. Diagnosis is primarily based on a thorough medical history and physical examination. Doctors will typically ask about your symptoms, their timing, and any factors that worsen or relieve them. They may also rule out other conditions that can mimic RLS, such as peripheral neuropathy or vascular disease.
In certain specific cases, a blood test to check iron levels is recommended.A sleep study may be considered if there’s suspicion of another sleep disorder, like sleep apnea, co-occurring with RLS.
Treatment Options for Restless Legs Syndrome
Treatment for RLS depends on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. Options include:
- Lifestyle modifications: Establishing a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and quitting smoking can help manage symptoms. Regular moderate exercise can also be beneficial, but avoid intense exercise close to bedtime.
- Iron Supplementation: if iron deficiency is identified, your doctor may recommend iron supplements.
- Medications: several medications can definitely help reduce RLS symptoms. These include:
- Dopamine agonists: These drugs mimic the effects of dopamine in the brain.
- Alpha-2 delta ligands: These medications can reduce nerve pain and improve sleep.
- benzodiazepines: These drugs can help with sleep, but they can be habit-forming and are typically used as a last resort.
- Home Remedies: