bonginoreport--2020-03-23--Seventy-Four Actions the Trump Administrative Has Taken to Fight Coronavirus

In less than a week , the Trump administration has greatly expanded the actions it 's taken to fight the coronavirus and boost the economy , according to its latest tally of “ response efforts.
” Last week , when Secrets first ran the list , it totaled 43 .
By Monday , it was at 74 , with many more planned this week as the White House effort shifts to focus more on the economy and treatment of those infected .
While he continues to receive fire from some governors who want more , President Trump said he hopes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ For those worried and afraid , please know : As long as I am your president , you can feel confident that you have a leader who will always fight for you , and I will not stop until we win .
This will be a great victory , ” he said Sunday , adding , “ This is going to be a victory .
And it 's going to be a victory that , in my opinion , will happen much sooner than originally expected.
” Over the weekend , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being sent to the hardest-hit states , put in place special rules at Veterans Administration hospitals , and dispatched two military hospital ships .
He also told FEMA to get mobile hospitals to New York and California .
Some governors , such as those in New York and Illinois , want Trump to take over the purchasing of key goods that states are in bidding wars for .
But , in his press conference on Monday , Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam said he hasn ’ t seen that bidding battle .
Below @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Secrets of moves to fight the virus .
• President Trump declared a national emergency , inviting States , territories , and tribes to access over $ 42 billion in existing funding .
• Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act , ensuring that American families and businesses impacted by the virus receive the strong support they need .
• To leverage the resources of the entire government , the president created a White House Coronavirus Task Force to coordinate response .
• Vice President Pence named Dr. Deborah Birx to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coordinator .
• The president has held multiple teleconferences with our nation ’ s governors to coordinate response efforts and offer his full support .
• The president has approved major disaster declarations for impacted states like New York , Washington , and California .
• In January , Trump reacted quickly to implement travel restrictions on travel from China , buying us valuable time to respond to the virus .
• The president has announced further travel restrictions on global hotspots , including Europe , the United Kingdom and Ireland , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel-restricted countries are being routed to specific airports , where they can be screened and isolated as needed .
• The United States reached mutual agreements with Mexico and Canada to restrict non-essential travel across our northern and southern borders .
• The administration announced it will expeditiously return aliens who cross between ports of entry or are otherwise not allowed to enter the country , as the facilities in which these aliens would be held can not support quarantine for the time needed to assess potential cases .
• The administration raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other hot spot locations , like Japan and South Korea .
• The president has expanded airport screenings to identify travelers showing symptoms and instituted mandatory quarantines .
• The State Department issued a global level 4 travel advisory , urging Americans to avoid all international travel due to the coronavirus outbreak worldwide .
• The FDA issued emergency approval for new commercial coronavirus tests to significantly expand testing across the country .
• The president secured legislation that will ensure Americans are able to be tested for free .
• The administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the private sector to open up drive-through testing sites .
• The administration is working with the private sector to develop a website that Americans can utilize to determine whether they need a test and , if so , where to get it .
• HHS is providing funding to help accelerate the development of rapid diagnostic tests for the coronavirus .
• Admiral Brett Giroir – the Assistant Secretary for Health and head of the Public Health Service – has been appointed to coordinate coronavirus testing efforts .
• The FDA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and used by laboratories in their states .
• The Department of Defense has set up 15 coronavirus testing sites worldwide .
• The president signed legislation requiring more reporting from state and private labs to ensure our public health officials have the data they need to respond to this outbreak .
• DoD and HHS worked to airlift hundreds of thousands of swabs and sample test kits from Italy to the United States .
• The Small Business Administration has announced disaster loans which provide impacted businesses with up to $ 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Energy Department to purchase large quantities of crude oil for the strategic reserve .
• Trump has held calls and meetings with business leaders from the pharmaceutical industry , airlines , health insurers , grocery stores , retail stores , banks , and more .
• The Treasury Department approved the establishment of the Money Market Mutual Fund Liquidity Facility to provide liquidity to the financial system .
• The administration negotiated legislation which will provide tax credits for eligible businesses that give paid leave to Americans affected by the virus .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flexibility in unemployment insurance programs for workers impacted by the coronavirus .
• The Treasury Department moved tax day from April 15 to July 15 .
• Trump signed legislation providing funding and flexibility for emergency nutritional aid for senior citizens , women , children , and low-income families .
• USDA announced new flexibilities to allow meal service during school closures .
• USDA announced a new collaboration with the private sector to deliver nearly 1,000,000 meals a week to students in rural schools closed due to the coronavirus .
• The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families with FHA-insured mortgages .
• The Department of Labor announced up to $ 100 million in dislocated worker grants in response to the coronavirus national health emergency .
• The White House worked with the private sector to launch a central website where families , students , and educators can access online education technologies .
• Trump signed legislation to provide continuity in educational benefits for veterans and their families who attend schools that have had to switch from in-person to online learning due to the coronavirus .
• The Department of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and universities to allow them to more easily move their classes online .
• The Department of Education set interest rates on all federally-held student loans to 0 % for at least 60 days .
• The Department of Education announced borrowers will have the option to suspend their payments on federally-held student loans for at least two months .
• The Department of Education is providing waivers for federal testing requirements to states that have had to close schools .
• The administration launched a website – coronavirus.gov – to keep the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The president launched a partnership with the Ad Council , media networks , and digital platforms to communicate public services announcements about the coronavirus .
• The president announced guidelines for Americans to follow and do their part to stem the spread of the virus .
• The Task Force is holding nearly daily press conferences to provide the American people with the latest information .
• The Task Force has recommended mitigation strategies to heavily impacted communities , like those in New York , Washington , and California .
• CMS announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limit medically unnecessary visits to nursing homes .
• In January , the administration declared the coronavirus to be a public health emergency .
• The president donated his fourth-quarter 2019 salary to the Department of Health and Human Services for coronavirus response efforts .
• The president took action to give HHS authority to waive rules and regulations so that healthcare providers have maximum flexibility to respond to this outbreak .
• CMS is giving flexibility to Medicare Advantage and Part D plans to waive cost-sharing for coronavirus tests and treatment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus tests to promote better tracking of the public health response .
• The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy coordinated with the NIH , the tech industry , and nonprofits to release a machine readable collection of 29,000 coronavirus-related research articles , which will help scientists discover insights to virus ’ genetics , incubation , treatment , symptoms , and prevention .
• The administration announced that health plans with health savings accounts will be able to cover coronavirus testing and treatment without co-payments .
• CMS dramatically expanded telehealth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can access their doctors remotely while avoiding exposure .
• HHS lifted HIPAA penalties to enable healthcare providers to expand telehealth access for patients .
• The VA established 19 emergency operations centers across the country and put in place visitation restrictions to limit patients ’ exposure .
• CMS and the VA are working to limit nonessential , elective medical procedures to free up healthcare resources .
• The Navy will be deploying two medical ships to help support impacted areas .
• The president announced Carnival Cruise Lines will be making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-coronavirus patients .
• The president announced he is invoking the Defense Production Act .
• The president signed a memorandum directing his Administration to make general-use face masks available to healthcare workers .
• HHS announced it will be purchasing 500 million N95 respirators for the Strategic National Stockpile .
• The Department of Defense announced it will be providing 5 million respirator masks and 2,000 specialized ventilators to assist .
• The president signed legislation removing restrictions that prevented manufacturers from selling industrial masks – which can readily protect healthcare workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration is working to help accelerate the development of therapeutics and a vaccine to combat the coronavirus .
• The FDA is evaluating existing drugs that could serve as potential therapeutics for coronavirus patients .
• The administration is actively working with drug manufacturers to monitor any potential drug supply chain issues .
• The administration is expanding research and consulting with experts to better understand the transmission of coronavirus .
• The National Institutes of Health has announced the beginning of a clinical trial for a coronavirus vaccine candidate .

In less than a week, the Trump administration has greatly expanded the actions it's taken to fight the coronavirus and boost the economy, according to its latest tally of “response efforts.”
Last week, when Secrets first ran the list, it totaled 43. By Monday, it was at 74, with many more planned this week as the White House effort shifts to focus more on the economy and treatment of those infected.
While he continues to receive fire from some governors who want more, President Trump said he hopes for a win in the battle soon.
“For those worried and afraid, please know: As long as I am your president, you can feel confident that you have a leader who will always fight for you, and I will not stop until we win. This will be a great victory,” he said Sunday, adding, “This is going to be a victory. And it's going to be a victory that, in my opinion, will happen much sooner than originally expected.”
Over the weekend, for example, he listed the supplies being sent to the hardest-hit states, put in place special rules at Veterans Administration hospitals, and dispatched two military hospital ships. He also told FEMA to get mobile hospitals to New York and California.
Some governors, such as those in New York and Illinois, want Trump to take over the purchasing of key goods that states are in bidding wars for. But, in his press conference on Monday, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said he hasn’t seen that bidding battle.
Below is the latest White House list shared with Secrets of moves to fight the virus.
Vice President Mike Pence holds documents as he listens to President Trump speak. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT RESPONSE
President Trump declared a national emergency, inviting States, territories, and tribes to access over $42 billion in existing funding.
Trump signed legislation securing $8.3 billion for coronavirus response.
Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, ensuring that American families and businesses impacted by the virus receive the strong support they need.
To leverage the resources of the entire government, the president created a White House Coronavirus Task Force to coordinate response.
Vice President Pence named Dr. Deborah Birx to serve as the White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator.
The president has held multiple teleconferences with our nation’s governors to coordinate response efforts and offer his full support.
The president has approved major disaster declarations for impacted states like New York, Washington, and California.
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
In January, Trump reacted quickly to implement travel restrictions on travel from China, buying us valuable time to respond to the virus.
The president has announced further travel restrictions on global hotspots, including Europe, the United Kingdom and Ireland, and Iran.
American citizens returning from travel-restricted countries are being routed to specific airports, where they can be screened and isolated as needed.
The United States reached mutual agreements with Mexico and Canada to restrict non-essential travel across our northern and southern borders.
The administration announced it will expeditiously return aliens who cross between ports of entry or are otherwise not allowed to enter the country, as the facilities in which these aliens would be held cannot support quarantine for the time needed to assess potential cases.
The administration raised travel warnings to their highest level for other hot spot locations, like Japan and South Korea.
The president has expanded airport screenings to identify travelers showing symptoms and instituted mandatory quarantines.
The State Department issued a global level 4 travel advisory, urging Americans to avoid all international travel due to the coronavirus outbreak worldwide.
EXPANDING TESTING ACCESSIBILITY
The FDA issued emergency approval for new commercial coronavirus tests to significantly expand testing across the country.
The president secured legislation that will ensure Americans are able to be tested for free.
The administration is working with state and local partners and the private sector to open up drive-through testing sites.
The administration is working with the private sector to develop a website that Americans can utilize to determine whether they need a test and, if so, where to get it.
HHS is providing funding to help accelerate the development of rapid diagnostic tests for the coronavirus.
The FDA cut red tape to expand testing availability.
Admiral Brett Giroir – the Assistant Secretary for Health and head of the Public Health Service – has been appointed to coordinate coronavirus testing efforts.
The FDA is empowering states to authorize tests developed and used by laboratories in their states.
The Department of Defense has set up 15 coronavirus testing sites worldwide.
The president signed legislation requiring more reporting from state and private labs to ensure our public health officials have the data they need to respond to this outbreak.
DoD and HHS worked to airlift hundreds of thousands of swabs and sample test kits from Italy to the United States.
President Trump places a notecard in his suit pocket. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
SUPPORTING IMPACTED BUSINESSES
The Small Business Administration has announced disaster loans which provide impacted businesses with up to $2 million.
SBA relaxed criteria for disaster assistance loans – expanding small businesses’ access to economic assistance.
The president directed the Energy Department to purchase large quantities of crude oil for the strategic reserve.
Trump has held calls and meetings with business leaders from the pharmaceutical industry, airlines, health insurers, grocery stores, retail stores, banks, and more.
The Treasury Department approved the establishment of the Money Market Mutual Fund Liquidity Facility to provide liquidity to the financial system.
HELPING FAMILIES AND WORKING AMERICANS
The administration negotiated legislation which will provide tax credits for eligible businesses that give paid leave to Americans affected by the virus.
The administration took action to provide more flexibility in unemployment insurance programs for workers impacted by the coronavirus.
The Treasury Department moved tax day from April 15 to July 15.
Trump signed legislation providing funding and flexibility for emergency nutritional aid for senior citizens, women, children, and low-income families.
USDA announced new flexibilities to allow meal service during school closures.
USDA announced a new collaboration with the private sector to deliver nearly 1,000,000 meals a week to students in rural schools closed due to the coronavirus.
The administration is halting foreclosures and evictions for families with FHA-insured mortgages.
The Department of Labor announced up to $100 million in dislocated worker grants in response to the coronavirus national health emergency.
The White House worked with the private sector to launch a central website where families, students, and educators can access online education technologies.
Trump signed legislation to provide continuity in educational benefits for veterans and their families who attend schools that have had to switch from in-person to online learning due to the coronavirus.
The Department of Education has given broad approval to colleges and universities to allow them to more easily move their classes online.
The Department of Education set interest rates on all federally-held student loans to 0% for at least 60 days.
The Department of Education announced borrowers will have the option to suspend their payments on federally-held student loans for at least two months.
The Department of Education is providing waivers for federal testing requirements to states that have had to close schools.
INFORMING THE PUBLIC
The administration launched a website – coronavirus.gov – to keep the public informed about the outbreak.
The president launched a partnership with the Ad Council, media networks, and digital platforms to communicate public services announcements about the coronavirus.
The president announced guidelines for Americans to follow and do their part to stem the spread of the virus.
The Task Force is holding nearly daily press conferences to provide the American people with the latest information.
The Task Force has recommended mitigation strategies to heavily impacted communities, like those in New York, Washington, and California.
CMS announced guidance to protect vulnerable elderly Americans and limit medically unnecessary visits to nursing homes.
SUPPORTING PATIENTS AND HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS
In January, the administration declared the coronavirus to be a public health emergency.
The president donated his fourth-quarter 2019 salary to the Department of Health and Human Services for coronavirus response efforts.
The president took action to give HHS authority to waive rules and regulations so that healthcare providers have maximum flexibility to respond to this outbreak.
CMS is giving flexibility to Medicare Advantage and Part D plans to waive cost-sharing for coronavirus tests and treatment.
CMS created new billing codes for coronavirus tests to promote better tracking of the public health response.
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy coordinated with the NIH, the tech industry, and nonprofits to release a machine readable collection of 29,000 coronavirus-related research articles, which will help scientists discover insights to virus’ genetics, incubation, treatment, symptoms, and prevention.
The administration announced that health plans with health savings accounts will be able to cover coronavirus testing and treatment without co-payments.
CMS dramatically expanded telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries, ensuring more patients can access their doctors remotely while avoiding exposure.
HHS lifted HIPAA penalties to enable healthcare providers to expand telehealth access for patients.
The VA established 19 emergency operations centers across the country and put in place visitation restrictions to limit patients’ exposure.
CMS and the VA are working to limit nonessential, elective medical procedures to free up healthcare resources.
The Navy will be deploying two medical ships to help support impacted areas.
The president announced Carnival Cruise Lines will be making ships available for hospitals to use for non-coronavirus patients.
STRENGTHENING ESSENTIAL MEDICAL SUPPLIES
The president announced he is invoking the Defense Production Act.
The president signed a memorandum directing his Administration to make general-use face masks available to healthcare workers.
HHS announced it will be purchasing 500 million N95 respirators for the Strategic National Stockpile.
The Department of Defense announced it will be providing 5 million respirator masks and 2,000 specialized ventilators to assist.
The president signed legislation removing restrictions that prevented manufacturers from selling industrial masks – which can readily protect healthcare workers – directly to hospitals.
DEVELOPING VACCINES AND THERAPEUTICS


bonginoreport--2020-03-23--Democrats Are About to Start Hating Mitt Romney Again

Sen. Mitt Romney admonished Democrats and expressed shock after they voted to kill an economic relief bill aimed at providing financial assistance to people and businesses affected by the coronavirus .
`` Nothing in the Senate has shocked me , until today , '' Romney tweeted late Sunday night .
`` Standing in the way of a critically needed rescue package is irresponsible and reckless . ''
The Utah Republican continued : `` Dems say not enough money to states : nearly $ 200 billion isn ’ t chump change .
Hospitals get at least $ 75 billion . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s to keep entities that employ millions of Americans from folding—it ’ s to save jobs , '' Romney wrote .
`` Keep this up a little longer and we will go from social distancing to social destruction . ''
Senate Democrats first rejected the GOP bill Sunday , saying it did not put enough money in the hands of working Americans and left open the possibility of large companies mismanaging funds given by the federal government .
`` The McConnell-GOP bill includes huge bailouts without protections for people and workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leader Chuck Schumer said .
`` It has shortfalls of money for our hospitals & medical workers . ''
Democrats again rejected the bill after a second vote Monday , but Schumer said they were `` very close '' to a deal with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin .
Democrats want at least a four-month extension in unemployment insurance , extra money for states to pay for treating residents with the coronavirus , and additional worker protection , among other demands , the Washington Examiner reported .

Sen. Mitt Romney admonished Democrats and expressed shock after they voted to kill an economic relief bill aimed at providing financial assistance to people and businesses affected by the coronavirus.
"Nothing in the Senate has shocked me, until today," Romney tweeted late Sunday night. "Standing in the way of a critically needed rescue package is irresponsible and reckless."
The Utah Republican continued: "Dems say not enough money to states: nearly $200 billion isn’t chump change. Hospitals get at least $75 billion."
"As for funds for companies, it’s to keep entities that employ millions of Americans from folding—it’s to save jobs," Romney wrote. "Keep this up a little longer and we will go from social distancing to social destruction."
[Click here for complete coronavirus coverage]
Nothing in the Senate has shocked me, until today. Standing in the way of a critically needed rescue package is irresponsible and reckless. Dems say not enough money to states: nearly $200 billion isn’t chump change. Hospitals get at least $75 billion. — Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) March 23, 2020
Senate Democrats first rejected the GOP bill Sunday, saying it did not put enough money in the hands of working Americans and left open the possibility of large companies mismanaging funds given by the federal government.
"The McConnell-GOP bill includes huge bailouts without protections for people and workers and without accountability," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said. "It has shortfalls of money for our hospitals & medical workers."
Democrats again rejected the bill after a second vote Monday, but Schumer said they were "very close" to a deal with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.
Democrats want at least a four-month extension in unemployment insurance, extra money for states to pay for treating residents with the coronavirus, and additional worker protection, among other demands, the Washington Examiner reported.


bonginoreport--2020-03-23--Stocks Fall After Senate Democrats Kill Second Coronavirus Relief Bill

Stocks fell sharply on Monday as U.S. lawmakers failed to push through massive fiscal stimulus to curtail the economic blow from the coronavirus .
Talks are ongoing , but investors believe the longer Washington waits , the greater the damage to the economy .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 582.05 points lower , or down 3.1 % , at 18,591.93 , its lowest closing level since November 2016 .
The S & P 500 slid 2.9 % to 2,237.40 .
The Nasdaq Composite was down just 0.3 % at 6,860.67 as investors began making small bets on technology stocks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 24 hours , a bill that would authorize giant fiscal spending to stimulate the economy failed to clear a key procedural hurdle .
Earlier on Monday , Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNBC 's Jim Cramer that Congress was `` very close '' to getting a fiscal package done , noting it must be pushed forward `` today . ''
`` We 're using some of the funds we have , but we need Congress to approve additional funds today so that we can move forward and support American workers and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-NY , said Monday afternoon after the second failure that he and Mnuchin would meet again to try and work out a deal .
The failed votes in the U.S. Senate were enough to pressure Wall Street once again even after the Federal Reserve announced an open-ended asset purchase program .
The central bank said the program will run in the `` amounts needed to support smooth market functioning and effective transmission of monetary policy to broader financial conditions and the economy . ''
`` While the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the only way the markets are going to find sustainable improvement is when the economy is allowed to come back to life , or at least there is a real path in place for how that is going to happen , '' said Paul Hickey of Bespoke Investment Group , in a note .

