crooksandliars--2020-04-12--Republicans Experiment On Dementia Patients In A Texas Nursing Home To Support Trump

Starting with just the second self-praise session / coronavirus rally replacement he staged on national television , Donald Trump has touted the drug chloroquine as wonder cure for COVID-19 .
Over and over , despite being aware that his claims were unproven , despite being aware that people had died from taking the drug , despite being warned that his hucksterism was resulting in a shortage for people who needed the drug to treat rheumatoid arthritis , lupus , and , oh yeah , malaria , Trump has insisted he has a “ hunch ” that chloroquine and the closely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” in the fight against COVID-19 .
Trump ’ s pushing the drug has generated not just a nationwide , but a worldwide shortage , that means people are genuinely suffering over his hunch — a hunch in which Trump has a personal financial interest .
But it ’ s also putting doctors in an difficult situation where they can be faced by patients asking for an untested , possibly harmful treatment in a time of extreme fear .
Then there ’ s Texas .
Where nursing home patients are being turned into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump right .
As NPR reports , a doctor working at a nursing home in Texas has been doing what too many others have—giving hydroxychloroquine to patients , even though this represents an off-label use of the product which , despite Trump ’ s many blessings , has still not been cleared by the FDA .
Dr. Robin Armstrong , the medical director of an extended care facility called “ The Resort ” at Texas City , Texas , has made the drug a routine part of his care for patients .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 87 people at The Resort have tested positive , making it one of the largest outbreaks in the state .
Armstrong ’ s actions , along with his statements , show that doctors can feel both desperate to find something , anything , that will help patients in extremis .
Unfortunately , they also show how doctors can also be as subject to misinformation and magical thinking as anyone else .
For example , Armstrong states that hydroxychloroquine has “ virtually no side effects ” which is definitively , absolutely not true .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ existing heart conditions and cause new heart conditions — the kind of problem exactly likely to worsen the outcome of COVID-19 .
In fact , these drugs have a long list of side effects from digestive issues to retinal damage .
Researchers looking into the use of these drugs against COVID-19 have actually found more serious side effects than expected .
Those side effects are being imposed on patients even though there continues to be no real evidence that chloroquine is effective in helping against COVID-19 .
But how it gained that reputation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Armstrong .
Armstrong told NPR that after just a handful of days , “ some ” of the 39 patients on the medication are showing signs of improvement .
How many ?
That ’ s not clear .
How many were getting better because of the medication ?
Even less clear , because Armstrong made no effort to do a random trial .
He just gave the drug out on a basis that he has so far not defined .
What about the patients not in that “ some ” that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explain it … except to say that they probably haven ’ t had enough of the drugs .
• Underplaying the risk of the drugs despite an 80-year history of side effects and counter-indications from the FDA , as well as warnings from trials underway around the world .
• Providing these drugs indiscriminately without concern for underlying conditions , and in some cases giving an experimental drug to patients in extreme distress without the consent of a family member .
• Presenting the outcome in the rosiest possible way , without bothering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that this represents a genuine treatment providing positive results .
Why would he do this ?
Well , it so happens that Armstrong is also a prominent player in Texas Republican politics .
He ’ s served in a series of roles , including as the Vice Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas .
In fact , his pipeline to getting an ample supply of hydroxychloroquine in the midst of a shortage was by placing a call to Republican Lt. Gov .
Dan Patrick .
That would be the very same Lt. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patriotic grandparents would gladly sacrifice themselves to save America ’ s economy .
So Republican Vice-Chairman Armstrong , called Republican Lt .
Governor Patrick , and obtained a supply of Donald Trump ’ s wonder drug .
And he ’ s even giving that drug to patients with dementia who are unable to consent to being part of this experiment .
Chloroquine may ultimately prove to have some net positive effect in the treatment of COVID-19 .
However , that effect is likely to be limited , because despite several studies currently underway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than early experiments conducted with no more rigor than what Armstrong has done .
Had any of the randomized tests underway around the world shown unequivocal positive outcome in this situation , it ’ s very likely they would have suspended normal protocol to announce that result and issue preliminary findings .
That has not happened .
Armstrong says that he intends to write “ some kind of report ” on the outcome of his experiment .
Though since he ’ s not been taking a single step required to ensure any type @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results , it ’ s not clear what that report will be — except for one thing .
It will be a report that ’ s pleasing to Trump .

Starting with just the second self-praise session / coronavirus rally replacement he staged on national television, Donald Trump has touted the drug chloroquine as wonder cure for COVID-19. Over and over, despite being aware that his claims were unproven, despite being aware that people had died from taking the drug, despite being warned that his hucksterism was resulting in a shortage for people who needed the drug to treat rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and, oh yeah, malaria, Trump has insisted he has a “hunch” that chloroquine and the closely related hydroxychloroquine are a “game changer” in the fight against COVID-19.
Trump’s pushing the drug has generated not just a nationwide, but a worldwide shortage, that means people are genuinely suffering over his hunch — a hunch in which Trump has a personal financial interest. But it’s also putting doctors in an difficult situation where they can be faced by patients asking for an untested, possibly harmful treatment in a time of extreme fear.
Then there’s Texas. Where nursing home patients are being turned into experimental subjects in a quest to prove Trump right.
As NPR reports, a doctor working at a nursing home in Texas has been doing what too many others have—giving hydroxychloroquine to patients, even though this represents an off-label use of the product which, despite Trump’s many blessings, has still not been cleared by the FDA. Dr. Robin Armstrong, the medical director of an extended care facility called “The Resort” at Texas City, Texas, has made the drug a routine part of his care for patients. And he has a lot of patients. 87 people at The Resort have tested positive, making it one of the largest outbreaks in the state.
Armstrong’s actions, along with his statements, show that doctors can feel both desperate to find something, anything, that will help patients in extremis. Unfortunately, they also show how doctors can also be as subject to misinformation and magical thinking as anyone else.
For example, Armstrong states that hydroxychloroquine has “virtually no side effects” which is definitively, absolutely not true. Both hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine can both worsen existing heart conditions and cause new heart conditions — the kind of problem exactly likely to worsen the outcome of COVID-19. In fact, these drugs have a long list of side effects from digestive issues to retinal damage. Researchers looking into the use of these drugs against COVID-19 have actually found more serious side effects than expected.
Those side effects are being imposed on patients even though there continues to be no real evidence that chloroquine is effective in helping against COVID-19. But how it gained that reputation is exactly evident in the statements made by Armstrong. Armstrong told NPR that after just a handful of days, “some” of the 39 patients on the medication are showing signs of improvement. How many? That’s not clear. How many were getting better because of the medication? Even less clear, because Armstrong made no effort to do a random trial. He just gave the drug out on a basis that he has so far not defined. What about the patients not in that “some” that are getting better? Armstrong can’t explain it … except to say that they probably haven’t had enough of the drugs.
So, Armstrong is:
Underplaying the risk of the drugs despite an 80-year history of side effects and counter-indications from the FDA, as well as warnings from trials underway around the world. Providing these drugs indiscriminately without concern for underlying conditions, and in some cases giving an experimental drug to patients in extreme distress without the consent of a family member. Presenting the outcome in the rosiest possible way, without bothering to provide any data whatsoever to show that this represents a genuine treatment providing positive results.
Why would he do this?
Well, it so happens that Armstrong is also a prominent player in Texas Republican politics. He’s served in a series of roles, including as the Vice Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. In fact, his pipeline to getting an ample supply of hydroxychloroquine in the midst of a shortage was by placing a call to Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. That would be the very same Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick who sad that patriotic grandparents would gladly sacrifice themselves to save America’s economy.
So Republican Vice-Chairman Armstrong, called Republican Lt. Governor Patrick, and obtained a supply of Donald Trump’s wonder drug. And he’s even giving that drug to patients with dementia who are unable to consent to being part of this experiment.
Chloroquine may ultimately prove to have some net positive effect in the treatment of COVID-19. However, that effect is likely to be limited, because despite several studies currently underway, there is still no better evidence than early experiments conducted with no more rigor than what Armstrong has done. Had any of the randomized tests underway around the world shown unequivocal positive outcome in this situation, it’s very likely they would have suspended normal protocol to announce that result and issue preliminary findings. That has not happened.
Armstrong says that he intends to write “some kind of report” on the outcome of his experiment. Though since he’s not been taking a single step required to ensure any type of scientific or medical value in his results, it’s not clear what that report will be — except for one thing. It will be a report that’s pleasing to Trump.
Posted with permission from Daily Kos.


crooksandliars--2020-06-12--'Morning Joe' Mocks Trump's Waiver For His Tulsa Rally

Because nothing inspires confidence like packing yourself into a 20,000 seat arena but first you have to agree to waive liability in the case you get sick or die as a result .
Supporters of President Donald Trump are being asked to immunize his campaign from COVID-19 liability claims if they want to attend his next campaign rally .
“ By clicking register below , you are acknowledging that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present , ” the online registration form for the public says .
“ By attending the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold Donald J. Trump for President , Inc. ; BOK Center ; ASM Global ; or any of their affiliates , directors , officers , employees , agents , contractors , or volunteers liable for any illness or injury.
” The BOK Center is the large indoor arena in Tulsa , Oklahoma , that will be the site of the June 19 Trump reelection campaign rally , the first for the president since the coronavirus pandemic has dominated the public ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ venue .

Because nothing inspires confidence like packing yourself into a 20,000 seat arena but first you have to agree to waive liability in the case you get sick or die as a result.
Source: Roll Call
Supporters of President Donald Trump are being asked to immunize his campaign from COVID-19 liability claims if they want to attend his next campaign rally.
“By clicking register below, you are acknowledging that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present,” the online registration form for the public says. “By attending the Rally, you and any guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold Donald J. Trump for President, Inc.; BOK Center; ASM Global; or any of their affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, or volunteers liable for any illness or injury.”
The BOK Center is the large indoor arena in Tulsa, Oklahoma, that will be the site of the June 19 Trump reelection campaign rally, the first for the president since the coronavirus pandemic has dominated the public’s attention. ASM Global manages the venue.


crooksandliars--2020-06-13--Tucker Carlson Expertly Trolled By Owner Of Porn Site 'IsMyGirl'

Tucker Carlson decided the best thing to do after his show started bleeding advertisers would be to do a fact based show with respected guests and honest reporting .
KIDDING .
He bashed porn sites .
Not joking .
He decided to attack OnlyFans and IsMyGirl , two sites that allow real people to post explicit photos and videos ( ie , homemade porn ) to make money .
And what is he blaming for this ?
Economic shutdown related to coronavirus .
Oh , and he says the media is promoting it .
Where ?
I do n't know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and IsMyGirl are porn websites .
Both of them allow women to sell explicit photos and videos of themselves to men online .
Both sites have seen explosive growth during the coronavirus shutdown ... .This is unimaginably ugly .
It is the purest , most degrading form of exploitation .
When you have nothing left to sell can you sell your body .
The people who broker that sale are called pimps .
Healthy societies do not celebrate pimps ; they put pimps in prisons .
And yet our pimps receive fawning profiles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this human tragedy like its progress .
It ’ s the new frontier in the gig economy .
Imagine anything more decadent than that.
” He forgot to mention that OnlyFans is also popular among gay men , but you know , facts .
Here is the clip : In response to the segment , Evan Seinfeld , the self described `` Pimp and CEO of IsMyGirl '' wrote the following letter to Tucker : As you ’ ve been losing millions of dollars in ad revenue lately , I ’ d like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to start earning money on your own account on IsMyGuy , our premium social media network for male models , content creators and influencers like yourself .
Some of our models make upwards of six figures , so you can use that to supplement lost advertising dollars .
We typically take a small percentage of subscription fees , but will allow you to keep 100 % of your earnings during these difficult times .
Nudity is preferred , but not required , so it 's up to you if you want to remove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IsMyGuy account to appeal to your conservative , alt-right viewers by sharing videos of you polishing figurines of civil war generals -- or whatever it is you do .
We can also eliminate sound on your videos so you don ’ t get in trouble for putting your foot in your mouth .
I must say , it ’ s funny that you ’ re the one to bemoan females who are trying to make an honest living and IsMyGirl for being inclusive , and overly supportive , of their decision to celebrate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selfie behavior is something that much of the free world is doing on social media for free , and we have simply created a tech forward , trusted and safe place for influencers to have the ability to monetize the very same content others give away for free .
If I remember correctly , you ’ ve made some misogynistic comments yourself on the Bubba Love Sponge Show , calling women “ extremely primitive ” and referring to them as “ pigs.
” We are a judgement free platform that is 100 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic disaster COVID-19 has caused , and with 40 million plus Americans filing for unemployment , your negative judgement of me and my platform giving people the opportunity to feed their families and support themselves from home -- and in many cases survive during these unprecedented times -- is wildy unsympathetic .
Interestingly , so many models and influencers find out how fun and easy this is and never go back to their entry level jobs where they were underpaid and underappreciated .
You act like our offer to empower others to earn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deplorable act , when our platform is really similar to a paid version of Instagram , which is something people find fun and engaging .
Many of our models don ’ t do any actual nudity at all .
This is 2020 and it is entirely up to each person on what they are comfortable with socially , or sexually .
What I can say about the difference between our massive model community and you , Tucker Carlson , is that our models don ’ t care whether or not you get naked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue for you in your pandering to appeal the religious fanatics and anti-free speech zealots I understand you were also friends with the late Dennis Hof , a Nevada pimp whose funeral you attended .
Seems oddly hypocritical that you refer to me in a negative connotation as a “ pimp ” when obviously you were friends with an actual pimp .
Seems like your swipe at me was more about convenience and a lame attempt to divert attention from your disgusting remarks with regards to the Black Lives Matter movements .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have to take Evan up on his offer , although I am not sure what kind of market there is for a pasty white man with a middle school haircut who has never had to shave because he has n't hit puberty yet , but who knows .
Maybe that is someone 's kink .

Tucker Carlson decided the best thing to do after his show started bleeding advertisers would be to do a fact based show with respected guests and honest reporting.
KIDDING. He bashed porn sites. Not joking. He decided to attack OnlyFans and IsMyGirl, two sites that allow real people to post explicit photos and videos (ie, homemade porn) to make money. And what is he blaming for this? Economic shutdown related to coronavirus. Oh, and he says the media is promoting it. Where? I don't know. Neither does he.
Tucker said:
“OnlyFans and IsMyGirl are porn websites. Both of them allow women to sell explicit photos and videos of themselves to men online. Both sites have seen explosive growth during the coronavirus shutdown....This is unimaginably ugly. It is the purest, most degrading form of exploitation. When you have nothing left to sell can you sell your body. The people who broker that sale are called pimps. Healthy societies do not celebrate pimps; they put pimps in prisons. And yet our pimps receive fawning profiles in daily newspapers. Our media greet this human tragedy like its progress. It’s the new frontier in the gig economy. Imagine anything more decadent than that.”
He forgot to mention that OnlyFans is also popular among gay men, but you know, facts.
Here is the clip:
.@TuckerCarlson, who was friends with the late Dennis Hof, a Nevada pimp whose funeral Tucker attended, is attacking @OnlyFans & @ismygirl_ for providing economic opportunities to jobless Americans.
"Healthy societies do not celebrate pimps."
Really? https://t.co/nkRKW0efz1 — Jeremy L (@ejeremy) June 12, 2020
In response to the segment, Evan Seinfeld, the self described "Pimp and CEO of IsMyGirl" wrote the following letter to Tucker:
As you’ve been losing millions of dollars in ad revenue lately, I’d like to formally extend an offer to you to start earning money on your own account on IsMyGuy, our premium social media network for male models, content creators and influencers like yourself. Some of our models make upwards of six figures, so you can use that to supplement lost advertising dollars. We typically take a small percentage of subscription fees, but will allow you to keep 100% of your earnings during these difficult times. Nudity is preferred, but not required, so it's up to you if you want to remove the khakis. You can use your IsMyGuy account to appeal to your conservative, alt-right viewers by sharing videos of you polishing figurines of civil war generals -- or whatever it is you do. We can also eliminate sound on your videos so you don’t get in trouble for putting your foot in your mouth. I must say, it’s funny that you’re the one to bemoan females who are trying to make an honest living and IsMyGirl for being inclusive, and overly supportive, of their decision to celebrate and flaunt their bodies. This sexy selfie behavior is something that much of the free world is doing on social media for free, and we have simply created a tech forward , trusted and safe place for influencers to have the ability to monetize the very same content others give away for free. If I remember correctly, you’ve made some misogynistic comments yourself on the Bubba Love Sponge Show, calling women “extremely primitive” and referring to them as “pigs.” We are a judgement free platform that is 100% inclusive. In the midst of the economic disaster COVID-19 has caused, and with 40 million plus Americans filing for unemployment, your negative judgement of me and my platform giving people the opportunity to feed their families and support themselves from home -- and in many cases survive during these unprecedented times -- is wildy unsympathetic. Interestingly, so many models and influencers find out how fun and easy this is and never go back to their entry level jobs where they were underpaid and underappreciated. You act like our offer to empower others to earn a living from home is some dirty deplorable act, when our platform is really similar to a paid version of Instagram, which is something people find fun and engaging. Many of our models don’t do any actual nudity at all. This is 2020 and it is entirely up to each person on what they are comfortable with socially, or sexually. What I can say about the difference between our massive model community and you,Tucker Carlson, is that our models don’t care whether or not you get naked. It seems to be a big issue for you in your pandering to appeal the religious fanatics and anti-free speech zealots I understand you were also friends with the late Dennis Hof, a Nevada pimp whose funeral you attended. Seems oddly hypocritical that you refer to me in a negative connotation as a “pimp” when obviously you were friends with an actual pimp. Seems like your swipe at me was more about convenience and a lame attempt to divert attention from your disgusting remarks with regards to the Black Lives Matter movements.
If Tucker keeps losing ad revenue, he may have to take Evan up on his offer, although I am not sure what kind of market there is for a pasty white man with a middle school haircut who has never had to shave because he hasn't hit puberty yet, but who knows. Maybe that is someone's kink.


crooksandliars--2020-03-13--Morning Joe: Even Hannity Knows White House Screwed Up On C-Virus Testing

Fox News anchor Martha McCallum simply could not get a straight answer from Seema Verma , head of Medicare and Medicaid services about whether there were enough ventilators to handle patients who needed them during the coronavirus epidemic , and here 's how it ended : McCALLUM : Okay .
That 's not a direct answer to the question , but it sounds like a hope that there wo n't be enough sick people and we wo n't run out of ventilators because we have mitigated .
We certainly hope that 's the case .
`` Three times .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead of ventilators , she talked about rapid dialogue .
We 're going to have rapid dialogue , '' Mika Brzezinski said .
`` Willie , the head of HHS was asked a very direct question .
Sean Hannity asked a question that followed up on what the president said .
If you want a test , you can get a test .
Sean Hannity asked the question .
I think the most important question , actually , that Americans want to know right now .
If I want a test for my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for my grandparents , if I want a test for my child , for my boy or girl that have an underlying health condition , can I get it ?
Azar did n't answer .
What did he say ?
he said , we 're going to try to make it , quote , ' a more seamless experience . '
`` This , this is why the markets are freaking out .
This is why the markets have lost the majority of what they gained under Donald Trump as president .
These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , hospital beds .
The CDC , Willie , reporting in the New York Times , said up to 21 million people in America could be hospitalized because of this pandemic .
21 million people .
We have 925,000 hospital beds in this country .
That means over 20 million Americans could be without hospital beds .
We need answers .
None of the president 's men or women are giving answers not to , quote , fake media , but to hosts on Fox News . ''
They talked about how people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Everybody screws up .
Everybody makes mistakes .
Every president makes mistakes .
Every administration is asleep at the switch from time to time , all right ?
Okay , you screwed up .
We get it .
Even Sean Hannity said last night , the White House screwed up on testing .
Okay , great .
So what are you doing now ? ''
Joe Scarborough demanded .

Fox News anchor Martha McCallum simply could not get a straight answer from Seema Verma, head of Medicare and Medicaid services about whether there were enough ventilators to handle patients who needed them during the coronavirus epidemic, and here's how it ended:
McCALLUM: Okay. That's not a direct answer to the question, but it sounds like a hope that there won't be enough sick people and we won't run out of ventilators because we have mitigated. We certainly hope that's the case.
"Three times. She talked about -- the answer was, instead of ventilators, she talked about rapid dialogue. We're going to have rapid dialogue," Mika Brzezinski said.
"Willie, the head of HHS was asked a very direct question. Sean Hannity asked a question that followed up on what the president said. If you want a test, you can get a test. Sean Hannity asked the question. I think the most important question, actually, that Americans want to know right now. If I want a test for my parents, if I want a test for my grandparents, if I want a test for my child, for my boy or girl that have an underlying health condition, can I get it? Azar didn't answer. What did he say? he said, we're going to try to make it, quote, 'a more seamless experience.'
"This, this is why the markets are freaking out. This is why the markets have lost the majority of what they gained under Donald Trump as president. These questions have to be answered on ventilators, hospital beds. The CDC, Willie, reporting in the New York Times, said up to 21 million people in America could be hospitalized because of this pandemic. 21 million people. We have 925,000 hospital beds in this country. That means over 20 million Americans could be without hospital beds. We need answers. None of the president's men or women are giving answers not to, quote, fake media, but to hosts on Fox News."
They talked about how people can't even get tests.
"Everybody screws up. Everybody makes mistakes. Every president makes mistakes. Every administration is asleep at the switch from time to time, all right? Okay, you screwed up. We get it. Even Sean Hannity said last night, the White House screwed up on testing. Okay, great. So what are you doing now?" Joe Scarborough demanded.


crooksandliars--2020-03-13--Trump Ad-Libbed During His Presidential Address

Some have called Trump 's Wednesday night address the defining moment of his presidency so far .
Foul , ill-tempered , full of lies and misinformation .
In short , everything we 've seen from Trump in the past three years , condensed into just a few moments .
The Daily Show captured something that seemed to sum up what would Trump 's evening and our later reaction to it , the precise moment where Trump knew he was in over his head .
In the most scripted of presidential settings , a prime-time televised address to the nation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his errors triggered a market meltdown , panicked travelers overseas and crystallized for his critics just how dangerously he has fumbled his management of the coronavirus .
Even Trump — a man practically allergic to admitting mistakes — knew he ’ d screwed up by declaring Wednesday night that his ban on travel from Europe would include cargo and trade , and acknowledged as much to aides in the Oval Office as soon as he ’ d finished speaking , according to one senior administration official and a second person , both with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s 10-minute Oval Office address Wednesday night reflected not only his handling of the coronavirus crisis but , in some ways , much of his presidency .
It was riddled with errors , nationalist and xenophobic in tone , limited in its empathy , and boastful of both his own decisions and the supremacy of the nation he leads .

Some have called Trump's Wednesday night address the defining moment of his presidency so far. Foul, ill-tempered, full of lies and misinformation. In short, everything we've seen from Trump in the past three years, condensed into just a few moments.
The Daily Show captured something that seemed to sum up what would Trump's evening and our later reaction to it, the precise moment where Trump knew he was in over his head.
Source: Washington Post
In the most scripted of presidential settings, a prime-time televised address to the nation, President Trump decided to ad-lib — and his errors triggered a market meltdown, panicked travelers overseas and crystallized for his critics just how dangerously he has fumbled his management of the coronavirus. Even Trump — a man practically allergic to admitting mistakes — knew he’d screwed up by declaring Wednesday night that his ban on travel from Europe would include cargo and trade, and acknowledged as much to aides in the Oval Office as soon as he’d finished speaking, according to one senior administration official and a second person, both with knowledge of the episode.
...
Trump’s 10-minute Oval Office address Wednesday night reflected not only his handling of the coronavirus crisis but, in some ways, much of his presidency. It was riddled with errors, nationalist and xenophobic in tone, limited in its empathy, and boastful of both his own decisions and the supremacy of the nation he leads.


crooksandliars--2020-03-12--Eric Swalwell Points Out Trump's Lies, Fox Hostess Lectures Him On 'Unifying The Country'

Acyn Torabi said it best : `` Apparently , if you mention that the President has made false statements about the Coronavirus , you get a lecture from a Fox News host about unity . ''
After Trump 's disasterous `` speech '' Wednesday night , Congressman Eric Swalwell took one for the team and appeared with a dose of reality on Fox News .
Martha McCallum clutched her pearls and called for `` unifying the nation '' in spite of TRUMP LYING .
Martha McCallum and her network did n't give a rat 's butt about `` unifying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I digress .
Read the transcript of Martha 's pearl-clutching via Media Matters : ERIC SWALWELL : I 'm frankly most concerned about the president .
I just saw a news story today that he 's made 29 false claims about the coronavirus .
So , it seems like you can have the best intentions , the best experts , everyone doing what we 're supposed to do , and then the person at the top can set us back with misinformation .
MARTHA MACCALLUM ( HOST ) : Yeah , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm not sure that 's particularly helpful either .
I mean , I think there 've been -- a lot of , you know -- I 'm saying -- you know , whoever came up with these 29 claims , it 's like -- I think -- we do n't actually know how this is going to evolve .
So , they 're trying to keep people -- SWALWELL : Well , I think -- yeah , I think , you know , his tweet that this is just like the flu -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the flu .
MACCALLUM : No , but there 's -- but that 's -- you know , I 'm just saying that in order to , you know , sort of engender an atmosphere where we are working together , pulling together as a country , you know , sort of enumerating things -- I just think it 's very difficult to know where this thing is going , and I think that a lot of people say things on both sides that may not end up being true .

Acyn Torabi said it best: "Apparently, if you mention that the President has made false statements about the Coronavirus, you get a lecture from a Fox News host about unity."
After Trump's disasterous "speech" Wednesday night, Congressman Eric Swalwell took one for the team and appeared with a dose of reality on Fox News.
Martha McCallum clutched her pearls and called for "unifying the nation" in spite of TRUMP LYING.
Martha McCallum and her network didn't give a rat's butt about "unifying the nation" during the Obama administration, but I digress.
Read the transcript of Martha's pearl-clutching via Media Matters:


crooksandliars--2020-04-17--Michael Cohen Released Early From Prison Due To Coronavirus Outbreak

Donald Trump 's former lawyer and personal `` fixer '' caught a HUGE break on Thursday when a decision was made to release him early from prison due to coronavirus outbreaks in New York prisons and jails .
Cohen was sentenced to three years in prison and had been serving his sentence at a federal facility in Otisville which has seen an outbreak of coronavirus - 14 inmates and 7 staff members have tested positive SO FAR .
If he served his full sentence , he would have been eligible for release in November of 2021 due to good behavior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to serve the rest of his sentence at home .
He will have to undergo a 14 day quarantine before his official release , which is for the safety of the public .
He was notified of his release on Thursday .
The Bureau of Prisons has been under immense pressure over the last few weeks to review and release those detainted purely because of bail issues , non-violent offenders , those with compromised immunity and anyone close enough to release to warrant an earlier review .
In the case of Michael Cohen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He is a non-violent , first time offender serving a sentence for tax fraud , campaign finance violations and lying to Congress .
None pose a risk to the public in any way .
CNN reports that the Bureau of Prisons has so far reported that 473 inmates and 279 staff members have tested positive for coronavirus and 18 inmates have died .
To try to thin out the prison population , they have released 1,198 inmates to home confinement out of the total prison population of over 143,000 .
The big question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to do interviews from home ?
Can he write a book ?
This could have huge negative implications for President Dum Dum .
Expect a flurry of tweets decrying Barr and the DOJ for allowing this release .

