crooksandliars--2020-05-15--Trump-Loving Pastor Falsely Claims Flu Shots Will Make People Test Positive For COVID19

The Trump -loving pastor Rodney Howard-Browne , who told his congregation to shake hands because they 're not pansies and @ @ @ @ @ holding large church services went on the air to spread more dangerous and new lies @ @ @ @ @ They do the test , '' he said .
Howard-Brown continued , `` If you @ @ @ @ @ the last 10 years you will test positive for COVID19 .
People have no clue @ @ @ @ @ '' His wife joined in and said , `` The reason you 're going to @ @ @ @ @ 're all -- the common cold is a coronavirus so the tests are n't discerning @ @ @ @ @ '' The flu is not a coronavirus .
It is an influenza virus .
They @ @ @ @ @ why the common cold does n't care whether you have a flu shot .
These @ @ @ @ @ be held accountable for their Alex Jones style misinformation , lies and conspiracy theories that @ @ @ @ @ people 's welfare during this pandemic .

The Trump -loving pastor Rodney Howard-Browne, who told his congregation to shake hands because they're not pansies and was later arrested for continually holding large church services went on the air to spread more dangerous and new lies about the coronavirus.
"They do the test," he said.
Howard-Brown continued, "If you had a flu shot in the last 10 years you will test positive for COVID19. People have no clue what's going on."
That's a dangerous lie.
His wife joined in and said, "The reason you're going to test positive is because they're all -- the common cold is a coronavirus so the tests aren't discerning which coronavirus that is."
The flu is not a coronavirus. It is an influenza virus. They are different. That's why the common cold doesn't care whether you have a flu shot.
These people are nuts and should be held accountable for their Alex Jones style misinformation, lies and conspiracy theories that are detrimental to the American people's welfare during this pandemic.


crooksandliars--2020-04-22--State Dept. Report: China, Russia And Iran Push COVID-19 Disinfo Campaign

Via Politico , findings from a non-public State Department report point toward a serious disinformation effort on American social media .
I 'm sure most of us have seen them : The virus is really a bioweapon that escaped from a lab , Bill Gates helped create it , colloidal silver cures it , etc .
Like the information the Russians made up during the 2016 election , the stories have no basis in fact : China , Iran and Russia are using the coronavirus crisis to launch a propaganda and disinformation onslaught against the United States , the State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The three governments are pushing a host of matching messages : that the novel coronavirus is an American bioweapon , that the U.S. is scoring political points off the crisis , that the virus didn ’ t come from China , that U.S. troops spread it , that America ’ s sanctions are killing Iranians , that China ’ s response was great while the U.S. ’ was negligent , that all three governments are managing the crisis well , and that the U.S. economy ca n't bear the toll of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public , was produced by the department ’ s Global Engagement Center — a fledgling office focused on the global information wars — and reviewed by POLITICO .
It makes the case that propaganda and disinformation narratives from those country ’ s governments have converged as coronavirus has spread .
And it says that while the three governments have pushed out the same messages in the past , the global pandemic has seen the convergence of their messaging accelerate .
Some of the disinformation is produced by state-run media outlets , and some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves .
A website run by Russia ’ s Defense Ministry , for instance , highlights the conspiracy theory that billionaire Bill Gates played a role in creating the virus .

Via Politico, findings from a non-public State Department report point toward a serious disinformation effort on American social media. I'm sure most of us have seen them: The virus is really a bioweapon that escaped from a lab, Bill Gates helped create it, colloidal silver cures it, etc. Like the information the Russians made up during the 2016 election, the stories have no basis in fact:
China, Iran and Russia are using the coronavirus crisis to launch a propaganda and disinformation onslaught against the United States, the State Department warns in a new report.
The three governments are pushing a host of matching messages: that the novel coronavirus is an American bioweapon, that the U.S. is scoring political points off the crisis, that the virus didn’t come from China, that U.S. troops spread it, that America’s sanctions are killing Iranians, that China’s response was great while the U.S.’ was negligent, that all three governments are managing the crisis well, and that the U.S. economy can't bear the toll of the virus.
The report, which is not public, was produced by the department’s Global Engagement Center — a fledgling office focused on the global information wars — and reviewed by POLITICO. It makes the case that propaganda and disinformation narratives from those country’s governments have converged as coronavirus has spread. And it says that while the three governments have pushed out the same messages in the past, the global pandemic has seen the convergence of their messaging accelerate.
Some of the disinformation is produced by state-run media outlets, and some has been put out by the governments themselves. A website run by Russia’s Defense Ministry, for instance, highlights the conspiracy theory that billionaire Bill Gates played a role in creating the virus.


crooksandliars--2020-04-12--SNL At Home Skit About Zoom Calls Is A Little Too Close To Reality

The coronavirus pandemic has brought a new phenomenon to many workplaces - the usage of Zoom video conference calls .
@ @ @ @ @ what Zoom allows you to do , click here .
Many people are used to @ @ @ @ @ which allow users to be as dressed ( or undressed ) as they want to @ @ @ @ @ their home with their co-workers or clients .
Now people can see YOU and your @ @ @ @ @ Your kids .
Your messy living room .
They way you dress when not in @ @ @ @ @ it is FUNNY .
Saturday Night Live tackled this very issue on their SNL At @ @ @ @ @ HILARIOUS .
From the older participants who could n't figure out how close to lean @ @ @ @ @ woman who brings the laptop into the bathroom with her because she does n't realize @ @ @ @ @ it was SOMETHING ELSE .

The coronavirus pandemic has brought a new phenomenon to many workplaces - the usage of Zoom video conference calls. For a quick tutorial on what Zoom allows you to do, click here. Many people are used to purely telephonic conference calls, which allow users to be as dressed (or undressed) as they want to be and to avoid sharing their home with their co-workers or clients.
Well, folks. Times have changed.
Now people can see YOU and your house. Your pets. Your kids. Your messy living room. They way you dress when not in a corporate office. And it is FUNNY.
Saturday Night Live tackled this very issue on their SNL At Home episode and it was HILARIOUS. From the older participants who couldn't figure out how close to lean to the camera to the woman who brings the laptop into the bathroom with her because she doesn't realize everyone can see her...it was SOMETHING ELSE.
Enjoy.


crooksandliars--2020-04-12--Mike's Blog Round Up

Mike's Blog Round Up

Annie Asks You : What should the media do about Trump 's coronavirus bloviation-fests ?
Mock Paper Scissors : In @ @ @ @ @ country has sunk so low .
Earth-Bound Misfit : A modest proposal for those whose @ @ @ @ @ the rest of us .
Michael in Norfolk : The pandemic has exposed the weaknesses @ @ @ @ @ the trans-national world order -- and the dangers of being dependent on fascist China .
@ @ @ @ @ To recommend a post , send link to mbru [ at ] crooksandliars [ dot @ @ @ @ @ check it !

Annie Asks You: What should the media do about Trump's coronavirus briefings bloviation-fests?
Mock Paper Scissors: In just three years, our country has sunk so low.
Earth-Bound Misfit: A modest proposal for those whose hypocritical displays of piety endanger the rest of us.
Michael in Norfolk: The pandemic has exposed the weaknesses of the US economy and the trans-national world order -- and the dangers of being dependent on fascist China.
Bonus link: Easter eggs? These are Easter eggs.
Blog round-up by Infidel753. To recommend a post, send link to mbru [at] crooksandliars [dot] com -- I do check it!


crooksandliars--2020-04-12--Chris Wallace Rips Trump For Late Reaction To Virus: 'How Much Did Those Lost Weeks Cost Us?'

Fox News host Chris Wallace suggested on Sunday that the United States would be seeing fewer deaths from the coronavirus if President Donald Trump had taken the epidemic seriously in January and February .
Wallace made the remarks as he was interviewing Dr. Tom Inglesby , the director of the Center for Health Security of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health .
`` Let 's start with that New York Times report that from January on , top public health officials were warning the president about the threat from the pandemic and that he did not take action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` How much did those lost weeks cost us ? ''
the Fox News host wondered .
Inglesby argued that the United States did not have the political will to shut down the economy in January .
`` That article reinforces what we 've heard along the way , which is that many in the administration were very worried about this as early as January and February , '' Inglesby said .
`` If we had acted on some of those warnings earlier , we would be in a much better position in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protective equipment and getting our hospitals ready . ''
`` If we had imposed social distancing , stay at home at the end of January or early February , would there be a dramatically smaller number of cases and deaths ? ''
Wallace asked .
`` If we had done a lot of diagnostic testing earlier , it 's possible we would have seen enough disease to get the will to do that in February , '' Inglesby agreed .
`` They earlier we put in place social distancing , the earlier we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

Fox News host Chris Wallace suggested on Sunday that the United States would be seeing fewer deaths from the coronavirus if President Donald Trump had taken the epidemic seriously in January and February.
Wallace made the remarks as he was interviewing Dr. Tom Inglesby, the director of the Center for Health Security of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
"Let's start with that New York Times report that from January on, top public health officials were warning the president about the threat from the pandemic and that he did not take action until mid-March," Wallace said.
"How much did those lost weeks cost us?" the Fox News host wondered.
Inglesby argued that the United States did not have the political will to shut down the economy in January.
"That article reinforces what we've heard along the way, which is that many in the administration were very worried about this as early as January and February," Inglesby said. "If we had acted on some of those warnings earlier, we would be in a much better position in terms of diagnostics and masks and personal protective equipment and getting our hospitals ready."
"If we had imposed social distancing, stay at home at the end of January or early February, would there be a dramatically smaller number of cases and deaths?" Wallace asked.
"If we had done a lot of diagnostic testing earlier, it's possible we would have seen enough disease to get the will to do that in February," Inglesby agreed. "They earlier we put in place social distancing, the earlier we would have gotten to a peak."


crooksandliars--2020-04-12--Trump Hears In Easter Sermon That Jesus Christ Is 'Exactly' Like Getting Paid For Coronavirus