Stocks fell sharply on Monday as U.S. lawmakers failed to push through massive fiscal stimulus to curtail the economic blow from the coronavirus. Talks are ongoing, but investors believe the longer Washington waits, the greater the damage to the economy.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 582.05 points lower, or down 3.1%, at 18,591.93, its lowest closing level since November 2016. The S&P 500 slid 2.9% to 2,237.40. The Nasdaq Composite was down just 0.3% at 6,860.67 as investors began making small bets on technology stocks.
For a second time in less than 24 hours, a bill that would authorize giant fiscal spending to stimulate the economy failed to clear a key procedural hurdle. Earlier on Monday, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNBC's Jim Cramer that Congress was "very close" to getting a fiscal package done, noting it must be pushed forward "today."
"We're using some of the funds we have, but we need Congress to approve additional funds today so that we can move forward and support American workers and the American economy," Mnuchin said.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY, said Monday afternoon after the second failure that he and Mnuchin would meet again to try and work out a deal.
The failed votes in the U.S. Senate were enough to pressure Wall Street once again even after the Federal Reserve announced an open-ended asset purchase program. The central bank said the program will run in the "amounts needed to support smooth market functioning and effective transmission of monetary policy to broader financial conditions and the economy."
"While the Fed's actions are an enormous help, the only way the markets are going to find sustainable improvement is when the economy is allowed to come back to life, or at least there is a real path in place for how that is going to happen," said Paul Hickey of Bespoke Investment Group, in a note.


bonginoreport--2020-03-23--Iranian Officials Stole Over $1 Billion in Coronavirus Aid

Iranian regime officials stole more than $ 1 billion meant to help the country 's people fight the spread of coronavirus , according to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .
European countries intended for more than $ 1 billion cash for medical supplies to go to the Iranian people , who have been ravaged by the virus .
But American officials say regime leaders instead pocketed the money and are now using it to protect themselves from the virus as it spreads throughout the population .
This includes hoarding medical supplies that were meant to aid Iranian citizens .
Multiple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the virus began spreading , Iranian leaders stole funds purposed directly to support the ailing Iranian people .
Iran has been among the hardest hit by the virus , and its government 's response has drawn international criticism , especially from the Trump administration .
Secretary of State Pompeo accused Iran of mass corruption as the regime continues to spread propaganda , including accusations that the United States manufactured the coronavirus and is using its tough global sanctions campaign to prevent Iran from accessing medicine and humanitarian aid .
Pompeo on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tehran 's mishandling of the coronavirus outbreak .
`` Supreme leader [ Ali ] Khamenei 's fabrications regarding the Wuhan virus are dangerous and they put Iranians and people around the world at greater risk , '' Pompeo said .
`` Facts matter . ''
`` Regime officials stole over a billion euros intended for medical supplies , '' Pompeo said in one of the first public accountings of Iran 's alleged misuse of humanitarian funds that were meant to be used in cases such as the coronavirus outbreak .
That sum amounts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currency .
Pompeo also said Iranian officials `` continue to hoard desperately needed masks , gloves , and other medical equipment for sale on the black market . ''
Iranian officials have disseminated falsehoods about the nature of U.S. sanctions , which do not include restrictions on humanitarian assistance .
These talking points have been picked up by Tehran 's American allies , including members of the Obama administration 's so-called echo chamber , as part of an effort to see sanctions on Iran lifted .
Pompeo said part of the reason Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that the regime refuses to stop flights between Tehran and China .
Iran 's Mahan Air—which is designated as a terrorist entity by the United States for its routine shipments of weapons and fighters across the Middle East—ran at least 55 flights between Tehran and China after most countries had enacted a travel ban .
International health authorities say at least five countries experienced their first cases of coronavirus as a direct result of contact with Iran .
It has also become clear in recent days that Iran failed to heed warnings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volatile and deadly the virus could be .
In a bid to hide this information from the world , Iran lied about the number of infections and deaths from the virus , the United States alleges .
Iran officially claims there have been 23,049 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 1,812 deaths in the country as of Monday .
However , the true numbers are likely far higher , though they are difficult to estimate due to Iran 's efforts to hide information from international health groups .
`` The regime continues to lie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the number of cases and deaths , which are unfortunately far higher than the regime admits , '' Pompeo said .
The U.S. government has continued to offer assistance to Iran but has been repeatedly turned down .
Iran , in turn , has used the global pandemic as an opportunity to spread anti-U.S. sentiment .
`` Khamenei rejected this offer because he works tirelessly to concoct conspiracy theories and prioritizes ideology over the Iranian people , '' Pompeo said .
U.S. sanctions have not and still do not target humanitarian channels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , food , equipment , and other life-saving items .
In fact , Iranian health companies `` have been able to import testing kits without obstacle from U.S. sanctions since January , '' according to the secretary of state .
Pompeo 's statements appear to be in direct response to Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif , who accused the United States of using sanctions as a weapon to ensure the virus 's spread across Iran .
`` Iranian people appreciate the growing global campaign of government & civil society leaders calling for lifting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted on Monday .
`` US sanctions has created serious problem for sending medical equipment and supplies to Iran to confront coronavirus , '' Iran 's state-controlled Mehr News Agency claimed on Monday .
Prominent U.S. allies of the Iranian regime , who are now using the coronavirus outbreak to push against the Trump administration 's tough economic sanctions campaign , have disseminated these talking points to an American audience .
Iranian leader Ali Khamenei has also spread inflammatory propaganda claiming the United States created the virus and is using it to poison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any U.S. medicine given to Iran could be used to `` further spread the disease . ''
`` You can not be trusted , '' Khamenei said of the United States in a wide-ranging speech late last week .
`` If you send some doctor or healer , he might want to come here to check on the effects of the poison you created . ''

Iranian regime officials stole more than $1 billion in humanitarian funds meant to be used to help the country's people fight the spread of coronavirus, according to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
European countries intended for more than $1 billion cash for medical supplies to go to the Iranian people, who have been ravaged by the virus. But American officials say regime leaders instead pocketed the money and are now using it to protect themselves from the virus as it spreads throughout the population. This includes hoarding medical supplies that were meant to aid Iranian citizens.
Multiple regional reports have showed that before and since the virus began spreading, Iranian leaders stole funds purposed directly to support the ailing Iranian people.
Iran has been among the hardest hit by the virus, and its government's response has drawn international criticism, especially from the Trump administration. Secretary of State Pompeo accused Iran of mass corruption as the regime continues to spread propaganda, including accusations that the United States manufactured the coronavirus and is using its tough global sanctions campaign to prevent Iran from accessing medicine and humanitarian aid.
Pompeo on Monday issued a series of new allegations about Tehran's mishandling of the coronavirus outbreak. "Supreme leader [Ali] Khamenei's fabrications regarding the Wuhan virus are dangerous and they put Iranians and people around the world at greater risk," Pompeo said. "Facts matter."
"Regime officials stole over a billion euros intended for medical supplies," Pompeo said in one of the first public accountings of Iran's alleged misuse of humanitarian funds that were meant to be used in cases such as the coronavirus outbreak. That sum amounts to well over one billion in American currency. Pompeo also said Iranian officials "continue to hoard desperately needed masks, gloves, and other medical equipment for sale on the black market."
The State Department made clear in facts sheets distributed to reporters that the billions in humanitarian funds Iran stole could have been used to fight the coronavirus in Iran. This includes misusing millions of dollars in late 2019 to purchase tobacco instead of medical supplies.
Iranian officials have disseminated falsehoods about the nature of U.S. sanctions, which do not include restrictions on humanitarian assistance. These talking points have been picked up by Tehran's American allies, including members of the Obama administration's so-called echo chamber, as part of an effort to see sanctions on Iran lifted.
Pompeo said part of the reason Iran has become a hotspot for the coronavirus is that the regime refuses to stop flights between Tehran and China. Iran's Mahan Air—which is designated as a terrorist entity by the United States for its routine shipments of weapons and fighters across the Middle East—ran at least 55 flights between Tehran and China after most countries had enacted a travel ban.
International health authorities say at least five countries experienced their first cases of coronavirus as a direct result of contact with Iran.
It has also become clear in recent days that Iran failed to heed warnings from its own health officials about how volatile and deadly the virus could be. In a bid to hide this information from the world, Iran lied about the number of infections and deaths from the virus, the United States alleges.
Iran officially claims there have been 23,049 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 1,812 deaths in the country as of Monday. However, the true numbers are likely far higher, though they are difficult to estimate due to Iran's efforts to hide information from international health groups.
"The regime continues to lie to the Iranian people and the world about the number of cases and deaths, which are unfortunately far higher than the regime admits," Pompeo said.
The U.S. government has continued to offer assistance to Iran but has been repeatedly turned down. Iran, in turn, has used the global pandemic as an opportunity to spread anti-U.S. sentiment.
"Khamenei rejected this offer because he works tirelessly to concoct conspiracy theories and prioritizes ideology over the Iranian people," Pompeo said.
U.S. sanctions have not and still do not target humanitarian channels meant to allow Iran to access medicine, food, equipment, and other life-saving items. In fact, Iranian health companies "have been able to import testing kits without obstacle from U.S. sanctions since January," according to the secretary of state.
Pompeo's statements appear to be in direct response to Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif, who accused the United States of using sanctions as a weapon to ensure the virus's spread across Iran.
"Iranian people appreciate the growing global campaign of government & civil society leaders calling for lifting of illegal US sanctions," Zarif tweeted on Monday.
"US sanctions has created serious problem for sending medical equipment and supplies to Iran to confront coronavirus," Iran's state-controlled Mehr News Agency claimed on Monday.
Prominent U.S. allies of the Iranian regime, who are now using the coronavirus outbreak to push against the Trump administration's tough economic sanctions campaign, have disseminated these talking points to an American audience.
Iranian leader Ali Khamenei has also spread inflammatory propaganda claiming the United States created the virus and is using it to poison Iranian citizens. The ayatollah said that any U.S. medicine given to Iran could be used to "further spread the disease."
"You cannot be trusted," Khamenei said of the United States in a wide-ranging speech late last week. "If you send some doctor or healer, he might want to come here to check on the effects of the poison you created."
Update 7:44 p.m.: This report has been updated to provide additional clarifying information about the humanitarian funds the United States accuses Iranian officials of stealing. The State Department provided additional information about its claims Monday evening, after this initial report was published.


