thetennesseestar--2020-05-04--America May Experience a Possible Meat Shortage Amid COVID-19

Warnings of the possibility of coming meat shortages have left many Americans wondering whether we will see the meat and poultry cases in grocery stores just as barren as the toilet paper shelves .
The coronavirus has led a number of large meat-processing plants , such as Tyson Foods Inc. and Smithfield Foods Inc. , to close plants or cut back on the number of workers on production lines in order to keep employees safe and to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention social distancing guidelines .
“ We are dealing with a very unprecedented situation , and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food supply , ” Daren Bakst , a senior research fellow in agricultural policy at The Heritage Foundation , told The Daily Signal in a phone interview .
“ It ’ s important for people to know that the [ Food and Drug Administration ] still says there are no food shortages.
” Meat shortage concerns don ’ t hinge on the supply of animals , but rather on processing plants ’ ability to slaughter the animals and safely process enough meat to meet consumer demand during the coronavirus pandemic .
John Tyson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foods , released an ad that ran in a number of newspapers and on Tyson ’ s blog page on April 26 , raising concerns that “ the food supply chain is breaking.
” Doug Baker , vice president of industry relations at the Food Industry Association , told The Daily Signal in a phone interview that he thinks the motivation for John Tyson ’ s warning “ was to raise the awareness.
” Baker explained that some companies have been put in challenging positions because they are trying to follow safety guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government , but also by state and local governments .
“ You don ’ t know who exactly it is you are supposed to be listening to , ” Baker said .
“ I believe that , personally , that letter was to get all of the government agencies on the same page as to what is it that is expected , because we have a public to feed , and we are doing everything we can.
” Tyson ’ s words succeeded in capturing the attention of political leaders .
On April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive order that will allow meat-processing plants to remain open during the pandemic under the Defense Production Act .
“ The secretary of agriculture shall take all appropriate action under that section to ensure that meat and poultry processors continue operations consistent with the guidance for their operations jointly issued by the CDC and [ the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ] , ” the president stated in Tuesday ’ s executive order .
But it ’ s still likely that there will be meat shortages in spite of the president ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed in processing facilities in order to maintain proper social distance and employees quarantining at home due to infection from the virus .
“ I think it remains to be seen if it ’ s going to have an impact , ” Baker said of Trump ’ s order .
“ There are a lot of things that are happening inside the facilities , which is also going to negatively impact production .
As you do pull people off the line , in order to create social distance and put those barriers up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coronavirus cases within meat-processing plants have reached more than 6,500 , and 20 workers have died from the virus , according to a report from the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union .
“ Within the processing facilities , many of those workers—not all , but a good portion—are coming from outside of the U.S. , and they are brought in from other countries , as well as being domestic , ” said Baker .
“ And if they are brought in from other countries , in some instances , they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not only are they working in close , combined quarters inside the processing facility , they are also living in close quarters and socializing in close quarters .
Hiring new employees to fill the positions of those who are sick is not quite as simple as one might think , as noted by Bakst in a recent Daily Signal piece .
“ The employees are not easily replaced , because there is a level of specialized knowledge required , ” he wrote .
Sadly , processing plants ’ inability to produce at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to euthanize animals .
“ The animals grow at the speed that they grow at , and there are too many animals , and they have to kind of move them along , ” said Bakst , adding : Another effect of meat-processing plants operating at lower capacity will likely be simpler cuts of meat in groceries stores .
It takes more time , effort , and skill to produce boneless chicken breasts than it does to produce chicken drumsticks , for example .
“ You will see fewer cuts of prime-type cuts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required , into easier ones .
Taking primals and cutting them into strips and sirloins , ” said Baker , adding : It ’ s possible that with an increase in demand and limited supply , meat prices will be affected .
“ Prices could go up , ” said Baker .
“ They could go down .
If you have an excess of cattle that are now grazing , then it becomes an inventory surplus .
You could see proteins going down .
And others , we could see prices increase.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resilient , but strained.
” “ But as a consumer , ” he added , “ if you walk into the store and can ’ t get the item that you want when you want it , that does not seem really resilient to you.
” In a recent study of 1,027 American adults , the Food Industry Association found that 76 % of the participants said they have changed their eating habits during COVID-19 , and 36 % say they are eating healthier , while only 13 % report eating less healthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that concerns regarding access to food have lessened from 36 % at the end of March to just 25 % now .
It ’ s possible that current concerns surrounding meat shortages stem from what Americans experienced with toilet paper at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic .
Rumors of shortages often lead to panic buying and stockpiling far beyond the normal rates of consumption .
“ Sometimes , we are a self-fulfilling prophecy , ” Baker said .
“ When we start talking about potential shortages , we actually create them.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meat shortages by resisting the urge to stockpile and even by “ looking to different sources of protein beyond beef , pork , and poultry.
” Virginia Allen is a news producer for The Daily Signal .
She is the co-host of The Daily Signal Podcast and Problematic Women .

by Virginia Allen
Warnings of the possibility of coming meat shortages have left many Americans wondering whether we will see the meat and poultry cases in grocery stores just as barren as the toilet paper shelves.
The coronavirus has led a number of large meat-processing plants, such as Tyson Foods Inc. and Smithfield Foods Inc., to close plants or cut back on the number of workers on production lines in order to keep employees safe and to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention social distancing guidelines.
“We are dealing with a very unprecedented situation, and it’s had an impact on the food supply,” Daren Bakst, a senior research fellow in agricultural policy at The Heritage Foundation, told The Daily Signal in a phone interview. “It’s important for people to know that the [Food and Drug Administration] still says there are no food shortages.”
Meat shortage concerns don’t hinge on the supply of animals, but rather on processing plants’ ability to slaughter the animals and safely process enough meat to meet consumer demand during the coronavirus pandemic.
John Tyson, chairman of the board of Tyson Foods, released an ad that ran in a number of newspapers and on Tyson’s blog page on April 26, raising concerns that “the food supply chain is breaking.”
Doug Baker, vice president of industry relations at the Food Industry Association, told The Daily Signal in a phone interview that he thinks the motivation for John Tyson’s warning “was to raise the awareness.”
Baker explained that some companies have been put in challenging positions because they are trying to follow safety guidelines laid out not only by the federal government, but also by state and local governments.
“You don’t know who exactly it is you are supposed to be listening to,” Baker said. “I believe that, personally, that letter was to get all of the government agencies on the same page as to what is it that is expected, because we have a public to feed, and we are doing everything we can.”
Tyson’s words succeeded in capturing the attention of political leaders. On April 28, President Donald Trump issued an executive order that will allow meat-processing plants to remain open during the pandemic under the Defense Production Act.
“The secretary of agriculture shall take all appropriate action under that section to ensure that meat and poultry processors continue operations consistent with the guidance for their operations jointly issued by the CDC and [the Occupational Safety and Health Administration],” the president stated in Tuesday’s executive order.
But it’s still likely that there will be meat shortages in spite of the president’s action, due to fewer workers being allowed in processing facilities in order to maintain proper social distance and employees quarantining at home due to infection from the virus.
“I think it remains to be seen if it’s going to have an impact,” Baker said of Trump’s order. “There are a lot of things that are happening inside the facilities, which is also going to negatively impact production. As you do pull people off the line, in order to create social distance and put those barriers up, production is going to drop.”
Coronavirus cases within meat-processing plants have reached more than 6,500, and 20 workers have died from the virus, according to a report from the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union.
“Within the processing facilities, many of those workers—not all, but a good portion—are coming from outside of the U.S., and they are brought in from other countries, as well as being domestic,” said Baker. “And if they are brought in from other countries, in some instances, they are living in group homes. And so, not only are they working in close, combined quarters inside the processing facility, they are also living in close quarters and socializing in close quarters.
Hiring new employees to fill the positions of those who are sick is not quite as simple as one might think, as noted by Bakst in a recent Daily Signal piece.
“The employees are not easily replaced, because there is a level of specialized knowledge required,” he wrote.
Sadly, processing plants’ inability to produce at normal levels is forcing farmers to have to euthanize animals.
“The animals grow at the speed that they grow at, and there are too many animals, and they have to kind of move them along,” said Bakst, adding:
That’s a problem. … The beef cows can kind of be walking around. They have more space. There is a little bit more flexibility. You can change the diet of the animals. You can slow down their growth. So, there might be a little more flexibility on the farm-raised side of things for cattle, as opposed to maybe something as it relates to pork.
Another effect of meat-processing plants operating at lower capacity will likely be simpler cuts of meat in groceries stores. It takes more time, effort, and skill to produce boneless chicken breasts than it does to produce chicken drumsticks, for example.
“You will see fewer cuts of prime-type cuts, the more skilled cuts that are required, into easier ones. Taking primals and cutting them into strips and sirloins,” said Baker, adding:
You might even see what we call in the industry ‘hernia packs,’ which are the larger packs of beef, which you can then take home and cut into your own steaks and [roasts]. And so, for the purpose of continuing to get the inventory into the stores, you might see less variety.
It’s possible that with an increase in demand and limited supply, meat prices will be affected.
“Prices could go up,” said Baker. “They could go down. If you have an excess of cattle that are now grazing, then it becomes an inventory surplus. You could see proteins going down. And others, we could see prices increase.”
Baker acknowledged that “the industry is resilient, but strained.”
“But as a consumer,” he added, “if you walk into the store and can’t get the item that you want when you want it, that does not seem really resilient to you.”
In a recent study of 1,027 American adults, the Food Industry Association found that 76% of the participants said they have changed their eating habits during COVID-19, and 36% say they are eating healthier, while only 13% report eating less healthy than normal.
The study also found that concerns regarding access to food have lessened from 36% at the end of March to just 25% now.
It’s possible that current concerns surrounding meat shortages stem from what Americans experienced with toilet paper at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Rumors of shortages often lead to panic buying and stockpiling far beyond the normal rates of consumption.
“Sometimes, we are a self-fulfilling prophecy,” Baker said. “When we start talking about potential shortages, we actually create them.”
Bakst suggests that consumers can help prevent meat shortages by resisting the urge to stockpile and even by “looking to different sources of protein beyond beef, pork, and poultry.”
– – –
Virginia Allen is a news producer for The Daily Signal. She is the co-host of The Daily Signal Podcast and Problematic Women.


thetennesseestar--2020-05-04--ICE Detainees Refuse Coronavirus Tests, Rush Officers and Trash Detention Center

Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( ICE ) detainees in Massachusetts rushed officers , barricaded themselves inside the facility and caused more than $ 25,000 worth of damage after being told they would be transferred to a medical wing of the facility and tested for coronavirus , authorities said .
Roughly 10 inmates at an immigration detention center in Dartmouth , Massachusetts reported symptoms of COVID-19 to medical personnel , according to a press release from the Bristol County Sheriff ’ s Office .
However , when the detainees were told on Friday that they would be moved to a medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 , they “ rushed violently ” at Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson and other officers and barricaded themselves inside a wing of the building , the sheriff said .
The inmates proceeded to rip pipes and washing machines off the walls , destroyed windows , and “ trashed the entire unit , ” according to the sheriff ’ s office .
When corrections officers , special response team members , and the K9 unit entered in order to control the situation , they were attacked by the detainees , the release stated .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to subdue the violent detainees .
The sheriff ’ s office said more than $ 25,000 worth of property was destroyed in the mayhem .
It appears the inmates grew violent because they did not want to be transferred to the medical unit of the facility .
“ This all started because a group of 10 detainees each reported having at least two symptoms of COVID-19 , ” said Sheriff Hodgson .
“ The health care professionals told them they had to be tested in the medical unit because of the reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go to the medical unit for testing .
Our medical team alerted me , and I advised the detainees that for their health and the health of fellow detainees and our staff , they needed to be tested at the medical unit , ” Hodgson went on .
“ The detainees refused to comply , became combatant and ultimately put the lives of themselves and many Bristol County officers at risk with their reckless actions , ” he said .
The incident took place at the C. Carlos Carreiro Immigration Detention Center , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immigration custody .
No staff members reported any injuries from the altercation .
Three inmates were hospitalized — one for “ symptoms of a panic attack , ” another for a pre-existing condition and the third for a “ medical incident after being removed from the ICE wing.
” All three are anticipated to be “ fine , ” the sheriff ’ s office said .
The detainees involved in the incident have since been moved to single cells pending disciplinary action , criminal charges , and coronavirus testing .
Todd Lyons , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Enforcement and Removal Operations ( ERO ) division , applauded the law enforcement officials “ who responded rapidly and professionally to de-escalate a volatile situation , limiting injuries and further damage to the facility and restoring order , ” according to the Associated Press .
However , not everyone believes the detainees were at fault .
Ivan Espinoza-Madrigal — the executive director of Lawyers for Civil Rights Boston , a progressive group that has repeatedly sued ICE — suggested the officers were putting the inmates in a dangerous situation by transferring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facility .
“ These individuals were justifiably concerned that doing so would dangerously expose them to risk of infection given the cross-contamination with many different individuals from all over the facility who come and go from the medical unit and with many shared surfaces , ” Espinoza-Madrigal said in a statement .

by Jason Hopkins
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees in Massachusetts rushed officers, barricaded themselves inside the facility and caused more than $25,000 worth of damage after being told they would be transferred to a medical wing of the facility and tested for coronavirus, authorities said.
Roughly 10 inmates at an immigration detention center in Dartmouth, Massachusetts reported symptoms of COVID-19 to medical personnel, according to a press release from the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office.
However, when the detainees were told on Friday that they would be moved to a medical wing of the facility and tested for COVID-19, they “rushed violently” at Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson and other officers and barricaded themselves inside a wing of the building, the sheriff said.
The inmates proceeded to rip pipes and washing machines off the walls, destroyed windows, and “trashed the entire unit,” according to the sheriff’s office. When corrections officers, special response team members, and the K9 unit entered in order to control the situation, they were attacked by the detainees, the release stated.
Community Advisory: Group of ICE detainees in Bristol County reported multiple COVID symptoms Friday but refused to get tested and ultimately trashed the facility, attacked officers and caused thousands in damages. pic.twitter.com/JpLEwSA501 — Bristol County Sheriff's Office (@BristolSheriff) May 2, 2020
The Bristol County security team was ultimately able to subdue the violent detainees. The sheriff’s office said more than $25,000 worth of property was destroyed in the mayhem.
It appears the inmates grew violent because they did not want to be transferred to the medical unit of the facility.
“This all started because a group of 10 detainees each reported having at least two symptoms of COVID-19,” said Sheriff Hodgson. “The health care professionals told them they had to be tested in the medical unit because of the reported symptoms.”
“The detainees refused to go to the medical unit for testing. Our medical team alerted me, and I advised the detainees that for their health and the health of fellow detainees and our staff, they needed to be tested at the medical unit,” Hodgson went on.
“The detainees refused to comply, became combatant and ultimately put the lives of themselves and many Bristol County officers at risk with their reckless actions,” he said.
The incident took place at the C. Carlos Carreiro Immigration Detention Center, which houses inmates who are under federal immigration custody.
No staff members reported any injuries from the altercation. Three inmates were hospitalized — one for “symptoms of a panic attack,” another for a pre-existing condition and the third for a “medical incident after being removed from the ICE wing.” All three are anticipated to be “fine,” the sheriff’s office said.
The detainees involved in the incident have since been moved to single cells pending disciplinary action, criminal charges, and coronavirus testing.
Todd Lyons, the acting field office director of ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) division, applauded the law enforcement officials “who responded rapidly and professionally to de-escalate a volatile situation, limiting injuries and further damage to the facility and restoring order,” according to the Associated Press.
However, not everyone believes the detainees were at fault.
Ivan Espinoza-Madrigal — the executive director of Lawyers for Civil Rights Boston, a progressive group that has repeatedly sued ICE — suggested the officers were putting the inmates in a dangerous situation by transferring them to the medical wing of the facility.
“These individuals were justifiably concerned that doing so would dangerously expose them to risk of infection given the cross-contamination with many different individuals from all over the facility who come and go from the medical unit and with many shared surfaces,” Espinoza-Madrigal said in a statement.
– – –
Jason Hopkins is a reporter at Daily Caller News Foundation.


thetennesseestar--2020-05-04--Commentary: Be a Daniel and Take Charge of Your Own Lives

There is an old Puritan hymn ( based on the apocalyptic Old Testament book of Daniel for the less-than-biblically literate ) we grew up singing .
Perhaps you recall it : Dare to be a Daniel , Dare to stand alone ; Dare to have a purpose firm , Dare to make it known .
In a famous essay written just after World War II , George Orwell , in one of his great punchlines , suggested , “ to bring this hymn up to date one would have to add a ‘ Don ’ t ’ at the beginning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the timidity of modern people , thinkers and doers alike , in relatively safe circumstances , to be quiet about dishonesty .
Doesn ’ t intelligence require truth-telling ?
But then in the first sentence of Nineteen Eighty-Four , Orwell himself wrote satirically : “ It was a bright cold day in April , and the clocks were striking thirteen.
” In our present-day Chinese-induced viral pandemic , which started with colossal lies from the East , perhaps it is time to get to the essential truth .
Our brilliant global elites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dangerous Faustian bargain with the Communist Party of Beijing .
The deal was supposed to bring them into the capitalist fold and yield greater international order .
Instead , it has led to this tragedy .
We were told untold economic benefits would make them “ good democrats , ” as we outsourced our jobs to them .
Clearly , they are not , and the Communist deception continues unabated .
In a word , we were conned .
Isn ’ t it time to pull ourselves from the swamp of political correctness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a near-total bureaucracy that has consumed so many secular people , especially academics and media pundits ?
Global poverty , we were likewise told , is the greatest challenge of our time .
Many still believe investments in education to be an essential part of the solution to this grand challenge .
Despite spending $ 2.3 trillion on development assistance over the past 50 years , as William Easterly reminded us in , White Man ’ s Burden : Why the West ’ s Efforts to Aid the Rest Have Done So Much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abounds .
So , we ask as searchers , might it be time for leaders , for philanthropists , for business executives , for politicians of all stripes and locales , and for the citizenry at large , to lead where others fear to tread ?
Donald Trump has been willing to go there .
Why not follow his lead ?
Dare .
To rethink ways forward , not in some new plan or phony U.N. “ millennium goals ” but merely by utilizing the magic of the market and the well-known reward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Toward a New Economy of Thrift If we ask those questions in the light of the considerations raised in this present corona crisis , then we are surely guided to thrift , as a much-needed virtue and as an illustration of the true meaning of spiritual capital , of our American aspirational can-do-ism .
Thrift , in its Old Norse origin , meant literally “ to thrive.
” How can we thrive again ?
I have tried to show the place of thrift and thriving in a theological worldview as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stewardship rather than of consumption .
Thrift serves as a link between spiritual investment and material reward .
And the reward is not merely an increase in productivity and delayed gratification but care for others , for the environment , and for future generations .
An economy of thrift is one that bears the imprint of the legacy from which it springs .
It is one that answers both to the demand that we conserve the earth ’ s resources , and to the demands of philanthropists , that we care for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows the effect of reinvesting capital , namely , and perhaps most importantly , to conserve the permanent things .
In place of that economy , however , we have seen the emergence of the economy of transient and consumable things , too many of which were made cheaply and by slave labor in China .
I would side with those critics of the consumer society who have seen the fragmentation of the family , the loss of commitment , and the growth of short-term pleasure-seeking as its most evident effects .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in some attenuated economic theory , the consumer society is capable of self-perpetuation in a continual orgy of stale delights , it will provide only an impoverished life to its members .
It will be a life without ( the pursuit of ) happiness , because without solid virtues , a life in which the old ideas of duty , sacrifice , and responsibility have no place , love is dethroned from its place in the center of things .
The remedy for this state of affairs is not more state action , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bailout , and more interference and regulation from above in the workings of the market .
The remedy comes from below , in the reinvestment of all forms of capital .
It comes from people once again taking charge of their own lives , seeking to live as those Calvinist Scots of the 17th century lived , in a state of responsible stewardship over all resources within their control , saving for the future , spending on others in need , and living a life of goodwill and piety , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Green New Deal ” or WHO political edict .
Perhaps today , together and by leveraging our minds , we can achieve a new revolution in ethical thinking and doing .
That ’ s if we , as the prophets of old suggested , dare to be Daniels .
Thrift and its sister virtues , if truly embraced and followed , if fueled and lived , if tied to all the other moral virtues , would , without doubt , lead to greater human flourishing .
In fact , as the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those virtues would supply us with unprecedented benevolence .
The disposition to do well would emanate from an inclination to be charitable and , in the end , would be a gift from generosity .
All of this would occur if the virtues became less forgotten and , instead , found new favor and life among us all .
That is the opportunity of this hour .
And there is abundant evidence that Americans everywhere are stepping up , lending a hand , volunteering , and contributing , as they always have .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ if we in this unusual period of respite and solitude , like the poet Gerard Manley Hopkins , simply took time and came to appreciate again what he called , the “ dappled things ” : Glory be to God for dappled things— For skies of couple-color as a brinded cow ; For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim ; Fresh-fire coal chestnut-falls ; finches ’ wings .
.
.
.
All things counter , original , spare , strange ; Whatever is fickle , freckled ( who knows how ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sour ; adazzle , dim ; He fathers-forth whose beauty is past change : Praise him .
Theodore Roosevelt Malloch is a scholar , diplomat , and strategist who was active in the Trump campaign in 2016 .

by Theodore Roosevelt Malloch
There is an old Puritan hymn (based on the apocalyptic Old Testament book of Daniel for the less-than-biblically literate) we grew up singing. Perhaps you recall it:
Dare to be a Daniel,
Dare to stand alone;
Dare to have a purpose firm,
Dare to make it known.
In a famous essay written just after World War II, George Orwell, in one of his great punchlines, suggested, “to bring this hymn up to date one would have to add a ‘Don’t’ at the beginning of each line.”
He was talking about the timidity of modern people, thinkers and doers alike, in relatively safe circumstances, to be quiet about dishonesty. Doesn’t intelligence require truth-telling? But then in the first sentence of Nineteen Eighty-Four, Orwell himself wrote satirically: “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.”
In our present-day Chinese-induced viral pandemic, which started with colossal lies from the East, perhaps it is time to get to the essential truth.
Our brilliant global elites over a number of decades made a dangerous Faustian bargain with the Communist Party of Beijing. The deal was supposed to bring them into the capitalist fold and yield greater international order.
Instead, it has led to this tragedy. We were told untold economic benefits would make them “good democrats,” as we outsourced our jobs to them. Clearly, they are not, and the Communist deception continues unabated.
In a word, we were conned.
Isn’t it time to pull ourselves from the swamp of political correctness, the lies of advertising, and a near-total bureaucracy that has consumed so many secular people, especially academics and media pundits?
Global poverty, we were likewise told, is the greatest challenge of our time. Many still believe investments in education to be an essential part of the solution to this grand challenge. Despite spending $2.3 trillion on development assistance over the past 50 years, as William Easterly reminded us in, White Man’s Burden: Why the West’s Efforts to Aid the Rest Have Done So Much Ill and So Little Good, failure abounds.
Easterly writes:
In foreign aid, Planners announce good intentions but don’t motivate anyone to carry them out; searchers find things that work and get some reward . . . Planners apply global blueprints; searchers adapt to local conditions. Planners at the top lack knowledge of the bottom, while searchers find out what the reality is at the bottom. Planners never hear whether the planned got what it needed; searchers find out whether the customer is satisfied.
So, we ask as searchers, might it be time for leaders, for philanthropists, for business executives, for politicians of all stripes and locales, and for the citizenry at large, to lead where others fear to tread? Donald Trump has been willing to go there. Why not follow his lead? Dare.
To rethink ways forward, not in some new plan or phony U.N. “millennium goals” but merely by utilizing the magic of the market and the well-known reward of good old American entrepreneurship and innovation?
Toward a New Economy of Thrift
If we ask those questions in the light of the considerations raised in this present corona crisis, then we are surely guided to thrift, as a much-needed virtue and as an illustration of the true meaning of spiritual capital, of our American aspirational can-do-ism. Thrift, in its Old Norse origin, meant literally “to thrive.”
How can we thrive again?
I have tried to show the place of thrift and thriving in a theological worldview as well as its effects in generating an economy of stewardship rather than of consumption. Thrift serves as a link between spiritual investment and material reward. And the reward is not merely an increase in productivity and delayed gratification but care for others, for the environment, and for future generations.
An economy of thrift is one that bears the imprint of the legacy from which it springs. It is one that answers both to the demand that we conserve the earth’s resources, and to the demands of philanthropists, that we care for the poor. It is an economy that shows the effect of reinvesting capital, namely, and perhaps most importantly, to conserve the permanent things.
In place of that economy, however, we have seen the emergence of the economy of transient and consumable things, too many of which were made cheaply and by slave labor in China. I would side with those critics of the consumer society who have seen the fragmentation of the family, the loss of commitment, and the growth of short-term pleasure-seeking as its most evident effects.
I agree with them that, even if in some attenuated economic theory, the consumer society is capable of self-perpetuation in a continual orgy of stale delights, it will provide only an impoverished life to its members. It will be a life without (the pursuit of) happiness, because without solid virtues, a life in which the old ideas of duty, sacrifice, and responsibility have no place, love is dethroned from its place in the center of things.
The remedy for this state of affairs is not more state action, more welfare programs, yet another congressional bailout, and more interference and regulation from above in the workings of the market. The remedy comes from below, in the reinvestment of all forms of capital. It comes from people once again taking charge of their own lives, seeking to live as those Calvinist Scots of the 17th century lived, in a state of responsible stewardship over all resources within their control, saving for the future, spending on others in need, and living a life of goodwill and piety, according to the law of God, not some left-wing “Green New Deal” or WHO political edict.
Restoring Republican Virtues
Perhaps today, together and by leveraging our minds, we can achieve a new revolution in ethical thinking and doing. That’s if we, as the prophets of old suggested, dare to be Daniels. Thrift and its sister virtues, if truly embraced and followed, if fueled and lived, if tied to all the other moral virtues, would, without doubt, lead to greater human flourishing.
In fact, as the American Founders intended, Benjamin Franklin especially, those virtues would supply us with unprecedented benevolence. The disposition to do well would emanate from an inclination to be charitable and, in the end, would be a gift from generosity. All of this would occur if the virtues became less forgotten and, instead, found new favor and life among us all.
That is the opportunity of this hour. And there is abundant evidence that Americans everywhere are stepping up, lending a hand, volunteering, and contributing, as they always have.
Their renewal would perhaps be best activated if we in this unusual period of respite and solitude, like the poet Gerard Manley Hopkins, simply took time and came to appreciate again what he called, the “dappled things”:
Glory be to God for dappled things—
For skies of couple-color as a brinded cow;
For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim;
Fresh-fire coal chestnut-falls; finches’ wings. . . .
All things counter, original, spare, strange;
Whatever is fickle, freckled (who knows how?)
With swift, slow; sweet, sour; adazzle, dim;
He fathers-forth whose beauty is past change:
Praise him.
– – –
Theodore Roosevelt Malloch is a scholar, diplomat, and strategist who was active in the Trump campaign in 2016.