The Texas pastor who President Donald Trump chose to watch on Easter said that accepting Jesus is like getting free money for the coronavirus .
In a sermon at the First Baptist Church in Dallas , Pastor Robert Jeffress delivered his sermon to an empty sanctuary .
`` I realize for some of you watching right now , all of this talk about temples , tapestries and blood sacrifices seems kind of foreign , '' Jeffress said .
`` Let me give you a practical illustration of what we say when we say Jesus paid for your sin . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus crisis , you lose your job and you get behind in your mortgage payment , '' he continued .
`` But a friend says to you , 'You know what , I 've got more than enough money and I 'll be happy not just to make a mortgage payment or two , I want to pay off your entire debt to the bank . '
'' `` And your friend writes out a check , '' the pastor added .
`` All you have to do is receive that check , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where your mortgage is and your mortgage is paid off forever . ''
Jeffress argued that paying off a mortgage is `` exactly what Jesus did for us . ''
`` Every day our debt towards God increases like the national debt , '' he warned .
`` When Jesus Christ came to Earth and died on the cross he paid the debt ! ''

The Texas pastor who President Donald Trump chose to watch on Easter said that accepting Jesus is like getting free money for the coronavirus.
In a sermon at the First Baptist Church in Dallas, Pastor Robert Jeffress delivered his sermon to an empty sanctuary.
"I realize for some of you watching right now, all of this talk about temples, tapestries and blood sacrifices seems kind of foreign," Jeffress said. "Let me give you a practical illustration of what we say when we say Jesus paid for your sin."
"Just imagine that because of this coronavirus crisis, you lose your job and you get behind in your mortgage payment," he continued. "But a friend says to you, 'You know what, I've got more than enough money and I'll be happy not just to make a mortgage payment or two, I want to pay off your entire debt to the bank.'"
"And your friend writes out a check," the pastor added. "All you have to do is receive that check, endorse it, deposit in the bank where your mortgage is and your mortgage is paid off forever."
Jeffress argued that paying off a mortgage is "exactly what Jesus did for us."
"Every day our debt towards God increases like the national debt," he warned. "When Jesus Christ came to Earth and died on the cross he paid the debt!"


crooksandliars--2020-04-18--VICTORY: Federal Court Deals Another Blow To Keystone XL

Indigenous rights groups and climate action campaigners credited their years-long effort to block the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline with securing the latest legal victory against TC Energy on Wednesday after a federal judge in Montana invalidated a water-crossing permit needed to build the pipeline .
Judge Brian Morris ruled that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ( USACE ) issued the permit without conducting a thorough assessment of the harm the pipeline would cause to endangered species in waterways along the oil infrastructure 's planned route , which stretches 1,179 miles from Alberta , Canada to Nebraska .
Morris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ USACE was ordered to complete a formal analysis of the pipeline 's potential impact on endangered species .
If completed , the pipeline would carry 830,000 barrels of tar sands oil per day .
Groups including the Center for Biological Diversity , the Sierra Club , and the National Resources Defense Council joined indigenous groups in applauding the victory in their case against the Army Corps and TC Energy .
`` This is a tremendous victory for imperiled wildlife that rely on rivers , streams , and wetlands , '' said Jared Margolis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biological Diversity .
`` This ruling makes it clear that the Trump administration ca n't continue to push dirty fossil fuel pipelines while ignoring the devastating impacts they have on the environment . ''
`` We wish to recognize the tremendous work by our allies ! ''
said Dallas Goldtooth , an organizer with the Indigenous Environmental Network .
`` This decision vindicates what we have always known .
We stand unified in this resistance , not only on the grounds of morality , but on the terms of our legal rights as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest victory for climate action groups in a series of ongoing litigation against the Keystone XL Pipeline .
President Donald Trump issued permits for its construction within days of taking office in 2017 , two years after President Barack Obama declined to grant permission for the project .
In 2018 , Morris temporarily blocked construction , saying the Trump administration failed to legally justify the project , and last December he ruled that lawsuits against the pipeline could move forward .
Campaigners called on TC Energy to finally give up its effort to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest legal blow .
Hearings on Trump 's attempt to unilaterally approve cross-border construction and on Indigenous tribes ' demand that the project be suspended in light of the coronavirus pandemic are planned for Thursday .
Despite the ongoing battle , 350.org called Wednesday 's decision `` a critical victory for tribes , rural communities , and all supporters of climate justice who have been fighting Keystone XL for more than a decade . ''
`` The court has rightfully ruled against the Trump administration 's efforts to fast track this nasty pipeline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Toles O'Laughlin , North America director for 350.org .
`` We wo n't allow fossil fuel corporations and backdoor politicians to violate the laws that protect people and the planet .
We will challenge any attempt to put our health and well-being at risk . ''
`` We can only hope that our organization 's ongoing litigation will receive a comparable decision as well , '' Goldtooth said of the continued fight .
`` In the meantime , we fight on in defense of the sacredness of Mother Earth ! ''

Indigenous rights groups and climate action campaigners credited their years-long effort to block the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline with securing the latest legal victory against TC Energy on Wednesday after a federal judge in Montana invalidated a water-crossing permit needed to build the pipeline.
Judge Brian Morris ruled that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) issued the permit without conducting a thorough assessment of the harm the pipeline would cause to endangered species in waterways along the oil infrastructure's planned route, which stretches 1,179 miles from Alberta, Canada to Nebraska.
Morris ordered a suspension of construction and the USACE was ordered to complete a formal analysis of the pipeline's potential impact on endangered species. If completed, the pipeline would carry 830,000 barrels of tar sands oil per day.
Groups including the Center for Biological Diversity, the Sierra Club, and the National Resources Defense Council joined indigenous groups in applauding the victory in their case against the Army Corps and TC Energy.
"This is a tremendous victory for imperiled wildlife that rely on rivers, streams, and wetlands," said Jared Margolis, senior attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity. "This ruling makes it clear that the Trump administration can't continue to push dirty fossil fuel pipelines while ignoring the devastating impacts they have on the environment."
HUGE news! As @nrdc's Anthony Swift said, this “creates another significant hurdle for the project…Keystone XL has basically lost all of its Clean Water Act permits for water crossings.” https://t.co/EjkHkMCBrX @BoldNebraska @CenterForBioDiv @friends_earth @Norplains @SierraClub — Gina McCarthy (@GinaNRDC) April 16, 2020
"We wish to recognize the tremendous work by our allies!" said Dallas Goldtooth, an organizer with the Indigenous Environmental Network. "This decision vindicates what we have always known. We stand unified in this resistance, not only on the grounds of morality, but on the terms of our legal rights as well."
The ruling is the latest victory for climate action groups in a series of ongoing litigation against the Keystone XL Pipeline. President Donald Trump issued permits for its construction within days of taking office in 2017, two years after President Barack Obama declined to grant permission for the project.
In 2018, Morris temporarily blocked construction, saying the Trump administration failed to legally justify the project, and last December he ruled that lawsuits against the pipeline could move forward.
Campaigners called on TC Energy to finally give up its effort to build the pipeline in light of its latest legal blow.
"Take a hint, TC Energy," tweeted Sierra Club campaigner Ben Cushing.
You just never learn, @TCEnergy. How many times do we have to tell you? This. Pipeline. Is. Never. Getting. Built.#NoKXL https://t.co/9CYMR9MAYJ — Jamie Henn (@jamieclimate) April 15, 2020
Hearings on Trump's attempt to unilaterally approve cross-border construction and on Indigenous tribes' demand that the project be suspended in light of the coronavirus pandemic are planned for Thursday.
Despite the ongoing battle, 350.org called Wednesday's decision "a critical victory for tribes, rural communities, and all supporters of climate justice who have been fighting Keystone XL for more than a decade."
"The court has rightfully ruled against the Trump administration's efforts to fast track this nasty pipeline at any cost," said Tamara Toles O'Laughlin, North America director for 350.org. "We won't allow fossil fuel corporations and backdoor politicians to violate the laws that protect people and the planet. We will challenge any attempt to put our health and well-being at risk."
"We can only hope that our organization's ongoing litigation will receive a comparable decision as well," Goldtooth said of the continued fight. "In the meantime, we fight on in defense of the sacredness of Mother Earth!"
Republished from Common Dreams (Julia Conley, staff writer) under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 License.


crooksandliars--2020-04-05--Pastor Plans To Pack Palm Sunday Services Despite Pandemic: 'People's Hope Is In The House Of God'

Louisiana pastor Tony Spell is clinging to his constitutional right to kill his flock , telling CNN 's Victor Blackwell that he planned to bring worshippers in by the busload in spite of the stay-at-home order and risk of death from COVID-19 .
Earlier in the week the Life Tabernacle Church pastor called the virus `` politically motivated '' and vowed to exercise his First Amendment right to assemble .
Today he had much more to say about that .
`` This morning , yes , sir , 10:00 AM , '' he told Blackwell in response to whether he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We will actually run our buses .
We have 27 buses that we cover in a 50-mile radius of our city .
We bring people into the house of God , feed them natural food and spiritual food and then we go right back into our respective places .
It takes us about eight hours to run into service on Sunday morning and then we come back in tonight.
” Now he claims they disinfect the church and practice social distancing but I 'm thinking about those buses and that it absolutely wo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything before putting 1800 or so people together for 8 hours to eat and sing .
They should take a lesson from the Skagit Valley Choir .
When Blackwell challenged him to reconcile his `` pro-life '' stance with his decision to place people at risk of getting a disease that might kill them , Spell had an answer for that , too .
“ My response to that is people ’ s hope is in the house of God , ” Spell declared .
“ If they do contract the virus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the church is more essential now than ever to pray with people , to let them know there is a physician in Jesus Christ . ''
He emphasized , `` He is the healer ; come under you all that are weary and heavy-laden , let me give you rest . ''
And as a parting shot , he noted , `` We were supposed to be at a million and a half body bags and we ’ re at 4,800 so the narrative is false . ''
Oh hey , Pastor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million and a half body bags .
Brown and black people are dying from this virus in higher proportions because of poverty and want .
Those conditions do n't go away by faith , and viruses do n't stop killing people .
Putting all of those people at risk by packing them in buses and taking them to church is not what I view as Christian charity .
How is this so difficult to understand ?
How is it so difficult to be creative with church , to use radios and the internet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so people do n't die ?
They may have the right to assemble , but at what cost ?