Tokyo Olympics Postponed

An influential member of the International Olympic Committee said the Tokyo Olympics would likely be postponed until 2021 .
“ On the basis of the information the IOC has , postponement has been decided , ” Dick Pound told USA Today .
“ The parameters going forward have not been determined , but the games are not going to start on July 24 , that much I know.
” Pound said he believed the committee would make an announcement soon .
“ It will come in stages , ” he said .
“ We will postpone this and begin to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this , which are immense . ''
Australia and Canada said Sunday they would not send athletes to the Summer Olympics because of the threat of the coronavirus .
Both called for the games to be postponed a year .
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also said the Olympics might have to be delayed .
President Trump said the United States would support whatever decision Abe made .
The Olympics are scheduled in Tokyo from July 24 to Aug. 9 .
It would be the first time the Olympics have been postponed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ war .
World War I led to the cancellation of the 1916 summer games .
The Summer and Winter Olympics in 1940 and 1944 were canceled because of World War II .

An influential member of the International Olympic Committee said the Tokyo Olympics would likely be postponed until 2021.
“On the basis of the information the IOC has, postponement has been decided,” Dick Pound told USA Today. “The parameters going forward have not been determined, but the games are not going to start on July 24, that much I know.” Pound said he believed the committee would make an announcement soon.
“It will come in stages,” he said. “We will postpone this and begin to deal with all the ramifications of moving this, which are immense."
Australia and Canada said Sunday they would not send athletes to the Summer Olympics because of the threat of the coronavirus. Both called for the games to be postponed a year.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also said the Olympics might have to be delayed. President Trump said the United States would support whatever decision Abe made.
The Olympics are scheduled in Tokyo from July 24 to Aug. 9.
It would be the first time the Olympics have been postponed, though they were canceled during periods of war. World War I led to the cancellation of the 1916 summer games. The Summer and Winter Olympics in 1940 and 1944 were canceled because of World War II.


bonginoreport--2020-03-23--Tokyo Olympics to be Postponed

Tokyo Olympics to be Postponed


bonginoreport--2020-03-24--Dow Jones Jumps 2,100+ Points – Largest One Day Gain Ever

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U.S. equity markets registered the strongest one-day rebound in history on Tuesday amid investor optimism that members of Congress will overcome their differences to reach a deal on a nearly $ 2 trillion COVID-19 stimulus package .
In the final hour of trading , gains picked up steam giving the Dow Jones Industrial Average a 2,112 point gain , the biggest ever , or 11 percent , while the S & P 500 gained over 9.3 percent and the Nasdaq over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boosted by comments from President Trump , who said he supports reopening businesses sooner rather than later .
`` I ’ d love to have the country opened up and raring to go by Easter . ''
Trump said on a virtual coronavirus town hall held by Fox News .
In a separate interview with Bill Hemmer on Fox News Trump added , `` We want to get our economy back . ''
The rally followed a plunge on the major averages Monday despite the Federal Reserve announcing it would buy unlimited amounts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday ’ s 3 percent drop left the Dow at a three-year low and on track for its worst month since September 1931 , one of the earliest years of the Great Depression , according to the Dow Jones Market Data Group .
Looking at stocks , airlines soared following a report from The Wall Street Journal that the companies are drawing up plans for a potential voluntary shutdown of domestic air travel .
Other travel-related names , including cruise operators and online booking sites rocked by fallout from the virus , also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rallied as selling of U.S. Treasurys swung the yield curve steeper .
The 2-year yield climbed 9.8 basis points to 0.392 percent and the 10-year yield jumped 12.3 basis points to 0.89 percent .
General Motors said it would draw down $ 16 billion in credit and suspended its 2020 outlook .
Intel shares rose after the chipmaker said it was suspending its buyback program due to uncertainty caused by COVID-19 .
Oil giant Chevron followed European rival Royal Dutch Shell ’ s Monday announcement , saying it will cut capital spending by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Commodities gained , with gold rallying 6 percent to $ 1,660.20 an ounce and West Texas Intermediate crude oil up nearly 3 percent at $ 24.01 a barrel .
Markets surged across Europe , with Germany ’ s DAX leading the way , up 9.2 percent , while France ’ s CAC and Britain ’ s FTSE each added 6.7 percent .
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U.S. equity markets registered the strongest one-day rebound in history on Tuesday amid investor optimism that members of Congress will overcome their differences to reach a deal on a nearly $2 trillion COVID-19 stimulus package.
In the final hour of trading, gains picked up steam giving the Dow Jones Industrial Average a 2,112 point gain, the biggest ever, or 11 percent, while the S&P 500 gained over 9.3 percent and the Nasdaq over 8.1 percent.
Ticker Security Last Change Change % I:DJI DOW JONES AVERAGES 34946.39 -361.24 -1.02% SP500 S&P 500 4437.86 -51.86 -1.16% I:COMP NASDAQ COMPOSITE INDEX 13631.046795 -157.28 -1.14%
The upbeat sentiments were boosted by comments from President Trump, who said he supports reopening businesses sooner rather than later.
DOW'S BIGGEST SWINGS IN HISTORY
"I’d love to have the country opened up and raring to go by Easter." Trump said on a virtual coronavirus town hall held by Fox News. In a separate interview with Bill Hemmer on Fox News Trump added, "We want to get our economy back."
The rally followed a plunge on the major averages Monday despite the Federal Reserve announcing it would buy unlimited amounts of assets to support the economy. Monday’s 3 percent drop left the Dow at a three-year low and on track for its worst month since September 1931, one of the earliest years of the Great Depression, according to the Dow Jones Market Data Group.
STOCK MARKET'S CORONAVIRUS PLUNGE CONJURES 1987 CRASH FLASHBACKS
Looking at stocks, airlines soared following a report from The Wall Street Journal that the companies are drawing up plans for a potential voluntary shutdown of domestic air travel.
Ticker Security Last Change Change % UAL UNITED AIRLINES HOLDINGS INC. 51.34 -0.97 -1.85% AAL AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC. 15.55 -0.33 -2.08% DAL DELTA AIR LINES INC. 43.02 -1.22 -2.76% LUV SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. 33.13 -0.41 -1.22%
Other travel-related names, including cruise operators and online booking sites rocked by fallout from the virus, also saw big gains.
Elsewhere, banks rallied as selling of U.S. Treasurys swung the yield curve steeper. The 2-year yield climbed 9.8 basis points to 0.392 percent and the 10-year yield jumped 12.3 basis points to 0.89 percent.
General Motors said it would draw down $16 billion in credit and suspended its 2020 outlook. Intel shares rose after the chipmaker said it was suspending its buyback program due to uncertainty caused by COVID-19.
Ticker Security Last Change Change % GM GENERAL MOTORS CO. 33.31 -0.77 -2.25% INTC INTEL CORP. 34.77 -0.91 -2.55%
Oil giant Chevron followed European rival Royal Dutch Shell’s Monday announcement, saying it will cut capital spending by 20 percent and suspend its share-buyback program.
Ticker Security Last Change Change % CVX CHEVRON CORP. 159.26 -4.75 -2.90% RDS.B n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. XOM EXXON MOBIL CORP. 108.15 -2.86 -2.58%
Commodities gained, with gold rallying 6 percent to $1,660.20 an ounce and West Texas Intermediate crude oil up nearly 3 percent at $24.01 a barrel.
Markets surged across Europe, with Germany’s DAX leading the way, up 9.2 percent, while France’s CAC and Britain’s FTSE each added 6.7 percent.
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In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei soared 7.1 percent, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng spiked 4.5 percent and China’s Shanghai Composite gained 2.3 percent.


