crooksandliars--2020-03-28--Trump Admin Using Pandemic To Weaken Environmental Rules

The Environmental Protection Agency , headed by former coal lobbyist Andrew Wheeler , announced on Thursday a sweeping and indefinite suspension of environmental rules amid the worsening coronavirus pandemic , a move green groups warned gives the fossil fuel industry a `` green light to pollute with impunity . ''
Under the new policy ( pdf ) , which the EPA insisted is temporary while providing no timeframe , big polluters will effectively be trusted to regulate themselves and will not be punished for failing to comply with reporting rules and other requirements .
The order—applied retroactively beginning March 13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' to avoid violations .
`` EPA is committed to protecting human health and the environment , but recognizes challenges resulting from efforts to protect workers and the public from COVID-19 may directly impact the ability of regulated facilities to meet all federal regulatory requirements , '' Wheeler said in a statement .
`` This temporary policy is designed to provide enforcement discretion under the current , extraordinary conditions , while ensuring facility operations continue to protect human health and the environment . ''
Critics , such as youth climate leader Greta Thunberg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus crisis to advance its longstanding goal of drastically rolling back environmental protections .
`` The EPA uses this global pandemic to create loopholes for destroying the environment , '' tweeted Thunberg .
`` This is a schoolbook example for what we need to start looking out for . ''
Cynthia Giles , former head of the EPA 's Office of Enforcement under the Obama administration , told The Hill that the new policy is `` essentially a nationwide waiver of environmental rules for the indefinite future . ''
`` It tells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not face enforcement even if they emit unlawful air and water pollution in violation of environmental laws , so long as they claim that those failures are in some way 'caused ' by the virus pandemic , '' said Giles .
`` And it allows them an out on monitoring too , so we may never know how bad the violating pollution was . ''
The EPA 's order , for which the oil industry aggressively lobbied , represents the latest effort by the Trump administration to usethe coronavirus pandemic to advance right-wing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would at least face greater scrutiny—under normal circumstances .
As Common Dreams reported last week , the White House is advancing an assault on public-sector unions , xenophobic border policies , and other objectives amid the coronavirus pandemic , which has officially infected more than 85,000 people in the United States as of Friday morning .
`` Outrageous , '' tweeted Rep. Mark Pocan ( D-Wis. ) , co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus , in response to the EPA 's new policy .
`` Suspending all environmental regulations indefinitely ?
This has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has everything to do with protecting Big Business . ''

The Environmental Protection Agency, headed by former coal lobbyist Andrew Wheeler, announced on Thursday a sweeping and indefinite suspension of environmental rules amid the worsening coronavirus pandemic, a move green groups warned gives the fossil fuel industry a "green light to pollute with impunity."
Under the new policy (pdf), which the EPA insisted is temporary while providing no timeframe, big polluters will effectively be trusted to regulate themselves and will not be punished for failing to comply with reporting rules and other requirements. The order—applied retroactively beginning March 13, 2020—requests that companies "act responsibly" to avoid violations.
"EPA is committed to protecting human health and the environment, but recognizes challenges resulting from efforts to protect workers and the public from COVID-19 may directly impact the ability of regulated facilities to meet all federal regulatory requirements," Wheeler said in a statement. "This temporary policy is designed to provide enforcement discretion under the current, extraordinary conditions, while ensuring facility operations continue to protect human health and the environment."
Critics, such as youth climate leader Greta Thunberg, accused the Trump administration of exploiting the coronavirus crisis to advance its longstanding goal of drastically rolling back environmental protections.
"The EPA uses this global pandemic to create loopholes for destroying the environment," tweeted Thunberg. "This is a schoolbook example for what we need to start looking out for."
Cynthia Giles, former head of the EPA's Office of Enforcement under the Obama administration, told The Hill that the new policy is "essentially a nationwide waiver of environmental rules for the indefinite future."
"It tells companies across the country that they will not face enforcement even if they emit unlawful air and water pollution in violation of environmental laws, so long as they claim that those failures are in some way 'caused' by the virus pandemic," said Giles. "And it allows them an out on monitoring too, so we may never know how bad the violating pollution was."
Holy crap this is insane: The Trump administration just waived enforcement of the EPA's environmental rules during the coronavirus pandemic for the indefinite future. Obama's EPA enforcement chief strongly condemned it as an abdication of duty https://t.co/5JLDjeZb5K pic.twitter.com/mTgoiCDyxP — Stephen Wolf (@PoliticsWolf) March 27, 2020
The EPA's order, for which the oil industry aggressively lobbied, represents the latest effort by the Trump administration to usethe coronavirus pandemic to advance right-wing policies that would likely not be permitted—or would at least face greater scrutiny—under normal circumstances.
As Common Dreams reported last week, the White House is advancing an assault on public-sector unions, xenophobic border policies, and other objectives amid the coronavirus pandemic, which has officially infected more than 85,000 people in the United States as of Friday morning.
"Outrageous," tweeted Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, in response to the EPA's new policy. "Suspending all environmental regulations indefinitely? This has nothing to do with coronavirus. This has everything to do with protecting Big Business."
Republished from Common Dreams (Jake Johnson, staff writer) under a Creative Commons License.


crooksandliars--2020-03-28--Tucker Carlson Shrugs Off Chloroquine Deaths While Promoting Trump’s Experimental COVID-19 Treatment

Tucker Carlson would rather attack the media than question Donald Trump ’ s amateur prescriptions for the coronavirus pandemic .
Never believe Carlson when he pretends to rise above partisanship You may recall that on Tuesday night , after he validated as “ entirely reasonable ” Texas Lt. Gov .
Dan Patrick ’ s suggestion that older people should be eager to die for the sake of the ( Trump ) economy , Fox ’ s Brit Hume opined that the only reason people were enraged by the comments was anti-Trump partisanship .
Carlson responded by posturing as someone rising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s such a shame because this moment isn ’ t about Donald Trump , it ’ s about us .
It ’ s about the rest of the country .
Maybe we should focus on that.
” Even in that moment , Carlson was clearly using his pretense as a cudgel to attack Patrick ’ s critics .
24 hours later , Mr .
Unity made it clear , it 's not about the rest of the country , it 's about pro-Trump politics .
Carlson irresponsibly spouts off about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night , Carlson didn ’ t let a little thing like having no credentials in medicine or public health deter him from endorsing Trump 's rash prescription for chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine for treating COVID-19 : So , in a lot of ways , hydroxychloroquine is the ideal medicine .
If it turns out to be an effective treatment against coronavirus , things will change fast in this country and for the better .
CARLSON : If it turns out to be an effective treatment against coronavirus , things will change fast in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it an effective treatment ?
We do n't know that .
Scattered reports from health care providers across the country , including in New York City , suggest that it may be .
It is currently being prescribed in France , and at least one study suggests that it works .
After arriving at his unprofessional conclusion , Carlson moved on to smearing those not in line with Trump ’ s thinking .
As “ proof , ” Carlson played clips of CNN and MSNBC reporting on three Nigerians who died from chloroquine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as a man in Arizona who died after dosing himself with fish tank cleaner that contained that chemical .
Carlson also cited a Bloomberg report on a study that found the drug was no more effective than coronavirus care .
According to “ Dr. ” Carlson , the deaths were no biggie , the study was not reliable and the real tragedy was the media coverage that wasn ’ t respectful enough of Trump ’ s declaration that he “ feels good ” about the drug .
Carlson was so busy vilifying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never mentioned the serious side effects to hydroxychloroquine , such as potentially fatal heart problems nor the fact that Dr. Anthony Fauci , a real infectious disease expert , has said that there is only anecdotal evidence of the drug ’ s benefit : In fact , Carlson acted as though reporting on the death in Arizona was worse than the death , itself : Speaking of not mentioning facts because of a political agenda , Carlson never mentioned that the man and his wife ingested the chemical because they heard Trump talking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drugs are now being tested on coronavirus patients and I 'm not here to say they should or should not .
But there is something - pardon the pun - sickening about Carlson turning a discussion about possible treatments for a deadly pandemic into a weapon against Americans - many of whom are risking their own health to keep reporting during the pandemic .
While Carlson spouts off from a safe social distance .
Carlson didn ’ t pause for even a moment to reflect on the fear and desperation people must feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man in Arizona and the Nigerians took .
He couldn ’ t even be bothered to caution viewers not to ingest the non-pharmaceutical of chloroquine .
No , Mr Unity was too busy demonizing others in the media for supposedly making science political .
Oh , the irony !
CARLSON : That 's the point .
They 're manipulating you .
This is what happens when science becomes political .
Suddenly , people start lying , and you ca n't trust anything you hear .
That 's a very dangerous thing to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truth is essential .
Yes , the truth is essential .
But truth is never guaranteed from Carlson .
You can watch him exploit a terrifying illness for the sake of his malicious politics above , from the March 25 , 2020 Tucker Carlson Tonight .