thetennesseestar--2020-05-04--Americans Are Ending the Lockdown, Despite Orders from Elected Officials

Americans are venturing out more to fast food restaurants , gas stations and public places even as health experts and government officials demand extending economic lockdowns , location data show .
People are back to visiting gas stations and fast food restaurants at pre-COVID-19 levels , according to location data collected by Foursquare , a local search-and-discovery app that helps users discover places near them to visit and eat .
Foursquare noted the changes in how people are moving in a blog post Thursday showing that people are apparently feeling free to travel about .
Americans are changing their behavior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country continue extending stay-at-home orders to prevent an uptick in coronavirus deaths .
Democratic Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , for one , extended her state ’ s lockdown until May 28 and increased her executive powers as protesters stormed Michigan ’ s state capitol amid a flurry of demonstrations .
Michigan has seen more than 4,000 people die from coronavirus , or COVID-19 , which originated in Wuhan , China before going global , killing more than 160,000 people worldwide .
Meanwhile , people are getting used to the new situation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show .
Gas stations are down only 6 % nationally as of April 24 , compared to 8-11 % weeks prior , Foursquare noted .
Such visits to fuel stations have returned to normal in the Midwest and in rural areas , which have seen slower spread and fewer COVID-19-related deaths than coastal cities .
The uptick in gas station visits could be a good sign for the oil industry given that much of oil consumption is routed through air and vehicle travel , which both bottomed out over the past several weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The airline and oil industry have seen their sales drop substantially as a result .
Americans are still avoiding restaurants and bars .
Casual visits to eateries cratered around March 28-31 , Foursquare noted in the blog before adding that traffic to larger restaurant chains has picked up recently .
Traffic to such restaurants increased slightly since mid-April , down 70 % nationally as of April 24 , compared to being down 73 % in the weeks before that date , location data show .
Many Americans are still worried ending lockdowns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News poll published in April found that Roughly 60 % of voters say they are more concerned that nixing lockdowns would lead to more deaths than they are that the restrictions will hurt the U.S. economy .
Despite the polling , some U.S. states are gradually reopening their economies .
Georgia , Texas and Tennessee , for instance , are preparing to ease stay-at-home orders and bucking health officials who argue continued lockdowns must continue .

by Chris White
Americans are venturing out more to fast food restaurants, gas stations and public places even as health experts and government officials demand extending economic lockdowns, location data show.
People are back to visiting gas stations and fast food restaurants at pre-COVID-19 levels, according to location data collected by Foursquare, a local search-and-discovery app that helps users discover places near them to visit and eat. Foursquare noted the changes in how people are moving in a blog post Thursday showing that people are apparently feeling free to travel about.
Americans are changing their behavior even as governors and mayors across the country continue extending stay-at-home orders to prevent an uptick in coronavirus deaths.
Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, for one, extended her state’s lockdown until May 28 and increased her executive powers as protesters stormed Michigan’s state capitol amid a flurry of demonstrations.
Michigan has seen more than 4,000 people die from coronavirus, or COVID-19, which originated in Wuhan, China before going global, killing more than 160,000 people worldwide.
Meanwhile, people are getting used to the new situation and even bucking some guidelines, location data show. Gas stations are down only 6% nationally as of April 24, compared to 8-11% weeks prior, Foursquare noted.
Such visits to fuel stations have returned to normal in the Midwest and in rural areas, which have seen slower spread and fewer COVID-19-related deaths than coastal cities.
The uptick in gas station visits could be a good sign for the oil industry given that much of oil consumption is routed through air and vehicle travel, which both bottomed out over the past several weeks, forcing crude prices into the cellar. The airline and oil industry have seen their sales drop substantially as a result.
Americans are still avoiding restaurants and bars. Casual visits to eateries cratered around March 28-31, Foursquare noted in the blog before adding that traffic to larger restaurant chains has picked up recently.
Traffic to such restaurants increased slightly since mid-April, down 70% nationally as of April 24, compared to being down 73% in the weeks before that date, location data show.
Many Americans are still worried ending lockdowns could result in catastrophe. An NBC News poll published in April found that Roughly 60% of voters say they are more concerned that nixing lockdowns would lead to more deaths than they are that the restrictions will hurt the U.S. economy.
Despite the polling, some U.S. states are gradually reopening their economies. Georgia, Texas and Tennessee, for instance, are preparing to ease stay-at-home orders and bucking health officials who argue continued lockdowns must continue.
– – –
Chris White is a reporter at Daily Caller News Foundation.


thetennesseestar--2020-05-04--Using Smartphones to Gauge Social Distancing Raises Privacy Concerns

Some governments are using smartphone tracking to make sure people are following social distancing rules in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Google announced it will use its massive collection of mobile location data to measure how closely people across the globe are following government directives to remain at home .
These tracking capabilities have raised privacy questions , including how much of personal information are Americans willing to give up for community health ?
Dr. David Gunkel , a communications professor at Northern Illinois University , said contact tracing has been done in the past .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but in those cases , the contact tracing was done manually , ” he said .
“ Obviously with the COVID-19 infection , the rate of its proliferation is so much more rapid that manual contact tracing is rather impractical and inefficient.
” Regarding the privacy issue , Gunkel said there is a right way and a wrong way .
“ If you centralize the data , then you are talking about a very difficult circumstance in regards to privacy protection , ” Gunkel said .
Gunkel said processing the data on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be responsive to privacy concerns .
Gunkel said participation would key to whether smartphone tracking would be effective in containing COIVD-19 , the disease caused by the new coronavirus that emerged in late 2019 .
“ We have to be very transparent about it , ” Gunkel said .
“ We have to communicate directly to users what is at stake , why it might be important , what they should be concerned about , and what they can do in regards to that.
” Kevin Bessler reports on statewide issues in Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 30 years of experience in radio news reporting throughout the Midwest .
Photo “ People on Their Phones ” by Rawpixel .
CC BY 2.0 .

by Kevin Bessler
Some governments are using smartphone tracking to make sure people are following social distancing rules in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Google announced it will use its massive collection of mobile location data to measure how closely people across the globe are following government directives to remain at home.
These tracking capabilities have raised privacy questions, including how much of personal information are Americans willing to give up for community health?
Dr. David Gunkel, a communications professor at Northern Illinois University, said contact tracing has been done in the past.
“We did contact tracing with Ebola and AIDS, but in those cases, the contact tracing was done manually,” he said. “Obviously with the COVID-19 infection, the rate of its proliferation is so much more rapid that manual contact tracing is rather impractical and inefficient.”
Regarding the privacy issue, Gunkel said there is a right way and a wrong way.
“If you centralize the data, then you are talking about a very difficult circumstance in regards to privacy protection,” Gunkel said.
Gunkel said processing the data on a person’s handheld device would be responsive to privacy concerns.
Gunkel said participation would key to whether smartphone tracking would be effective in containing COIVD-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus that emerged in late 2019.
“We have to be very transparent about it,” Gunkel said. “We have to communicate directly to users what is at stake, why it might be important, what they should be concerned about, and what they can do in regards to that.”
– – –
Kevin Bessler reports on statewide issues in Illinois for The Center Square. He has over 30 years of experience in radio news reporting throughout the Midwest.
Photo “People on Their Phones” by Rawpixel. CC BY 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-05-04--Minnesota Congressional Candidate Kendall Qualls Launches a Plan to ‘End America’s Reliance on Chine

Minnesota Congressional Candidate Kendall Qualls Launches a Plan to ‘End America’s Reliance on Chinese Manufactured Pharmaceuticals’