bonginoreport--2020-03-24--Democrats Seek Bailout for Foreign Workers

Fox News ’ s Tucker Carlson says Democrats are seeking a bailout for foreign visa workers in the United States during “ the most profound employment crisis of our lifetime ” because of the Chinese coronavirus .
During a segment on Monday evening , Carlson detailed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ’ s ( D-CA ) coronavirus plan , which included automatic renewals of visas and work permits for foreign workers taking U.S. jobs in the American economy .
“ The House version of the bill includes special provisions , for real , to protect foreign nationals working here in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So we ’ re staring down the barrel of the most profound employment crisis of our lifetime , that ’ s not an exaggeration , and what are Democrats doing ?
They ’ re trying to automatically renew visas and work permits for all immigrants here in the U.S. because their jobs are very important , way more important than yours.
” “ Democrats want to make sure that the people replacing you are secure and happy .
The whole thing defies belief and that ’ s not a partisan observation , again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Carlson was referring to the provisions of Pelosi ’ s coronavirus plan , which allow several hundred thousand foreign workers — many from China and India — to get college jobs or blue-collar jobs while millions of Americans lose their careers .
The bill would even allow H-1B visa workers to stay long past the six-term limit on their temporary stays .
For example , the foreign workers who are expected to go home in the next 12 months will instead be allowed to “ automatically extend such status or work authorization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alien ’ s prior status or work authorization.
” For H-1Bs , the “ same time period ” is three years .
[ Emphasis added ] The bill would keep several hundred thousand white-collar visa workers and several hundred thousand blue-collar work-permit workers in the U.S. labor market , even as unemployment is expected to spike past 20 percent .
[ Emphasis added ] The bill would also provide a massive giveaway to the many technology , banking , insurance , and staffing companies that have replaced a huge number of U.S. graduates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese graduates .
[ Emphasis added ] While the U.S. faces mass unemployment as American workers are forced to stay home from their jobs and small businesses are crushed economically , Fox News ’ s Laura Ingraham has called for a temporary halt on all immigration to the U.S. “ All immigration to the US should be halted due to this national emergency — we sure as heck don ’ t need any foreign workers with millions of Americans on verge of losing their jobs , ” Ingraham wrote , along with “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported , immigration moratoriums are not uncommon in American history .
Currently , there are about 45 million foreign-born residents living in the U.S. , a 108-year record high .
The country ’ s last immigration boom — between 1900 and 1920 — was eventually met with a near immigration moratorium .
Between 1925 and 1966 , the U.S. legal immigration level did not exceed 327,000 annual admissions .
Since major changes were enacted in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson ( D ) and in the 1990s by President George H.W .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow foreign nationals to bring as many foreign relatives to the country as they want — legal immigration levels have continued booming for about five decades .
Today , 1.2 million legal immigrants are continuing to be admitted to the U.S. for the year .
John Binder is a reporter for Breitbart News .
Follow him on Twitter at @ JxhnBinder .

Fox News’s Tucker Carlson says Democrats are seeking a bailout for foreign visa workers in the United States during “the most profound employment crisis of our lifetime” because of the Chinese coronavirus.
During a segment on Monday evening, Carlson detailed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-CA) coronavirus plan, which included automatic renewals of visas and work permits for foreign workers taking U.S. jobs in the American economy.
“The House version of the bill includes special provisions, for real, to protect foreign nationals working here in the U.S.,” Carlson said. “So we’re staring down the barrel of the most profound employment crisis of our lifetime, that’s not an exaggeration, and what are Democrats doing? They’re trying to automatically renew visas and work permits for all immigrants here in the U.S. because their jobs are very important, way more important than yours.”
“Democrats want to make sure that the people replacing you are secure and happy. The whole thing defies belief and that’s not a partisan observation, again, read it,” Carlson said.
Carlson was referring to the provisions of Pelosi’s coronavirus plan, which allow several hundred thousand foreign workers — many from China and India — to get college jobs or blue-collar jobs while millions of Americans lose their careers.
Breitbart News’s Neil Munro reported:
The bill would even allow H-1B visa workers to stay long past the six-term limit on their temporary stays. For example, the foreign workers who are expected to go home in the next 12 months will instead be allowed to “automatically extend such status or work authorization for the same time period as the alien’s prior status or work authorization.” For H-1Bs, the “same time period” is three years. [Emphasis added] The bill would keep several hundred thousand white-collar visa workers and several hundred thousand blue-collar work-permit workers in the U.S. labor market, even as unemployment is expected to spike past 20 percent. [Emphasis added] The bill would also provide a massive giveaway to the many technology, banking, insurance, and staffing companies that have replaced a huge number of U.S. graduates with large blocs of compliant Indian and Chinese graduates. [Emphasis added]
While the U.S. faces mass unemployment as American workers are forced to stay home from their jobs and small businesses are crushed economically, Fox News’s Laura Ingraham has called for a temporary halt on all immigration to the U.S.
“All immigration to the US should be halted due to this national emergency — we sure as heck don’t need any foreign workers with millions of Americans on verge of losing their jobs,” Ingraham wrote, along with “#AmericaFirst.”
“All foreign worker visas must be stopped,” Ingraham wrote.
As Breitbart News has reported, immigration moratoriums are not uncommon in American history. Currently, there are about 45 million foreign-born residents living in the U.S., a 108-year record high.
The country’s last immigration boom — between 1900 and 1920 — was eventually met with a near immigration moratorium. Between 1925 and 1966, the U.S. legal immigration level did not exceed 327,000 annual admissions.
Since major changes were enacted in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson (D) and in the 1990s by President George H.W. Bush (R) — changes that allow foreign nationals to bring as many foreign relatives to the country as they want — legal immigration levels have continued booming for about five decades.
Today, 1.2 million legal immigrants are continuing to be admitted to the U.S. for the year.
John Binder is a reporter for Breitbart News. Follow him on Twitter at @JxhnBinder.


bonginoreport--2020-03-24--Cruise Companies Asking for Bailouts Aren’t Even American Companies

The United States economy is grinding to a halt as the country grapples with the novel coronavirus pandemic , and one of the first major actions President Trump has floated is having the government bail out the cruise line industry , which he says is a “ prime candidate.
” He shouldn ’ t do it .
It may be wishful thinking that he won ’ t .
Trump has proven he ’ s willing to give preferential treatment to big corporations over almost anything else ( save for himself ) , like when he signed a giant tax cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working class .
But there are myriad reasons not to bail out the cruise industry ’ s biggest players .
Here are just a few : They ’ re not really US companies .
Carnival Corporation is incorporated in Panama .
Royal Caribbean is incorporated in Liberia .
Norwegian Cruise Line is incorporated in Bermuda .
These three cruise companies combine to make up around 70 percent or more of the global cruise ship market , depending on how you measure it .
And while they operate offices in Miami , Florida , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very different labor , tax , and other laws than those of the US .
Their ships fly flags of these countries , too .
What ’ s more , a large number of cruise ship employees are from Europe , the Caribbean islands , and the Philippines .
These companies are not big job creators for US citizens in the way that other bailout targets like Boeing or airlines like Delta , United , and American are .
Also ...
They pay basically zero federal income tax .
With all of that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surprise many people that these big cruise companies essentially pay no federal income tax in the US .
True , each company is actually a conglomeration of a bunch of smaller companies , and there are some cases where their subsidiaries might be subject to federal ( and state ) income tax laws .
But most of those entities don ’ t have to pay , thanks to Section 883 of the Internal Revenue Code , which exempts : Carnival , the biggest of the three , said in its most recent annual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it is made up of “ primarily foreign corporations engaged in the business of operating cruise ships in international transportation.
” Its Holland America Princess Alaska Tours subsidiary is the company ’ s only truly domestic operation , so that is subject to federal and state income tax .
But that ’ s about it .
The top three cruise companies are incorporated in Panama , Liberia , and Bermuda — places with low taxes and lax labor laws And that ’ s the point .
Cruise companies could base their operations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corporate structures to evade some or all income taxes , just like many other multinational corporations do .
But they don ’ t bother with the facade .
Norwegian said flat out in its most recent annual filing that under “ current Bermuda law , ” where it ’ s incorporated , the company is “ not subject to tax on income and capital gains.
” In fact , it recorded a net tax benefit in 2019 .
Royal Caribbean explained in its filing that “ most of our income ( including that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or incidental to the international operation of ships , ” and is therefore exempt under Section 883 .
These companies are so reliant on this setup that they admit in those same documents that changes to the way they are taxed would put the health of their businesses at risk .
They ’ re bad corporate actors .
These companies use the protections offered by the countries they are incorporated in as a shield .
They make passengers sign over a ton of rights before they even come aboard .
Many employees often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Worst of all ...
They pollute the air and oceans .
Every fossil fuel-powered mode of transportation pollutes the air , but cruise ships are among the worst .
They emit more sulfur dioxide than all of the passenger vehicles in Europe combined .
Cruise ships also pollute the oceans by dumping waste .
Not just illegally , for which these companies have been repeatedly fined , but also in some cases with impunity , again thanks to protections afforded by the laws of the countries where they ’ re incorporated .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there have been coverups .
They aren ’ t necessary .
You can make a compelling argument that the airlines should be bailed out because they are a type of transportation we ’ ve become reliant on .
( Whether they should be , or what strings should be attached , is a whole other argument that has already been competently made by Aaron Gordon at Vice and Tim Wu at The New York Times . )
Cruise ships are not essential , though .
Nobody gets on a cruise ship because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Caicos .
Cruise ship companies offer a tantalizing proposition , to be sure , by selling all-inclusive , hassle-free vacations at what can feel like cut-rate prices .
But they ’ re not something we need .
If the Trump administration is really going to bail out the cruise industry , there should be a focused attempt on making these companies change these behaviors .
Sens .
Ed Markey ( D-MA ) , Richard Blumenthal ( D-CT ) , Sheldon Whitehouse ( D-RI ) , and Tammy Baldwin ( D-WI ) got the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership last week , though it was mostly focused on the airlines .
Cruise ship reform would take a much more concentrated effort .
The role that cruise ships played in the spread of the novel coronavirus should also be considered in any bailout package .
Top employees in charge of Carnival ’ s Diamond Princess ship were delayed in responding to an early confirmed case of the coronavirus .
The ship ultimately became “ the largest outbreak outside mainland China ” in the early stages of the pandemic , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Another Carnival-owned ship , the Costa Luminosa , reportedly took a week to implement strict sanitary protocols after a passenger was evacuated when she showed symptoms of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus .
Mangers at Norwegian Cruise Line pushed disinformation to try to keep booking people onto cruises after the virus went global .
These companies do employ workers in the US , and the government should be doing what it can to help them , just like they should be doing with everyone else who makes up our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money with no strings attached is a bad idea .
Even Carnival Corporation ’ s CEO told Axios that he doesn ’ t think a straight bailout is the best path forward .
So don ’ t do it .
Put the money to better use , like saving our country ’ s public transportation systems .