Tucker Carlson would rather attack the media than question Donald Trump’s amateur prescriptions for the coronavirus pandemic.
Never believe Carlson when he pretends to rise above partisanship
You may recall that on Tuesday night, after he validated as “entirely reasonable” Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s suggestion that older people should be eager to die for the sake of the (Trump) economy, Fox’s Brit Hume opined that the only reason people were enraged by the comments was anti-Trump partisanship.
Carlson responded by posturing as someone rising above divisiveness when he sanctimoniously declared, “It’s such a shame because this moment isn’t about Donald Trump, it’s about us. It’s about the rest of the country. Maybe we should focus on that.”
Even in that moment, Carlson was clearly using his pretense as a cudgel to attack Patrick’s critics. 24 hours later, Mr. Unity made it clear, it's not about the rest of the country, it's about pro-Trump politics.
Carlson irresponsibly spouts off about chloroquine as a coronavirus treatment
On Wednesday night, Carlson didn’t let a little thing like having no credentials in medicine or public health deter him from endorsing Trump's rash prescription for chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine for treating COVID-19:
So, in a lot of ways, hydroxychloroquine is the ideal medicine. If it turns out to be an effective treatment against coronavirus, things will change fast in this country and for the better. CARLSON:If it turns out to be an effective treatment against coronavirus, things will change fast in this country and for the better. Is it an effective treatment? We don't know that. Scattered reports from health care providers across the country, including in New York City, suggest that it may be. It is currently being prescribed in France, and at least one study suggests that it works.
After arriving at his unprofessional conclusion, Carlson moved on to smearing those not in line with Trump’s thinking.
CARLSON: At the very least we should all be following developments in hydroxychloroquine's use with interest and measured hope. Why wouldn't we be? Well, here's why: Donald Trump is for it.
As “proof,” Carlson played clips of CNN and MSNBC reporting on three Nigerians who died from chloroquine, after Trump touted it, as well as a man in Arizona who died after dosing himself with fish tank cleaner that contained that chemical. Carlson also cited a Bloomberg report on a study that found the drug was no more effective than coronavirus care.
According to “Dr.” Carlson, the deaths were no biggie, the study was not reliable and the real tragedy was the media coverage that wasn’t respectful enough of Trump’s declaration that he “feels good” about the drug. Carlson was so busy vilifying those who question Dear Leader, he never mentioned the serious side effects to hydroxychloroquine, such as potentially fatal heart problems nor the fact that Dr. Anthony Fauci, a real infectious disease expert, has said that there is only anecdotal evidence of the drug’s benefit:
In fact, Carlson acted as though reporting on the death in Arizona was worse than the death, itself:
CARLSON: Well, in the midst of this propaganda blitz, a man in Arizona died after eating fish tank cleaner that contained chloroquine as an ingredient. And that was it. … CNN never mentioned that the man ate aquarium cleaner and not medicine. They lied about the substantial -- in fact, the central -- facts of what happened because they thought it might advance a political agenda.
Speaking of not mentioning facts because of a political agenda, Carlson never mentioned that the man and his wife ingested the chemical because they heard Trump talking about it.
In fact, the drugs are now being tested on coronavirus patients and I'm not here to say they should or should not. But there is something - pardon the pun - sickening about Carlson turning a discussion about possible treatments for a deadly pandemic into a weapon against Americans - many of whom are risking their own health to keep reporting during the pandemic. While Carlson spouts off from a safe social distance.
Carlson didn’t pause for even a moment to reflect on the fear and desperation people must feel to resort to such measures as the man in Arizona and the Nigerians took. He couldn’t even be bothered to caution viewers not to ingest the non-pharmaceutical of chloroquine. No, Mr Unity was too busy demonizing others in the media for supposedly making science political. Oh, the irony!
CARLSON: That's the point. They're manipulating you. This is what happens when science becomes political. Suddenly, people start lying, and you can't trust anything you hear. That's a very dangerous thing to do at a moment like this. The truth is essential.
Yes, the truth is essential. But truth is never guaranteed from Carlson.
You can watch him exploit a terrifying illness for the sake of his malicious politics above, from the March 25, 2020 Tucker Carlson Tonight.
Posted with permission from News Hounds.


crooksandliars--2020-05-10--Sunday Morning Bobblehead Thread

Sunday Morning Bobblehead Thread

I know it 's Mother 's Day , but it 's also Derby season .
Since all the Big 3 @ @ @ @ @ the fall , here 's one to at least fill in the gap until then @ @ @ @ @ it would be Dr. Fauci for the win ...
Here is the Sunday morning news @ @ @ @ @ Politico :

I know it's Mother's Day, but it's also Derby season. Since all the Big 3 races have been postponed until the fall, here's one to at least fill in the gap until then.
The inaugural running — of the Coronavirus Derby...pic.twitter.com/q2qCkSmeon — Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) May 9, 2020
I was really hoping it would be Dr. Fauci for the win...
*******
Here is the Sunday morning news shows line up, via Politico:


crooksandliars--2020-05-10--A Doctor's Checklist: Is It Safe To Visit Your Mother Today?

As a physician , mother , daughter and socially responsible human , I ’ m finding Mother ’ s Day to be complicated for me this year , as it is for millions .
Questions of whether and how to see my adult children and my own elderly mother present medical and ethical quandaries .
As an associate professor of family medicine with a focus on wellness , as Mother ’ s Day approaches , I ’ d like to share with you my thinking about this using some tools to aid discernment .
Wouldn ’ t it be great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were ever an easy decision to make ?
However , the answer is rarely that simple .
This year , in the midst of a global pandemic and the need to continue to practice social distancing , the decision is even more complex than usual .
I have come up with a Mother ’ s Day matrix to help you decide how to safely celebrate in a fact-based and safe manner .
This matrix weighs the many factors to consider , specifically related to the pandemic .
Assessing your personal risk is one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or is your mother in a high-risk group ?
Presence of chronic disease or age over 65 are two major risks .
You can check this Centers for Disease Control and Prevention link for more specific details .
Besides your specific personal risks , are either of you in repeated contact with the public through your job ?
Have you been exposed to a carrier ?
Are young children , who can be asymptomatic carriers , in the picture ?
If any of these questions is answered with a yes , it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an in-person visit .
If all are no , you can proceed to the next part of the matrix .
Are you in a high-prevalence area for coronavirus , such as New York City ?
If you are in a sparsely populated area with low regional prevalence , it makes more sense to consider an in-person visit than if you ( or she ) live in midtown Manhattan .
Check your local prevalence here .
If neither of you is at elevated risk , and you are not in an extremely high-prevalence area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you see each other in person without violating any orders ?
Here is a state-by-state list of restrictions .
Remember that the U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico are closed , and that nonessential domestic travel is strongly discouraged .
Obviously , any need to travel must enter the matrix calculation .
Finally , can your in-person visit follow social distancing recommendations ?
Can you be six feet apart – ideally , outdoors – wash hands frequently and avoid physical contact ?
Remember , it may be tough not to hug , especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If so , finally , you need to examine your own and your mother ’ s risk tolerance .
If either of you is extremely anxious , stick to virtual connection .
Love and gratitude , while ideally communicated in person , can still be expressed virtually or by phone .
You may overtly acknowledge that the greater act of love for each other , as well as your community , is to stay home .
These days we have been asked to reexamine what “ normal ” looks like in so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for reflection afforded by the pandemic , as well as the restrictions imposed , will teach us to honor our loved ones in many small ways throughout the year .
The gift of attention – by phone , email or snail mail – is always possible .
And remember that Father ’ s Day is June 21 , and it would be a good idea to consider the same issues then .
[ Like what you ’ ve read ?
Want more ?
Sign up for The Conversation ’ s daily newsletter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conversation under a Creative Commons license .
Read the original article .

Many Mother’s Day visits this year will take place by video chats, as people put safety first. Stockwars/Shutterstock.com
Claudia Finkelstein, Michigan State University
As a physician, mother, daughter and socially responsible human, I’m finding Mother’s Day to be complicated for me this year, as it is for millions. Questions of whether and how to see my adult children and my own elderly mother present medical and ethical quandaries. As an associate professor of family medicine with a focus on wellness, as Mother’s Day approaches, I’d like to share with you my thinking about this using some tools to aid discernment.
Wouldn’t it be great if choosing time with parents or offspring were ever an easy decision to make? However, the answer is rarely that simple. This year, in the midst of a global pandemic and the need to continue to practice social distancing, the decision is even more complex than usual.
I have come up with a Mother’s Day matrix to help you decide how to safely celebrate in a fact-based and safe manner. This matrix weighs the many factors to consider, specifically related to the pandemic.
Personal risk
Assessing your personal risk is one aspect of the matrix. Are you or is your mother in a high-risk group? Presence of chronic disease or age over 65 are two major risks. You can check this Centers for Disease Control and Prevention link for more specific details.
Besides your specific personal risks, are either of you in repeated contact with the public through your job?
Are you symptomatic?
Have you been exposed to a carrier? Are young children, who can be asymptomatic carriers, in the picture?
If any of these questions is answered with a yes, it is certainly wise to forgo any thought of an in-person visit. If all are no, you can proceed to the next part of the matrix.
Where you live matters
Are you in a high-prevalence area for coronavirus, such as New York City? If you are in a sparsely populated area with low regional prevalence, it makes more sense to consider an in-person visit than if you (or she) live in midtown Manhattan. Check your local prevalence here.
If neither of you is at elevated risk, and you are not in an extremely high-prevalence area, the next question is: Can you see each other in person without violating any orders?
Here is a state-by-state list of restrictions.
Remember that the U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico are closed, and that nonessential domestic travel is strongly discouraged. Obviously, any need to travel must enter the matrix calculation.
Finally, can your in-person visit follow social distancing recommendations? Can you be six feet apart – ideally, outdoors – wash hands frequently and avoid physical contact? Remember, it may be tough not to hug, especially if you do decide to bring children.
If so, finally, you need to examine your own and your mother’s risk tolerance. If either of you is extremely anxious, stick to virtual connection.
Love and gratitude, while ideally communicated in person, can still be expressed virtually or by phone. You may overtly acknowledge that the greater act of love for each other, as well as your community, is to stay home.
These days we have been asked to reexamine what “normal” looks like in so many ways. Perhaps the increased opportunity for reflection afforded by the pandemic, as well as the restrictions imposed, will teach us to honor our loved ones in many small ways throughout the year. The gift of attention – by phone, email or snail mail – is always possible.
And remember that Father’s Day is June 21, and it would be a good idea to consider the same issues then.
[Like what you’ve read? Want more? Sign up for The Conversation’s daily newsletter.]
Claudia Finkelstein, Associate Professor of Family Medicine, Michigan State University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.


crooksandliars--2020-05-12--County With 2nd Most COVID Deaths In CA Rescinds Pandemic Orders

Riverside County has the 2nd most COVID cases & deaths in California but its supervisors just voted to rescind public health orders .
Here are the details from the Desert Sun .
It ’ s outrageous .
It ’ s should make your blood boil .
Maybe the supervisors forgot about the death of Deputy Terrell Young , 52 , a 15-year veteran and the department ’ s first to die from COVID-19 .
He leaves behind his wife of 31 years and four children .
Perhaps they need to see the photo of David Werksman , 51 , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was with the department for 22 years .
Better yet , the supervisors should hear from his wife and three children who are still alive .
( Left ) David Werksman , 51 , a Riverside County Sheriff ’ s deputy Dead from COVID-19 .
Survived by his wife and three children .
( Right ) Deputy Terrell Young , 52 , a 15-year veteran the department ’ s first to die from COVID-19 .
He leaves behind his wife of 31 years and four children .
Of course these deaths happened WAY @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they become just another number .
Here is the video of the procession of Werksman 's funeral .
Do the supervisors need to know that this hits more than old people ?
Here ’ s the story of 21 year old Valeria Viveros , who worked as a nursing assistant at a skilled nursing facility that had an outbreak .
We can show the supervisors of the communities around Riverside the photos .
We can show them the data that it ’ s not just olds and POC who are getting hit because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that seems to make a difference to some .
But the bottom line is that Riverside supervisors voted to rescind the state ’ s emergency orders .
Why ?
Who are they really listening to ?
What are those people ’ s reasons ?
And finally , if the people in the community and those around them agree this is a terrible , deadly decision , “ What can be done ?
” The friend who tipped me off to this story lives in Palm Springs , right in Riverside County .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop my city supervisors from doing what Riverside supervisors did ?
” First they should know that lawful Executive Orders have been defied .
Public health reopen guidelines in the state of California were ignored .
( See EO N-60-20 , and Health and Safety Code sections 120125 , 120140 , 131080 , 120130 ( c ) , 120135 , 120145 , 120175 and 120150 , ) PDF Link signed by Sonia Y Angell , MD , MPH , State Public Health Officer and Director California Department of Public Health .
Twitter : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t meet the Phase 2 reopen rules , so they should stay closed , instead Hewitt says they are `` ridiculous . ''
He wants to argue with Newsom about his models .
He 's putting pressure on this local public health official Dr. Cameron Kaiser , to ignore state orders .
Hewitt trusts that businesses would make decisions to protect their employees .
Without any consequences ?
He gives this BS libertarian answer why they would .
Well what if they want to attract COVID deniers ?
There ’ s lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rich idiots , but what about the non-idiots who have to breath the same air ?
As I told my friend , some people can ’ t be convinced with photos of the dead , they need to be sanctioned .
For the supervisors in Riverside , state public officials at the highest level need to make it clear what the consequences will be and who will they be directed at .
Hewitt knows there will be consequences from the governor but says he 's not afraid .
When I listened to Hewitt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general who is telling him what to do .
Will he name them if asked ?
I 've followed city and state politics for years .
I understand how the behind the scenes pressure works .
`` Business groups '' in cities are telling him they are `` dying . ''
But of course that is metaphorically since they are n't humans who ARE literally dying .
No , those business groups just do n't have enough money and their solution is to open up .
They put pressure on the locals because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic problems .
Their businesses did n't get hit with the money cannon .
Their people did n't get enough money to stay home ( or ca n't because of the type of work ) Why are n't they attacking the President and the GOP congress for more money ?
Because they squeeze who they can squeeze .
It would be great if the media talked to these `` business groups '' so that the public can know exactly who is putting their profits before people ’ s lives .
They are throwing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this fashion because they know not to say their cruel calculus out loud .
The people in Riverside and surrounding communities won ’ t hear from the business owners with real power telling the supervisors what to do because they want to be behind the scenes .
( BTW , are n't there some FOIA laws around supervisors ' communications on official business ? )
The company execs don ’ t want to take the heat from the public .
They don ’ t want to have the head of the Magnolia Rehabilitation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family of the dead to call the CEO of `` Business Group Inc. '' who is pushing to reopen .
There will be no protests at `` Business Group '' because they keep their businesses out of the news .
This is dark power at the local level .
Instead the public is led to believe a small group of people wearing flag shirts and Trump hats are the driving force convincing the supervisors to defy lawful orders to stop the spread of a deadly virus .
What happens when a business defy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & C Breakfast & Korean Kitchen in Castle Rock opened for Mother 's Day against state orders .
Gov .
Jared Polis called the restaurant an `` immediate health hazard , '' and suspended the restaurant 's license .
( Link ) Business `` leaders '' aren ’ t going to voluntarily face the anger of people in the community .
They are n't going to go to the funerals of people who die because of their pressure on local elected officials .
They expect Supervisor Jeff Hewitt to take the heat .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will tell the supervisors to back down .
As I said , some people need sanctions to come down on them hard , no amount of photos of dead people will change their minds .
So contact the Governor 's office and ask what is going to happen next .
Contact Dr. Sonia Angell , the Director California Department of Public Health and ask how they will support Dr. Cameron Kaiser , the Riverside Public Health Officer in Riverside .
If you live in Riverside county here is a link to contact your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You need to tell your Mayor and your city council to not do what Riverside board of supervisors did .
If you are in these areas you need to use all the leverage you can .
Legal , financial , medical and political .
What tools do you have in your bag that can help stop COVID-19 from spreading due to the recklessness of one group of people ?
Contact multiple people who have various types of power .
And do n't forget the theater for the media .
They need visuals !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the dead , doctors and nurses in hospitals .
Show us group photos of the 215 dead in Riverside .
Maybe they can run them along side of the guy with a gun and the word `` Triggered '' on his shirt .
I could n't find a group photo of Riverside residents so here are the photos of the 11 nuns in Michigan who died during the month of April .
11 Felician Sisters in Michigan who died during the month of April .
Image from : Felician Sisters of North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the level of dickery and behind the scenes maneuvers that people will use to avoid responsibility for doing the wrong thing .
Be intense with your activism people .
These are life and death decisions being made .
Do n't let them kill you , your friends and family .

Riverside County has the 2nd most COVID cases & deaths in California but its supervisors just voted to rescind public health orders.
Here are the details from the Desert Sun. It’s outrageous. It’s should make your blood boil.
Maybe the supervisors forgot about the death of Deputy Terrell Young, 52, a 15-year veteran and the department’s first to die from COVID-19. He leaves behind his wife of 31 years and four children.
Perhaps they need to see the photo of David Werksman, 51, a Riverside County Sheriff’s deputy who was with the department for 22 years. Better yet, the supervisors should hear from his wife and three children who are still alive.
(Left) David Werksman, 51, a Riverside County Sheriff’s deputy Dead from COVID-19. Survived by his wife and three children. (Right) Deputy Terrell Young, 52, a 15-year veteran the department’s first to die from COVID-19. He leaves behind his wife of 31 years and four children.
Of course these deaths happened WAY back in April, so I guess they become just another number.
Here is the video of the procession of Werksman's funeral.
Do the supervisors need to know that this hits more than old people? Here’s the story of 21 year old Valeria Viveros, who worked as a nursing assistant at a skilled nursing facility that had an outbreak.
We can show the supervisors of the communities around Riverside the photos. We can show them the data that it’s not just olds and POC who are getting hit because gasp, *White People* are dying and that seems to make a difference to some.
Riverside County Department of Public Health
But the bottom line is that Riverside supervisors voted to rescind the state’s emergency orders. Why? Who are they really listening to? What are those people’s reasons? And finally, if the people in the community and those around them agree this is a terrible, deadly decision, “What can be done?”
The friend who tipped me off to this story lives in Palm Springs, right in Riverside County. His question was, “How do I stop my city supervisors from doing what Riverside supervisors did?”
Sonia Angell, MD, MPH State Public Health Officer and Director California Department of Public Health First they should know that lawful Executive Orders have been defied. Public health reopen guidelines in the state of California were ignored. (See EO N-60-20, and Health and Safety Code sections 120125, 120140, 131080, 120130(c), 120135, 120145, 120175 and 120150, ) PDF Link signed by Sonia Y Angell, MD, MPH, State Public Health Officer and Director California Department of Public Health. Twitter: @DrSoniaAngell
The Riverside county supervisors couldn’t meet the Phase 2 reopen rules, so they should stay closed, instead Hewitt says they are "ridiculous." He wants to argue with Newsom about his models. He's putting pressure on this local public health official Dr. Cameron Kaiser, to ignore state orders.
From the Desert Sun article:
Supervisor Jeff Hewitt implored the supervisors to vote to lift all restrictions — including the state’s — immediately.
Regarding the county’s orders, he said he wanted to drop all COVID-related restrictions Although he understood the state had threatened to withhold disaster funds from counties that have defied Newsom’s staged plan, Hewitt scoffed at his fellow supervisors’ plan to negotiate with Newsom on reopening criteria which he said, was pointless because of the governor’s cult of personality and need to be right.
Hewitt trusts that businesses would make decisions to protect their employees. Without any consequences? He gives this BS libertarian answer why they would.
"They will do what they need to to attract the most customers,” he said of county businesses. “Even though I feel like I don’t need a mask — I don’t like a mask, that’s my personal choice — I’ll carry one around all the time because there’ll be a lot of businesses I want to go in that’ll require me to wear a mask.”
Well what if they want to attract COVID deniers? There’s lot’s of money in selling to rich idiots, but what about the non-idiots who have to breath the same air?
As I told my friend, some people can’t be convinced with photos of the dead, they need to be sanctioned. For the supervisors in Riverside, state public officials at the highest level need to make it clear what the consequences will be and who will they be directed at. Hewitt knows there will be consequences from the governor but says he's not afraid.
Riverside Supervisor Jeff Hewitt
When I listened to Hewitt during the supervisor meeting he revealed in general who is telling him what to do. Will he name them if asked? I've followed city and state politics for years. I understand how the behind the scenes pressure works. "Business groups" in cities are telling him they are "dying." But of course that is metaphorically since they aren't humans who ARE literally dying.
No, those business groups just don't have enough money and their solution is to open up. They put pressure on the locals because of the botched federal response to the economic problems. Their businesses didn't get hit with the money cannon. Their people didn't get enough money to stay home (or can't because of the type of work) Why aren't they attacking the President and the GOP congress for more money? Because they squeeze who they can squeeze.
It would be great if the media talked to these "business groups" so that the public can know exactly who is putting their profits before people’s lives. They are throwing their weight around at this level in this fashion because they know not to say their cruel calculus out loud.
The people in Riverside and surrounding communities won’t hear from the business owners with real power telling the supervisors what to do because they want to be behind the scenes. (BTW, aren't there some FOIA laws around supervisors' communications on official business?)
The company execs don’t want to take the heat from the public. They don’t want to have the head of the Magnolia Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Riverside tell the family of the dead to call the CEO of "Business Group Inc." who is pushing to reopen. There will be no protests at "Business Group" because they keep their businesses out of the news. This is dark power at the local level.
Instead the public is led to believe a small group of people wearing flag shirts and Trump hats are the driving force convincing the supervisors to defy lawful orders to stop the spread of a deadly virus.
What happens when a business defy the rules? In Colorado the C&C Breakfast & Korean Kitchen in Castle Rock opened for Mother's Day against state orders. Gov. Jared Polis called the restaurant an "immediate health hazard," and suspended the restaurant's license. (Link)
Business "leaders" aren’t going to voluntarily face the anger of people in the community. They aren't going to go to the funerals of people who die because of their pressure on local elected officials. They expect Supervisor Jeff Hewitt to take the heat. Then if it is big enough they will tell the supervisors to back down.
As I said, some people need sanctions to come down on them hard, no amount of photos of dead people will change their minds. So contact the Governor's office and ask what is going to happen next. Contact Dr. Sonia Angell, the Director California Department of Public Health and ask how they will support Dr. Cameron Kaiser, the Riverside Public Health Officer in Riverside.
If you live in Riverside county here is a link to contact your supervisors
If you live in Palm Springs You need to tell your Mayor and your city council to not do what Riverside board of supervisors did.
If you are in these areas you need to use all the leverage you can. Legal, financial, medical and political. What tools do you have in your bag that can help stop COVID-19 from spreading due to the recklessness of one group of people? Contact multiple people who have various types of power.
And don't forget the theater for the media. They need visuals! Set up some interviews with the families of the dead, doctors and nurses in hospitals. Show us group photos of the 215 dead in Riverside. Maybe they can run them along side of the guy with a gun and the word "Triggered" on his shirt.
I couldn't find a group photo of Riverside residents so here are the photos of the 11 nuns in Michigan who died during the month of April. 11 Felician Sisters in Michigan who died during the month of April. Credit: Felician Sisters of North America
My final advice? Never underestimate the level of dickery and behind the scenes maneuvers that people will use to avoid responsibility for doing the wrong thing.
Be intense with your activism people. These are life and death decisions being made. Don't let them kill you, your friends and family.