Donald Trump's former lawyer and personal "fixer" caught a HUGE break on Thursday when a decision was made to release him early from prison due to coronavirus outbreaks in New York prisons and jails. Cohen was sentenced to three years in prison and had been serving his sentence at a federal facility in Otisville which has seen an outbreak of coronavirus - 14 inmates and 7 staff members have tested positive SO FAR.
If he served his full sentence, he would have been eligible for release in November of 2021 due to good behavior, but coronavirus means he will get to serve the rest of his sentence at home. He will have to undergo a 14 day quarantine before his official release, which is for the safety of the public.
He was notified of his release on Thursday. The Bureau of Prisons has been under immense pressure over the last few weeks to review and release those detainted purely because of bail issues, non-violent offenders, those with compromised immunity and anyone close enough to release to warrant an earlier review. In the case of Michael Cohen, early release was totally warranted. He is a non-violent, first time offender serving a sentence for tax fraud, campaign finance violations and lying to Congress. None pose a risk to the public in any way.
CNN reports that the Bureau of Prisons has so far reported that 473 inmates and 279 staff members have tested positive for coronavirus and 18 inmates have died. To try to thin out the prison population, they have released 1,198 inmates to home confinement out of the total prison population of over 143,000.
The big question is this: Will Michael Cohen be able to do interviews from home? Can he write a book? This could have huge negative implications for President Dum Dum. Expect a flurry of tweets decrying Barr and the DOJ for allowing this release.


crooksandliars--2020-04-16--Pat Robertson Suggests We Only Quarantine The Elderly

On Wednesday morning , the 700 Club ' Pat Robertson went on a confused and clueless rant , wanting to quarantine the at-risk elderly and questioning how the US ever fell behind containing the coronavirus , but somehow failing to ever mention the name `` Donald Trump . ''
The Trump-loving evangelical leader made believe he was not sure who was to blame at all .
Robertson also bought into Steve Hilton 's insane and ghoulish idea about how we can get people back to work .
Robertson said , `` Steve Hilton , a commentator for Fox , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pretty good proposal . ''
`` He said if we get adequate testing why do n't we isolate those people who are the most vulnerable .
Those who are liable to die if they get this thing and put them in quarantine and let the rest of the economy go free , '' Pat said , ignoring the irony that he 'd be quarantining himself .
Since COVID 19 testing has decreased instead of increased the amount of testing needed to fulfill this lame-brained idea is a long time away .
Not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fully function at this time guarantees an even more massive coronavirus outbreak then we have so far .
Johns Hopkins reports that a 3,262,921 tests have been done so far in the US .
That 's a mere pittance in a country that has over 300 million people .
Like most Americans , Robertson is worried about the economy .
His next comments were targeted at Trump 's response to the coronavirus , but Robertson refused to blame him .
`` It just seems like to me we handled this a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No sh*t. Who is `` we '' ?
He continued , `` You shut the economy down -- just bang and everybody in the small businessmen are suffering ... We 've handled it wrong -- the United States has more cases of this stuff than any other nation and more deaths and somehow we have n't done things right . ''
Robertson is upset that the first responders at the front lines are dying trying to help people.. '' Because they have to use garbage bags fo protective gear they do n't have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Again , whose fault is that ?
Robertson wants a General put in charge of production so that we can produce mass amounts of medical gear required for first responders .
Did he forget about the The Defense Production Act that Trump refuses to implement ?
But makes believe he ca n't understand why the country 's response has been so awful .
Pat Robertson : he shall never take Trump 's name in vain .

On Wednesday morning, the 700 Club' Pat Robertson went on a confused and clueless rant, wanting to quarantine the at-risk elderly and questioning how the US ever fell behind containing the coronavirus, but somehow failing to ever mention the name "Donald Trump."
The Trump-loving evangelical leader made believe he was not sure who was to blame at all.
Robertson also bought into Steve Hilton's insane and ghoulish idea about how we can get people back to work.
Robertson said, "Steve Hilton, a commentator for Fox, he's a Brit and he had a pretty good proposal."
"He said if we get adequate testing why don't we isolate those people who are the most vulnerable. Those who are liable to die if they get this thing and put them in quarantine and let the rest of the economy go free," Pat said, ignoring the irony that he'd be quarantining himself.
Since COVID 19 testing has decreased instead of increased the amount of testing needed to fulfill this lame-brained idea is a long time away.
Not to mention that allowing all businesses to reopen and fully function at this time guarantees an even more massive coronavirus outbreak then we have so far.
Johns Hopkins reports that a 3,262,921 tests have been done so far in the US. That's a mere pittance in a country that has over 300 million people.
Like most Americans, Robertson is worried about the economy. His next comments were targeted at Trump's response to the coronavirus, but Robertson refused to blame him.
"It just seems like to me we handled this a little bit wrong," Pat said.
No sh*t. Who is "we"?
He continued, "You shut the economy down -- just bang and everybody in the small businessmen are suffering...We've handled it wrong -- the United States has more cases of this stuff than any other nation and more deaths and somehow we haven't done things right."
Who's fault is that, Pat?
Robertson is upset that the first responders at the front lines are dying trying to help people..
"Because they have to use garbage bags fo protective gear they don't have enough of those important masks..."
Again, whose fault is that?
Robertson wants a General put in charge of production so that we can produce mass amounts of medical gear required for first responders.
Did he forget about the The Defense Production Act that Trump refuses to implement?
But makes believe he can't understand why the country's response has been so awful.
Pat Robertson: he shall never take Trump's name in vain.


crooksandliars--2020-06-18--Texas Governor: As Long As We Have Enough Hospital Beds, We Don't Care How Many Get Infected

Texas is one of the many states where the spread of the coronavirus is getting worse , but the governor is only mildly concerned : Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott ( R ) on Tuesday urged people to stay home as the state registered the highest number of new hospitalizations due to the coronavirus , marking the fifth consecutive day of rising hospitalizations .
Abbott reported that 2,622 people tested positive on Tuesday for the coronavirus , a new daily record for the Lone Star State .
The prior record had been set on June 10 , when 2,504 tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Human Services Department also reported that 2,518 lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients are currently in Texas hospitals , up from 2,326 on Monday .
Hospitalizations have been on a steady upward trend since May 25 , when about 1,500 were hospitalized .
“ If you do not need to go out , the best advice is still to stay at home , ” Abbott said at a press conference in Austin .
But while Abbott says you should n't go out unless it 's necessary , his reopening policy is saying , `` Go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some communities , there 's concern that the reopening needs to be slowed down .
But there are limits to what local governments can do .
Reopened businesses [ in Austin and Travis County ] “ are strongly encouraged ” to operate their indoor spaces at 25 % capacity or less and to provide services that promote physical distancing , like curbside pickup , according to the Austin order .
But these orders can ’ t be enforced because Gov .
Greg Abbott has allowed Texas restaurants to operate at 75 % capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % capacity .
... And as he announced ... reopening plans , he issued a new order that overruled any local governments ’ mandates that certain businesses stay closed or that people not wearing masks in public could be fined or penalized .
Apparently , the governor does n't care how many people get sick in his state , at least as long as there are enough hospital beds to accommodate the critically ill and dying .
Abbott on Tuesday stressed that the Texas medical system has more than enough capacity to deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has reported 14,993 available hospital beds , a 78 percent increase since mid-March .
Abbott said there is only one county in the state where 10 percent of hospital beds are taken up by COVID-19 patients .
The average statewide is 6.3 percent , Abbott said ... .
“ The increased occupancy of hospital beds , it does raise concerns , but as shown today , there is no reason right now to be alarmed , ” Abbott added .
“ Even though there are more people hospitalized , we still remain at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] .
” So who cares if infections and hospitalizations are increasing unchecked ?
I know that the primary purpose of all the public health measures in this pandemic has been to prevent the healthcare system from being dangerously overloaded .
But should we just shrug off the spread of the virus if the hospital bed occupancy level is tolerable ?
Apparently , Texas believes we should -- the economy is much more important than citizens ' health .
You 're admonished to take care of yourself , even as you 're told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at near capacity .
And so the virus will spread nearly unchecked through much of Texas and the rest of red America .
We 'll see how bad that gets .
Posted with permission from No More Mr. Nice Blog