The United States economy is grinding to a halt as the country grapples with the novel coronavirus pandemic, and one of the first major actions President Trump has floated is having the government bail out the cruise line industry, which he says is a “prime candidate.” He shouldn’t do it.
It may be wishful thinking that he won’t. Trump has proven he’s willing to give preferential treatment to big corporations over almost anything else (save for himself), like when he signed a giant tax cut for corporations masked as relief for the working class.
But there are myriad reasons not to bail out the cruise industry’s biggest players. Here are just a few:
They’re not really US companies. Carnival Corporation is incorporated in Panama. Royal Caribbean is incorporated in Liberia. Norwegian Cruise Line is incorporated in Bermuda. These three cruise companies combine to make up around 70 percent or more of the global cruise ship market, depending on how you measure it. And while they operate offices in Miami, Florida, they are all incorporated in countries with very different labor, tax, and other laws than those of the US. Their ships fly flags of these countries, too. What’s more, a large number of cruise ship employees are from Europe, the Caribbean islands, and the Philippines. These companies are not big job creators for US citizens in the way that other bailout targets like Boeing or airlines like Delta, United, and American are. Also...
They pay basically zero federal income tax. With all of that in mind, it shouldn’t surprise many people that these big cruise companies essentially pay no federal income tax in the US. True, each company is actually a conglomeration of a bunch of smaller companies, and there are some cases where their subsidiaries might be subject to federal (and state) income tax laws. But most of those entities don’t have to pay, thanks to Section 883 of the Internal Revenue Code, which exempts:
Gross income derived by a corporation organized in a foreign country from the international operation of a ship or ships if such foreign country grants an equivalent exemption to corporations organized in the United States.
Carnival, the biggest of the three, said in its most recent annual filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that it is made up of “primarily foreign corporations engaged in the business of operating cruise ships in international transportation.” Its Holland America Princess Alaska Tours subsidiary is the company’s only truly domestic operation, so that is subject to federal and state income tax. But that’s about it.
The top three cruise companies are incorporated in Panama, Liberia, and Bermuda — places with low taxes and lax labor laws
And that’s the point. Cruise companies could base their operations in the US and whip up complex corporate structures to evade some or all income taxes, just like many other multinational corporations do. But they don’t bother with the facade. Norwegian said flat out in its most recent annual filing that under “current Bermuda law,” where it’s incorporated, the company is “not subject to tax on income and capital gains.” In fact, it recorded a net tax benefit in 2019. Royal Caribbean explained in its filing that “most of our income (including that of our subsidiaries) is derived from or incidental to the international operation of ships,” and is therefore exempt under Section 883. These companies are so reliant on this setup that they admit in those same documents that changes to the way they are taxed would put the health of their businesses at risk.
They’re bad corporate actors. These companies use the protections offered by the countries they are incorporated in as a shield. They make passengers sign over a ton of rights before they even come aboard. Many employees often face long hours and brutal working conditions. Worst of all...
They pollute the air and oceans. Every fossil fuel-powered mode of transportation pollutes the air, but cruise ships are among the worst. They emit more sulfur dioxide than all of the passenger vehicles in Europe combined. Cruise ships also pollute the oceans by dumping waste. Not just illegally, for which these companies have been repeatedly fined, but also in some cases with impunity, again thanks to protections afforded by the laws of the countries where they’re incorporated. And where they’ve been caught, there have been coverups.
They aren’t necessary. You can make a compelling argument that the airlines should be bailed out because they are a type of transportation we’ve become reliant on. (Whether they should be, or what strings should be attached, is a whole other argument that has already been competently made by Aaron Gordon at Vice and Tim Wu at The New York Times.) Cruise ships are not essential, though. Nobody gets on a cruise ship because they need to go to Turks and Caicos. Cruise ship companies offer a tantalizing proposition, to be sure, by selling all-inclusive, hassle-free vacations at what can feel like cut-rate prices. But they’re not something we need.
If the Trump administration is really going to bail out the cruise industry, there should be a focused attempt on making these companies change these behaviors. Sens. Ed Markey (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) got the ball rolling in a letter to Senate leadership last week, though it was mostly focused on the airlines. Cruise ship reform would take a much more concentrated effort.
The role that cruise ships played in the spread of the novel coronavirus should also be considered in any bailout package. Top employees in charge of Carnival’s Diamond Princess ship were delayed in responding to an early confirmed case of the coronavirus. The ship ultimately became “the largest outbreak outside mainland China” in the early stages of the pandemic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Another Carnival-owned ship, the Costa Luminosa, reportedly took a week to implement strict sanitary protocols after a passenger was evacuated when she showed symptoms of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Mangers at Norwegian Cruise Line pushed disinformation to try to keep booking people onto cruises after the virus went global.


bonginoreport--2020-03-24--Italian Priest Dies of Coronavirus After Giving His Respirator to Young Patient

An Italian priest infected with coronavirus gave up a respirator his parishioners bought for him to a younger patient — and then died from the deadly bug , according to reports .
The Rev .
Giuseppe Berardelli , 72 , refused to take the respirator while in a hospital after finding out the other patient — who was a complete stranger — also needed it , according to the BBC .
The main priest in the town of Casnigo died last week in Lovere hospital , the broadcaster said , citing hospital officials .
He was one of at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month as the European nation was the epicenter of the deadly pandemic , according to the Catholic News Agency .
“ He is a ‘ Martyr of Charity , ' ” New York Jesuit priest James Martin said on Twitter , adding the biblical phrase , “ Greater love has no person … ” Martin — an author who edits the Jesuit journal America — said Berardelli was a “ saint like St. Maximilian Kolbe , who in Auschwitz volunteered to take the place of a condemned man with a family , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , patron of those who suffer from coronavirus and all who care for them , pray for us !
” he wrote , with many others replying that the dead priest was a “ true saint.
” No details were given on the patient who received the respirator at Berardelli ’ s request .

An Italian priest infected with coronavirus gave up a respirator his parishioners bought for him to a younger patient — and then died from the deadly bug, according to reports.
The Rev. Giuseppe Berardelli, 72, refused to take the respirator while in a hospital after finding out the other patient — who was a complete stranger — also needed it, according to the BBC.
The main priest in the town of Casnigo died last week in Lovere hospital, the broadcaster said, citing hospital officials.
He was one of at least 60 priests who died in Italy this month as the European nation was the epicenter of the deadly pandemic, according to the Catholic News Agency.
“He is a ‘Martyr of Charity,'” New York Jesuit priest James Martin said on Twitter, adding the biblical phrase, “Greater love has no person …”
Martin — an author who edits the Jesuit journal America — said Berardelli was a “saint like St. Maximilian Kolbe, who in Auschwitz volunteered to take the place of a condemned man with a family, and was killed.”
Related Video Italy hospital update: 'We've stopped counting the bodies'
“Don Giuseppe Berardelli, patron of those who suffer from coronavirus and all who care for them, pray for us!” he wrote, with many others replying that the dead priest was a “true saint.”
No details were given on the patient who received the respirator at Berardelli’s request.


bonginoreport--2020-03-24--Sanders Staying In Race for Some Reason

Sanders Staying In Race for Some Reason

WASHINGTON — Bernie Sanders ’ sputtering campaign will participate in the New York primary on April 28 , despite no clear path to the nomination and growing calls for him to swiftly exit the race .
In a Tuesday morning email , the Vermont senator ’ s campaign said they were ramping up for the next round of primaries with thousands of volunteers phone-banking and organizing in the Empire State .
“ In the ramp up to the New York primary , Bernie 2020 today announced full-time state staff and a broadscale digital organizing program throughout the state , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the self-described socialist will remain in the Democratic primary race despite being repeatedly thumped by former veep Joe Biden , who is now the presumptive nominee with a large delegate lead .
The Bernie 2020 campaign vowed to fight on , ignoring repeated pleas that he exit the race or risk the health of American voters by unnecessarily sending them to the polls amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Many primaries have been canceled or rescheduled due to the outbreak — leaving the future of the race uncertain .
“ At a time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have been blown away by the huge grassroots support for Bernie in New York , and the eagerness of people across the state to rally around an agenda that works for working people , ” campaign New York state director Rafael Navar said .
Sanders , 78 , blew up last week when pressed by a reporter on when he would pull the plug on his campaign and on Sunday skipped an important vote on a coronavirus stimulus package to host a campaign event .

WASHINGTON — Bernie Sanders’ sputtering campaign will participate in the New York primary on April 28, despite no clear path to the nomination and growing calls for him to swiftly exit the race.
In a Tuesday morning email, the Vermont senator’s campaign said they were ramping up for the next round of primaries with thousands of volunteers phone-banking and organizing in the Empire State.
“In the ramp up to the New York primary, Bernie 2020 today announced full-time state staff and a broadscale digital organizing program throughout the state,” the email read.
The email signals that the self-described socialist will remain in the Democratic primary race despite being repeatedly thumped by former veep Joe Biden, who is now the presumptive nominee with a large delegate lead.
The Bernie 2020 campaign vowed to fight on, ignoring repeated pleas that he exit the race or risk the health of American voters by unnecessarily sending them to the polls amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Many primaries have been canceled or rescheduled due to the outbreak — leaving the future of the race uncertain.
“At a time of so much uncertainty and struggle, we have been blown away by the huge grassroots support for Bernie in New York, and the eagerness of people across the state to rally around an agenda that works for working people,” campaign New York state director Rafael Navar said.
Sanders, 78, blew up last week when pressed by a reporter on when he would pull the plug on his campaign and on Sunday skipped an important vote on a coronavirus stimulus package to host a campaign event.


bonginoreport--2020-03-24--Mass Testing Would Allow U.S. to Relax Quarantines

The fastest and safest way out of the rising coronavirus pandemic is `` to test as many people as possible , '' argue three researchers in a smart op-ed in the Washington Post .
`` If we know who is infected , who is not and who has recovered , we could greatly relax social isolation requirements and send both the uninfected and the recovered back to work . ''
Medical professors Anthony LaMantia and Gordon Douglas along with environmental policy researcher Tim Searchinger note that either locking down the country for months until a vaccine is developed or a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolation and normalcy are both economically untenable .
The latter risks igniting a larger epidemic that crashes our health care system at a later date .
By massively scaling up two types of tests—PCR tests that detect the active presence of virus and serology tests that detect immune system responses to being infected by the virus—population screening could identify those who are currently infected and those who have recovered and are likely not to pass along the virus to others .
Those who are currently infected could be isolated and their contacts traced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frequent large-scale testing of the uninfected would also help keep the epidemic in check by enabling them to withdraw if they subsequently contract the virus for a period of self-isolation in a timely fashion .
Frontline health care providers and especially hard-hit regions should be given first priority as the testing regime begins its rapid expansion .
Those who had recovered from infection ( possibly numbering ten times more than those whose symptoms drive them to seek out medical care ) could help on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19 , return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of social life , e.g.
, dining out , meeting friends at bars , traveling , and attending performances at entertainment venues .
`` To make this strategy work , governments would need to involve employers , social organizations , schools and large retailers to conduct tests and provide time-stamped certifications , '' propose the three researchers .
To ramp up both kinds of testing , the researchers urge that every laboratory capable of running PCR tests be pressed into service recruiting technicians , graduate students , and scientists to run the machines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced today that it has received Emergency Use Authorization from the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) to roll out its point-of-use 30-minute PCR test for the virus .
Other companies should be encouraged to provide such tests .
As I also argued last week , the researchers argue that widespread deployment of serology tests for the presence of antibodies to coronavirus needs to be prioritized .
This would identify people who had recovered and could safely go back to life outside of lockdown .
Over at the Wall Street Journal , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also recommends massively scaling up serological surveillance .
When population screening reveals that `` a sizable portion of a local community has some protection , authorities can be more confident in relying on less invasive measures .
Once deployed , serological tests are cheap , straightforward , and easy to scale . ''
Several companies have already developed such tests .
For example , North Carolina-based BioMedomics ' Chinese sister company has already sold 500,000 of its rapid serology tests in China and the test is widely available in Europe .
These companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the U.S .
The three researchers in their Washington Post op-ed argue that the federal government should assume whatever expenses are necessary to fund a massive mobilization to enable hundreds of millions of Americans to be tested .
It 's going to be a while before a semblance of normal life can be restored , but testing everybody is a big step on the path to that goal .

The fastest and safest way out of the rising coronavirus pandemic is "to test as many people as possible," argue three researchers in a smart op-ed in the Washington Post. "If we know who is infected, who is not and who has recovered, we could greatly relax social isolation requirements and send both the uninfected and the recovered back to work." Medical professors Anthony LaMantia and Gordon Douglas along with environmental policy researcher Tim Searchinger note that either locking down the country for months until a vaccine is developed or a strategy of alternating between intermittent periods of isolation and normalcy are both economically untenable. The latter risks igniting a larger epidemic that crashes our health care system at a later date.
By massively scaling up two types of tests—PCR tests that detect the active presence of virus and serology tests that detect immune system responses to being infected by the virus—population screening could identify those who are currently infected and those who have recovered and are likely not to pass along the virus to others. Those who are currently infected could be isolated and their contacts traced so that they could quarantine themselves. Frequent large-scale testing of the uninfected would also help keep the epidemic in check by enabling them to withdraw if they subsequently contract the virus for a period of self-isolation in a timely fashion. Frontline health care providers and especially hard-hit regions should be given first priority as the testing regime begins its rapid expansion.
Those who had recovered from infection (possibly numbering ten times more than those whose symptoms drive them to seek out medical care) could help on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19, return to work, and enjoy the pleasures of social life, e.g., dining out, meeting friends at bars, traveling, and attending performances at entertainment venues. "To make this strategy work, governments would need to involve employers, social organizations, schools and large retailers to conduct tests and provide time-stamped certifications," propose the three researchers.
To ramp up both kinds of testing, the researchers urge that every laboratory capable of running PCR tests be pressed into service recruiting technicians, graduate students, and scientists to run the machines. Even better, Mesa Biotech just announced today that it has received Emergency Use Authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to roll out its point-of-use 30-minute PCR test for the virus. Other companies should be encouraged to provide such tests.
As I also argued last week, the researchers argue that widespread deployment of serology tests for the presence of antibodies to coronavirus needs to be prioritized. This would identify people who had recovered and could safely go back to life outside of lockdown. Over at the Wall Street Journal, the perspicacious former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb also recommends massively scaling up serological surveillance. When population screening reveals that "a sizable portion of a local community has some protection, authorities can be more confident in relying on less invasive measures. Once deployed, serological tests are cheap, straightforward, and easy to scale."
Several companies have already developed such tests. For example, North Carolina-based BioMedomics' Chinese sister company has already sold 500,000 of its rapid serology tests in China and the test is widely available in Europe. These companies are still awaiting FDA approval for use in the U.S.
The three researchers in their Washington Post op-ed argue that the federal government should assume whatever expenses are necessary to fund a massive mobilization to enable hundreds of millions of Americans to be tested. It's going to be a while before a semblance of normal life can be restored, but testing everybody is a big step on the path to that goal.


bonginoreport--2020-03-24--Obama Administration Failed to Replenish Depleted Stockpile of N95 Respirator Masks

The national shortage of N95 respirator masks can be traced back to 2009 after the H1N1 swine flu pandemic , when the Obama administration was advised to replenish a national stockpile but did not , according to reports from Bloomberg News and the Los Angeles Times .
The Trump administration is scrambling to replenish a stockpile of protective medical gear for healthcare workers and patients as the coronavirus sweeps across the nation .
N95 respirator masks are one of the most needed medical supplies amid the outbreak .
The George W. Bush administration published the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the federal government to distribute medical supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile governed by the Health and Human Services Department in the event of an outbreak .
In 2009 , the H1N1 outbreak hit the United States , leading to 274,304 hospitalizations , 12,469 deaths , and a depletion of N95 respirator masks .
A federally backed task force and a safety equipment organization both recommended to the Obama administration that the stockpile be replenished with the 100 million masks used after the H1N1 outbreak .
Charles Johnson , president of the International @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was never heeded .
“ Our association is unaware of any major effort to restore the stockpile to cover that drawdown , ” he said .
HHS Secretary Alex Azar reported last month that only 12 million N95 masks were available in the stockpile , “ a tiny fraction of the 3.5 billion masks one of Azar ’ s deputies later testified the nation ’ s healthcare system would need , ” the Los Angeles Times noted .
Bloomberg News reported similar findings last week , noting , `` After the H1N1 influenza @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationwide shortage of masks and caused a 2- to 3-year backlog [ of ] orders for the N95 variety , the stockpile distributed about three-quarters of its inventory and didn ’ t build back the supply.
” Bloomberg reported that the Trump administration had asked construction companies to `` donate their inventory of N95 masks to your local hospital and forgo additional orders of those industrial masks ” and the Defense Department would provide 5 million N95 masks and 2,000 ventilators to help bridge the gap .
Johns Hopkins University ’ s coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. as of Monday .
Vice President Mike Pence , who heads the administration ’ s coronavirus task force , said on Sunday that a quarter-million people had been tested for the virus , with 9 out of 10 people testing negative .
`` The FDA is working with manufacturers around the company to come up with faster , more innovative tests , '' he said .

The national shortage of N95 respirator masks can be traced back to 2009 after the H1N1 swine flu pandemic, when the Obama administration was advised to replenish a national stockpile but did not, according to reports from Bloomberg News and the Los Angeles Times.
The Trump administration is scrambling to replenish a stockpile of protective medical gear for healthcare workers and patients as the coronavirus sweeps across the nation. N95 respirator masks are one of the most needed medical supplies amid the outbreak.
The George W. Bush administration published the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza plan in 2005, which called on the federal government to distribute medical supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile governed by the Health and Human Services Department in the event of an outbreak.
In 2009, the H1N1 outbreak hit the United States, leading to 274,304 hospitalizations, 12,469 deaths, and a depletion of N95 respirator masks.
A federally backed task force and a safety equipment organization both recommended to the Obama administration that the stockpile be replenished with the 100 million masks used after the H1N1 outbreak.
Charles Johnson, president of the International Safety Equipment Association, said that advice was never heeded.
“Our association is unaware of any major effort to restore the stockpile to cover that drawdown,” he said.
HHS Secretary Alex Azar reported last month that only 12 million N95 masks were available in the stockpile, “a tiny fraction of the 3.5 billion masks one of Azar’s deputies later testified the nation’s healthcare system would need,” the Los Angeles Times noted.
Bloomberg News reported similar findings last week, noting, "After the H1N1 influenza outbreak in 2009, which triggered a nationwide shortage of masks and caused a 2- to 3-year backlog [of] orders for the N95 variety, the stockpile distributed about three-quarters of its inventory and didn’t build back the supply.”
Bloomberg reported that the Trump administration had asked construction companies to "donate their inventory of N95 masks to your local hospital and forgo additional orders of those industrial masks” and the Defense Department would provide 5 million N95 masks and 2,000 ventilators to help bridge the gap.
Johns Hopkins University’s coronavirus tracker reported 35,225 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. as of Monday.
Vice President Mike Pence, who heads the administration’s coronavirus task force, said on Sunday that a quarter-million people had been tested for the virus, with 9 out of 10 people testing negative.
"The FDA is working with manufacturers around the company to come up with faster, more innovative tests," he said.


bonginoreport--2020-03-24--Political Correctness Doomed Italy’s Coronavirus Response

The former President of the European and Italian Society for Virology attributed Italy ’ s unmatched surge in novel Coronavirus deaths – even allegedly surpassing China – to the government ’ s fear of being labeled “ racist ” for barring Chinese entry .
Dr. Giorgio Palù , also a Professor of Virology and Microbiology at the University of Padova , expressed concern over the Italian government ’ s inadequate response to the virus , a grave flaw that has continued since the onset of the outbreak , in a CNN interview .
Currently , Italy is leading globally with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop treatment for individuals over 80 and in poor health .
A specific error Dr. Palù highlights is how the Italian government ignored testing in an area with the virus : “ We should have done more diagnostic tests in Lombardy where there was a big nucleus .
There is no sense in trying to go to the supermarket once a week .
You have to limit your time out , isolation is the key thing.
” He alleges the government was “ lazy in the beginning… too much politics in Italy.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a proposal to isolate people coming from the epicenter , coming from China .
Then it became seen as racist , but they were people coming from the outbreak.
” Even according to CNN , fear of being viewed as racist “ led to the current devastating situation.
” Look no further than Dario Nardella , the left-wing Mayor of Florence , who urged Italians to “ hug a Chinese ” in early February –nearly 2 months after the first documented case of the virus – out of concern that the virus was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a video where he takes his own advice , using a man of Chinese-origin as a prop for his “ anti-racist ” video .
Similarly , activists from the Association of Italian-Chinese youth in an effort to “ eradicate Coronavirus prejudice ” and emphasize Chinese people are “ not a virus ” sent a Chinese man wearing a safety mask to hug Italian residents in a grandstanding display of political correctness .
Unsurprisingly , the display has been glorified across state-run Chinese media outlets .
Progressive American politicians , in lockstep with their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smear President Trump ’ s geographically accurate term “ Chinese virus ” as racist ; luckily he ’ s has taken an America First response from the onset , seemingly untainted by any fear of being cast as “ racist .
”

The former President of the European and Italian Society for Virology attributed Italy’s unmatched surge in novel Coronavirus deaths – even allegedly surpassing China – to the government’s fear of being labeled “racist” for barring Chinese entry.
Dr. Giorgio Palù, also a Professor of Virology and Microbiology at the University of Padova, expressed concern over the Italian government’s inadequate response to the virus, a grave flaw that has continued since the onset of the outbreak, in a CNN interview.
Currently, Italy is leading globally with over 6,000 deaths and is likely to stop treatment for individuals over 80 and in poor health.
A specific error Dr. Palù highlights is how the Italian government ignored testing in an area with the virus:
“We should have done more diagnostic tests in Lombardy where there was a big nucleus. There is no sense in trying to go to the supermarket once a week. You have to limit your time out, isolation is the key thing.”
Why?
He alleges the government was “lazy in the beginning… too much politics in Italy.”
Dr. Palù adds: “There was a proposal to isolate people coming from the epicenter, coming from China. Then it became seen as racist, but they were people coming from the outbreak.”
Even according to CNN, fear of being viewed as racist “led to the current devastating situation.”
Look no further than Dario Nardella, the left-wing Mayor of Florence, who urged Italians to “hug a Chinese” in early February –nearly 2 months after the first documented case of the virus – out of concern that the virus was spawning anti-Chinese racism.
He even posted a video where he takes his own advice, using a man of Chinese-origin as a prop for his “anti-racist” video.
#coronavirus: seguiamo le indicazioni delle autorità sanitarie e usiamo cautela, ma nessun terrorismo psicologico e soprattutto basta con i soliti sciacalli che non vedevano l’ora di usare questa scusa per odiare e insultare. Uniti in questa battaglia comune! #AbbracciaUnCinese pic.twitter.com/pUdqEl0piW — Dario Nardella (@DarioNardella) February 1, 2020
Similarly, activists from the Association of Italian-Chinese youth in an effort to “eradicate Coronavirus prejudice” and emphasize Chinese people are “not a virus” sent a Chinese man wearing a safety mask to hug Italian residents in a grandstanding display of political correctness.
Unsurprisingly, the display has been glorified across state-run Chinese media outlets.
Progressive American politicians, in lockstep with their establishment media counterparts, have attempted to smear President Trump’s geographically accurate term “Chinese virus” as racist; luckily he’s has taken an America First response from the onset, seemingly untainted by any fear of being cast as “racist.”


bonginoreport--2020-03-25--Former MSNBC Host Asks Biden to Please Not Die

Alex Wagner of Showtime ’ s “ The Circus ” has released an op-ed urging Democrats to view former Vice President Joseph R. Biden as a “ vessel ” and an “ idea ” if they want President Trump defeated at the ballot box .
The writer penned “ Stay Alive , Joe Biden ” for The Atlantic this week , which serves as a blueprint for realizing a Democrat as the 46th commander in chief .
Ms. Wagner , who also serves as a special correspondent for CBS News , insisted Tuesday that “ vanquishing ” Mr. Trump will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic opponent for the man he once was instead of the man he is today .
“ Almost no one I came across [ in my cross-country travels ] said they were going to vote because someone , anyone , but especially Joe Biden , had made their heart sing , ” Ms. Wanger said .
“ Voters seem to have coalesced around Biden for his past — who they have known him to be for the past four decades in American politics — rather than for anything in his present , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as if Biden exists primarily as an idea , rather than an actual candidate .
Democrats have chosen Biden as their vessel for Trump ’ s defeat , and that choice is the entire point : The vanquishing matters more than anything else.
” The conservative website Red State responded by questioning the Democratic Party ’ s integrity .
“ What the Democratic Party is doing to Joe Biden is cruel , ” the website ’ s Elizabeth Vaugh wrote Wednesday .
“ They are exploiting him .
How his wife allows them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She waits in the wings to manage his slip-ups that are occurring far more frequently now .
She shares in their guilt.
” Regardless , Ms. Wagner concluded that Mr. Biden ’ s supporters most focus on the task at hand : “ Keep that idea convincing enough , for long enough , among as many people as possible , for the corporeal man to actually win .
”

Alex Wagner of Showtime’s “The Circus” has released an op-ed urging Democrats to view former Vice President Joseph R. Biden as a “vessel” and an “idea” if they want President Trump defeated at the ballot box.
The writer penned “Stay Alive, Joe Biden” for The Atlantic this week, which serves as a blueprint for realizing a Democrat as the 46th commander in chief.
Ms. Wagner, who also serves as a special correspondent for CBS News, insisted Tuesday that “vanquishing” Mr. Trump will require millions of voters to see his Democratic opponent for the man he once was instead of the man he is today.
“Almost no one I came across [in my cross-country travels] said they were going to vote because someone, anyone, but especially Joe Biden, had made their heart sing,” Ms. Wanger said.
“Voters seem to have coalesced around Biden for his past — who they have known him to be for the past four decades in American politics — rather than for anything in his present,” she continued. “It’s as if Biden exists primarily as an idea, rather than an actual candidate. Democrats have chosen Biden as their vessel for Trump’s defeat, and that choice is the entire point: The vanquishing matters more than anything else.”
The conservative website Red State responded by questioning the Democratic Party’s integrity.
“What the Democratic Party is doing to Joe Biden is cruel,” the website’s Elizabeth Vaugh wrote Wednesday. “They are exploiting him. How his wife allows them to do so is beyond me. She waits in the wings to manage his slip-ups that are occurring far more frequently now. She shares in their guilt.”
Regardless, Ms. Wagner concluded that Mr. Biden’s supporters most focus on the task at hand: “Keep that idea convincing enough, for long enough, among as many people as possible, for the corporeal man to actually win.”
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.