crooksandliars--2020-04-02--Dr. Rishi Desai Won't Be Invited Back To Fox News Anytime Soon

This infectious disease doc appeared on Fox News last night after Trump 's daily performance , and Martha MacCallum asked Desai about his call for mass testing to stop the virus .
She said tests are n't yet widely available , “ but they ’ re working on it.
” “ Yeah , they ’ re working on it .
They should have been working on it for months , ” Desai said .
He said the WHO knew about the virus in December .
“ So last year we know about this .
We knew coronavirus was coming , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and we knew it was person-to-person .
Why is it that it is this week that the FDA finally approved these new Abbott lab testing ?
Which , by the way , was one test at a time .
It ’ s a great test but it ’ s one test at a time .
It ’ s different from the labs that are doing mass testing . ''
He said the new test was “ wonderful but it ’ s not the same volume that you need.
” “ We needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Korea , South Korea and the U.S. had their first official confirmed case on the same date : January 19th .
Since January 19th , you look at what South Korea did and what we did .
Their population is 1/6th of ours , look at the cases they have , look at the mortality they have.
” “ It ’ s a trifle compared to what we ’ re dealing with right now because we had a very weak response and they had a very strong response . ''
`` Very weak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very strong and excellent president ?
Guess we know who wo n't be invited back !

This infectious disease doc appeared on Fox News last night after Trump's daily performance, and Martha MacCallum
asked Desai about his call for mass testing to stop the virus. She said tests aren't yet widely available, “but they’re working on it.”
“Yeah, they’re working on it. They should have been working on it for months,” Desai said. He said the WHO knew about the virus in December.
“So last year we know about this. We knew coronavirus was coming, we knew it was a respiratory disease, and we knew it was person-to-person. Why is it that it is this week that the FDA finally approved these new Abbott lab testing? Which, by the way, was one test at a time. It’s a great test but it’s one test at a time. It’s different from the labs that are doing mass testing."
He said the new test was “wonderful but it’s not the same volume that you need.”
“We needed this months ago. You look at Korea, South Korea and the U.S. had their first official confirmed case on the same date: January 19th. Since January 19th, you look at what South Korea did and what we did. Their population is 1/6th of ours, look at the cases they have, look at the mortality they have.”
“It’s a trifle compared to what we’re dealing with right now because we had a very weak response and they had a very strong response."
"Very weak response"? From our very, very strong and excellent president? Guess we know who won't be invited back!


crooksandliars--2020-04-01--Fox 'Doctor' Throws Out BS Testing Numbers To Keep Up The Happy Talk

There goes Fox `` News '' again , taking full advantage of the stupidity and shallow thinking they 've nurtured and developed in their viewing audience .
Harris Faulkner is talking to their resident Doctor Nicole Saphier about the COVID-19 testing capabilities and mortality projections of the United States compared to other countries .
Note , please , that her medical focus is radiology , and her political focus is blaming the victim , if one goes by her book title : `` Make America Healthy Again : How Bad Behavior and Big Government Caused a Trillion-Dollar Crisis ! ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ microgram it 's worth .
But here she is , waxing faux-intellectual and romantic about how the projection of 100,000 - 200,000 dead from COVID-19 is not so bad .
Sure , it is better than millions of U.S. citizens dying from it , but was that ever really a projection , as she claims ?
It reminds me of price tags during sales at stores like TJ Maxx .
`` $ 7.99 !
Compare to $ 34.99 ! ''
Okay , $ 8 is lower than $ 35 , but was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
SAPHIER : I do want to make a point that all these numbers , 100 , 200,000 , are still extremity grim .
That 's a tenth of what they were predicted be about a month ago before the social distance measures were taken into effect .
They were projecting it could be anywhere from one to two million Americans that could die .
So , yes , the 100 to 200,000 Americans is still a devastating number .
However , my hope is that we wo n't get to that number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ realism and facts , accepting responsibility for past mistakes and committing to do better in the future is the best way to avoid it , if it 's even possible .
Frankly , chance are , given the slow response , and the refusal of people in charge to traffic in accurate numbers and information is a guarantee that we will zoom past those numbers in no time .
Fox and its `` doctors '' and `` experts '' are n't helping by screwing and skewing the numbers like so : SAPHIER : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out we are also doing more testing than anywhere else in the world , and huge thing that I really want to point out is the death rate in the United States is the lowest of most of the countries .
That has to do with the fact that we are doing a lot of testing and that we do have a robust health care system .
These fatality rates still being reported , it 's about 1.4 % globally , closer to 2 % being reported right now in the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Italy and Spain , they still remain grossly overestimated because there 's a large amount of the population who are asymptomatic or with mild symptoms who have not been tested .
So these numbers do not take into account those people that have not been tested .
No shame for people for not being great with numbers and ratios and math stuff .
I 'm not great at them , either .
Yet , statements like `` we are doing a lot of testing , '' or `` more testing than anywhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ informative nor helpful .
They need to be put into something called perspective .
Let 's use this example : The U.S. tests 101 people .
Boy , that 's a lot !
But we have 350,000,000 people .
South Korea tests 100 people .
Boy , that 's a lot !
But S. Korea has 51,000,000 people — 1/7th the number we have .
Yet , President Cheez-It can go on TV and say , `` We 've tested more people than South Korea , even !
So many people we 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this much testing , beautiful testing , even ! ''
But per capita , South Korea has tested a much higher number .
A much higher percentage of its population has been tested for COVID-19 , and much sooner after the first case was discovered .
They tested thousands of citizens per day , whereas we were lucky to have tested dozens per day just a a few weeks ago .
Is our death rate `` the lowest of most of the countries ? ''
Define lowest .
Define `` most of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just turn off Fox `` News . ''

There goes Fox "News" again, taking full advantage of the stupidity and shallow thinking they've nurtured and developed in their viewing audience. Harris Faulkner is talking to their resident Doctor Barbie Nicole Saphier about the COVID-19 testing capabilities and mortality projections of the United States compared to other countries. Note, please, that her medical focus is radiology, and her political focus is blaming the victim, if one goes by her book title: "Make America Healthy Again: How Bad Behavior and Big Government Caused a Trillion-Dollar Crisis!"
So, take HER analysis for the microgram it's worth. But here she is, waxing faux-intellectual and romantic about how the projection of 100,000 - 200,000 dead from COVID-19 is not so bad. Sure, it is better than millions of U.S. citizens dying from it, but was that ever really a projection, as she claims? It reminds me of price tags during sales at stores like TJ Maxx. "$7.99! Compare to $34.99!" Okay, $8 is lower than $35, but was the t-shirt ever actually priced at $35?
SAPHIER: I do want to make a point that all these numbers, 100, 200,000, are still extremity grim. That's a tenth of what they were predicted be about a month ago before the social distance measures were taken into effect. They were projecting it could be anywhere from one to two million Americans that could die. So, yes, the 100 to 200,000 Americans is still a devastating number. However, my hope is that we won't get to that number.
We all hope that, but realism and facts, accepting responsibility for past mistakes and committing to do better in the future is the best way to avoid it, if it's even possible. Frankly, chance are, given the slow response, and the refusal of people in charge to traffic in accurate numbers and information is a guarantee that we will zoom past those numbers in no time. Fox and its "doctors" and "experts" aren't helping by screwing and skewing the numbers like so:
SAPHIER: They can -- we have to point out we are also doing more testing than anywhere else in the world, and huge thing that I really want to point out is the death rate in the United States is the lowest of most of the countries. That has to do with the fact that we are doing a lot of testing and that we do have a robust health care system. These fatality rates still being reported, it's about 1.4% globally, closer to 2% being reported right now in the United States. 10%, 11%, and Italy and Spain, they still remain grossly overestimated because there's a large amount of the population who are asymptomatic or with mild symptoms who have not been tested. So these numbers do not take into account those people that have not been tested.
No shame for people for not being great with numbers and ratios and math stuff. I'm not great at them, either. Yet, statements like "we are doing a lot of testing," or "more testing than anywhere else in the world" are neither informative nor helpful. They need to be put into something called perspective. Let's use this example:
The U.S. tests 101 people. Boy, that's a lot! But we have 350,000,000 people.
South Korea tests 100 people. Boy, that's a lot! But S. Korea has 51,000,000 people — 1/7th the number we have.
Yet, President Cheez-It can go on TV and say, "We've tested more people than South Korea, even! So many people we've tested! No one has ever seen this much testing, beautiful testing, even!" But per capita, South Korea has tested a much higher number. A much higher percentage of its population has been tested for COVID-19, and much sooner after the first case was discovered. They tested thousands of citizens per day, whereas we were lucky to have tested dozens per day just a a few weeks ago.
Is our death rate "the lowest of most of the countries?" Define lowest. Define "most of the countries." Or better yet, just turn off Fox "News."