Congressional candidate Kendall Qualls just launched a plan to end the production of important pharmaceuticals in China .
Qualls is running in the 3rd Congressional District and – assuming Qualls wins the nomination – will run as a Republican come November against incumbent Democrat Dean Phillips .
The issue of America ’ s reliance on pharmaceuticals and personal protective equipment ( PPE ) made in China has been a growing concern .
America relies on Chinese production for the vast majority of its antibiotics , and China has cut supplies of PPE to the United States during the coronavirus crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the world about the coronavirus when it was first spreading in Wuhan , China , wasting precious time that the world had to respond to the virus .
China ’ s ability to exert control over the World Health Organization ( WHO ) – to the point where the WHO helped China shape its false narrative about the virus and its origins – has only added to these concerns .
In , response , the Qualls campaign launched its plan .
Per the plan .
“ The United States must end its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest example of our overdependence on China .
Our continued dependence on China for pharmaceuticals and medical supplies threatens our public health and undermines our national security .
The coronavirus pandemic has specifically highlighted the extent of our reliance on Chinese manufactured pharmaceuticals and the immediate need for realigning our supply chain in this life-saving industry .
Qualls ’ statement goes on to outline how China controls too much of America ’ s drug supply , including “ 97 % of the U.S. market for antibiotics.
” Qualls called this a “ threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Chinese drug manufacturers have routinely faked data related to safety .
Next , Qualls notes that the current set-up is a threat to U.S. national security .
The candidate correctly cites an example where a high-ranking Chinese Communist Party official threatened to cut off antibiotics supplies to the U.S. , over U.S. criticism of Chinese trade practices and expansion in the South China Sea .
Qualls then calls for 5 policy changes : 1 ) “ Invest in domestic manufacturing to ensure the production and safety of essential medicines and medical supplies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , vitamins , masks , gloves , gowns , ventilators , and face shields.
” 3 ) “ Mandate the FDA to compile a list of all pharmaceuticals produced in China , identify pharmaceuticals of critical importance , and determine alternative sources of supply.
” 4 ) “ Institute a country of origin label on all pharmaceuticals.
” 5 ) “ Direct China to ensure the safety and efficacy of their pharmaceutical products and , unless done to our satisfaction , prevent further importation of such products.
” According to an analysis by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Dean Phillips , has so-far not announced a plan to bring critical medical production back into the United States .
Phillips did take to Twitter , however , to criticize President Trump ’ s decision to review America ’ s funding of the WHO .
The White House is considering cutting WHO funding off , due to what many say is improper Chinese control over an organization largely funded by the United States .

by Willis Krumholz
Congressional candidate Kendall Qualls just launched a plan to end the production of important pharmaceuticals in China. Qualls is running in the 3rd Congressional District and – assuming Qualls wins the nomination – will run as a Republican come November against incumbent Democrat Dean Phillips.
The issue of America’s reliance on pharmaceuticals and personal protective equipment (PPE) made in China has been a growing concern. America relies on Chinese production for the vast majority of its antibiotics, and China has cut supplies of PPE to the United States during the coronavirus crisis. Not only that, China lied to the world about the coronavirus when it was first spreading in Wuhan, China, wasting precious time that the world had to respond to the virus. China’s ability to exert control over the World Health Organization (WHO) – to the point where the WHO helped China shape its false narrative about the virus and its origins – has only added to these concerns.
In, response, the Qualls campaign launched its plan.
Per the plan. “The United States must end its reliance on Chinese manufactured pharmaceuticals, the latest example of our overdependence on China. Our continued dependence on China for pharmaceuticals and medical supplies threatens our public health and undermines our national security. The coronavirus pandemic has specifically highlighted the extent of our reliance on Chinese manufactured pharmaceuticals and the immediate need for realigning our supply chain in this life-saving industry.
Qualls’ statement goes on to outline how China controls too much of America’s drug supply, including “97% of the U.S. market for antibiotics.” Qualls called this a “threat to public health,” and noted that Chinese drug manufacturers have routinely faked data related to safety.
Next, Qualls notes that the current set-up is a threat to U.S. national security. The candidate correctly cites an example where a high-ranking Chinese Communist Party official threatened to cut off antibiotics supplies to the U.S., over U.S. criticism of Chinese trade practices and expansion in the South China Sea.
Qualls then calls for 5 policy changes:
1) “Invest in domestic manufacturing to ensure the production and safety of essential medicines and medical supplies. This includes antibiotics, generic drugs, vitamins, masks, gloves, gowns, ventilators, and face shields.”
2) “Test, monitor, and track all imported pharmaceutical ingredients.”
3) “Mandate the FDA to compile a list of all pharmaceuticals produced in China, identify pharmaceuticals of critical importance, and determine alternative sources of supply.”
4) “Institute a country of origin label on all pharmaceuticals.”
5) “Direct China to ensure the safety and efficacy of their pharmaceutical products and, unless done to our satisfaction, prevent further importation of such products.”
According to an analysis by Alpha News, Qualls’ likely opponent, Dean Phillips, has so-far not announced a plan to bring critical medical production back into the United States. Phillips did take to Twitter, however, to criticize President Trump’s decision to review America’s funding of the WHO. The White House is considering cutting WHO funding off, due to what many say is improper Chinese control over an organization largely funded by the United States.


thetennesseestar--2020-05-04--Taskforce Will Help Develop Best Practices to Reopen Ohio’s Restaurants, Barbershops, Salons

Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine said he is forming a pair of advisory groups tasked with developing best practices for reopening dine-in restaurants , barbershops and salons .
The group will develop recommendations to protect the health of employees and customers as businesses reopen .
It will be comprised of relevant business associations , Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder , R-Glenford ; Senate President Larry Obhof , R-Medina ; House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes , D-Akron ; and Senate Minority Leader Kenny Yuko , D-Richmond Heights .
The move comes after DeWine announced the state will begin to reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the governor said that while the government will require employees to wear a face mask , it will not require retail establishment patrons to wear one , an about-face from an earlier requirement .
“ As Governor , it is my responsibility to make the tough decisions , but it is also my responsibility to listen and be respectful of the thoughts and ideas of our fellow Ohioans , ” DeWine said in a news release .
“ Though it is not a mandate , wearing a face covering in retail locations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all Ohioans .
This gives added protection to others .
When you wear a mask , you are protecting those around you from possibly getting sick.
” Meanwhile , the Ohio Restaurant Association asked for state officials to give the industry two weeks ’ notice of a reopening date and to allow restaurants to start offering social distanced dine-in service on May 15 .
The organization estimates 300,000 restaurant employees have been furloughed or laid off since March .
“ Ohio restaurants , working closely and in partnership with the local health inspectors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operated with an extreme focus on safety – food safety , employee safety and guest safety , ” Ohio Restaurant Association President & CEO John Barker said in a news release .
“ As Ohio businesses begin to reopen , restaurants are able to safely offer dine in service , with appropriate social distancing added to all of the procedures we will follow to keep our employees and our guests safe.
” The Buckeye Institute offered a similar sentiment in their new “ Policy Solutions for the Pandemic : Roadmap to Reopen Ohio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guide policymakers along the “ road back to normal.
” The think tank , in part , wants state policymakers to help “ restaurants and bars regain lost revenues by continuing to allow establishments with existing liquor licenses to sell and deliver alcohol on carryout menus with no arbitrary limits , ” co-authors Rea S. Hederman Jr. and Greg R. Lawson wrote .
“ Allow restaurants and bars with outdoor seating to serve guests outdoors soon , ” they added .
“ Various factors limit virus exposure outdoors , so establishments that can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing guidelines should reopen earlier than restaurants without outdoor seating .
Louisiana recently adopted this approach .
Local jurisdictions should amend regulatory restrictions on restaurant patios to help these businesses recover.
” As of Tuesday evening , Ohio had 16,769 “ confirmed and probable cases ” of COVID-19 and 799 “ confirmed and probable ” deaths .
Todd DeFeo is a contributor to The Center Square .