Texas is one of the many states where the spread of the coronavirus is getting worse, but the governor is only mildly concerned:
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) on Tuesday urged people to stay home as the state registered the highest number of new hospitalizations due to the coronavirus, marking the fifth consecutive day of rising hospitalizations. Abbott reported that 2,622 people tested positive on Tuesday for the coronavirus, a new daily record for the Lone Star State. The prior record had been set on June 10, when 2,504 tested positive. The state’s Health and Human Services Department also reported that 2,518 lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients are currently in Texas hospitals, up from 2,326 on Monday. Hospitalizations have been on a steady upward trend since May 25, when about 1,500 were hospitalized. “If you do not need to go out, the best advice is still to stay at home,” Abbott said at a press conference in Austin.
But while Abbott says you shouldn't go out unless it's necessary, his reopening policy is saying, "Go out! Go out!"
Abbott announced on June 3 that the state would enter its third phase of reopening, allowing restaurants to use 75 percent of their capacity and allowing most businesses to operate at 50 percent capacity or more.
In some communities, there's concern that the reopening needs to be slowed down.
Local officials in Travis County, which includes the state capital of Austin, have extended stay-at-home orders in recent days in response to the rising number of COVID-19 hospitalizations. The “Stay Home, Work Safe” order that was set to expire on June 15 has been extended to Aug. 15.
But there are limits to what local governments can do.
Reopened businesses [in Austin and Travis County] “are strongly encouraged” to operate their indoor spaces at 25% capacity or less and to provide services that promote physical distancing, like curbside pickup, according to the Austin order. But these orders can’t be enforced because Gov. Greg Abbott has allowed Texas restaurants to operate at 75% capacity and other businesses to operate at 50% capacity. ... And as he announced ... reopening plans, he issued a new order that overruled any local governments’ mandates that certain businesses stay closed or that people not wearing masks in public could be fined or penalized.
Apparently, the governor doesn't care how many people get sick in his state, at least as long as there are enough hospital beds to accommodate the critically ill and dying.
Abbott on Tuesday stressed that the Texas medical system has more than enough capacity to deal with the surge in hospitalizations. Texas has reported 14,993 available hospital beds, a 78 percent increase since mid-March. Abbott said there is only one county in the state where 10 percent of hospital beds are taken up by COVID-19 patients. The average statewide is 6.3 percent, Abbott said.... “The increased occupancy of hospital beds, it does raise concerns, but as shown today, there is no reason right now to be alarmed,” Abbott added. “Even though there are more people hospitalized, we still remain at the lowest threat level [for occupancy].”
So who cares if infections and hospitalizations are increasing unchecked?
I know that the primary purpose of all the public health measures in this pandemic has been to prevent the healthcare system from being dangerously overloaded. But should we just shrug off the spread of the virus if the hospital bed occupancy level is tolerable?
Apparently, Texas believes we should -- the economy is much more important than citizens' health. You're admonished to take care of yourself, even as you're told that the state is open for bidness at near capacity.
And so the virus will spread nearly unchecked through much of Texas and the rest of red America. We'll see how bad that gets.
Posted with permission from No More Mr. Nice Blog


crooksandliars--2020-03-06--Fox Business Host Warns: U.S. Will Have ‘Hundreds Of Thousands’ Of COVID-19 Cases

It should surprise no one to know that the United States will indeed have hundreds of thousands of cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus , given the absolutely incompetent response of the Trump administration .
But for Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo to do it on a channel that Trump watches religiously is quite a thing .
After the markets closed with the Dow down 1,000 points after being up yesterday , Bartiromo was asked by Bill Hemmer asking her how to factor in the virus ' impact on the markets .
“ We have to expect constant volatility , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down 1,000 .
A lot of back and forth .
Why ?
Because there ’ s so much nervousness on Wall Street and throughout the country .
We don ’ t know enough .
We have not gotten enough administration .
The administration tried to get ahead of that .
They said we will see more cases . ''
She continued , “ My sources are telling me , and I don ’ t want to panic anybody … we ’ re going to see tens of thousands – ultimately hundreds of thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is going to happen .
That ’ s why the administration is trying to get ahead of it . ''
Except the administration is n't trying to get ahead of it .
Not at all .
Trump is engaged in some kind of magical thinking .
Elizabeth Warren ripped into his incompetence during an interview with Rachel Maddow .
“ An incompetent administration is like its own natural disaster , ” she explained .
MSNBC host Chris Hayes has been sounding the alarms all this week on Twitter about how behind the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's his latest : And this is the problem .
Because our government insisted on developing their own flawed test , they 're not scaling the testing kits at a rate to test enough people to even KNOW how many people have it , where they 're spreading it , and how to contain it .
Here 's the glib , imbecilic response Trump gave at a town hall about the harm to the economy : Donald Trump is an incompetent dolt who has no clue how to handle this crisis .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would actually understand how to handle this crisis .
And so there are going to be hundreds of thousands of infections and thousands of deaths , the markets are going to falter and the economy is going to go down the tank .
Not because of the virus .
Because of an incompetent , anemic , ignorant response .

It should surprise no one to know that the United States will indeed have hundreds of thousands of cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus, given the absolutely incompetent response of the Trump administration. But for Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo to do it on a channel that Trump watches religiously is quite a thing.
After the markets closed with the Dow down 1,000 points after being up yesterday, Bartiromo was asked by Bill Hemmer asking her how to factor in the virus' impact on the markets.
“We have to expect constant volatility," Bartiromo cautioned. "Up 1,000, down 1,000. A lot of back and forth. Why? Because there’s so much nervousness on Wall Street and throughout the country. We don’t know enough. We have not gotten enough administration. The administration tried to get ahead of that. They said we will see more cases."
She continued, “My sources are telling me, and I don’t want to panic anybody … we’re going to see tens of thousands – ultimately hundreds of thousands of cases in the United States. This is going to happen. That’s why the administration is trying to get ahead of it."
Except the administration isn't trying to get ahead of it. Not at all. Trump is engaged in some kind of magical thinking. Elizabeth Warren ripped into his incompetence during an interview with Rachel Maddow. “An incompetent administration is like its own natural disaster,” she explained.
MSNBC host Chris Hayes has been sounding the alarms all this week on Twitter about how behind the United States is about testing. Here's his latest:
Seriously running out of ways to communicate how dire the lack of testing is in the US. We are way way way behind and every day that goes by without testing at the scale we need, the worse it's gonna be. — Chris Hayes (@chrislhayes) March 6, 2020
And this is the problem. Because our government insisted on developing their own flawed test, they're not scaling the testing kits at a rate to test enough people to even KNOW how many people have it, where they're spreading it, and how to contain it.
Here's the glib, imbecilic response Trump gave at a town hall about the harm to the economy:
Trump tries to find a silver lining to the coronavirus during Fox News town hall: "I have to say, people are now staying in the United States, spending their money in the US -- and I like that." pic.twitter.com/lbERhrSq6t — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 5, 2020
Donald Trump is an incompetent dolt who has no clue how to handle this crisis. He cut funds for all the departments that would actually understand how to handle this crisis. And so there are going to be hundreds of thousands of infections and thousands of deaths, the markets are going to falter and the economy is going to go down the tank.
Not because of the virus. Because of an incompetent, anemic, ignorant response.


crooksandliars--2020-03-06--Quarantined Nurse's Blistering Letter Goes Viral, Rails Against The CDC's Coronoavirus Reponse

Bonnie Castillo , Executive Director of National Nurses United , read the same statement as Deborah Burger below from the quarantined nurse who is being denied coronavirus testing .
The CDC ( Centers for Disease Control ) suggested the nurse could not have been at risk if she didn ’ t expose herself to undue risk by following proper safety protocols .
( Some more Orwellian shit right there . )
Castillo appeared with Chris Hayes on MSNBC 's `` All In '' National Nurses Union President Deborah Burger released a scathing statement from a quarantined nurse criticizing the CDC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for coronavirus even though she had been exposed to the pathogen .
The union leader released a video on Thursday afternoon where she read out the complaints from an anonymous nurse working at a health facility in northern California .
At a White House press conference earlier that same day , Vice President Mike Pence admitted that “ we don ’ t have enough tests ” to meet the skyrocketing demand for diagnosing infections as coronavirus continues to spread throughout the country and take more lives .
... “ The national CDC would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement continued , claiming that the health agency justified its decision by effectively blamed the nurse for exposing herself to the virus .
“ They said they would not test me because if I were wearing the recommended protective equipment then I wouldn ’ t have the coronavirus .
What kind of science-based answer is that ?
What a ridiculous and uneducated response from the department that is in charge of the health of this country .
”

Bonnie Castillo, Executive Director of National Nurses United, read the same statement as Deborah Burger below from the quarantined nurse who is being denied coronavirus testing. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) suggested the nurse could not have been at risk if she didn’t expose herself to undue risk by following proper safety protocols. (Some more Orwellian shit right there.) Castillo appeared with Chris Hayes on MSNBC's "All In"
Source: Mediaite
National Nurses Union President Deborah Burger released a scathing statement from a quarantined nurse criticizing the CDC for its purported refusal to test her for coronavirus even though she had been exposed to the pathogen.
The union leader released a video on Thursday afternoon where she read out the complaints from an anonymous nurse working at a health facility in northern California. At a White House press conference earlier that same day, Vice President Mike Pence admitted that “we don’t have enough tests” to meet the skyrocketing demand for diagnosing infections as coronavirus continues to spread throughout the country and take more lives.
...
“The national CDC would not initiate the test,” the statement continued, claiming that the health agency justified its decision by effectively blamed the nurse for exposing herself to the virus. “They said they would not test me because if I were wearing the recommended protective equipment then I wouldn’t have the coronavirus. What kind of science-based answer is that? What a ridiculous and uneducated response from the department that is in charge of the health of this country.”


crooksandliars--2020-03-29--Dr. Fauci Warns Coronavirus Deaths In US Could Top 100,000

It 's always shocking to hear someone from Trump 's coronavirus task force say things that are based in reality , instead of just regurgitating Trump 's Happy Talk bullshit .
And note , Dr. Fauci was n't even giving credence to the worst-case scenarios , statistical models showing millions of deaths .
What he said this morning should be sobering enough .
As of this writing , there were about 124,000 cases in the United States and over 2200 deaths .
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. government 's foremost infection disease expert says the United States could experience more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , speaking on CNN 's “ State of the Union ” on Sunday , offered his prognosis as the federal government weighs rolling back guidelines on social distancing in areas that have not been as hard-hit by the outbreak at the conclusion of the nationwide 15-day effort to slow the spread of the virus .
“ I would say between 100,000 and 200,000 cases , ” he said , correcting himself to say he meant deaths .
“ We 're going to have millions of cases.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't want to be held to that ” because the pandemic is “ such a moving target .
”