Louisiana pastor Tony Spell is clinging to his constitutional right to kill his flock, telling CNN's Victor Blackwell that he planned to bring worshippers in by the busload in spite of the stay-at-home order and risk of death from COVID-19.
Earlier in the week the Life Tabernacle Church pastor called the virus "politically motivated" and vowed to exercise his First Amendment right to assemble. Today he had much more to say about that.
"This morning, yes, sir, 10:00 AM," he told Blackwell in response to whether he'd hold services this week. "We will actually run our buses. We have 27 buses that we cover in a 50-mile radius of our city. We bring people into the house of God, feed them natural food and spiritual food and then we go right back into our respective places. It takes us about eight hours to run into service on Sunday morning and then we come back in tonight.”
Now he claims they disinfect the church and practice social distancing but I'm thinking about those buses and that it absolutely won't matter whether or not they bleach everything before putting 1800 or so people together for 8 hours to eat and sing. They should take a lesson from the Skagit Valley Choir.
When Blackwell challenged him to reconcile his "pro-life" stance with his decision to place people at risk of getting a disease that might kill them, Spell had an answer for that, too.
“My response to that is people’s hope is in the house of God,” Spell declared. “If they do contract the virus, if they have fears of the virus, the church is more essential now than ever to pray with people, to let them know there is a physician in Jesus Christ."
He emphasized, "He is the healer; come under you all that are weary and heavy-laden, let me give you rest."
And as a parting shot, he noted, "We were supposed to be at a million and a half body bags and we’re at 4,800 so the narrative is false."
Oh hey, Pastor. We well may be at a million and a half body bags. Brown and black people are dying from this virus in higher proportions because of poverty and want. Those conditions don't go away by faith, and viruses don't stop killing people. Putting all of those people at risk by packing them in buses and taking them to church is not what I view as Christian charity.
How is this so difficult to understand? How is it so difficult to be creative with church, to use radios and the internet and television or whatever else we can so people don't die?
They may have the right to assemble, but at what cost?


crooksandliars--2020-04-05--Chris Wallace Skewers Surgeon General For Comparing Virus To Smoking

Trump has filled his cabinet and the federal government with sycophants and incompetents as his Surgeon General made quite evident this morning .
U.S .
Surgeon General Jerome Adams joined Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday , armed with the most ridiculous and myopic administration reasons for why Donald Trump refuses to issue a federally mandated stay-at-home order to stop the spread of the coronavirus .
Adams was the Health Commissioner in Indiana under then Gov .
Mike Pence which explains much , given the dreadful HIV epidemic in Indiana under his watch .
Adams came to FNS prepared with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as empty and vacuous as anything I 've heard coming from a medical professional about the spread of COVID-19 .
After declaring on several Sunday talk shows that the coming weeks will be like Pearl Harbor and 9/11 for America , he shrank when asked why Trump refused to invoke the national stay-at-home order and instead kept holding up a piece of paper .
“ The coronavirus is not a state issue , it doesn ’ t follow or respect state borders , '' Wallace said .
`` Dr. Fauci says he believes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Is he wrong ?
” While practically shaking in his chair , Adams proceeded to list all of his Kellyanne Conway 's special alternative facts for today 's media blitz .
He talked about federalism before using opioid and nicotine addiction to justify catching the virus as if people just caught the smoking bug after being coughed on by their aunt or uncle .
Looking like a deer caught in the headlights , Adams said with a straight face , `` More people will die even in the worst projections from cigarette @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to die from coronavirus this year.
” Is this f**king guy kidding me ?
“ What I would say to those governors is if you can ’ t give us a month , give us what you can .
Give us a week .
Give us whatever you can to stay at home during this particularly tough time , ” Adams continued .
If nine states are allowing their citizenship to walk around freely to congregate then they can continue to spread the virus even after it 's contained in the other 90 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a self quarantine action .
You do n't have to be a doctor to figure that one out .
A flabbergasted Wallace replied , `` There ’ s a big difference between opioids and cigarettes , which are something that people decide to use or not to use , and the coronavirus , which people catch .
It ’ s not an individual choice . ''
`` And you know , when President Trump says that he is a wartime president , during World War II , FDR didn ’ t say , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to each state to decide what to do , ’ he mobilized the nation .
Again , why not a national stay-at-home order ?
The coronavirus doesn ’ t recognize states ’ rights , so does the federal analogy really work here ?
” Wallace pressed .
Trump refuses to act like a serious commander-in-chief whileJerome Adams cowered and then tried to use Gov .
Cuomo as his defense when the New York governor discussed Trump 's idea of quarantining all of New York State .
Issuing a stay-at-home federally mandated order is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state from any contact with the rest of the country , you twit .
The Surgeon General looked like an idiot holding up a piece of paper that says 30 days to slow the spread .
We are dealing with a pandemic , not a states rights issue even though that 's the way Trump is framing it .
Donald does not want his federal government to be responsible for his terrible responses and inaction revolving around the virus which will result in more death and pain for the American population .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really wanted to slow the spread they would issue a stay-at-home order to the entire country .
Today .
Until all the states and territories are under such an order , all states and territories will be at risk of reinfection and more deaths .

Trump has filled his cabinet and the federal government with sycophants and incompetents as his Surgeon General made quite evident this morning.
U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams joined Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday , armed with the most ridiculous and myopic administration reasons for why Donald Trump refuses to issue a federally mandated stay-at-home order to stop the spread of the coronavirus .
Adams was the Health Commissioner in Indiana under then Gov. Mike Pence which explains much, given the dreadful HIV epidemic in Indiana under his watch.
Adams came to FNS prepared with lengthy Kellyanne Conway talking points which were as empty and vacuous as anything I've heard coming from a medical professional about the spread of COVID-19.
After declaring on several Sunday talk shows that the coming weeks will be like Pearl Harbor and 9/11 for America, he shrank when asked why Trump refused to invoke the national stay-at-home order and instead kept holding up a piece of paper.
“The coronavirus is not a state issue, it doesn’t follow or respect state borders," Wallace said. "Dr. Fauci says he believes there should be a national stay-at-home order. Is he wrong?”
While practically shaking in his chair, Adams proceeded to list all of his Kellyanne Conway's special alternative facts for today's media blitz.
He talked about federalism before using opioid and nicotine addiction to justify catching the virus as if people just caught the smoking bug after being coughed on by their aunt or uncle.
Looking like a deer caught in the headlights, Adams said with a straight face, "More people will die even in the worst projections from cigarette smoking in this country than are going to die from coronavirus this year.”
Is this f**king guy kidding me?
“What I would say to those governors is if you can’t give us a month, give us what you can. Give us a week. Give us whatever you can to stay at home during this particularly tough time,” Adams continued.
If nine states are allowing their citizenship to walk around freely to congregate then they can continue to spread the virus even after it's contained in the other 90% of states that are currently imposing a self quarantine action. You don't have to be a doctor to figure that one out.
A flabbergasted Wallace replied, "There’s a big difference between opioids and cigarettes, which are something that people decide to use or not to use, and the coronavirus, which people catch. It’s not an individual choice."
"And you know, when President Trump says that he is a wartime president, during World War II, FDR didn’t say, ‘Well, it’s up to each state to decide what to do,’ he mobilized the nation. Again, why not a national stay-at-home order? The coronavirus doesn’t recognize states’ rights, so does the federal analogy really work here?” Wallace pressed.
Trump refuses to act like a serious commander-in-chief whileJerome Adams cowered and then tried to use Gov. Cuomo as his defense when the New York governor discussed Trump's idea of quarantining all of New York State.
Issuing a stay-at-home federally mandated order is not the same as quarantining an entire state from any contact with the rest of the country, you twit.
The Surgeon General looked like an idiot holding up a piece of paper that says 30 days to slow the spread.
We are dealing with a pandemic, not a states rights issue even though that's the way Trump is framing it. Donald does not want his federal government to be responsible for his terrible responses and inaction revolving around the virus which will result in more death and pain for the American population.
If the Surgeon General and the federal government really wanted to slow the spread they would issue a stay-at-home order to the entire country. Today. Until all the states and territories are under such an order, all states and territories will be at risk of reinfection and more deaths.


crooksandliars--2020-04-05--Dr. Fauci Blasts Claim Virus Is 'Under Control': 'That Would Be A False Statement'

Dr. Anthony Fauci , the U.S. government 's top infectious disease expert , warned on Sunday that states without stay at home orders are putting themselves at risk for COVID-19 outbreaks .
`` This is going to be a bad week , '' Fauci explained to CBS News host Margarett Brennan .
`` We 're going to continue to see an escalation .
We should also hope that within a week , maybe a little bit more , we should start to see a flattening out of the curve . ''
The doctor predicted that the death toll would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I will not say we have it under control , '' he said .
`` That would be a false statement .
We are struggling to get it under control . ''
Unlike President Donald Trump , Fauci said that he does wear a mask in public .
`` If I go out which I really do n't do very much because of my life as it is now , I would and do [ wear a mask ] , '' he explained .
`` If you have a situation where you do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distance , you wear a mask . ''
Fauci also said that the eight states without stay at home orders are at greater risk for outbreaks .
`` It is n't that they 're putting the rest of the country at risk as much at much as they 're putting themselves at risk , '' he remarked .
`` This virus does n't discriminate whether you 're in a small town in a relatively secluded area of the country vs. whether you are in a big city . ''