crooksandliars--2020-04-02--Shameful Neglect: 11 Veterans Died At Massachusetts VA Hospital, 5 Positive For COVID-19

On Monday , eleven patients at the Soldiers ' Home in Holyoke , Massachusetts died .
Five of them tested positive for COVID-19 .
Five more have been tested , but results have not come back , and one 's status is unknown .
According to CNN : Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse had received complaints about conditions at the facility , where 233 veterans live , and Morse reached out to the facility 's Supt .
Bennett Walsh , who Morse said spoke of the deaths , and positive COVID-19 tests results with `` a complete lack of urgency .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Walsh he immediately reached out to Lt. Gov .
Karyn Polito .
Within a half hour , he said he received a call from the state Secretary of Health and Human Services .
[ Dan ] Tsai { Massachusetts Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary ] told CNN his department has implemented an `` onsite clinical command team comprised of medical , epidemiological , and operational experts responsible for the comprehensive and rapid response to the outbreak of Covid-19 . ''
As of March 30 , Supt .
Walsh has been placed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago , in Cincinnati , veterans were being thrown out of their residential programs to make room for COVID-19 patients .
They were given 24-48 hours to find a place to live , regardless of whether or not they had the funds , or be placed in homeless shelters .
Across the nation the number of veterans who have died of COVID-19 tripled over the weekend .
The military publication Stars and Stripes reported that now 27 have died from the virus .
Remember , these are just the numbers of which we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have administrators of VA hospitals who do n't feel `` a sense of urgency '' about maintaining safe conditions at their facilities , situations where the government is mandating veterans be displaced and made homeless to make room for COVID-19 patients , not only will the numbers skyrocket further ... you can be sure we will never hear about them .

On Monday, eleven patients at the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke, Massachusetts died. Five of them tested positive for COVID-19. Five more have been tested, but results have not come back, and one's status is unknown. According to CNN:
Eleven more veterans and five staff members have also tested positive for the virus, according to Morse. Twenty-five additional residents are awaiting the results of testing to determine if they have Covid-19.
Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse had received complaints about conditions at the facility, where 233 veterans live, and Morse reached out to the facility's Supt. Bennett Walsh, who Morse said spoke of the deaths, and positive COVID-19 tests results with "a complete lack of urgency."
Morse said following his conversation with Walsh he immediately reached out to Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. Within a half hour, he said he received a call from the state Secretary of Health and Human Services. [Dan] Tsai {Massachusetts Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary] told CNN his department has implemented an "onsite clinical command team comprised of medical, epidemiological, and operational experts responsible for the comprehensive and rapid response to the outbreak of Covid-19."
As of March 30, Supt. Walsh has been placed on paid administrative leave.
Nearly two weeks ago, in Cincinnati, veterans were being thrown out of their residential programs to make room for COVID-19 patients. They were given 24-48 hours to find a place to live, regardless of whether or not they had the funds, or be placed in homeless shelters.
According to the VA, veterans receiving counseling were given iPads to continue treatment virtually, but some veterans told WCPO they have not been given a device.
Across the nation the number of veterans who have died of COVID-19 tripled over the weekend. The military publication Stars and Stripes reported that now 27 have died from the virus. Remember, these are just the numbers of which we are aware. If we continue to have administrators of VA hospitals who don't feel "a sense of urgency" about maintaining safe conditions at their facilities, situations where the government is mandating veterans be displaced and made homeless to make room for COVID-19 patients, not only will the numbers skyrocket further... you can be sure we will never hear about them.


crooksandliars--2020-04-02--Georgia's Governor Slammed For His 'Revelation' That Asymptomatic People Can Spread COVID-19

People are just shaking their heads in disbelief today at what Georgia 's Governor Brian Kemp said yesterday , that he only recently found out that COVID-19 could be spread by asymptomatic people , and that was why he was issuing a stay-at-home order , finally .
Mika Brzezinski asked `` Is that a joke ?
Where has he been the last few months ?
`` , while her partner Joe Scarborough just rolled his eyes and called Kemp 's `` revelation '' just embarrassing .
While on Twitter , many noted that Georgia could have had the incredibly competent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statewide stay-at-home order for days , Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp ( R ) succumbed to the pressure and issued one on Wednesday .
Part of the reason , he said , was that he had just learned some new information .
Kemp said he was “ finding out that this virus is now transmitting before people see signs.
” “ Those individuals could have been infecting people before they ever felt bad , but we didn ’ t know that until the last 24 hours , ” he said .
He added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told him that “ this is a game-changer.
” It may have been a game-changer , but it was a game-changer weeks or even months ago .
That ’ s when health officials started emphasizing that asymptomatic people are transmitting the coronavirus .
The idea that Kemp didn ’ t know this is striking .
But he ’ s merely the latest top politician to indicate that he ’ s unfamiliar with the science even as he ’ s making life-or-death decisions for his constituents .

People are just shaking their heads in disbelief today at what Georgia's Governor Brian Kemp said yesterday, that he only recently found out that COVID-19 could be spread by asymptomatic people, and that was why he was issuing a stay-at-home order, finally.
Mika Brzezinski asked "Is that a joke? Where has he been the last few months?", while her partner Joe Scarborough just rolled his eyes and called Kemp's "revelation" just embarrassing. While on Twitter, many noted that Georgia could have had the incredibly competent Stacey Abrams instead.
Source: Washington Post
After resisting a statewide stay-at-home order for days, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) succumbed to the pressure and issued one on Wednesday. Part of the reason, he said, was that he had just learned some new information. Kemp said he was “finding out that this virus is now transmitting before people see signs.” “Those individuals could have been infecting people before they ever felt bad, but we didn’t know that until the last 24 hours,” he said. He added that the state’s top doctor told him that “this is a game-changer.” It may have been a game-changer, but it was a game-changer weeks or even months ago. That’s when health officials started emphasizing that asymptomatic people are transmitting the coronavirus. The idea that Kemp didn’t know this is striking. But he’s merely the latest top politician to indicate that he’s unfamiliar with the science even as he’s making life-or-death decisions for his constituents.
A stunning admission of deadly ignorance from Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, who says he only just learned that asymptomatic people can transmit #Covid19. “[I]ndividuals could have been infecting people before they ever felt bad, but we didn’t know that until the last 24 hours.” pic.twitter.com/T7NZWk2GDR — Andisheh Nouraee (@andishehnouraee) April 2, 2020
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said Wednesday he had just learned coronavirus is transmitted asymptomatically: "We didn’t know that until the last 24 hours."
Fauci on Jan. 31: "Now, we know from a recent report from Germany that that is absolutely the case."https://t.co/gzdhVhqmrr — Aaron Blake (@AaronBlake) April 2, 2020
In a bizarre turn of events, information the rest of the nation had in January didn’t reach Georgia Governor Brian Kemp until April: “Individuals could have been infecting people before they ever felt bad, but we didn’t know that until the last 24 hours.” https://t.co/v1nGdzTy5y — Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) April 2, 2020
Brian Kemp being a historically shitty governor was really quite predictable — Ben Rhodes (@brhodes) April 2, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-03-22--39-Year-Old New Orleans Woman Dies Before Getting Her Coronavirus Test Results

Another awful story , a woman in the prime of her life died because she was initially considered `` low-risk '' .
Natasha Ott was found dead in her kitchen , waiting for test results that never came .
On March 10 , Natasha Ott , 39 , felt the beginnings of a cold coming on .
She had a slight fever .
CrescentCare , the medical clinic where she worked , had only a handful of tests for the new strain of coronavirus on hand .
She initially passed on the chance to take one , after being told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When her symptoms did n't shake , she did take the test on Monday .
By Thursday , she felt `` something in her lungs , '' she told longtime partner Josh Anderson .
But she still felt well enough by then to join Anderson as the pair walked her dog .
On Friday , Anderson found Ott dead in her kitchen .
Her test results have still not come back .
The Orleans Parish Coroner 's Office has not released a cause of death ; state health officials have not said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus .

Another awful story, a woman in the prime of her life died because she was initially considered "low-risk". Natasha Ott was found dead in her kitchen, waiting for test results that never came.
Source: NOLA.com
On March 10, Natasha Ott, 39, felt the beginnings of a cold coming on.
She had a slight fever. CrescentCare, the medical clinic where she worked, had only a handful of tests for the new strain of coronavirus on hand. She initially passed on the chance to take one, after being told she was low-risk for the serious disease.
When her symptoms didn't shake, she did take the test on Monday. By Thursday, she felt "something in her lungs," she told longtime partner Josh Anderson. But she still felt well enough by then to join Anderson as the pair walked her dog.
On Friday, Anderson found Ott dead in her kitchen.
Her test results have still not come back. The Orleans Parish Coroner's Office has not released a cause of death; state health officials have not said whether they believe it was a case of coronavirus.


crooksandliars--2020-03-23--Rand Paul Went About His Business While Waiting For Test Results, Endangering GOP Senate Majority

For those that do n't know , Senator Rand Paul is actually an ophthalmologist , aka doctor .
So you @ @ @ @ @ had undergone testing for the coronavirus after learning they had been exposed would take the @ @ @ @ @ they knew the result .
You would be wrong .
Why ?
Because Rand Paul @ @ @ @ @ meetings and regular routine on Capitol Hill , including many working lunches with Senate Republicans @ @ @ @ @ before his test ) and visits to the Senate gym after he was tested and @ @ @ @ @ positive for COVID-19 .
Whilst awaiting his COVID-19 test results , Rand Paul decided to @ @ @ @ @ , swam in the gym ’ s pool and hung out with other Senators instead @ @ @ @ @ at home in self-quarantine .
This piece of shit scumbag repugnant subhuman is apparently a @ @ @ @ @ of his constituents : And now numerous Senators who were in close contact with Rand @ @ @ @ @ not vote ...