It's always shocking to hear someone from Trump's coronavirus task force say things that are based in reality, instead of just regurgitating Trump's Happy Talk bullshit.
And note, Dr. Fauci wasn't even giving credence to the worst-case scenarios, statistical models showing millions of deaths. What he said this morning should be sobering enough.
As of this writing, there were about 124,000 cases in the United States and over 2200 deaths.
Source: Associated Press


crooksandliars--2020-03-29--Louisiana Governor: 'Never A Hint' From Feds That Mardi Gras Posed Virus Risk

Louisiana is facing an explosion in cases of coronavirus and Mardi Gras may be to blame .
The New York Times is reporting that Lousiana saw a total of 2,300 cases as of this past Thursday and is actually experiecing the fastest rate of growth of cases in the *entire world* .
The number of cases in and around New Orleans appears to be the most dire , with almost 1/2 of the overall statewide cases .
Hospitals are overwhelemed and have run out of gear necessary to safely treat these acutely ill patients .
Mardi Grasm which ended on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a possible petri dish that caused this explosion .
The weekslong , citywide party causes people to congregate in restaurants , bars and the streets for days of drunken debauchery and there is little to no personal space .
Dr. F. Brobson Lutz Jr. , the former health director of New Orleans and a specialist in infectious disease told the New York Times : “ I think it all boils down to Mardi Gras .
The greatest free party in the world was a perfect incubator at the perfect time.
” So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancel Mardi Gras ?
Governor Bel Edwards joined Martha Raddatz on Sunday morning to discuss what went into the decision to allow the festivities to go : RADDATZ : And , Governor , Mardi Gras is now believed to be one of the sources of Louisiana 's outbreak .
Dr. Fauci said your state likely should have issued a stay-at-home order sooner .
And the New Orleans Mayor said just yesterday it was n't canceled because the federal government said it was contained .
Is that the reason ?
EDWARDS : Well , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from anyone , to me or to the Mayor of New Orleans , that there should be any consideration to down-sizing or canceling Mardi Gras .
I think , if you look back for about 15 cases in the country , all of which were tied directly to travel or indirectly to travel , and there was never any hint of this .
And if you 'll go back , you will see that the federal government was saying things were well under control .
And so this is some Monday morning quarterbacking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I believe it 's likely that -- that Mardi Gras contributed to the seeding of the virus in and around New Orleans , a million and a half people , just 13 days before the first confirmed case here on March the 9th .
But -- but that 's looking back .
Right now , we need to spend our time , our energy ; we need to be focused on doing what we can do right now in going forward .
And I 'm sure that -- that somebody 's going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the impact of Mardi Gras on this particular public health emergency later .
There you have it .
The federal government - and Donald Trump 's continued lies - most likely led to this infection spreading at an infinitely faster rate than if the government had been honest from the beginning .
We know that viruses to do not respond to mean tweets , respect borders or angry words and do not care about politician 's lies or delusions .
These cases - and the deaths that come from them - lie squarely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and mentally unstable man - the one and only President Dum Dum .

Louisiana is facing an explosion in cases of coronavirus and Mardi Gras may be to blame. The New York Times is reporting that Lousiana saw a total of 2,300 cases as of this past Thursday and is actually experiecing the fastest rate of growth of cases in the *entire world*. The number of cases in and around New Orleans appears to be the most dire, with almost 1/2 of the overall statewide cases. Hospitals are overwhelemed and have run out of gear necessary to safely treat these acutely ill patients.
Mardi Grasm which ended on February 25th, is being looked at as a possible petri dish that caused this explosion. The weekslong, citywide party causes people to congregate in restaurants, bars and the streets for days of drunken debauchery and there is little to no personal space.
Dr. F. Brobson Lutz Jr., the former health director of New Orleans and a specialist in infectious disease told the New York Times: “I think it all boils down to Mardi Gras. The greatest free party in the world was a perfect incubator at the perfect time.”
So why did the Governor of Louisiana not cancel Mardi Gras? Governor Bel Edwards joined Martha Raddatz on Sunday morning to discuss what went into the decision to allow the festivities to go:
RADDATZ: And, Governor, Mardi Gras is now believed to be one of the sources of Louisiana's outbreak. Dr. Fauci said your state likely should have issued a stay-at-home order sooner. And the New Orleans Mayor said just yesterday it wasn't canceled because the federal government said it was contained. Is that the reason? EDWARDS: Well, look, there was never any hint from anyone, to me or to the Mayor of New Orleans, that there should be any consideration to down-sizing or canceling Mardi Gras. I think, if you look back for about 15 cases in the country, all of which were tied directly to travel or indirectly to travel, and there was never any hint of this. And if you'll go back, you will see that the federal government was saying things were well under control. And so this is some Monday morning quarterbacking going on. And, quite frankly, I believe it's likely that -- that Mardi Gras contributed to the seeding of the virus in and around New Orleans, a million and a half people, just 13 days before the first confirmed case here on March the 9th. But -- but that's looking back. Right now, we need to spend our time, our energy; we need to be focused on doing what we can do right now in going forward. And I'm sure that -- that somebody's going to do a study about the -- the impact of Mardi Gras on this particular public health emergency later.
There you have it. The federal government - and Donald Trump's continued lies - most likely led to this infection spreading at an infinitely faster rate than if the government had been honest from the beginning. We know that viruses to do not respond to mean tweets, respect borders or angry words and do not care about politician's lies or delusions. These cases - and the deaths that come from them - lie squarely at the feet or one extremely stupid and mentally unstable man - the one and only President Dum Dum.


crooksandliars--2020-03-29--Trump Tweets Orders To GM To Make Ventilators At A Factory They Sold Last Year

After spending the evening telling Sean Hannity that those greedy governors—especially pushy female governors—didn ’ t really need the ventilators they were desperately requesting , Donald Trump appears to have realized that literally cutting off air to Americans is a bad look .
So on Friday morning , Trump did an all too typical 180 and took to Twitter to do what he does best : Blame other people for his mistakes .
On Thursday evening , The New York Times explained how Trump completely blew off an all-but-complete deal to have GM manufacture thousands of desperately needed ventilators while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But on Friday , Trump demanded—demanded—that GM get right on with making ventilators , apparently for free .
Only Trump addressed that demand to a Twitter account that wasn ’ t GM .
And he ordered them to use a factory that they sold months ago .
For days , General Motors and Ventec Life Systems had been working on a deal that would use GM ’ s manufacturing capability to accelerate production of Ventec ’ s ventilators .
Together , the two companies projected they could make as many as 80,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The federal government ’ s contribution to this deal was simple enough : they would agree to buy most of these ventilators , providing GM with an up-front payment to help cover the cost of converting an existing auto plant in Indiana for the task .
GM assured officials there was no issue with retooling , and Ventec and GM were reportedly moving at “ breakneck speed ” to meet the critical medical need .
That was before Trump decided that giving people ventilators was too pricey .
With an estimated price tag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion , that would put the ventilators at roughly $ 13,000 each—which is actually on the low end of what ventilators usually cost .
Trump was prepared to announce the deal on Wednesday , and hinted that he had big news coming during that day ’ s coronavirus-themed praise session .
Instead , the deal—which reportedly included some ace negotiation from Jared Kushner—collapsed .
Instead of providing thousands of generators , Trump simply went on Hannity to explain that breathing is overrated .
“ You go to hospitals who have don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hospital , ” said Trump , “ and all of a sudden everybody is asking for vast numbers.
” How dare they .
But by lunchtime on Friday , Trump was ready to move to the next phase of this problem : blaming everyone but himself .
First Trump pointed the finger at GM CEO Mary Barra , saying “ things are always a mess ” when she is involved .
Trump ended that tweet with “ Invoke P !
” , which was apparently not a reference to anything that happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cool kids are saying “ I am going to invoke the Defense Production Act to order this done.
” Minutes later , Trump declared that GM “ MUST ” reopen their “ stupidly abandoned ” plant in Lordstown , Ohio and “ START MAKING VENTILATORS , NOW !
!
!
!
!
!
” That ’ s six exclamation points , which apparently means “ without a contract.
” Trump then made the same demand , with equal use of capital letters , of Ford , which had been working on its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ existing parts for ventilators .
The problem with these demands—other than everything about them—was that Trump not only referenced a dead Twitter account that doesn ’ t belong to General Motors , but the factory he called on them to use isn ’ t theirs .
GM sold the factory last year to a startup company working on an electric pickup .
So Trump told the wrong Twitter account that GM has to start making ventilators using someone else ’ s factory , even though he pulled out of the deal to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days of resisting all requests from governors and all officials , he appears to have invoked the Defense Production Act via a tweet so cryptically worded that he came back a half hour later to explain that “ Invoke ‘ P ’ means Defense Production Act !
” Though it seems as if Trump believes that its GM that has to invoke the act .
This makes some sense : Who would trust him with that kind of responsibility ?
It ’ s the kind of thing that makes the statement “ we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seem so redundant .