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government's top infectious disease expert, warned on Sunday that states without stay at home orders are putting themselves at risk for COVID-19 outbreaks.
"This is going to be a bad week," Fauci explained to CBS News host Margarett Brennan. "We're going to continue to see an escalation. We should also hope that within a week, maybe a little bit more, we should start to see a flattening out of the curve."
The doctor predicted that the death toll would be "shocking to some."
"I will not say we have it under control," he said. "That would be a false statement. We are struggling to get it under control."
Unlike President Donald Trump, Fauci said that he does wear a mask in public.
"If I go out which I really don't do very much because of my life as it is now, I would and do [wear a mask]," he explained. "If you have a situation where you don't have control over that six foot distance, you wear a mask."
Fauci also said that the eight states without stay at home orders are at greater risk for outbreaks.
"It isn't that they're putting the rest of the country at risk as much at much as they're putting themselves at risk," he remarked. "This virus doesn't discriminate whether you're in a small town in a relatively secluded area of the country vs. whether you are in a big city."


crooksandliars--2020-04-05--Evangelical Churches Run Smack Into Coronavirus' Lethal Reality, But Some Continue To Resist

Evangelical churches with a right-wing , Christian-nationalist political bent really want nothing more than to resist government orders to cease holding services during the novel coronavirus pandemic .
The main drawback is that there ’ s the possibility of killing off their congregations .
So most of them are being appropriately cautious and heeding their respective governors ’ stay-at-home orders .
One well-noted resisting pastor gave in and closed his doors after he was arrested .
But more than a few of them are still planning to hold services Sunday , and for the foreseeable future .
Several states , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for religious services in their stay-at-home orders , along with Texas , Michigan , Delaware , New Mexico , Ohio , and West Virginia .
Other states , including Virginia , are limiting congregation sizes to 10 people .
Florida pastor Rodney Howard-Browne drew the most attention to the issue by holding packed services last weekend in Tampa despite a countywide ban on such gatherings , for which he was then arrested and charged the following day .
Howard-Browne—a well-known anti-LGBTQ preacher—posted bond promptly , but grudgingly announced that his church would not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I have to do this to protect the congregation—not from the virus but from a tyrannical government , ” he said .
Joining in Howard-Browne ’ s defense is the anti-LGBTQ hate group Liberty Counsel , which claimed that Sunday ’ s congregation met social-distancing guidelines despite video from the event showing dozens crowded together .
Florida state attorney Andrew Warren announced the pastor would be arrested at a news conference the next day , warning : “ Loving your neighbors is protecting them , not jeopardizing their health by exposing them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that these evangelical churches can become major disease vectors for COVID-19 is based in immediate reality : One such church in Sacramento County , California—the Bethany Slavic Missionary Church near Rancho Cordova—is the source of 71 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus , and one death so far .
Overall , more than a third of that county ’ s 314 cases are connected to church services .
Resistance among churches that insist on holding services appears to be mostly occurring in pockets around the country .
In Pennsylvania , a Pittsburgh evangelist announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I ’ m gon na announce it , we ’ re gon na hold an outdoor Easter blowout service .
Not online .
A national gathering .
You come from all over , like Woodstock .
And we ’ re gon na gather and lift up Jesus Christ , '' the Rev .
Jonathan Shuttlesworth told Fox News .
In Louisiana , a Baton Rouge pastor is similarly defiant : “ We feel we are being persecuted for the faith by being told to close our doors , ” said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visited his gathering of more than 300 congregants on Sunday , issuing a warning that the National Guard would break up any future such gatherings .
Most of the resistance , as the Los Angeles Times reports , is coming from pastors at megachurches , where the flow of money always depends on having worshippers in the seats .
They represent only a tiny minority of such churches—perhaps 15 % —and an even smaller portion of religious Americans , notes theologian Scott Thumma of the Hartford Seminary .
Nonetheless , the harm being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explains : Those that are continuing to have services are most likely to be those who subscribe to prosperity gospel beliefs that claim God will protect them from adversity or are pitting their claims of religious freedom against the welfare of those they would like to evangelize .
I would say that this percentage of large churches having service is roughly the same as smaller congregations who are still meeting , at least according to the few recently released polls and surveys .
Many churches around the nation will be holding large gatherings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orders in their states—primarily red Republican states such as Alabama , Arkansas , Nebraska , the Dakotas , South Carolina , Iowa , and Missouri .
In Texas , Gov .
Gregg Abbott ’ s stay-at-home order includes an exemption for religious services—and while most Texas churches have nonetheless closed their doors for the time being and moved services online , a number remain resistant to doing so .
A group of Houston-area pastors told the Texas Tribune that they intend to hold Easter services , as will more pastors they know .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ proceeding apace with their plans for large tent gatherings in the summer and fall , claiming that COVID-19 represents a “ Satanic agenda ” with a “ demonic assignment ” including preventing a series of evangelical events planned in the South and Midwest .
It includes a mass gathering on the National Mall in Washington , D.C. , in June .
Rodney Howard-Browne , meanwhile , used his newfound national profile to continue promoting his far-right brand of Christianity .
A Friday tweet he posted tried to make hay with new government recommendations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by suggesting it is just a preparatory step for forced Islamic beliefs : “ Masks now Burkas next—get ready !
” he wrote .

Evangelical churches with a right-wing, Christian-nationalist political bent really want nothing more than to resist government orders to cease holding services during the novel coronavirus pandemic. The main drawback is that there’s the possibility of killing off their congregations.
So most of them are being appropriately cautious and heeding their respective governors’ stay-at-home orders. One well-noted resisting pastor gave in and closed his doors after he was arrested. But more than a few of them are still planning to hold services Sunday, and for the foreseeable future.
Several states, including Florida, have carved out exceptions for religious services in their stay-at-home orders, along with Texas, Michigan, Delaware, New Mexico, Ohio, and West Virginia. Other states, including Virginia, are limiting congregation sizes to 10 people.
Florida pastor Rodney Howard-Browne drew the most attention to the issue by holding packed services last weekend in Tampa despite a countywide ban on such gatherings, for which he was then arrested and charged the following day. Howard-Browne—a well-known anti-LGBTQ preacher—posted bond promptly, but grudgingly announced that his church would not hold services for the time being: “I have to do this to protect the congregation—not from the virus but from a tyrannical government,” he said.
Joining in Howard-Browne’s defense is the anti-LGBTQ hate group Liberty Counsel, which claimed that Sunday’s congregation met social-distancing guidelines despite video from the event showing dozens crowded together.
Florida state attorney Andrew Warren announced the pastor would be arrested at a news conference the next day, warning: “Loving your neighbors is protecting them, not jeopardizing their health by exposing them to this deadly virus.”
The likelihood that these evangelical churches can become major disease vectors for COVID-19 is based in immediate reality: One such church in Sacramento County, California—the Bethany Slavic Missionary Church near Rancho Cordova—is the source of 71 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus, and one death so far. Overall, more than a third of that county’s 314 cases are connected to church services.
Resistance among churches that insist on holding services appears to be mostly occurring in pockets around the country. In Pennsylvania, a Pittsburgh evangelist announced plans to hold a large outdoor service: "I’m gonna announce it, we’re gonna hold an outdoor Easter blowout service. Not online. A national gathering. You come from all over, like Woodstock. And we’re gonna gather and lift up Jesus Christ," the Rev. Jonathan Shuttlesworth told Fox News.
In Louisiana, a Baton Rouge pastor is similarly defiant: “We feel we are being persecuted for the faith by being told to close our doors,” said the Rev. Tony Spell after police officers visited his gathering of more than 300 congregants on Sunday, issuing a warning that the National Guard would break up any future such gatherings.
Most of the resistance, as the Los Angeles Times reports, is coming from pastors at megachurches, where the flow of money always depends on having worshippers in the seats. They represent only a tiny minority of such churches—perhaps 15%—and an even smaller portion of religious Americans, notes theologian Scott Thumma of the Hartford Seminary. Nonetheless, the harm being done by them remains immeasurable, Thumma explains:
Those that are continuing to have services are most likely to be those who subscribe to prosperity gospel beliefs that claim God will protect them from adversity or are pitting their claims of religious freedom against the welfare of those they would like to evangelize. I would say that this percentage of large churches having service is roughly the same as smaller congregations who are still meeting, at least according to the few recently released polls and surveys.
Many churches around the nation will be holding large gatherings in part because there are no stay-at-home orders in their states—primarily red Republican states such as Alabama, Arkansas, Nebraska, the Dakotas, South Carolina, Iowa, and Missouri.
In Texas, Gov. Gregg Abbott’s stay-at-home order includes an exemption for religious services—and while most Texas churches have nonetheless closed their doors for the time being and moved services online, a number remain resistant to doing so. A group of Houston-area pastors told the Texas Tribune that they intend to hold Easter services, as will more pastors they know.
A number of evangelical pastors are also proceeding apace with their plans for large tent gatherings in the summer and fall, claiming that COVID-19 represents a “Satanic agenda” with a “demonic assignment” including preventing a series of evangelical events planned in the South and Midwest. It includes a mass gathering on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in June.
Rodney Howard-Browne, meanwhile, used his newfound national profile to continue promoting his far-right brand of Christianity. A Friday tweet he posted tried to make hay with new government recommendations for ordinary people to wear protective masks by suggesting it is just a preparatory step for forced Islamic beliefs: “Masks now Burkas next—get ready!” he wrote.
Posted with permission from Daily Kos.


crooksandliars--2020-04-05--Mike's Blog Round Up

Mike's Blog Round Up

The Progressive Pulse : North Carolina ’ s Chief Justice is providing relief on court fines and fees during the @ @ @ @ @ The best words made better .
She Who Seeks : Coronavirus is making every day @ @ @ @ @ way you ’ d think .
The Mahablog : Are Trump and his cronies profiteering @ @ @ @ @ ’ s made worse ?
Speaking of which , your quote of the day : @ @ @ @ @ n't benefit .
I think there 's very little benefit for people of wealth .
@ @ @ @ @ on the GOP ’ s “ Tax Cuts and Jobs Act , ” September 27 @ @ @ @ @ blogging Mike 's Blog Round Up for the last time this week is Jon Perr @ @ @ @ @ tips , recommendations , comments and angst to mbru AT crooksandliars DOT com .