by Todd DeFeo
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said he is forming a pair of advisory groups tasked with developing best practices for reopening dine-in restaurants, barbershops and salons.
The group will develop recommendations to protect the health of employees and customers as businesses reopen. It will be comprised of relevant business associations, Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, R-Glenford; Senate President Larry Obhof, R-Medina; House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes, D-Akron; and Senate Minority Leader Kenny Yuko, D-Richmond Heights.
The move comes after DeWine announced the state will begin to reopen in phases starting Friday. This week, the governor said that while the government will require employees to wear a face mask, it will not require retail establishment patrons to wear one, an about-face from an earlier requirement.
“As Governor, it is my responsibility to make the tough decisions, but it is also my responsibility to listen and be respectful of the thoughts and ideas of our fellow Ohioans,” DeWine said in a news release. “Though it is not a mandate, wearing a face covering in retail locations is clearly in the best interest of all Ohioans. This gives added protection to others. When you wear a mask, you are protecting those around you from possibly getting sick.”
Meanwhile, the Ohio Restaurant Association asked for state officials to give the industry two weeks’ notice of a reopening date and to allow restaurants to start offering social distanced dine-in service on May 15. The organization estimates 300,000 restaurant employees have been furloughed or laid off since March.
“Ohio restaurants, working closely and in partnership with the local health inspectors who regulate our industry, have always operated with an extreme focus on safety – food safety, employee safety and guest safety,” Ohio Restaurant Association President & CEO John Barker said in a news release. “As Ohio businesses begin to reopen, restaurants are able to safely offer dine in service, with appropriate social distancing added to all of the procedures we will follow to keep our employees and our guests safe.”
The Buckeye Institute offered a similar sentiment in their new “Policy Solutions for the Pandemic: Roadmap to Reopen Ohio Safely” memo, which aims to guide policymakers along the “road back to normal.”
The think tank, in part, wants state policymakers to help “restaurants and bars regain lost revenues by continuing to allow establishments with existing liquor licenses to sell and deliver alcohol on carryout menus with no arbitrary limits,” co-authors Rea S. Hederman Jr. and Greg R. Lawson wrote.
“Allow restaurants and bars with outdoor seating to serve guests outdoors soon,” they added. “Various factors limit virus exposure outdoors, so establishments that can serve customers outside and adhere to social distancing guidelines should reopen earlier than restaurants without outdoor seating. Louisiana recently adopted this approach. Local jurisdictions should amend regulatory restrictions on restaurant patios to help these businesses recover.”
As of Tuesday evening, Ohio had 16,769 “confirmed and probable cases” of COVID-19 and 799 “confirmed and probable” deaths.
– – –
Todd DeFeo is a contributor to The Center Square.


thetennesseestar--2020-05-04--Gov. DeWine Says He Thinks Americans Are ‘Better Off Not Having Government Tell Us What to Do’

Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine admitted during a Sunday interview that his policy requiring retail customers to wear a face mask was “ a bridge too far.
” Despite the numerous executive actions he has taken during the pandemic , including the postponement of Ohio ’ s presidential primary , the governor portrayed himself as a small-government conservative .
DeWine released a “ Responsible RestartOhio Plan ” last week that required all customers of any retail business to wear a face mask .
The next day , however , he changed his mind about the policy after learning that some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Face masks are very important and our business group came back and said every employee , for example , should wear a face mask .
So we ’ re continuing that , whether it ’ s retail or wholesale , whatever it is , manufacturing , every employee ’ s going to have the face mask , ” DeWine said during a Sunday appearance on ABC ’ s “ This Week.
” “ But it became very clear to me after we put out the order that everyone in retail who walked into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do that , it became clear to me that that was just a bridge too far , that people were not going to accept the government telling them what to do , ” he added .
DeWine said the mandatory face-mask policy would have “ impeded ” his ability to “ communicate to the people of Ohio.
” “ We would get hung up on the mandatory masks for someone going in as a customer and it just wasn ’ t going to work .
And so you got to know what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t do , ” he said .
The governor also seemed to indicate that he was unaware of the “ partisan divide ” on how Americans view the coronavirus .
A recent ABC News poll found that Republicans are twice as likely as Democrats to return to normal activities once restrictions are lifted .
“ I ’ m not really sure .
I ’ m not sure – you know , you ’ ve got those figures , I ’ ve not heard those figures before .
But I think generally Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell them what to do .
And that ’ s generally how I am .
I ’ m a conservative Republican .
I think we ’ re better off not having the government tell us what to do , ” DeWine said .
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine admitted during a Sunday interview that his policy requiring retail customers to wear a face mask was “a bridge too far.”
Despite the numerous executive actions he has taken during the pandemic, including the postponement of Ohio’s presidential primary, the governor portrayed himself as a small-government conservative.
DeWine released a “Responsible RestartOhio Plan” last week that required all customers of any retail business to wear a face mask. The next day, however, he changed his mind about the policy after learning that some Ohioans found it “offensive.”
“Face masks are very important and our business group came back and said every employee, for example, should wear a face mask. So we’re continuing that, whether it’s retail or wholesale, whatever it is, manufacturing, every employee’s going to have the face mask,” DeWine said during a Sunday appearance on ABC’s “This Week.”
“But it became very clear to me after we put out the order that everyone in retail who walked into a store as a customer would have to do that, it became clear to me that that was just a bridge too far, that people were not going to accept the government telling them what to do,” he added.
DeWine said the mandatory face-mask policy would have “impeded” his ability to “communicate to the people of Ohio.”
“We would get hung up on the mandatory masks for someone going in as a customer and it just wasn’t going to work. And so you got to know what you can do and what you can’t do,” he said.
The governor also seemed to indicate that he was unaware of the “partisan divide” on how Americans view the coronavirus. A recent ABC News poll found that Republicans are twice as likely as Democrats to return to normal activities once restrictions are lifted.
“I’m not really sure. I’m not sure – you know, you’ve got those figures, I’ve not heard those figures before. But I think generally Republicans are less inclined to have the government tell them what to do. And that’s generally how I am. I’m a conservative Republican. I think we’re better off not having the government tell us what to do,” DeWine said.
Watch the full interview:
– – –
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].


thetennesseestar--2020-05-04--80 Percent of Minnesota Craft Breweries Say They’ll Be Closed in Six Months if Shutdown Continues

A new report indicates that the coronavirus pandemic could wipe out more than half of Minnesota ’ s craft breweries .
“ With the closure period extended , breweries continue to see a decline in revenues despite their ability to sell curbside and delivery .
The biggest hurdles to continued revenue are a lack of off-sale options as well as a drop in orders from distributors and retailers given the inability for bars and restaurants to serve draught beer , ” states an April 26 report from the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild .
The guild represents approximately 150 craft breweries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those businesses on the impact of the economic shutdown .
If the current circumstances persist , 39 percent of Minnesota craft breweries said they will be closed in one to three months , while 26 percent said they can survive for three to six months .
Another 15 percent said they can sustain their current business for just one to four more weeks .
That means 80 percent of respondents think they will be closed within six months if the “ closure period is extended.
” Only 12 percent of breweries said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more .
Respondents to the survey reported a total estimated revenue loss of $ 9.2 million , but the Craft Brewers Guild believes the “ lost revenue could be at least triple the reported amount.
” “ This would put total lost revenue for breweries in the state at approximately $ 26,900,098 , ” the report states .
Thirty-five percent of respondents said they “ may need ” to dump beer in the near future , while another 35 percent said they “ expect ” to dump beer .
The industry has seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31 percent and its number of full-time employees decrease by 51 percent .
Eighty-one percent of breweries said tax relief would be the “ most helpful ” government relief effort , followed by 77 percent who called for emergency state grants or a crisis support fund for small businesses .
The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild has sent letters to both Gov .
Tim Walz and state lawmakers requesting immediate regulatory relief for the liquor industry .
The organization wants the state to allow any brewery to sell beer for off-premise consumption regardless of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ license .
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .

A new report indicates that the coronavirus pandemic could wipe out more than half of Minnesota’s craft breweries.
“With the closure period extended, breweries continue to see a decline in revenues despite their ability to sell curbside and delivery. The biggest hurdles to continued revenue are a lack of off-sale options as well as a drop in orders from distributors and retailers given the inability for bars and restaurants to serve draught beer,” states an April 26 report from the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild.
The guild represents approximately 150 craft breweries throughout the state and surveyed 77 of those businesses on the impact of the economic shutdown. If the current circumstances persist, 39 percent of Minnesota craft breweries said they will be closed in one to three months, while 26 percent said they can survive for three to six months.
Another 15 percent said they can sustain their current business for just one to four more weeks. That means 80 percent of respondents think they will be closed within six months if the “closure period is extended.” Only 12 percent of breweries said they can stay open for a year or more.
Respondents to the survey reported a total estimated revenue loss of $9.2 million, but the Craft Brewers Guild believes the “lost revenue could be at least triple the reported amount.”
“This would put total lost revenue for breweries in the state at approximately $26,900,098,” the report states.
Thirty-five percent of respondents said they “may need” to dump beer in the near future, while another 35 percent said they “expect” to dump beer.
The industry has seen its number of part-time employees decrease by 31 percent and its number of full-time employees decrease by 51 percent.
Eighty-one percent of breweries said tax relief would be the “most helpful” government relief effort, followed by 77 percent who called for emergency state grants or a crisis support fund for small businesses.
The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild has sent letters to both Gov. Tim Walz and state lawmakers requesting immediate regulatory relief for the liquor industry. The organization wants the state to allow any brewery to sell beer for off-premise consumption regardless of whether or not they have received a license.
– – –
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].