For those that don't know, Senator Rand Paul is actually an ophthalmologist, aka doctor. So you would expect that someone who had undergone testing for the coronavirus after learning they had been exposed would take the responsible steps of self-quarantining until they knew the result. You would be wrong.
Why? Because Rand Paul continued to go about his meetings and regular routine on Capitol Hill, including many working lunches with Senate Republicans (which may have happened before his test) and visits to the Senate gym after he was tested and before he discovered he was positive for COVID-19.
After hearing about Senator/Doctor Rand Paul's ridiculously stupid behavior, Twitter erupted:
In case you weren't convinced about how shitty a human Rand Paul is, he was spotted in the STILL-OPEN (!?) Senate Gym after being tested for COVID-19.
His results came back positive.
Apparently, Sen. Paul is an MD.#COVIDIOTS — BrooklynDad_Defiant! (@mmpadellan) March 22, 2020
After being tested — but before learning the results — @randpaul had contact with his Senate colleagues. https://t.co/6rE334xfM1 — Karen Tumulty (@ktumulty) March 22, 2020
When exactly did Rand Paul get tested? If he was worried he might have coronavirus, why was he at the gym and around other people this morning??? https://t.co/4HzN6QZIct — Polly Sigh (@dcpoll) March 22, 2020
"Rand Paul in the Senate gym with COVID-19" has to be the worst round of Clue ever — Jeff Tiedrich (@itsJeffTiedrich) March 22, 2020
RIDDLE ME THIS:
Trump says folks who aren’t symptomatic & haven’t been in contact with anyone who has tested positive shouldn’t get tested.
Rand Paul isn’t symptomatic & says hasn’t been in contact with anyone who tested positive
RAND PAUL TESTED
RAND PAUL TESTED POSITIVE
How? — Ali Velshi (@AliVelshi) March 22, 2020
Rand Paul is a doctor, but more importantly he's also a huge asshole. https://t.co/xTXxmvphEp — Mat Johnson (@mat_johnson) March 22, 2020
Not holding back here:
Whilst awaiting his COVID-19 test results, Rand Paul decided to go to the Senate Gym, swam in the gym’s pool and hung out with other Senators instead of waiting for the results at home in self-quarantine.
This piece of shit scumbag repugnant subhuman is apparently a Doctor. — Ricky Davila (@TheRickyDavila) March 22, 2020
NARRATOR: True
Rand Paul is a fucking idiot for going to the gym and the pool. — Will McAvoy (@WillMcAvoyACN) March 22, 2020
I’ve never commented about a fellow Senator’s choices/actions. Never once.
This, America, is absolutely irresponsible. You cannot be near other people while waiting for coronavirus test results. It endangers others & likely increases the spread of the virus. https://t.co/651TJf8mWf — Kyrsten Sinema (@kyrstensinema) March 22, 2020
Valid point:
Excuse me: WHY IS THE SENATE GYM STILL OPEN? https://t.co/m9Jb6u5Owi — Judd Legum (@JuddLegum) March 22, 2020
This writer is at a loss of words to express my outrage in this moment. This could have something to do with my marriage, in a good way. https://t.co/NvExI6L2xM — Connie Schultz (@ConnieSchultz) March 22, 2020
And from one of his constituents:
Zero contact AFTER HE TESTED POSITIVE. Before that he was all handshakes and spittle calling it a hoax in the Senate lunch room. Fuck off with this Horse Shit.
Signed
- A Real Kentuckian #Carpetbagger https://t.co/gTU5CTgpxc — Hal Sparks (@HalSparks) March 22, 2020
And now numerous Senators who were in close contact with Rand Paul are self-quarantining and cannot vote...
US senators now in self-quarantine with very important votes pending:
Rand Paul
Mitt Romney
Mike Lee
Rick Scott
Cory Gardner
per @StevenTDennis https://t.co/aV06hto0Ly — Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) March 22, 2020
"Gimmetarian"


crooksandliars--2020-03-23--Mississippi Governor Refuses To Act On Coronavirus, Offers Prayer Instead

I believe in the power of prayer , so I ’ m inviting you to pray with me on this Sunday morning .
“ For where two or three gather in my name , there am I with them.
” '' To date , Tate Reeves has chosen not to give a state directive on social distancing , group size and which businesses and activities should shut down , as governors of other states facing a growing coronavirus crisis have done . ''
- Mississippi Free Press He did offer a prayer for Mississippi though yesterday .
And asked our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Vice President Pence and the rest of their leadership team .
There have been a number of Governors who have worked aggressively to combat the spread of Coronavirus .
While some have been Democrats like Andrew Cuomo ( CA ) and Gavin Newsome ( CA ) , Republicans like Mike DeWine ( OH ) and Larry Hogan ( MD ) have also issued strong social distancing policies .
But what happens when the Governor refuses to do anything to protect the citizens of the state ?
That ’ s become the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senators say Gov .
Tate Reeves refuses to institute any closures .
Reeves ordered Mississippi school ’ s to close in the middle of April [ Ed .
Closed until April 17 ] .
Since then , though , he ’ s given little directive on how the counties should go forward .
The usual suspects at Fox News applauded such decisive leadership .
The Republican governor asked God to protect Mississippians and to give President Trump and Vice President Pence wisdom to lead us through the Chinese virus crisis .
“ Thank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the governor prayed extemporaneously .
“ Thank you for giving our leaders wisdom .
Dear Heavenly Father please be with President Trump , Vice President Pence , the leadership team in Washington as they deal with this once-in-a-lifetime pandemic across the globe .
”

"To date, Tate Reeves has chosen not to give a state directive on social distancing, group size and which businesses and activities should shut down, as governors of other states facing a growing coronavirus crisis have done." - Mississippi Free Press
He did offer a prayer for Mississippi though yesterday. And asked our Heavenly Father to watch over President Trump and Vice President Pence and the rest of their leadership team.
Source: Hill Reporter
There have been a number of Governors who have worked aggressively to combat the spread of Coronavirus. While some have been Democrats like Andrew Cuomo (CA) and Gavin Newsome (CA), Republicans like Mike DeWine (OH) and Larry Hogan (MD) have also issued strong social distancing policies. But what happens when the Governor refuses to do anything to protect the citizens of the state? That’s become the case in Mississippi where local Mayors and State Senators say Gov. Tate Reeves refuses to institute any closures. Reeves ordered Mississippi school’s to close in the middle of April [Ed. Closed until April 17]. Since then, though, he’s given little directive on how the counties should go forward.
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves “has no intention" of closing the state's beaches "nor anywhere else" due to #COVID19 currently, Mississippi Sen. Joel Carter, whose district includes the coast, tweeted. Alabama's governor closed their beaches last week. | https://t.co/jOr2VfVZIn pic.twitter.com/WcLIEbG2gC — Ashton Pittman (@ashtonpittman) March 22, 2020
The usual suspects at Fox News applauded such decisive leadership.
The Republican governor asked God to protect Mississippians and to give President Trump and Vice President Pence wisdom to lead us through the Chinese virus crisis. “Thank you for looking over us,” the governor prayed extemporaneously. “Thank you for giving our leaders wisdom. Dear Heavenly Father please be with President Trump, Vice President Pence, the leadership team in Washington as they deal with this once-in-a-lifetime pandemic across the globe.”


crooksandliars--2020-05-17--Eric Trump: 'After November 3rd Coronavirus Will Magically All Of The Sudden Go Away'

Trump son and `` Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization '' Eric Trump joined Fox 's Jeanine Pirro this Saturday , and accused the media and Democrats of being in cahoots and stoking fear over the coronavirus in order to hurt his father in the presidential election , and prevent him from holding his MAGA rallies .
Trump told Pirro that `` After November 3rd coronavirus will magically all of the sudden go away , and disappear , and everybody will be able to re-open , '' completely ignoring the fact that that there are over 90,000 Americans who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conspiracy , with no end in sight if we do n't get some rapid testing and contact tracing in place nationwide .
PIRRO : You heard my open , am I wrong ?
TRUMP : No , you are 100 percent right .
You can go buy a bottle of vodka at a liquor store , but you ca n't go to church .
You can go to Planned Parenthood and get an abortion but , you ca n't go to a public library to vote .
You have these Democrats , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ various bills , right ?
You have the Heroes Act .
It sounds beautiful until you start discovering some of the garbage they put in it , like every state in the country has mail-in voting .
It 's really , really disingenuous .
The Democrats are trying to milk this for everything they can and it 's sad .
My father as commander-in-chief has one of the hardest decisions I think any president in history has had , right ?
He has to weigh the safety of the public versus our economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economic powerhouse of the entire world Jeanine , and he 's got to weigh that .
America does have to get back to work , and Americans want to get back to work .
And you ca n't have every business disappear , and you ca n't just have , as you said so well in your open , you ca n't just have the big businesses , the Fortune 500 companies survive , while all the mom and pops go out of business because of the dichotomy of the two .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolutely nailed it .
It 's ridiculous what they are trying to do , and it 's going to be stopped .
PIRRO : Well , what are the consequences ?
I mean , politically , when you look at your father and you look at the campaign and the election is how many months away .
The more the lockdown continues the more difficult it is .
Joe Biden is staying in his basement and your father is champing to get out , and they 're basically saying nobody can go out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
How is that going to impact the election ?
TRUMP : Well listen , the election is 176 days , to be exact , away , and listen , Biden loves it .
Biden ca n't go out on stage without making some horrible blunder .
I mean , even from his basement he 's making awful gaffes every single day , so his campaign 's thrilled that he 's not going out there .
They think they are taking away Donald Trump 's greatest tool , which is being able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 50,000 people every single time , right ?
So they will , and you watch , they 'll milk it every single day between now and November 3rd .
And guess what ?
After November 3rd coronavirus will magically all of the sudden go away , and disappear , and everybody will be able to re-open .
They 're trying to deprive him of his greatest asset , which is the fact that the American people love him , the fact that he 's relatable , and the fact that he can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Joe Biden ca n't get 10 people in a room and my father is getting 50,000 in a room , and they want to do everything they can to stop it .
Make no mistake , to a lot of them Jeanine , to a lot of them , this is a very cognizant strategy that they are trying to deploy .
No different than , again the nonsense that they 're trying to throw in the Hope Act .
It 's no different than the mail-in voting they want to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than wanting illegal immigrants to vote in our country .
It is a cognizant strategy and it 's sad .
And again , it 's not going to be allowed to happen and we 're going to win in November .
PIRRO : You know , when you say it 's a cognizant strategy , I mean , it 's clearly , it 's no longer ... for a while it was about the science and non-believers and all that , but it 's right down the middle in terms of left and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've got ships going back because we do n't have enough patients to put in them , and those same cities are closed down , and now Nancy Pelosi and this $ 3.3 , whatever , trillion stimulus , her latest bill , is for mail-in voting .
They do n't want people to go to election polling places .
And there 's a picture that should have been used , of people in line at Walmart and Home Depot .
You 're six feet away .
You can do the same thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's -- it 's a fear that 's being instilled .
Are people buying it though ?
TRUMP : And by the way , the media is running with it judge .
I mean , the media 's running with it .
Look at the White House press conference yesterday .
They 're all in there , they 're criticizing everybody .
Why is n't everybody wearing masks ?
Why is n't everybody wearing masks ?
All of the sudden , the press conference ends , they continue to roll the clip and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks in the room and going up and speaking .
I mean , it 's really insane .
They 're furthering ... they 're actually stoking fear in this country .
They are doing a disservice .
They 're being totally disingenuous about the whole thing .
But they 're doing it for one reason .
They want to hurt Trump .
They tried to do it with the Russia thing .
They tried to do it with , you know , the Ukraine scandal .
They tried to do it with impeachment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it with coronavirus .
They know they ca n't beat him .
They know that Joe Biden ca n't beat him .
He does n't stand a chance .
So what are they trying ?
They 're trying to do anything that they can to stop him .
They 'll shut down the economy .
They 'll stop in-person voting .
They 'll try and insert things into acts , you know , again , under the cloak of darkness .
That 's what these people do , and the media which , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Democrats , you know , they will continue this narrative , and it 's incredible .
It 's incredible , but you know what Jeanine , the great thing about it , Americans see through it , and they 're not going to let it happen .

Trump son and "Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization" Eric Trump joined Fox's Jeanine Pirro this Saturday, and accused the media and Democrats of being in cahoots and stoking fear over the coronavirus in order to hurt his father in the presidential election, and prevent him from holding his MAGA rallies.
Trump told Pirro that "After November 3rd coronavirus will magically all of the sudden go away, and disappear, and everybody will be able to re-open," completely ignoring the fact that that there are over 90,000 Americans who have died to date from this so-called conspiracy, with no end in sight if we don't get some rapid testing and contact tracing in place nationwide.
PIRRO: You heard my open, am I wrong?
TRUMP: No, you are 100 percent right. You can go buy a bottle of vodka at a liquor store, but you can't go to church. You can go to Planned Parenthood and get an abortion but, you can't go to a public library to vote.
You have these Democrats, they come up with these names for these various bills, right? You have the Heroes Act. It sounds beautiful until you start discovering some of the garbage they put in it, like every state in the country has mail-in voting. It's really, really disingenuous. The Democrats are trying to milk this for everything they can and it's sad.
My father as commander-in-chief has one of the hardest decisions I think any president in history has had, right? He has to weigh the safety of the public versus our economy and opening up America. We're the economic powerhouse of the entire world Jeanine, and he's got to weigh that.
America does have to get back to work, and Americans want to get back to work. And you can't have every business disappear, and you can't just have, as you said so well in your open, you can't just have the big businesses, the Fortune 500 companies survive, while all the mom and pops go out of business because of the dichotomy of the two. So, it's um... you absolutely nailed it. It's ridiculous what they are trying to do, and it's going to be stopped.
PIRRO: Well, what are the consequences? I mean, politically, when you look at your father and you look at the campaign and the election is how many months away. The more the lockdown continues the more difficult it is. Joe Biden is staying in his basement and your father is champing to get out, and they're basically saying nobody can go out in New York city and Los Angeles. How is that going to impact the election?
TRUMP: Well listen, the election is 176 days, to be exact, away, and listen, Biden loves it. Biden can't go out on stage without making some horrible blunder. I mean, even from his basement he's making awful gaffes every single day, so his campaign's thrilled that he's not going out there. They think they are taking away Donald Trump's greatest tool, which is being able to go into an arena and fill it with 50,000 people every single time, right?
So they will, and you watch, they'll milk it every single day between now and November 3rd. And guess what? After November 3rd coronavirus will magically all of the sudden go away, and disappear, and everybody will be able to re-open.
They're trying to deprive him of his greatest asset, which is the fact that the American people love him, the fact that he's relatable, and the fact that he can go out there and draw massive crowds. Joe Biden can't get 10 people in a room and my father is getting 50,000 in a room, and they want to do everything they can to stop it.
Make no mistake, to a lot of them Jeanine, to a lot of them, this is a very cognizant strategy that they are trying to deploy. No different than, again the nonsense that they're trying to throw in the Hope Act. It's no different than the mail-in voting they want to do in all these places. No different than wanting illegal immigrants to vote in our country. It is a cognizant strategy and it's sad. And again, it's not going to be allowed to happen and we're going to win in November.
PIRRO: You know, when you say it's a cognizant strategy, I mean, it's clearly, it's no longer... for a while it was about the science and non-believers and all that, but it's right down the middle in terms of left and right.
You know, when you've got ships going back because we don't have enough patients to put in them, and those same cities are closed down, and now Nancy Pelosi and this $3.3, whatever, trillion stimulus, her latest bill, is for mail-in voting. They don't want people to go to election polling places.
And there's a picture that should have been used, of people in line at Walmart and Home Depot. You're six feet away. You can do the same thing to vote. It is -- it's -- it's a fear that's being instilled. Are people buying it though?
TRUMP: And by the way, the media is running with it judge. I mean, the media's running with it. Look at the White House press conference yesterday. They're all in there, they're criticizing everybody. Why isn't everybody wearing masks? Why isn't everybody wearing masks? All of the sudden, the press conference ends, they continue to roll the clip and all the reporters are ripping off their masks in the room and going up and speaking.
I mean, it's really insane. They're furthering... they're actually stoking fear in this country. They are doing a disservice. They're being totally disingenuous about the whole thing. But they're doing it for one reason. They want to hurt Trump.
They tried to do it with the Russia thing. They tried to do it with, you know, the Ukraine scandal. They tried to do it with impeachment. Now they're trying to do it with coronavirus.
They know they can't beat him. They know that Joe Biden can't beat him. He doesn't stand a chance. So what are they trying? They're trying to do anything that they can to stop him.
They'll shut down the economy. They'll stop in-person voting. They'll try and insert things into acts, you know, again, under the cloak of darkness. That's what these people do, and the media which, who is effectively a propaganda arm for the Democrats, you know, they will continue this narrative, and it's incredible.
It's incredible, but you know what Jeanine, the great thing about it, Americans see through it, and they're not going to let it happen.


crooksandliars--2020-05-17--Sec. Azar Tries To Blame COVID Deaths On Race, Obesity, And Poor Health

Health and Human Services ( HHS ) Secretary Alex Azar joined Jake Tapper on CNN on Sunday morning to talk about all things COVID ... and it did not go well .
Why was it such a trainwreck ?
Mainly because , when pressed about how badly the Trump administration responded to COVID , Azar tried to victim blame , insinuating that the health , race , and obesity of the American population are largely to blame , not Trump 's lack of response .
Tapper was not having it , and pushed back .
Here is a bit of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , but we have almost 90,000 Americans who are now dead because of this .
I do n't think that this is anything to celebrate .
AZAR : Oh , Jake , you ca n't celebrate a single death .
Every death is a tragedy .
But the results could have been vastly , vastly worse .
It 's also important to remember , Jake -- TAPPER : But it 's worse for us than it is for anyone else .
AZAR : That 's actually not factually correct , when you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of diagnosed cases .
AZAR : Every death is tragic , but we have maintained our health care burden within the capacity of our system to actually deal with it .
Unfortunately the American population is a very diverse -- it is a population with significant unhealthy co-morbidities that do make many individuals in our communities , in particular African-American , minority communities , particularly at risk here because of significant underlying disease health disparities and disease co-morbidities and that is an unfortunate legacy in our health care system that we need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here in the United States has been historic , to keep this within our health care capacity , even in New York City , to keep this within capacity , is genuinely an historic result .
TAPPER : I want to give you an opportunity to clear it up because it sounded like you were saying the reason there are so many dead Americans is because we 're unhealthier than the rest of the world .
I know that 's not what you meant .
AZAR : Oh , no , we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diabetes , these make any type of disease burden -- TAPPER : Of course , but that does n't mean it 's the fault of the American people when the administration did n't take adequate steps in February .
AZAR : Please do n't distort , Jake , this is about simple epidemiology and stating that if we have hypertension , if we have diabetes , we present with greater risk of severe complications from this coronavirus .
That 's all I was saying , and you know that .
This is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their health conditions .
That would be absurd .
It 's simply a statement that we do have greater risk profiles here in the United States .
And this is why we 've all highlighted the Surgeon General , the President , we 've highlighted the special disease burden and risk factors in a lot of our communities that we 've got to address .