The Progressive Pulse: North Carolina’s Chief Justice is providing relief on court fines and fees during the COVID19 crisis.
Infidel753: The best words made better.
She Who Seeks: Coronavirus is making every day judgment day…just not in the way you’d think.
The Mahablog: Are Trump and his cronies profiteering during the COVID19 crisis he’s made worse?
Speaking of which, your quote of the day:
"No, I don't benefit. I think there's very little benefit for people of wealth." (Donald Trump, on the GOP’s “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” September 27, 2017.)
Guest blogging Mike's Blog Round Up for the last time this week is Jon Perr from Perrspectives. Send your tips, recommendations, comments and angst to mbru AT crooksandliars DOT com.


crooksandliars--2020-05-02--Kids Are Asking Huge Questions During The Pandemic

Why do people have to die ?
Can you be happy and sad at the same time ?
Kids often ask questions like these that are hard if not impossible to answer .
When children raise uncomfortable questions or questions that seem to have no answers , adults tend to respond with explanations that try to resolve the issue , at least temporarily .
It ’ s natural to attempt to comfort a kid who is feeling bewildered by the world .
But simple explanations may not be what the child needs or wants , especially as the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply want to talk about their questions and thoughts .
I ’ m a philosopher and educator who has been listening to children and talking with them about their big philosophical questions for the past 25 years .
I encourage all young people to think for themselves about issues that matter to them because it ’ s important for them to learn how to analyze and understand their own experiences .
Most kids start wondering about big questions almost as soon as they learn to speak , and they continue to think about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about things that most adults take for granted , children all over the world are wide open to the mysteries that pervade human life .
Research shows , though , that as they get older , kids ask questions less and less .
Children often tell me that they lie awake at night thinking about things like whether God exists , why the world has the colors it does , the nature of time and whether dreams are real .
These are not the kinds of questions that can be answered by Googling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They are age-old questions that everyone can wonder about during any stage of life .
Sometimes the questions are more important than finding the answers .
The pandemic has led more kids to ask about such topics as loneliness , isolation , boredom , illness and death .
When the Seattle schools closed this spring , I began continuing the philosophy sessions I lead in elementary school classrooms on Zoom , with small groups of children with whom I ’ ve been working this year .
In a recent Zoom conversation with six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficulties of life during the pandemic .
We discussed how being deprived of things can make you appreciate them in new ways .
“ I like to be alone , but it ’ s different when you have to be alone .
It makes me really appreciate my friends , ” said a girl I ’ ll call “ Hannah.
” Then , “ Max ” said that he never thought he liked school but being at home this spring has led him to think differently about what school means to him .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ more when we are without them , and why that seems true .
While children do need adult help and guidance , parents don ’ t always have to be in the position of the expert providing the answers .
Thinking with children about their bigger questions can make way for a more mutual kind of interaction .
Because these kinds of questions tend not to have settled and final answers , discussions about them allow parents – and other guardians – and children to wonder together .
In this way , adults @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Listen when kids ask these thought-provoking questions , acknowledge how hard it is to answer them and respond with an open mind .
In some ways , kids are the ideal beginning philosophers .
Most of them have few long-held assumptions about how the world works and they are open to many possibilities because the world is so new to them .
In discussions about bigger questions , kids often suggest original and creative ways of looking at them .
Talking with kids about what they are thinking without always feeling compelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their own concerns and ideas .
Especially now , as families are quarantined together in a time of great uncertainty , these conversations have the potential to allow parents and children to communicate more deeply and authentically .
[ Get facts about coronavirus and the latest research .
Sign up for The Conversation ’ s newsletter . ]
Jana Mohr Lone , Director of the Center for Philosophy for Children ; Affiliate Associate Professor of Philosophy , University of Washington This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license .
@ @ @ @ @

All children harbor intense curiosity. Erdark/Getty Images
Jana Mohr Lone, University of Washington
Why do people have to die?
Are mistakes always bad?
Can you be happy and sad at the same time?
Kids often ask questions like these that are hard if not impossible to answer.
When children raise uncomfortable questions or questions that seem to have no answers, adults tend to respond with explanations that try to resolve the issue, at least temporarily.
It’s natural to attempt to comfort a kid who is feeling bewildered by the world.
But simple explanations may not be what the child needs or wants, especially as the coronavirus pandemic upends everyday life. Sometimes, kids simply want to talk about their questions and thoughts.
Listening
I’m a philosopher and educator who has been listening to children and talking with them about their big philosophical questions for the past 25 years. I encourage all young people to think for themselves about issues that matter to them because it’s important for them to learn how to analyze and understand their own experiences.
Most kids start wondering about big questions almost as soon as they learn to speak, and they continue to think about them throughout childhood.
Brimming with curiosity about things that most adults take for granted, children all over the world are wide open to the mysteries that pervade human life. Research shows, though, that as they get older, kids ask questions less and less.
Children often tell me that they lie awake at night thinking about things like whether God exists, why the world has the colors it does, the nature of time and whether dreams are real. These are not the kinds of questions that can be answered by Googling them or asking Siri or Alexa. They are age-old questions that everyone can wonder about during any stage of life.
Sometimes the questions are more important than finding the answers.
Wondering aloud
The pandemic has led more kids to ask about such topics as loneliness, isolation, boredom, illness and death. When the Seattle schools closed this spring, I began continuing the philosophy sessions I lead in elementary school classrooms on Zoom, with small groups of children with whom I’ve been working this year.
In a recent Zoom conversation with six 9-year-old students, we reflected about the difficulties of life during the pandemic. We discussed how being deprived of things can make you appreciate them in new ways.
“I like to be alone, but it’s different when you have to be alone. It makes me really appreciate my friends,” said a girl I’ll call “Hannah.”
Then, “Max” said that he never thought he liked school but being at home this spring has led him to think differently about what school means to him. We wondered whether we always value things more when we are without them, and why that seems true.
No final answers
While children do need adult help and guidance, parents don’t always have to be in the position of the expert providing the answers. Thinking with children about their bigger questions can make way for a more mutual kind of interaction.
Because these kinds of questions tend not to have settled and final answers, discussions about them allow parents – and other guardians – and children to wonder together. In this way, adults feel less pressure to be the experts.
Listen when kids ask these thought-provoking questions, acknowledge how hard it is to answer them and respond with an open mind.
Budding philosophers
In some ways, kids are the ideal beginning philosophers.
Most of them have few long-held assumptions about how the world works and they are open to many possibilities because the world is so new to them. In discussions about bigger questions, kids often suggest original and creative ways of looking at them.
Talking with kids about what they are thinking without always feeling compelled to offer answers can help them explore their own concerns and ideas. Especially now, as families are quarantined together in a time of great uncertainty, these conversations have the potential to allow parents and children to communicate more deeply and authentically.
[Get facts about coronavirus and the latest research. Sign up for The Conversation’s newsletter.]
Jana Mohr Lone, Director of the Center for Philosophy for Children; Affiliate Associate Professor of Philosophy, University of Washington
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.


crooksandliars--2020-04-28--Mike's Blog Round Up

Mike's Blog Round Up

Brilliant at Breakfast Rebooted : Can our country be saved ?
Should it ?
Reading the Pictures : The Postal @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities : The case for boosting SNAP @ @ @ @ @ economic response package .
Media Matters for America : Some right-wing outlets lash out at @ @ @ @ @ disinfectant injections to fight coronavirus .
This installment by Batocchio .
E-mail tips to mbru @ @ @ @ @

Brilliant at Breakfast Rebooted: Can our country be saved? Should it?
Indomitable: Our Dunning-Kruger president.
Reading the Pictures: The Postal Service in the days of the virus.
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: The case for boosting SNAP benefits in the next major economic response package.
Media Matters for America: Some right-wing outlets lash out at the media after Trump suggests disinfectant injections to fight coronavirus.
This installment by Batocchio. E-mail tips to mbru AT crooksandliars DOT com.


crooksandliars--2020-04-20--When I Tried To Get A Payroll Protection Loan For C&L, Here's What Happened

You probably heard already that the PPP ( Paycheck Protection Program ) loan budget is drained , locking the House and the Senate in a death match for more money .
Trump and Mnuchin promised all American small businesses that this money would be available immediately .
Do you know who got the loans ?
How were they able to get applications in and processed so quickly ?
Was there preferential treatment ?
My adventure into trying to acquire a loan for Crooks and Liars was and still is quite the nightmare .
This is what happens when you you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this massive and then throw it against the wall and let the bankers figure out how to implement it .
Trump and Mnuchin were bragging that any financial institution would offer the loans whether you had an account or not .
This , of course , was false .
I was told on March 30th that the banks were working diligently on how to set up the applications , but the date for them to be unveiled was supposed to be on Friday , April 3 .
I called my Wells Fargo banker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was passed , and all week long the preferred banker was clueless as to what was happening minute to minute .
I was told he would schedule an appointment with me as soon as he had word .
April 3 came and went and the banks were clueless as to when loan documents would be ready .
I was told by a bank manager that it would take at least a few more days to finish up the online document .
However , with no warning , Wells Fargo released an application online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notifying any of us who had been asking .
The following Monday , I immediately submitted C & L 's basic information like name , email and company name and they told me they would get back to me .
There was no loan document available but I had to wait for an email from Wells Fargo .
They told me not to call their customer service lines , since this was an online-process only .
It took them 10 days to get back to me and on the day they said I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broke that there was no more money for the program .
This is what happens when the president hates his own federal government and refuses to fill most job vacancies while hiring loyalist stooges who collect paychecks while getting nothing done .
If Trump wanted to truly stimulate the economy properly , he would have had the government handle these loans and cut out the banks entirely .
One of Trump 's traits as the president , outside of whittling down the federal government into a basic skeleton crew , is to always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fall guy .
ProPublica writes how impossible it is for Americans to receive their personal stimulus checks : Congress has approved billions of dollars of checks for Americans hard hit by the biggest round of layoffs in U.S. history .
But millions of Americans will have to wait months for that money — and millions more may never get the money at all .
That ’ s because the rescue legislation left it to the IRS , an agency gutted by Congress , to organize the complex logistics of delivering the money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the IRS has struggled , for-profit tax preparation companies , notably Intuit , the maker of TurboTax , have stepped in with websites to help people get their checks .
But Intuit is not just acting as a conduit : It is also misleading unwitting Americans by steering them to paid services that they could otherwise get for free .
Other countries were able to send out stimulus packages in record time , but not in the US , led by the Trump administration .
I 'm not an online novice and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the small business owners and individuals who are n't as internet savvy ?
I got my information to them as quick as I could and yet could n't score even an application , much less a loan .
Mnuchin and Trump said every other institution that could make the loans would be able to help all small business , but that was a lie also because unless you had a account with them ( Chase , US Bank , etc . )
before February 15 , 2020 , we could not apply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had an even worse time of it , because BofA expected them not only to have a business account , but also a business credit card with them .
Where 's the outrage on Fox News ?
Nary a peep out of them about the process at all .
Can you imagine if a Democratic president had been in charge ?
They 'd be howling .
Restaurants are among the hardest-hit businesses during the coronavirus shutdown .
The National Restaurant Assn .
estimates that 3 million restaurant employees lost their jobs in March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about $ 45 billion in revenue .
The industry is bleeding out .
But while the airlines enjoy a $ 25-billion bailout , the CARES Act — a federal stimulus package for businesses and individuals affected by the coronavirus pandemic — and its centerpiece , the Paycheck Protection Program , is the equivalent of a Band-Aid — one of the small ones that goes around your finger .
After the signing of the stimulus package on Friday March 27 , Trump on Friday and his treasury secretary Steve Mnuchin took a victory lap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses .
Depending upon what institution you bank with you either found an application online or you didn ’ t or you just submitted your name your company name your email and your phone number .
Andy Ricker , the owner and chef of Thai restaurant chain Pok Pok , wrote that his loan application was on hold and that he and other small business owners had been “ snookered by publicly traded companies who received millions and left independent small business in the gutter as the well ran dry.
” I spoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business consultancy Sif Industries , and asked her if the PPP was providing relief for small businesses in need .
“ No , ” she said , “ this has not been an effective program to put money in the hands of small businesses.
” James , through webinars and online offerings , says she ’ s worked with hundreds of small businesses over the last three weeks , including bars and restaurants .
“ None of them have gotten money.
” But you can bet that the wealthiest `` small business '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ example , the publicly traded Ruth Chris Steakhouse restaurant chain , who scored $ 20 million from the PPP while our local restaurants remain shuttered and may never open their doors again .
In fact , it appears that Wells Fargo in particular shuffled around their business clients to put the biggest at the front of the line .
I guess that 's my answer to why they never had an answer for me .
There 's a negotiation for more money for this program happening now .
Will we be shut out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
This administration wo n't do anything right .
Not when the banks are standing by to make millions while the rest of us hang on for dear life .
UPDATE : Public shaming may have worked with Shake Shack :

You probably heard already that the PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loan budget is drained, locking the House and the Senate in a death match for more money.
Trump and Mnuchin promised all American small businesses that this money would be available immediately.
Do you know who got the loans? How were they able to get applications in and processed so quickly? Was there preferential treatment?
My adventure into trying to acquire a loan for Crooks and Liars was and still is quite the nightmare.
This is what happens when you you have an anti-government administration make a move this massive and then throw it against the wall and let the bankers figure out how to implement it.
Trump and Mnuchin were bragging that any financial institution would offer the loans whether you had an account or not. This, of course, was false.
I was told on March 30th that the banks were working diligently on how to set up the applications, but the date for them to be unveiled was supposed to be on Friday, April 3. I called my Wells Fargo banker starting the following Monday after the stimulus was passed, and all week long the preferred banker was clueless as to what was happening minute to minute. I was told he would schedule an appointment with me as soon as he had word.
April 3 came and went and the banks were clueless as to when loan documents would be ready. I was told by a bank manager that it would take at least a few more days to finish up the online document.
However, with no warning, Wells Fargo released an application online on Saturday, April 4th --without notifying any of us who had been asking.
The following Monday, I immediately submitted C&L's basic information like name, email and company name and they told me they would get back to me. There was no loan document available but I had to wait for an email from Wells Fargo. They told me not to call their customer service lines, since this was an online-process only.
It took them 10 days to get back to me and on the day they said I could file an application, the news broke that there was no more money for the program.
This is what happens when the president hates his own federal government and refuses to fill most job vacancies while hiring loyalist stooges who collect paychecks while getting nothing done.
If Trump wanted to truly stimulate the economy properly, he would have had the government handle these loans and cut out the banks entirely.
One of Trump's traits as the president, outside of whittling down the federal government into a basic skeleton crew, is to always make sure he has a scapegoat and a fall guy.
ProPublica writes how impossible it is for Americans to receive their personal stimulus checks:
Congress has approved billions of dollars of checks for Americans hard hit by the biggest round of layoffs in U.S. history. But millions of Americans will have to wait months for that money — and millions more may never get the money at all. That’s because the rescue legislation left it to the IRS, an agency gutted by Congress, to organize the complex logistics of delivering the money to those entitled to it. As the IRS has struggled, for-profit tax preparation companies, notably Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, have stepped in with websites to help people get their checks. But Intuit is not just acting as a conduit: It is also misleading unwitting Americans by steering them to paid services that they could otherwise get for free.
Other countries were able to send out stimulus packages in record time, but not in the US, led by the Trump administration.
I'm not an online novice and I was left in the dark. What about the small business owners and individuals who aren't as internet savvy?
I got my information to them as quick as I could and yet couldn't score even an application, much less a loan.
Mnuchin and Trump said every other institution that could make the loans would be able to help all small business, but that was a lie also because unless you had a account with them (Chase, US Bank, etc.) before February 15, 2020, we could not apply to them. Bank of America customers had an even worse time of it, because BofA expected them not only to have a business account, but also a business credit card with them.
Where's the outrage on Fox News? Nary a peep out of them about the process at all. Can you imagine if a Democratic president had been in charge? They'd be howling.
LA Times:
Restaurants are among the hardest-hit businesses during the coronavirus shutdown. The National Restaurant Assn. estimates that 3 million restaurant employees lost their jobs in March, a month in which restaurants lost about $45 billion in revenue. The industry is bleeding out. But while the airlines enjoy a $25-billion bailout, the CARES Act — a federal stimulus package for businesses and individuals affected by the coronavirus pandemic — and its centerpiece, the Paycheck Protection Program, is the equivalent of a Band-Aid — one of the small ones that goes around your finger. After the signing of the stimulus package on Friday March 27, Trump on Friday and his treasury secretary Steve Mnuchin took a victory lap claiming they are trying to save small businesses. Depending upon what institution you bank with you either found an application online or you didn’t or you just submitted your name your company name your email and your phone number. That’s left independent business owners bewildered, disappointed and angry. Andy Ricker, the owner and chef of Thai restaurant chain Pok Pok, wrote that his loan application was on hold and that he and other small business owners had been “snookered by publicly traded companies who received millions and left independent small business in the gutter as the well ran dry.” I spoke to Jill James, owner of small business consultancy Sif Industries, and asked her if the PPP was providing relief for small businesses in need. “No,” she said, “this has not been an effective program to put money in the hands of small businesses.” James, through webinars and online offerings, says she’s worked with hundreds of small businesses over the last three weeks, including bars and restaurants. “None of them have gotten money.”
But you can bet that the wealthiest "small business" were funded first. Like, for example, the publicly traded Ruth Chris Steakhouse restaurant chain, who scored $20 million from the PPP while our local restaurants remain shuttered and may never open their doors again.
In fact, it appears that Wells Fargo in particular shuffled around their business clients to put the biggest at the front of the line.
USAToday:
The lawsuit filed on behalf of small business owners on Sunday alleges that Wells Fargo unfairly prioritized businesses seeking large loan amounts, while the government's small business agency has said that PPP loan applications would be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The move by Wells Fargo meant that the bank would receive millions more dollars in processing fees, according to the lawsuit. "Making matters worse, Wells Fargo concealed from the public that it was reshuffling the PPP applications it received and prioritizing the applications that would make the bank the most money," the lawsuit filed in California alleged.
I guess that's my answer to why they never had an answer for me.
There's a negotiation for more money for this program happening now. Will we be shut out again while McDonald's gets a loan?
This administration won't do anything right. Not when the banks are standing by to make millions while the rest of us hang on for dear life.
UPDATE: Public shaming may have worked with Shake Shack:


crooksandliars--2020-04-20--John Oliver: Why You Shouldn't Buy Breast Milk To Protect Against COVID-19

John Oliver looks at all the strange things people believe about the coronavirus , and of course it 's smart @ @ @ @ @ but my favorite part was this ( or was it the part where he called @ @ @ @ @ potato '' ) ?
: '' If you 're thinking how can people possibly believe @ @ @ @ @ actually our story tonight -- the bad information flying around about this virus and the @ @ @ @ @ it from , because there are a lot of media bubbles out there and getting @ @ @ @ @ one that you 're in can be eye-opening .
`` For example , if you @ @ @ @ @ of televangelist and humble private jet farmer Kenneth Copeland , you might not know that @ @ @ @ @ weeks ago , commenting , `` You are destroyed forever and you 'll never be @ @ @ @ @ well that worked ?