After spending the evening telling Sean Hannity that those greedy governors—especially pushy female governors—didn’t really need the ventilators they were desperately requesting, Donald Trump appears to have realized that literally cutting off air to Americans is a bad look. So on Friday morning, Trump did an all too typical 180 and took to Twitter to do what he does best: Blame other people for his mistakes.
On Thursday evening, The New York Times explained how Trump completely blew off an all-but-complete deal to have GM manufacture thousands of desperately needed ventilators while refusing to invoke the Defense Production Act. But on Friday, Trump demanded—demanded—that GM get right on with making ventilators, apparently for free. Only Trump addressed that demand to a Twitter account that wasn’t GM. And he ordered them to use a factory that they sold months ago.
For days, General Motors and Ventec Life Systems had been working on a deal that would use GM’s manufacturing capability to accelerate production of Ventec’s ventilators. Together, the two companies projected they could make as many as 80,000 ventilators over the next two months. The federal government’s contribution to this deal was simple enough: they would agree to buy most of these ventilators, providing GM with an up-front payment to help cover the cost of converting an existing auto plant in Indiana for the task. GM assured officials there was no issue with retooling, and Ventec and GM were reportedly moving at “breakneck speed” to meet the critical medical need.
That was before Trump decided that giving people ventilators was too pricey. With an estimated price tag for the deal at around $1 billion, that would put the ventilators at roughly $13,000 each—which is actually on the low end of what ventilators usually cost.
Trump was prepared to announce the deal on Wednesday, and hinted that he had big news coming during that day’s coronavirus-themed praise session. Instead, the deal—which reportedly included some ace negotiation from Jared Kushner—collapsed. Instead of providing thousands of generators, Trump simply went on Hannity to explain that breathing is overrated. “You go to hospitals who have don’t even have one [ventilator] in a hospital,” said Trump, “and all of a sudden everybody is asking for vast numbers.” How dare they.
But by lunchtime on Friday, Trump was ready to move to the next phase of this problem: blaming everyone but himself. First Trump pointed the finger at GM CEO Mary Barra, saying “things are always a mess” when she is involved. Trump ended that tweet with “Invoke P!”, which was apparently not a reference to anything that happened in a Moscow hotel but how all the cool kids are saying “I am going to invoke the Defense Production Act to order this done.”
Minutes later, Trump declared that GM “MUST” reopen their “stupidly abandoned” plant in Lordstown, Ohio and “START MAKING VENTILATORS, NOW!!!!!!” That’s six exclamation points, which apparently means “without a contract.” Trump then made the same demand, with equal use of capital letters, of Ford, which had been working on its own to design a system for repurposing existing parts for ventilators.
The problem with these demands—other than everything about them—was that Trump not only referenced a dead Twitter account that doesn’t belong to General Motors, but the factory he called on them to use isn’t theirs. GM sold the factory last year to a startup company working on an electric pickup.
So Trump told the wrong Twitter account that GM has to start making ventilators using someone else’s factory, even though he pulled out of the deal to have GM make ventilators. And, after days of resisting all requests from governors and all officials, he appears to have invoked the Defense Production Act via a tweet so cryptically worded that he came back a half hour later to explain that “Invoke ‘P’ means Defense Production Act!”
Though it seems as if Trump believes that its GM that has to invoke the act. This makes some sense: Who would trust him with that kind of responsibility? It’s the kind of thing that makes the statement “we’re all going to die” seem so redundant.


crooksandliars--2020-03-29--Rep. Massie Shrugs Off Stunt's COVID-19 Risk: Congress Has ‘Pretty Good Healthcare’

In case you didn ’ t hate Rep. Thomas Massie ( R-KY ) already for making the House of Representatives risk their lives by voting in person for the coronavirus relief bill yesterday , his Republican Rehab visits to Fox News should do the trick .
In case you missed Massie ’ s stunt , Dana Milbank has a good rundown : Rep. Thomas Massie ( R-Ky. ) , in purely symbolic opposition to the $ 2.2 trillion emergency coronavirus legislation , forced hundreds of his colleagues to risk their lives — literally — by flying back to Washington .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are elderly and at high risk ?
To thwart Massie ’ s pointless protest , an attempt to force a roll-call vote instead of a simple voice vote , leaders had to summon 216 members to fill the chamber , eerily separated on the floor and in the gallery above to limit infection .
This fruitless , immoral gesture by the 49-year-old legislator was in service of another : to thwart a nearly unanimous Congress from dispensing aid to the sick and suffering in the middle of a pandemic .
Milbank also noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Massie ’ s behavior , he is “ a monster Republicans created ” via their endless contempt and demonizing of government and its institutions .
Naturally , Massie , who has a primary challenger , ran to Fox News last night and again today for Republican Rehab .
He didn ’ t get much support from host Neil Cavuto today .
But he didn ’ t get a lot of challenge , either .
Massie proved Milbank ’ s point when he began by saying , “ If Pelosi just considered me a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but she called me a dangerous nuisance , so that gives me some credibility , I hope.
” He claimed he represents “ the planks of the Republican platform more faithfully than any other Republican , virtually any other Republican in Washington , DC.
” Massie went on to explain why he did what he did , saying , “ it ’ s not constitutional to do any legislative business without at least half of the members of Congress present.
” He added , “ I also thought if we ’ re going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the history of mankind , that people should go on record for this .
… They ’ re all trying to dodge accountability.
” Cavuto noted that “ two House members have already tested positive for the coronavirus ” along with Senator Paul .
He asked if Massie “ risked their health to make this point ?
” As if there could be any question about that during this pandemic .
Massie didn ’ t care : “ Congressmen have their health care paid for by the taxpayers and it ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he told Cavuto .
He told Fox host Shannon Bream something similar last night : “ These Congressmen make $ 174,000 a year .
They ’ ve got the best health care that you can buy these days right now.
” Never mind that the coronavirus can be fatal , especially among older people .
147 House members are over 65 and at higher risk from COVID-19 .
And never mind that public health and local officials are desperately trying to flatten the curve in order to prevent our health systems from being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up those pesky facts .
“ These Congressmen expect the truckers to go to work , they expect the grocery store baggers to go to work , they expect the UPS guy to bring their Amazon packages , but they don ’ t think they should have to go to work , ” Massie said contemptuously .
“ If this is truly a national emergency and you ’ re being paid $ 174,000 a year ’ s work , and you haven ’ t been to work in 10 days , I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” But the difference is that grocery store and Amazon can ’ t do their work remotely .
Congress wasn ’ t trying to avoid working , it was trying to avoid risking exposure to themselves and others by working remotely .
By demanding that members work in person , Massie was suggesting that they should risk their health and those they come in contact with .
His comments about their health care confirmed his disregard for lives .
Cavuto didn ’ t note the contradiction .
Instead , he chuckled when Massie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bump that ’ s been run over by 400 sets of tires.
” Cavuto closed by saying , “ Very good having you , sir .
We ’ ll see what happens next but you stuck to your guns.
” You can watch “ pro-life ” Massie advocate his pro-death approach above , from the March 28 , 2020 Cavuto Live .

In case you didn’t hate Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) already for making the House of Representatives risk their lives by voting in person for the coronavirus relief bill yesterday, his Republican Rehab visits to Fox News should do the trick.
In case you missed Massie’s stunt, Dana Milbank has a good rundown:
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), in purely symbolic opposition to the $2.2 trillion emergency coronavirus legislation, forced hundreds of his colleagues to risk their lives — literally — by flying back to Washington. So what if many of the lawmakers are elderly and at high risk? To thwart Massie’s pointless protest, an attempt to force a roll-call vote instead of a simple voice vote, leaders had to summon 216 members to fill the chamber, eerily separated on the floor and in the gallery above to limit infection. This fruitless, immoral gesture by the 49-year-old legislator was in service of another: to thwart a nearly unanimous Congress from dispensing aid to the sick and suffering in the middle of a pandemic.
Milbank also noted that while Republicans clutched their pearls over Massie’s behavior, he is “a monster Republicans created” via their endless contempt and demonizing of government and its institutions.
Massie, a believer in the “deep state” conspiracy, is a product of the tea party, a protege of Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and a collaborator with outgoing Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), who is becoming Trump’s chief of staff, when they tried to oust then-Speaker John Boehner. “I’m ready to be unpopular,” Massie said after his 2012 election, and he has opposed even anti-lynching and human rights legislation — and celebrated when he uses “the process” so that “things die.”
Naturally, Massie, who has a primary challenger, ran to Fox News last night and again today for Republican Rehab. He didn’t get much support from host Neil Cavuto today. But he didn’t get a lot of challenge, either.
Massie proved Milbank’s point when he began by saying, “If Pelosi just considered me a nuisance, I would be offended, but she called me a dangerous nuisance, so that gives me some credibility, I hope.” He claimed he represents “the planks of the Republican platform more faithfully than any other Republican, virtually any other Republican in Washington, DC.”
Massie went on to explain why he did what he did, saying, “it’s not constitutional to do any legislative business without at least half of the members of Congress present.” He added, “I also thought if we’re going to pass the biggest spending bill in the history of mankind, that people should go on record for this. … They’re all trying to dodge accountability.”
Cavuto noted that “two House members have already tested positive for the coronavirus” along with Senator Paul. He asked if Massie “risked their health to make this point?” As if there could be any question about that during this pandemic.
Massie didn’t care: “Congressmen have their health care paid for by the taxpayers and it’s a pretty good health care package,” he told Cavuto. He told Fox host Shannon Bream something similar last night: “These Congressmen make $174,000 a year. They’ve got the best health care that you can buy these days right now.”
Never mind that the coronavirus can be fatal, especially among older people. 147 House members are over 65 and at higher risk from COVID-19. And never mind that public health and local officials are desperately trying to flatten the curve in order to prevent our health systems from being overwhelmed. Cavuto didn’t bring up those pesky facts.
“These Congressmen expect the truckers to go to work, they expect the grocery store baggers to go to work, they expect the UPS guy to bring their Amazon packages, but they don’t think they should have to go to work,” Massie said contemptuously. “If this is truly a national emergency and you’re being paid $174,000 a year’s work, and you haven’t been to work in 10 days, I think you can go to work for this.” But the difference is that grocery store and Amazon can’t do their work remotely. Congress wasn’t trying to avoid working, it was trying to avoid risking exposure to themselves and others by working remotely.
By demanding that members work in person, Massie was suggesting that they should risk their health and those they come in contact with. His comments about their health care confirmed his disregard for lives.
Yet, Massie considers himself pro-life.
Cavuto didn’t note the contradiction. Instead, he chuckled when Massie said he “feels like a speed bump that’s been run over by 400 sets of tires.” Cavuto closed by saying, “Very good having you, sir. We’ll see what happens next but you stuck to your guns.”
You can watch “pro-life” Massie advocate his pro-death approach above, from the March 28, 2020 Cavuto Live.
Posted with permission from News Hounds.


crooksandliars--2020-03-29--Frank Schaeffer Slams White Evangelicals Who 'Have Rented Out Jesus' To A 'Moronic Monster'

Former evangelist Frank Schaeffer preached a fiery sermon on AMJoy for his former colleagues and the `` moronic monster '' himself , where he condemned Trump 's `` moral bankruptcy '' and called upon evangelicals to rise up and reject the `` pro-death president . ''
And it 's about time someone called them out , because the Easter Sunday nonsense was nothing more than a pander to those evangelicals .
He begins with a condemnation of evangelicals ' `` naked lickspittle enablement of Trump '' before launching into a hellfire-and-brimstone condemnation of the magical thinking that has led them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We 're in a time now where the naked lickspittle enablement of Donald Trump by his evangelical followers is more horribly obvious than ever .
Franklin Graham , his big supporter , told him to call a national Day of Prayer , and of course , we know Trump would never do this by himself .
We have all the pieces that you played of people trying to cash in on this , to push their anti-gay homophobia .
We also see the magical thinking for evangelicals that allows them , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deny scientific evidence on gay people being born that way , to deny so many things that we know from any common sense point of view , let alone a scientific point of view are true .
They have been nurtured from birth to accept alternative fact .
They 're perfect dupes for someone who calls everything `` fake news '' when he does n't agree with it .
As for the crisis at hand , he really lets fly in this part : When we come to this time of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and death issue , we see two things very clearly , Joy .
One is the utter moral bankruptcy of this leader who pits himself against governors trying to save their people , and the second is the utter moral bankruptcy of evangelicals , the white evangelical voter having rented out Jesus to this moronic monster who in this time of crisis , far from being our Winston Churchill leading us to freedom against the Axis in Germany and others and basically tells those in my day , those in their 70s , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told to do by the Nazis : Put on a yellow star , identify yourself as old , we 're not going to make respirators , especially for governors we do n't like , just go off and die so the stock exchange numbers go up and I look good .
And the fact of the matter is , that is not an exaggeration .
We have Republican governors , we have people who are in positions of power and Donald Trump trying to push a business-as-usual agenda .
Instead of evangelicals standing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we bought into your candidacy because you 're supposed to be the , quote/unquote , pro-life president , we now have a pro-death president who would rather have his economic numbers go up chasing a 2020 reelection than save lives .
And the evangelicals are going along with it and giving him cover .
This whole Easter nonsense was simply more currying favor with that base .
A footnote but very telling .
Joy Reid then brought the discussion around to the Katherine Stewart 's article in the New York Times calling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ science .
She writes : `` This denial of science and critical thinking among religious ultraconservatives now haunts the American response to the coronavirus crisis . ''
`` The question I have , Frank , is whether these beliefs , this almost religious belief in Trump himself as the savior , does it survive actual deaths in your church , in your own family , this virus will not stop at the door of these evangelical churches .
It will come inside .
When people they know , when their own families , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this unshakeable belief in trump survive that ?
Will they start to believe the science when it 's literally right in front of them ? ''
Reid asked .
You know , I 'm reminded , Joy , of the passage from the Bible where Christ says , `` Though one come back from the dead , they would not believe . ''
Let me tell you a parallel in answer to your question that I hope I 'm wrong on .
Think of all the churches that were shot up by gun-toting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where gun laws are so permissive that you 're surprised people do n't give you a gun at birth .
Did the evangelical majority say , wait a minute , they 're shooting up the churches , maybe we wo n't support the NRA ?
No , they did not .
They are so in love with the gospel of hatred , gun ownership , protect yourself from your neighbor , keep the foreigners out , lock babies in cages .
They have denied the Lord Jesus Christ to the point where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the hard core .
Does that mean individuals wo n't peel away ?
Yes .
I appeal to my Christian brothers and sisters , rethink your support for a man that would dangle respirators over a governor who disagrees with him and turn back to the teachings of Jesus away from this man .
If they have ears to hear , let them hear .

Former evangelist Frank Schaeffer preached a fiery sermon on AMJoy for his former colleagues and the "moronic monster" himself, where he condemned Trump's "moral bankruptcy" and called upon evangelicals to rise up and reject the "pro-death president."
And it's about time someone called them out, because the Easter Sunday nonsense was nothing more than a pander to those evangelicals.
He begins with a condemnation of evangelicals' "naked lickspittle enablement of Trump" before launching into a hellfire-and-brimstone condemnation of the magical thinking that has led them to deny climate change and science itself.
We're in a time now where the naked lickspittle enablement of Donald Trump by his evangelical followers is more horribly obvious than ever. Franklin Graham, his big supporter, told him to call a national Day of Prayer, and of course, we know Trump would never do this by himself. We have all the pieces that you played of people trying to cash in on this, to push their anti-gay homophobia. We also see the magical thinking for evangelicals that allows them, for instance, to deny climate change, to deny scientific evidence on gay people being born that way, to deny so many things that we know from any common sense point of view, let alone a scientific point of view are true. They have been nurtured from birth to accept alternative fact. They're perfect dupes for someone who calls everything "fake news" when he doesn't agree with it.
As for the crisis at hand, he really lets fly in this part:
When we come to this time of COVID-19 overtaking our country, a literal life and death issue, we see two things very clearly, Joy. One is the utter moral bankruptcy of this leader who pits himself against governors trying to save their people, and the second is the utter moral bankruptcy of evangelicals, the white evangelical voter having rented out Jesus to this moronic monster who in this time of crisis, far from being our Winston Churchill leading us to freedom against the Axis in Germany and others and basically tells those in my day, those in their 70s, to do what the jews were were told to do by the Nazis: Put on a yellow star, identify yourself as old, we're not going to make respirators, especially for governors we don't like, just go off and die so the stock exchange numbers go up and I look good. And the fact of the matter is, that is not an exaggeration. We have Republican governors, we have people who are in positions of power and Donald Trump trying to push a business-as-usual agenda. Instead of evangelicals standing up and saying, wait a minute, we bought into your candidacy because you're supposed to be the, quote/unquote, pro-life president, we now have a pro-death president who would rather have his economic numbers go up chasing a 2020 reelection than save lives. And the evangelicals are going along with it and giving him cover. This whole Easter nonsense was simply more currying favor with that base. A footnote but very telling.
Joy Reid then brought the discussion around to the Katherine Stewart's article in the New York Times calling out conservative evangelicals' insistence on denying science. She writes: "This denial of science and critical thinking among religious ultraconservatives now haunts the American response to the coronavirus crisis."
"The question I have, Frank, is whether these beliefs, this almost religious belief in Trump himself as the savior, does it survive actual deaths in your church, in your own family, this virus will not stop at the door of these evangelical churches. It will come inside. When people they know, when their own families, when people start getting sick. Can this unshakeable belief in trump survive that? Will they start to believe the science when it's literally right in front of them?" Reid asked.
You know, I'm reminded, Joy, of the passage from the Bible where Christ says, "Though one come back from the dead, they would not believe." Let me tell you a parallel in answer to your question that I hope I'm wrong on. Think of all the churches that were shot up by gun-toting fools recently, even one in Texas, where gun laws are so permissive that you're surprised people don't give you a gun at birth. Did the evangelical majority say, wait a minute, they're shooting up the churches, maybe we won't support the NRA? No, they did not. They are so in love with the gospel of hatred, gun ownership, protect yourself from your neighbor, keep the foreigners out, lock babies in cages. They have denied the Lord Jesus Christ to the point where there is no redemption for the hardest of the hard core. Does that mean individuals won't peel away? Yes. I appeal to my Christian brothers and sisters, rethink your support for a man that would dangle respirators over a governor who disagrees with him and turn back to the teachings of Jesus away from this man.
If they have ears to hear, let them hear.