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar joined Jake Tapper on CNN on Sunday morning to talk about all things COVID...and it did not go well. Why was it such a trainwreck? Mainly because, when pressed about how badly the Trump administration responded to COVID, Azar tried to victim blame, insinuating that the health, race, and obesity of the American population are largely to blame, not Trump's lack of response.
Tapper was not having it, and pushed back. Here is a bit of the interview:
TAPPER: I understand that, but we have almost 90,000 Americans who are now dead because of this. I don't think that this is anything to celebrate.
AZAR: Oh, Jake, you can't celebrate a single death. Every death is a tragedy. But the results could have been vastly, vastly worse. It's also important to remember, Jake --
TAPPER: But it's worse for us than it is for anyone else.
AZAR: That's actually not factually correct, when you look at mortality rates as a percent of diagnosed cases.
TAPPER: The number of dead bodies.
AZAR: Every death is tragic, but we have maintained our health care burden within the capacity of our system to actually deal with it. Unfortunately the American population is a very diverse -- it is a population with significant unhealthy co-morbidities that do make many individuals in our communities, in particular African-American, minority communities, particularly at risk here because of significant underlying disease health disparities and disease co-morbidities and that is an unfortunate legacy in our health care system that we need to address. But no, the response here in the United States has been historic, to keep this within our health care capacity, even in New York City, to keep this within capacity, is genuinely an historic result.
TAPPER: I want to give you an opportunity to clear it up because it sounded like you were saying the reason there are so many dead Americans is because we're unhealthier than the rest of the world. I know that's not what you meant.
AZAR: Oh, no, we have a significantly disproportionate amount of obesity, diabetes, these make any type of disease burden --
TAPPER: Of course, but that doesn't mean it's the fault of the American people when the administration didn't take adequate steps in February.
AZAR: Please don't distort, Jake, this is about simple epidemiology and stating that if we have hypertension, if we have diabetes, we present with greater risk of severe complications from this coronavirus. That's all I was saying, and you know that. This is not -- one doesn't blame an individual for their health conditions. That would be absurd. It's simply a statement that we do have greater risk profiles here in the United States. And this is why we've all highlighted the Surgeon General, the President, we've highlighted the special disease burden and risk factors in a lot of our communities that we've got to address.


crooksandliars--2020-05-17--Dr. Jill Biden: Schools Will Need More Mental Health Resources When They Reopen

Dr. Jill Biden , a lifelong educator , talked about the worries she has heard from other educators about the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on schools .
First , she mentioned inequities and concerns about jobs .
Not just for teachers but bus drivers , cafeteria workers and other support systems .
But what Biden seemed most concerned with was mental health .
Once schoolsl reopen , educators will need to “ address the emotional , the social , and the intellectual well-being of our kids , ” and help will be needed , she said .
She hinted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now made more pressing by COVID-19 .
BIDEN : As we see , all these kids are at home .
And there 's anxiety and stress that they 're feeling .
Many , many of our young children , our students in lower grades are food insecure .
And things are happening in the home .
So , there 's a rise in domestic violence .
So , in the fall hopefully when we go back to school , the children are going to be bringing all of this with them .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we need help , we need help with mental health in our schools .
I have heard that for the past year as I traveled across the nation .
Fortunately for our kids and our school systems , Dr. Biden is married to a guy running for president .
She said that Joe Biden has pledged to double the number of counselors and psychologists in schools to help both students and educators .

Dr. Jill Biden, a lifelong educator, talked about the worries she has heard from other educators about the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on schools. First, she mentioned inequities and concerns about jobs. Not just for teachers but bus drivers, cafeteria workers and other support systems.
But what Biden seemed most concerned with was mental health. Once schoolsl reopen, educators will need to “address the emotional, the social, and the intellectual well-being of our kids,” and help will be needed, she said. She hinted that it was a pre-existing need, now made more pressing by COVID-19.
BIDEN: As we see, all these kids are at home. And there's anxiety and stress that they're feeling. Many, many of our young children, our students in lower grades are food insecure. And things are happening in the home. So, there's a rise in domestic violence. So, in the fall hopefully when we go back to school, the children are going to be bringing all of this with them. And so the educators are saying to me, we need help, we need help with mental health in our schools. I have heard that for the past year as I traveled across the nation.
Fortunately for our kids and our school systems, Dr. Biden is married to a guy running for president. She said that Joe Biden has pledged to double the number of counselors and psychologists in schools to help both students and educators.


crooksandliars--2020-05-17--Obama Says Coronavirus Has Exposed Lack Of Leadership

The absence of any real leadership by the U.S. government during this pandemic has caused thousands of needless deaths , @ @ @ @ @ does n't name names , but we all know who he 's talking about here @ @ @ @ @ speech for historically black colleges and universities ( HBCUs ) Saturday , former President Barack @ @ @ @ @ has exposed a lack of leadership in the U.S. government .
“ More than anything @ @ @ @ @ , finally torn back the curtain on the idea that so many of the folks @ @ @ @ @ ’ re doing , ” Obama said , without naming specific officials .
“ A @ @ @ @ @ t even pretending to be in charge , ” he added .

The absence of any real leadership by the U.S. government during this pandemic has caused thousands of needless deaths, that's clear. Obama doesn't name names, but we all know who he's talking about here.
Source: The Hill
During a virtual commencement speech for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) Saturday, former President Barack Obama said the coronavirus pandemic has exposed a lack of leadership in the U.S. government.
“More than anything, this pandemic has fully, finally torn back the curtain on the idea that so many of the folks in charge know what they’re doing,” Obama said, without naming specific officials.
“A lot of them aren’t even pretending to be in charge,” he added.


crooksandliars--2020-05-17--Chuck Todd Says Nothing As Trump Aide Repeatedly Calls Pandemic 'The China Virus'

Trump administration trade adviser Peter Navarro repeatedly referred to COVID-19 as the `` China virus '' during an interview with NBC 's Chuck Todd on Sunday .
During an appearance on Meet the Press , Todd asked Navarro if he had a `` good explanation '' for why the national stockpiles were not replenished by the Trump administration before the current pandemic .
`` I 'm not looking in the rear-view mirror right now , Chuck , '' Navarro insisted .
`` This president is just looking straight ahead towards what 's going to be a really strong future .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Centers for Disease Control ( CDC ) had not held a briefing in over a month , Navarro pivoted to attack China .
`` The fact of the matter is , and what President Trump realized early on , is that if you lock people down , you may save lives directly from the China virus , but you indirectly are going to kill a lot more people , '' Navarro opined .
`` So if you contrast like this complete lockdown where some of the people in the medical community want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is extinguished , that 's not going to not only take a huge toll on the American economy , it 's going to kill many more people than the virus , the China virus , ever would . ''
Instead of noting that there is no such thing as `` the China virus , '' Todd moved on to the next question .

Trump administration trade adviser Peter Navarro repeatedly referred to COVID-19 as the "China virus" during an interview with NBC's Chuck Todd on Sunday.
During an appearance on Meet the Press, Todd asked Navarro if he had a "good explanation" for why the national stockpiles were not replenished by the Trump administration before the current pandemic.
"I'm not looking in the rear-view mirror right now, Chuck," Navarro insisted. "This president is just looking straight ahead towards what's going to be a really strong future."
When Todd wondered why the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) had not held a briefing in over a month, Navarro pivoted to attack China.
"The fact of the matter is, and what President Trump realized early on, is that if you lock people down, you may save lives directly from the China virus, but you indirectly are going to kill a lot more people," Navarro opined. "So if you contrast like this complete lockdown where some of the people in the medical community want to just run and hide until the virus is extinguished, that's not going to not only take a huge toll on the American economy, it's going to kill many more people than the virus, the China virus, ever would."
Instead of noting that there is no such thing as "the China virus," Todd moved on to the next question.


crooksandliars--2020-05-17--'Not That Articulate': Fox News Hosts Slam Obama For Criticism Of Trump's Virus Response

The hosts of Fox & Friends on Sunday lashed out at former President Barack Obama after he criticized President Donald Trump 's handling of the coronavirus pandemic .
Obama made the remarks while delivering a commencement address by video to 78 historically black colleges on Saturday .
“ This pandemic has fully , finally torn back the curtain on the idea that so many of the folks in charge know what they ’ re doing .
A lot of them aren ’ t even pretending to be in charge , ” Obama said without mentioning Trump 's name .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the former president .
`` The more I listen to it the weirder it gets , '' host Jedidiah Bila said .
`` When you first listen to it , you almost forget that it 's a commencement speech .
You say , oh , this is President Obama , you know , giving some sort of political speech , you know , trying to say that the Trump administration is divisive . ''
`` But when you think about it , '' the host continued .
`` It 's supposed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supposed to be about the graduates .
This was not the time for what he 's doing .
This was not the time to say , oh , this leadership is n't doing a great job or adults do n't always know what they 're doing . ''
Co-host Pete Hegseth went on to gripe that Obama is not as `` articulate '' as many people think .
`` Time and time again , he talks like a political leftist , '' Hegseth complained .
`` These Democrat governors feel like we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Donald Trump 's got it all wrong .
It 's amazing . ''
`` And by the way , Barack Obama 's not all that articulate , '' he added .
`` When he reads off a teleprompter , he can be inspiring or off of a speech .
But when he 's impromptu , the ums and the ahs , it 's impossible to listen to . ''

The hosts of Fox & Friends on Sunday lashed out at former President Barack Obama after he criticized President Donald Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
Obama made the remarks while delivering a commencement address by video to 78 historically black colleges on Saturday.
“This pandemic has fully, finally torn back the curtain on the idea that so many of the folks in charge know what they’re doing. A lot of them aren’t even pretending to be in charge,” Obama said without mentioning Trump's name.
On Sunday, Fox & Friends took aim at the former president.
"The more I listen to it the weirder it gets," host Jedidiah Bila said. "When you first listen to it, you almost forget that it's a commencement speech. You say, oh, this is President Obama, you know, giving some sort of political speech, you know, trying to say that the Trump administration is divisive."
"But when you think about it," the host continued. "It's supposed to be motivational, positive, it's supposed to be about the graduates. This was not the time for what he's doing. This was not the time to say, oh, this leadership isn't doing a great job or adults don't always know what they're doing."
Bila called Obama's speech "depressing" and "inappropriate."
Co-host Pete Hegseth went on to gripe that Obama is not as "articulate" as many people think.
"Time and time again, he talks like a political leftist," Hegseth complained. "These Democrat governors feel like we're in charge, we're the experts and Donald Trump's got it all wrong. It's amazing."
"And by the way, Barack Obama's not all that articulate," he added. "When he reads off a teleprompter, he can be inspiring or off of a speech. But when he's impromptu, the ums and the ahs, it's impossible to listen to."