John Oliver looks at all the strange things people believe about the coronavirus, and of course it's smart and funny and insightful, but my favorite part was this (or was it the part where he called Rush Limbaugh a "fat potato")?:
"If you're thinking how can people possibly believe like that, that's actually our story tonight -- the bad information flying around about this virus and the places that people are getting it from, because there are a lot of media bubbles out there and getting a glimpse outside of the one that you're in can be eye-opening.
"For example, if you're not a regular viewer of televangelist and humble private jet farmer Kenneth Copeland, you might not know that he took care of COVID-19 weeks ago, commenting, "You are destroyed forever and you'll never be back."
See how well that worked?


crooksandliars--2020-04-20--John Krasinski Hosts A Virtual Senior Prom For The Class Of 2020

Every gesture we all can make to make this time a little better for our neighbors , friends and yes @ @ @ @ @ worth making , I think .
Not only did John Krasinski host a virtual senior @ @ @ @ @ DJ too .
`` The Office '' star announced on his `` Some Good News @ @ @ @ @ had plans to host an online prom Friday for high school seniors across the nation @ @ @ @ @ due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Krasinski was joined by celebrity pals like Chance the @ @ @ @ @ '' costar , Rainn Wilson , Billie Eilish and The Jonas Brothers .
Even though @ @ @ @ @ prom were missing , seniors everywhere managed to participate in a variety of ways .

Every gesture we all can make to make this time a little better for our neighbors, friends and yes, even strangers is one worth making, I think.
CNN:
Not only did John Krasinski host a virtual senior prom, he was the DJ too.
"The Office" star announced on his "Some Good News" YouTube show that he had plans to host an online prom Friday for high school seniors across the nation who have had theirs canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Krasinski was joined by celebrity pals like Chance the Rapper, "The Office" costar, Rainn Wilson, Billie Eilish and The Jonas Brothers.
Even though all the traditional elements of prom were missing, seniors everywhere managed to participate in a variety of ways.


crooksandliars--2020-04-06--Republicans To Wisconsin: You Vote, You Die! (UPDATED)

Like many other states , Wisconsin 's elected leaders were befuddled about what to do , if anything , regarding the general spring elections and presidential primary , which is scheduled for tomorrow , April 7 .
However , thanks to the Republican-controlled legislature , the election has become a full-fledged clusterfuck .
Weeks ago , Governor Tony Evers , a Democrat , started pushing for the election to be held as scheduled but asked for the Republicans to change the law to allow it to be all done with mail-in ballots .
The Republicans refused , stating that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was all that contagious .
Despite the Republicans official stance , officials and politicians of both parties started pushing for voters to request an absentee ballot .
The system became overwhelmed with more than a million people asking for their mail-in ballots , and counties ran out of ballots , creating a backlog where several people have not received their ballots weeks after making the request .
( My wife and I made our requests early on and have already returned the completed ballots . )
In the meantime , the County Clerks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an effort to make voting even safer , ruled that people did n't need to have a witness sign the ballots .
Predictably , the Republicans had a meltdown about this because both counties are Democratic strongholds and sued to stop this .
After a series of hearings , it was decided that the witness signature was indeed needed but they had an extra week to return the ballots .
Rather belatedly , Evers called for a special session for the state legislature , scheduled for this past Saturday so that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Republicans , led by Speaker of the Assembly Robin Vos and Senate leader Scott Fitzgerald , gaveled in and immediately gaveled out of session , postponing any decision to Monday , the day before the elections .
On Monday , the refused to postpone the elections .
They 'd rather needlessly expose poll workers and voters to the COVID-19 virus rather than allow people the ability to safely exercise their right to democracy .
Following the Republicans absolute refusal to do their jobs , Evers issued an Executive Order postponing the in-person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health risk of having it as scheduled while confirmed COVID-19 cases are spiking .
Guess what the Republicans did ?
Yup , they had another temper tantrum and immediately started to file an appeal with the State Supreme Court , saying that Evers did n't have the authority to issue such an order .
Again , because this can not be overemphasized , the Republicans are saying that they would rather see democracy and voters die rather than be adults about the whole thing .
Even if Evers ' order stands , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since many of the races in the general election were local races and the winners were to be seated later this month or in early May .
Again , this is an issue that could have been resolved if the Republicans chose to do their jobs instead of turning their grandstanding into a shitshow .
All that said , the Republicans have n't been just sitting on their butts but are concerned about things that are more important to them , such as lifting the ban on many non-essential business because MONEY .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Evers to open up the golf courses and attend Easter and Passover services , because nothing says fellowship like contaminating each other with a potentially deadly virus .
And of course , while they want all these things to get opened , the Republicans also want Planned Parenthood to be classified as non-essential and the clinics closed .
In other words , golfing is a necessity in life , but women 's healthcare is just a trivial nicety .
I certainly hope that the voters will remember all this when the spring elections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when we get to decide which is more important - our very lives or their political careers .
UPDATE ( Karoli ) : At the moment we published this , the Wisconsin Supreme Court voted to reinstate tomorrow 's in-person voting .
UPDATE 2 : Trump 's SCOTUS has weighed in and said that all those absentee ballots postmarked after tomorrow do n't count .

Like many other states, Wisconsin's elected leaders were befuddled about what to do, if anything, regarding the general spring elections and presidential primary, which is scheduled for tomorrow, April 7. However, thanks to the Republican-controlled legislature, the election has become a full-fledged clusterfuck.
Weeks ago, Governor Tony Evers, a Democrat, started pushing for the election to be held as scheduled but asked for the Republicans to change the law to allow it to be all done with mail-in ballots.
The Republicans refused, stating that they didn't wan't think that COVID-19 was all that contagious. Despite the Republicans official stance, officials and politicians of both parties started pushing for voters to request an absentee ballot. The system became overwhelmed with more than a million people asking for their mail-in ballots, and counties ran out of ballots, creating a backlog where several people have not received their ballots weeks after making the request. (My wife and I made our requests early on and have already returned the completed ballots.)
In the meantime, the County Clerks for both Milwaukee and Dane Counties, in an effort to make voting even safer, ruled that people didn't need to have a witness sign the ballots. Predictably, the Republicans had a meltdown about this because both counties are Democratic strongholds and sued to stop this. After a series of hearings, it was decided that the witness signature was indeed needed but they had an extra week to return the ballots.
Rather belatedly, Evers called for a special session for the state legislature, scheduled for this past Saturday so that the Republicans could postpone the election date. The Republicans, led by Speaker of the Assembly Robin Vos and Senate leader Scott Fitzgerald, gaveled in and immediately gaveled out of session, postponing any decision to Monday, the day before the elections. On Monday, the refused to postpone the elections. They'd rather needlessly expose poll workers and voters to the COVID-19 virus rather than allow people the ability to safely exercise their right to democracy.
Following the Republicans absolute refusal to do their jobs, Evers issued an Executive Order postponing the in-person voting until June 9, citing the health risk of having it as scheduled while confirmed COVID-19 cases are spiking.
Guess what the Republicans did? Yup, they had another temper tantrum and immediately started to file an appeal with the State Supreme Court, saying that Evers didn't have the authority to issue such an order. Again, because this cannot be overemphasized, the Republicans are saying that they would rather see democracy and voters die rather than be adults about the whole thing.
Even if Evers' order stands, it presents a new set of issues, since many of the races in the general election were local races and the winners were to be seated later this month or in early May. Again, this is an issue that could have been resolved if the Republicans chose to do their jobs instead of turning their grandstanding into a shitshow.
All that said, the Republicans haven't been just sitting on their butts but are concerned about things that are more important to them, such as lifting the ban on many non-essential business because MONEY. At the same time, they want Evers to open up the golf courses and attend Easter and Passover services, because nothing says fellowship like contaminating each other with a potentially deadly virus.
And of course, while they want all these things to get opened, the Republicans also want Planned Parenthood to be classified as non-essential and the clinics closed. In other words, golfing is a necessity in life, but women's healthcare is just a trivial nicety.
I certainly hope that the voters will remember all this when the spring elections are held as well as in November, when we get to decide which is more important - our very lives or their political careers.
UPDATE (Karoli): At the moment we published this, the Wisconsin Supreme Court voted to reinstate tomorrow's in-person voting.
In a brief 4-2 ruling, the court undid an emergency order that Evers issued that would have closed the polls. Their decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by Republican lawmakers. Monday's on-again, off-again election triggered chaos across the state as election officials told clerks to continue preparing for an election because they did not know whether the polls would open.
Wisconsin Republicans are the worst Republicans.
UPDATE 2: Trump's SCOTUS has weighed in and said that all those absentee ballots postmarked after tomorrow don't count.
WOW: By a 5–4 vote, the U.S. Supreme Court reverses a lower court order extending the deadline for mail-in ballots in Wisconsin. All four liberals dissent.
The conservative majority just effectively threw out thousands of ballots. Incredible.
Link coming soon. — Mark Joseph Stern (@mjs_DC) April 6, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-03-25--UPDATED: Right Wing Website 'The Federalist' Suggests 'COVID Parties' To Infect Kids

The right-wing and notoriously secretive about their funding sources blog , The Federalist , has a truly stupid idea for @ @ @ @ @ of the Coronavirus .
Yes , in the 1950 's and 60 's mothers used @ @ @ @ @ parties '' so that all of the children in a social circle would have the @ @ @ @ @ .
The idea was to avoid inconveniencing the social calendar of parents over a longer @ @ @ @ @ `` let kids get it all at once . ''
The hidden truth is that @ @ @ @ @ .
And by the way , we now have a vaccine for chickenpox to prevent @ @ @ @ @ , which , to repeat myself , kills a number of children who get it @ @ @ @ @ yet for Coronavirus , and the idea about coordinating `` planned immunity '' for a @ @ @ @ @ no treatment and for whom it is FATAL in some cases is about as stupid @ @ @ @ @ as a treatment option .

The right-wing and notoriously secretive about their funding sources blog, The Federalist, has a truly stupid idea for how to stem the tide of the Coronavirus.
The Federalist is already at the voluntary infection party phase of things with coronavirus: pic.twitter.com/MWEy3AV5OD — Courtney Hagle (@CourtneyHagle) March 25, 2020
Yes, in the 1950's and 60's mothers used to hold "Chicken Pox parties" so that all of the children in a social circle would have the chickenpox at the same time. The idea was to avoid inconveniencing the social calendar of parents over a longer period of time and just "let kids get it all at once."
The hidden truth is that some children DIE of chickenpox.
And by the way, we now have a vaccine for chickenpox to prevent children from getting this disease, which, to repeat myself, kills a number of children who get it.
There is no vaccine yet for Coronavirus, and the idea about coordinating "planned immunity" for a disease for which we have no treatment and for whom it is FATAL in some cases is about as stupid as prescribing fish tank cleaner as a treatment option.
NY Post, 3/19: !!! THIS FISH TANK CLEANER COULD TREAT CORONAVIRUS!
NY Post, 3/24: Who could have ever guessed that someone would ingest fish tank cleaner?? pic.twitter.com/1YcbCAHUFw — Parker Molloy (@ParkerMolloy) March 25, 2020
Never mind.
I am continually flabbergasted that The Federalist is running these kinds of takes, especially after one of their staff writers, Bre Payton, died in 2018 from H1N1 flu https://t.co/syKkw08V6H — Jared Holt (@jaredlholt) March 25, 2020
This is a Hail Mary by the Federalist staff to finally get invited to a party https://t.co/RmlVeTDzIp — Juggalocialism (@UweBollocks) March 25, 2020
Would love to know from @TwitterSafety @twitter how this doesn’t break their new rules around Coronavirus misinformation. pic.twitter.com/oWXxLyoFPK — Sleeping Giants (@slpng_giants) March 25, 2020
UPDATE:


crooksandliars--2020-03-31--OAN 'Reporter' Compares Abortion To Pandemic

Just look at the dreck that gets poured on the body politic during these ridiculous `` press briefings . ''
Here is Chanel Rion , she who is not a `` manophobic she-devil '' or a `` career-obsessed banshee '' but is still invited to White House briefings to ask stupid questions of the so-called `` President '' in order to feed some red meat to the fundie right clamoring for the blood of liberals .
Today 's softball was still a real challenge for Trump , who apparently did n't want to get into the politics of abortion whilst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- the magic number that lets him pretend he 's some kind of hero .
2,405 Americans have died from coronavirus in the last 60 days .
Meanwhile , you have 2,369 children who are killed by their mothers through elective abortion each day .
That 's sixteen and a half thousand children killed every week .
Two states have suspended elective abortion to make more resources available for coronavirus cases -- that 's Texas and Ohio .
Do you agree with states who are placing coronavirus victims above elective abortions and should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chanel , first of all , an Ohio judge just slapped a stay on that state 's directive .
A real reporter would have known that .
Here 's the gist of the ruling : But Barrett wrote Monday that decision is up to the woman ’ s doctor .
He also wrote : “ The law is well-settled that women possess a fundamental constitutional right of access to abortions.
” “ If a healthcare provider determines , on a case-by-case basis , that the surgical procedure is medically indicated and can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of pre-viability or other medical conditions , said procedure is deemed legally essential to preserve a woman ’ s right to constitutionally protected access to abortions , ” Barrett wrote in his eight-page ruling .
Second , there is no possible false equivalence that can be set up between this pandemic and abortion .
None whatsoever .
Even Trump did n't fall into that trap and he 's not the brightest bulb in the bunch .
Third , clumps of cells are not children .
Seriously , why is n't she home taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expects his damn dinner on the table at six , who would never marry a career-obsessed she-devil ?
And who thought it was a good idea to hire her for a fascist news network and slap the title `` reporter '' on her ?

Just look at the dreck that gets poured on the body politic during these ridiculous "press briefings." Here is Chanel Rion, she who is not a "manophobic she-devil" or a "career-obsessed banshee" but is still invited to White House briefings to ask stupid questions of the so-called "President" in order to feed some red meat to the fundie right clamoring for the blood of liberals.
Today's softball was still a real challenge for Trump, who apparently didn't want to get into the politics of abortion whilst discussing the miracle of only 100,000 dead -- the magic number that lets him pretend he's some kind of hero.
Here's Rion's question:
2,405 Americans have died from coronavirus in the last 60 days. Meanwhile, you have 2,369 children who are killed by their mothers through elective abortion each day. That's sixteen and a half thousand children killed every week. Two states have suspended elective abortion to make more resources available for coronavirus cases -- that's Texas and Ohio. Do you agree with states who are placing coronavirus victims above elective abortions and should more states be doing the same?
Chanel, first of all, an Ohio judge just slapped a stay on that state's directive. A real reporter would have known that.
Here's the gist of the ruling:
But Barrett wrote Monday that decision is up to the woman’s doctor. He also wrote: “The law is well-settled that women possess a fundamental constitutional right of access to abortions.” “If a healthcare provider determines, on a case-by-case basis, that the surgical procedure is medically indicated and cannot be delayed, based on the timing of pre-viability or other medical conditions, said procedure is deemed legally essential to preserve a woman’s right to constitutionally protected access to abortions,” Barrett wrote in his eight-page ruling.
Second, there is no possible false equivalence that can be set up between this pandemic and abortion. None whatsoever. Even Trump didn't fall into that trap and he's not the brightest bulb in the bunch.
Third, clumps of cells are not children.
Seriously, why isn't she home taking care of Courtland, the guy who expects his damn dinner on the table at six, who would never marry a career-obsessed she-devil? And who thought it was a good idea to hire her for a fascist news network and slap the title "reporter" on her?


crooksandliars--2020-03-31--Ainsley Earhardt Slobbers To Trump: ‘How Can We Pray For You?’

You would think that a Best Friend To Jesus like Ainsley Earhardt wouldn ’ t need to ask Donald Trump how to pray for him – unless she was looking to polish her brand just like the Dear Leader she spent an hour sucking up to on Fox & Friends Monday morning .
I ’ ll have more to say about Trump ’ s self-serving chat with with his Fox Friends Monday .
But let ’ s just say that if you were hoping he was thinking of anyone but himself as the U.S. tops the world in coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Not that Earhardt seemed to mind .
As Trump ended the interview to get off the phone , she worked in this question , “ Could I ask you one last question ?
How can we pray for you ?
… the Bible is clear , we need to pray for our leaders and we are praying for you.
” Now , why would someone who portrays herself as Jesus ’ sweetheart need to ask how to pray for someone ?
This is a woman who hosts a Fox Nation show called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a whole book about her Christian faith and “ developing that relationship with God.
” Well , maybe it ’ s because her not-so-Christian advice to viewers to hop on an airplane in the middle of the COVID-19 contagion has come under a harsh spotlight .
On March 13 , Earhardt announced , “ It 's actually the safest time to fly .
… terminals are pretty much dead .
… remember back in the day when you had a seat next to you , possibly empty , you could stretch out a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on every flight now.
” Less than a week later , Earhardt pivoted to , “ We have a responsibility to slow down this virus and to think of other people during this time .
And so if you can keep your distance and prevent someone from getting close to you that might be sick , you can save your family , you can save the elderly and help our country as a nation.
” Earhardt ’ s about-face was brutally exposed in a Washington Post viral video ( more than two million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As far as I know , she has neither explained nor apologized for her dangerous recommendation .
In fact , Fox News is reportedly worried about being sued over remarks like hers .
Earhardt claims she wants to be a tough journalist .
But she didn ’ t seem to notice , much less mind , any of the very un-Christian behavior Trump displayed right in this interview .
When he trashed Rep. Nancy Pelosi as “ a sick puppy ” with “ a lot of problems , ” while her district is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic , Super Duper Christian Earhardt responded by piling on : “ Lindsey Graham was asked about it and he said -- he said she 's one to talk .
This is not fair for her to say that .
She was fiddling by delaying the stimulus package.
” ( The exchange begins at about 11:49 ) .
Maybe Earhardt should start by praying for herself .
You can watch this disgrace to journalism above , from the March 30 , 2020 Fox & Friends .

You would think that a Best Friend To Jesus like Ainsley Earhardt wouldn’t need to ask Donald Trump how to pray for him – unless she was looking to polish her brand just like the Dear Leader she spent an hour sucking up to on Fox & Friends Monday morning.
I’ll have more to say about Trump’s self-serving chat with with his Fox Friends Monday. But let’s just say that if you were hoping he was thinking of anyone but himself as the U.S. tops the world in coronavirus cases, you’ll be sorely disappointed.
Not that Earhardt seemed to mind. As Trump ended the interview to get off the phone, she worked in this question, “Could I ask you one last question? How can we pray for you? … the Bible is clear, we need to pray for our leaders and we are praying for you.”
Now, why would someone who portrays herself as Jesus’ sweetheart need to ask how to pray for someone? This is a woman who hosts a Fox Nation show called Ainsley’s Bible Study and wrote a whole book about her Christian faith and “developing that relationship with God.”
Well, maybe it’s because her not-so-Christian advice to viewers to hop on an airplane in the middle of the COVID-19 contagion has come under a harsh spotlight. On March 13, Earhardt announced, “It's actually the safest time to fly. … terminals are pretty much dead. … remember back in the day when you had a seat next to you, possibly empty, you could stretch out a little more? It's like that on every flight now.” Less than a week later, Earhardt pivoted to, “We have a responsibility to slow down this virus and to think of other people during this time. And so if you can keep your distance and prevent someone from getting close to you that might be sick, you can save your family, you can save the elderly and help our country as a nation.”
Earhardt’s about-face was brutally exposed in a Washington Post viral video (more than two million views on Twitter, alone). As far as I know, she has neither explained nor apologized for her dangerous recommendation. In fact, Fox News is reportedly worried about being sued over remarks like hers.
Earhardt claims she wants to be a tough journalist. But she didn’t seem to notice, much less mind, any of the very un-Christian behavior Trump displayed right in this interview. When he trashed Rep. Nancy Pelosi as “a sick puppy” with “a lot of problems,” while her district is one of the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, Super Duper Christian Earhardt responded by piling on: “Lindsey Graham was asked about it and he said -- he said she's one to talk. This is not fair for her to say that. She was fiddling by delaying the stimulus package.” (The exchange begins at about 11:49).
Maybe Earhardt should start by praying for herself. You can watch this disgrace to journalism above, from the March 30, 2020 Fox & Friends.
Posted with permission from News Hounds.