thetennesseestar--2020-05-04--House Republicans Will Block Major Legislation Until Walz Ends Peacetime Emergency

The leader of the Minnesota House Republicans said Saturday that his caucus will block a bonding bill from being passed while the governor ’ s emergency powers remain in effect .
Republicans have made three unsuccessful attempts to end Gov .
Tim Walz ’ s peacetime emergency declared in response to the coronavirus pandemic .
The emergency declaration expires May 13 but can be extended for an additional 30 days .
Walz has already extended the peacetime emergency once .
Conservative lawmakers think the governor should be working with the Legislature on his response to the pandemic .
Rep. Steve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) said the emergency declaration has awarded the governor “ unprecedented power to fundamentally change our state without the input of the people.
” The peacetime emergency was first declared March 13 and provides the governor with expanded authority in handling the crisis , but Republicans now plan to block a major piece of legislation from being passed until the governor surrenders his emergency powers .
“ House Republicans are ready and willing to work with the governor on the COVID response , keeping people safe , and on a bonding bill , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governor to work with the Legislature on our path forward , ” House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt ( R-Crown ) said in a statement .
“ The governor needed his emergency powers to navigate the fast-moving crisis , but after two months of unilateral power and decision-making it ’ s time for him to work with us on decisions and actions regarding the future of the state.
” He said Republicans will not support a bonding bill while the governor ’ s emergency powers remain in effect .
A bonding bill requires a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to pass and must originate in the House .
The bill , a borrowing package for public infrastructure projects , was considered the only major piece of legislation the Minnesota Legislature needed to pass this session .
Since the Legislature adjourns May 18 , the governor may need to call a special session before the bill can be passed .
“ It ’ s disappointing to see the minority leader threaten to block much-needed investments in local jobs and projects in our communities , ” House Speaker Melissa Hortman ( DFL-Brooklyn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
Walz and his administration have served the people of Minnesota well during this crisis , and his thoughtfulness is why Minnesotans overwhelmingly approve of his actions .
Ending the peacetime emergency declaration before the emergency has passed would be reckless.
” House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler ( DFL-Golden Valley ) said the state needs to “ build its way out of the COVID-19 crisis , not play games with Gov .
Walz ’ s needed emergency powers.
” “ Minnesotans in every part of the state need a strong local projects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House are committed to delivering it with no strings attached , ” he added .
“ Workers need jobs that are safe , and we intend to create as many of them as we can.
” Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Minnesota House Floor ” by J. Stephen Conn CC2.0

The leader of the Minnesota House Republicans said Saturday that his caucus will block a bonding bill from being passed while the governor’s emergency powers remain in effect.
Republicans have made three unsuccessful attempts to end Gov. Tim Walz’s peacetime emergency declared in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The emergency declaration expires May 13 but can be extended for an additional 30 days. Walz has already extended the peacetime emergency once.
Conservative lawmakers think the governor should be working with the Legislature on his response to the pandemic.
Rep. Steve Drazkowski (R-Mazeppa) said the emergency declaration has awarded the governor “unprecedented power to fundamentally change our state without the input of the people.”
The peacetime emergency was first declared March 13 and provides the governor with expanded authority in handling the crisis, but Republicans now plan to block a major piece of legislation from being passed until the governor surrenders his emergency powers.
“House Republicans are ready and willing to work with the governor on the COVID response, keeping people safe, and on a bonding bill, but it’s time for the governor to work with the Legislature on our path forward,” House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt (R-Crown) said in a statement (pictured above). “The governor needed his emergency powers to navigate the fast-moving crisis, but after two months of unilateral power and decision-making it’s time for him to work with us on decisions and actions regarding the future of the state.”
He said Republicans will not support a bonding bill while the governor’s emergency powers remain in effect. A bonding bill requires a three-fifths majority, or 81 votes, in order to pass and must originate in the House.
The bill, a borrowing package for public infrastructure projects, was considered the only major piece of legislation the Minnesota Legislature needed to pass this session. Since the Legislature adjourns May 18, the governor may need to call a special session before the bill can be passed.
“It’s disappointing to see the minority leader threaten to block much-needed investments in local jobs and projects in our communities,” House Speaker Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park) said in response. “Gov. Walz and his administration have served the people of Minnesota well during this crisis, and his thoughtfulness is why Minnesotans overwhelmingly approve of his actions. Ending the peacetime emergency declaration before the emergency has passed would be reckless.”
House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler (DFL-Golden Valley) said the state needs to “build its way out of the COVID-19 crisis, not play games with Gov. Walz’s needed emergency powers.”
“Minnesotans in every part of the state need a strong local projects and jobs bill, and DFLers in the House are committed to delivering it with no strings attached,” he added. “Workers need jobs that are safe, and we intend to create as many of them as we can.”
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Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Minnesota House Floor” by J. Stephen Conn CC2.0


thetennesseestar--2020-05-04--Metro Nashville Coronavirus Task Force Chair’s Misleading COVID-19 Claim: Failed to Note ‘Surroundin

Metro Nashville Coronavirus Task Force Chair’s Misleading COVID-19 Claim: Failed to Note ‘Surrounding Counties With More Cases Than Davidson County’ Included More Than 1,000 Asymptomatic Trousdale County Prisoners

On Friday a Metro Nashville Davidson County Coronavirus Task Force official said that surrounding counties had a higher number of COVID-19 cases than Davidson County itself had — but it appears that claim is highly misleading .
“ We now have 2,832 confirmed cases .
That ’ s an increase of 163 cases in the last 24 hours .
There are an additional 3,227 cases in the surrounding counties .
That ’ s an increase of 955 in one day .
Now , for the first time , the surrounding counties have more cases than Davidson County , ” Metro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Friday ’ s press conference with Mayor John Cooper .
The clear implication from that claim was that Davidson County ’ s continuation of Mayor Cooper ’ s executive order that residents should remain safer at home and “ non-essential ” businesses must remain closed was responsible for a lower increase in than coronavirus cases than counties “ surrounding ” Davidson County , were Gov .
Lee has relaxed his executive order to allow many “ non-essential ” businesses to open up .
On Sunday , a spokesperson for the Metro Nashville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Jahangir ’ s claim Friday that there have been 3,227 cases in “ surrounding counties , ” includes cases in Trousdale County , which does not border Davidson County , and whose 1,344 reported cases of coronavirus reported at the Tennessee Department of Health website as of late Sunday includes more than 1,300 cases of inmates and staff in Trousdale Turner Correctional Facility – almost all of whom are asymptomatic , as The Star reported Sunday .
Jahangir ’ s inclusion of Trousdale County as a “ surrounding county ” is misleading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not border Davidson County .
Second , and most importantly , the inclusion of more than 1,300 asymptomatic prisoners from Trousdale County gives the very false impression that the general population in the counties that border Davidson County are seeing a huge increase in coronavirus cases .
As of Sunday , the total number of coronavirus cases reported at The Tennessee Department of Health in the six counties that border Davidson County was 2,090 , ( Williamson-419 , Rutherford-547 , Wilson-268 , Sumner-640 , Robertson-168 , Cheatham-48 ) significantly less than than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Metro Nashville Department of Health on Friday .
( Note : Due to time lags in reporting between the Metro Nashville Department of Health and the Tennessee Department of Health , the state ’ s Sunday statistics for Davidson County are slightly lower than Metro Nashville ’ s Friday statistics for Davidson County . )
On Sunday The Tennessee Star asked Nashville officials to clarify which counties specifically Jahangir referred to during a press conference Friday .
Chris Song , spokesman for Nashville Mayor John Cooper , referred all questions to Brian Todd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an email Sunday , The Star asked Todd to cite which counties Jahangir referred to specifically — a county-by-county breakdown .
And does that include Trousdale County , where more than 1,000 inmates at the private prison there tested positive for COVID-19 ?
We also asked Todd how he and other Health Department officials arrived at the 3,227 number .
Todd ’ s emailed the following response , which did not include a direct answer : “ Dr .
Jahangir was referring to the Tennessee Department of Health ’ s Mid-Cumberland region ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the counties that surround Davidson .
I know Trousdale County is part of the Mid-Cumberland region but unfortunately I don ’ t know all the counties , ” Todd said .
Todd went on to say that , yes , Jahangir did include the cases at the CoreCivic facility in Trousdale County .
But according to the Tennessee Department of Health ’ s website , the Mid-Cumberland Region does not include Trousdale .
The region only includes Dickson , Montgomery , Robertson , Rutherford , Stewart , Williamson , and Wilson counties .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ count , by county , according to the Tennessee Department of Health : Note that Trousdale county as of April 29 only had 50 cases of Coronavirus .
The following day , April 30 , one day before Friday ’ s press conference , The Tennessee Department of Health reported the following numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases for the seven counties in the Mid-Cumberland Region : Combined , these seven counties in the Mid-Cumberland Region had 1,561 cases as of April 30 .
Trousdale County reported 1,020 cases as of April 30 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that borders Davidson County but is not included in the Mid-Cumberland Region , reported 608 cases .
Cheatham County , the second county that borders Davidson County but is not included in the Mid-Cumberland region , reported 42 cases .
The total number of coronavirus cases reported in the seven Mid-Cumberland Region counties , Trousdale County , Sumner County , and Cheatham County as of April 30 was 3,231 , a number remarkably close to the 3,227 cases Metro Nashville Coronavirus Task Force Chair .
Three days after Metro Nashville Davidson Coronavirus Task @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Now , for the first time , the surrounding counties have more cases than Davidson County , ” no one in either Mayor Cooper ’ s office or the Metro Nashville Health Department can identify the counties Jahangir was referring to as “ surrounding counties , ” nor can they explain why Jahangir misleading included more than 1,300 inmates from Trousdale County in his tally of “ surrounding county ” coronavirus cases .
Metro Nashville Health Department spokesperson Todd could only offer the following excuse for Jahangir ’ s incorrect statements of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jahagir was pointing out that a significant number of cases across Tennessee are in the middle of the state .
Dr. Jahangir has covered in several daily press briefings that the task force will take several factors into consideration when deciding to move to phase 1 , ” Todd said .
“ Nashville/Davidson County ’ s trend line of cases is only one of those factors .
I have not heard him say that the cases in Mid-Cumberland is one of the factors.
” Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Email tips to [ email protected ]

On Friday a Metro Nashville Davidson County Coronavirus Task Force official said that surrounding counties had a higher number of COVID-19 cases than Davidson County itself had — but it appears that claim is highly misleading.
“We now have 2,832 confirmed cases. That’s an increase of 163 cases in the last 24 hours. There are an additional 3,227 cases in the surrounding counties. That’s an increase of 955 in one day. Now, for the first time, the surrounding counties have more cases than Davidson County, ” Metro Coronavirus Task Force Chair Alex Jahangir said at Friday’s press conference with Mayor John Cooper.
The clear implication from that claim was that Davidson County’s continuation of Mayor Cooper’s executive order that residents should remain safer at home and “non-essential” businesses must remain closed was responsible for a lower increase in than coronavirus cases than counties “surrounding” Davidson County, were Gov. Lee has relaxed his executive order to allow many “non-essential” businesses to open up.
On Sunday, a spokesperson for the Metro Nashville Health Department admitted to The Tennessee Star that Jahangir’s claim Friday that there have been 3,227 cases in “surrounding counties,” includes cases in Trousdale County, which does not border Davidson County, and whose 1,344 reported cases of coronavirus reported at the Tennessee Department of Health website as of late Sunday includes more than 1,300 cases of inmates and staff in Trousdale Turner Correctional Facility – almost all of whom are asymptomatic, as The Star reported Sunday.
Jahangir’s inclusion of Trousdale County as a “surrounding county” is misleading for two reasons. First, Trousdale does not border Davidson County. Second, and most importantly, the inclusion of more than 1,300 asymptomatic prisoners from Trousdale County gives the very false impression that the general population in the counties that border Davidson County are seeing a huge increase in coronavirus cases.
As of Sunday, the total number of coronavirus cases reported at The Tennessee Department of Health in the six counties that border Davidson County was 2,090, (Williamson-419, Rutherford-547, Wilson-268, Sumner-640, Robertson-168, Cheatham-48) significantly less than than 2,832 reported in Davidson County by the Metro Nashville Department of Health on Friday. (Note: Due to time lags in reporting between the Metro Nashville Department of Health and the Tennessee Department of Health, the state’s Sunday statistics for Davidson County are slightly lower than Metro Nashville’s Friday statistics for Davidson County.)
On Sunday The Tennessee Star asked Nashville officials to clarify which counties specifically Jahangir referred to during a press conference Friday. Chris Song, spokesman for Nashville Mayor John Cooper, referred all questions to Brian Todd at the Metro Health Department.
In an email Sunday, The Star asked Todd to cite which counties Jahangir referred to specifically — a county-by-county breakdown. And does that include Trousdale County, where more than 1,000 inmates at the private prison there tested positive for COVID-19?
We also asked Todd how he and other Health Department officials arrived at the 3,227 number.
Todd’s emailed the following response, which did not include a direct answer:
“Dr. Jahangir was referring to the Tennessee Department of Health’s Mid-Cumberland region’s numbers on Friday. This includes the counties that surround Davidson. I know Trousdale County is part of the Mid-Cumberland region but unfortunately I don’t know all the counties,” Todd said.
Todd went on to say that, yes, Jahangir did include the cases at the CoreCivic facility in Trousdale County.
According to the Tennessee Department of Health’s website, the Mid-Cumberland Region lists seven counties that have dental clinics. That list does not include Trousdale County. Six other counties in the Mid-Cumberland Region have have dental clinics Dickson, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Stewart, Williamson, and Wilson counties. Five counties in the region do not have dental clinics: Cheatham, Trousdale, Humphries, Houston, and Sumner. (See UPDATE and Editor’s Note below.)
Here’s the April 29 coronavirus count, by county, according to the Tennessee Department of Health:
Note that Trousdale county as of April 29 only had 50 cases of Coronavirus.
The following day, April 30, one day before Friday’s press conference, The Tennessee Department of Health reported the following numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases for the seven counties in the Mid-Cumberland Region:
• Dickson County: 74 confirmed cases
• Montgomery County: 146 cases
• Robertson County: 157 cases
• Rutherford County: 502
• Stewart County: 7 cases
• Williamson County: 416 cases
• Wilson County: 259
Combined, these seven counties in the Mid-Cumberland Region had 1,561 cases as of April 30. Trousdale County reported 1,020 cases as of April 30. Sumner County, one of two counties that borders Davidson County but is not included in the Mid-Cumberland Region, reported 608 cases. Cheatham County, the second county that borders Davidson County but is not included in the Mid-Cumberland region, reported 42 cases.
The total number of coronavirus cases reported in the seven Mid-Cumberland Region counties, Trousdale County, Sumner County, and Cheatham County as of April 30 was 3,231, a number remarkably close to the 3,227 cases Metro Nashville Coronavirus Task Force Chair.
Three days after Metro Nashville Davidson Coronavirus Task Force Chair Alex Jahangir incorrectly claimed that “Now, for the first time, the surrounding counties have more cases than Davidson County,” no one in either Mayor Cooper’s office or the Metro Nashville Health Department can identify the counties Jahangir was referring to as “surrounding counties,” nor can they explain why Jahangir misleading included more than 1,300 inmates from Trousdale County in his tally of “surrounding county” coronavirus cases.
Metro Nashville Health Department spokesperson Todd could only offer the following excuse for Jahangir’s incorrect statements of actual coronavirus data.
“Dr. Jahagir was pointing out that a significant number of cases across Tennessee are in the middle of the state. Dr. Jahangir has covered in several daily press briefings that the task force will take several factors into consideration when deciding to move to phase 1,” Todd said.
“Nashville/Davidson County’s trend line of cases is only one of those factors. I have not heard him say that the cases in Mid-Cumberland is one of the factors.”
UPDATE and Editor’s Note:
The original version of this story incorrectly stated that the Mid-Cumberland Region consisted of seven counties: Dickson County, Montgomery County, Robertson County, Rutherford County, Stewart County, Williamson County, and Wilson County. In fact, the Mid-Cumberland Region consists of five additional counties, for a total of 12 counties: Cheatham, Trousdale, Humphries, Houston, and Sumner.
The current version of the story contains this correction.
We became aware of this error late Monday, when Chris Song, Press Secretary for Mayor John Cooper, provided this comment to The Tennessee Star:
Anything more than a cursory examination of the Tennessee Department of Health website would have shown you that the Mid-Cumberland region contains 12 counties, not seven, as you’ve erroneously informed your readers: https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/localdepartments.html The statement made by Dr. Jahangir on Friday is accurate and is based on data received by the Metro Public Health Department directly from the Tennessee Department of Health.
Though Mr. Song did not identify the 12 counties in the Mid-Cumberland region, The Tennessee Star has subsequently confirmed that the Mid-Cumberland Region does include 12 counties, 7 of which contain dental clinics. Those seven counties including dental clinics are listed in the link identified in our story above: Dickson County, Montgomery County, Robertson County, Rutherford County, Stewart County, Williamson County, and Wilson County. Five additional counties, which do not have dental clinics and are not identified in this link at the Tennessee Department of Health, are however, in the Mid-Cumberland Region: Cheatham, Trousdale, Humphries, Houston, and Sumner.
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Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected]