wnd--2020-03-16--Conspiracies are real -- and at 'pandemic' levels

`` Do not be conformed to this world , but be transformed by the renewing of your mind .
Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good , pleasing , and perfect will of God . ''
( Romans 12:2 ) One of the first things I noticed as a baby Christian is the extent to which the people of the world manipulate each other for various selfish reasons – often conspiring together to do so .
Previously , my sense of reality was largely shaped by the mainstream media and my public school education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generally .
But after I was born again in Christ , all of my perceptions changed .
I experienced a refreshing and exciting new clarity of mind that allowed me to recognize and understand the world as God actually made it , to comprehend the moral and physical laws God built into His Creation and for the first time to have a truly rational , intellectual framework through which to think through any subject or question .
Today I can personally attest to the profound truth of Psalm 19:7-8 : `` The Law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the soul ; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy , making wise the simple .
The precepts of the LORD are right , bringing joy to the heart ; the commandments of the LORD are radiant , giving light to the eyes . ''
One essential truth is the reality of the SATANIC CONSPIRACY .
Mature Bible-grounded Christians will instantly `` Amen '' this proclamation .
But how many less mature Christians will instead hesitate , cringe or deflect out of fear , due either to the word `` conspiracy '' or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fear `` of Satan , '' but a fear of having to defend the concept of Satan in a society conditioned to mock Christianity and the Bible .
It 's really the fear of man , which is itself fruit of the satanic conspiracy .
I speak not from judgment but from experience , having once been guilty of these same reactions – before intense , persistent persecution for opposing the LGBT agenda strengthened me spiritually .
By persevering instead of giving up or compromising , I was blessed by God with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from concern about public opinion – which I now recognize as a hidden meaning of John 8:6 , `` Whom the Son sets free is free indeed . ''
I do not boast in myself , for this is the gift of God .
TRENDING : 2 Fox stars gave Donna Brazile lesson in manners after outrageous 'Go to hell ' comment With this freedom , I can and do boldly proclaim to the world outside the church `` I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ , '' but I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analyze `` conspiracy theories '' of any type , regardless of their level of `` kookiness '' in the perception of others .
All matters of truth , deception , reality and fantasy are within the scope of biblical analysis , and it is important for believers to speak truth on all matters of concern to humanity – especially truth Satan obviously wants suppressed .
Remember , he is the Father of Lies whose influence among men relies on deception .
In reality , `` conspiracy '' is everywhere , as natural as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other to accomplish mutual goals , from the benign agreement of adult children to convince Mom to move to a retirement facility , to the corrupt agreement of gas station owners in a particular locality to fix prices .
Corrupt conspiracies are so common they have their own category in criminal and civil law , litigated in tens of thousands of cases every day .
If the `` common people '' whose lives revolve around working for a living and raising a family so freely engage in conspiracies together , how much more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' like politicians , business magnates and ideologues of various stripes , conspiratorially minded ?
A priori , why would n't we expect the super-rich elites , especially multi-generational dynastic families who control vast empires , to be the most conspiratorial of all , developing mutually agreed strategies and systems designed to perpetuate their power indefinitely ?
In the logic of the world , they would be fools not to do so .
Put this common-sense analysis into the biblical context , in which Satan , the `` god of this world '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power to assign principalities and powers to whom he pleases ( Matthew 4:8-9 ) , and the existence of an `` Illuminati '' or similar cabal seems virtually certain .
Given the reality of conspiracy as an normal aspect of social interaction , why are reasoned , evidence-based speculations about conspiracies in history , politics and current events met with scorn and derision by the `` mainstream '' of our society ?
I argue this is itself evidence of a conspiracy to program irrational self-censorship in society to suppress inquiry that would otherwise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Granted , many conspiracy theories are unfounded , just as many opinions on matters of public concern reflect faulty perspectives and/or reasoning .
But , in a healthy society the public discourse should be as lively and diverse as the population itself , with all ideas and arguments measured against the standards of truth and evidence .
Our society is presently very unhealthy , because a vast international network of people who share a theology called Humanism ( the religion of Marxism ) have conspired together for many decades to overthrow Bible-based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global socialist order .
They have systematically infiltrated and coopted nearly every institution of our society , retasking them to serve the Marxist agenda .
And in furtherance of that agenda they have imposed a `` groupthink '' mentality on at least three generations of public school students , developed by the social sciences and reinforced by mass media : the simple but powerful result of this conditioning being an unnatural but overpowering `` fear of ridicule '' in virtually everyone .
Saul Alinsky 's book of Marxist tactics , `` Rules for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is man 's most potent weapon , '' and our culture has been carefully reshaped to maximize the effect of that weapon .
My exhortation today is for Christian believers to `` Fear Not . ''
We should be modeling courage anyway in the face of the orchestrated coronavirus pandemic and panic that has the world stampeding like cattle .
But we should especially not fear to tell truths and expose conspiracies at this pivotal time when fake news , fake science and fake Christianity are also at pandemic levels .
Be reasonable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Adversaries of the Deceiver .

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2)
One of the first things I noticed as a baby Christian is the extent to which the people of the world manipulate each other for various selfish reasons – often conspiring together to do so. Previously, my sense of reality was largely shaped by the mainstream media and my public school education, which I perceived as trustworthy, generally. But after I was born again in Christ, all of my perceptions changed. I experienced a refreshing and exciting new clarity of mind that allowed me to recognize and understand the world as God actually made it, to comprehend the moral and physical laws God built into His Creation and for the first time to have a truly rational, intellectual framework through which to think through any subject or question.
Today I can personally attest to the profound truth of Psalm 19:7-8: "The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes."
One essential truth is the reality of the SATANIC CONSPIRACY. Mature Bible-grounded Christians will instantly "Amen" this proclamation. But how many less mature Christians will instead hesitate, cringe or deflect out of fear, due either to the word "conspiracy" or the word "Satan." Not a fear "of Satan," but a fear of having to defend the concept of Satan in a society conditioned to mock Christianity and the Bible. It's really the fear of man, which is itself fruit of the satanic conspiracy.
I speak not from judgment but from experience, having once been guilty of these same reactions – before intense, persistent persecution for opposing the LGBT agenda strengthened me spiritually. By persevering instead of giving up or compromising, I was blessed by God with the rare and powerful gift of liberation from concern about public opinion – which I now recognize as a hidden meaning of John 8:6, "Whom the Son sets free is free indeed." I do not boast in myself, for this is the gift of God.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
With this freedom, I can and do boldly proclaim to the world outside the church "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ," but I can and do also publicly expound and analyze "conspiracy theories" of any type, regardless of their level of "kookiness" in the perception of others. All matters of truth, deception, reality and fantasy are within the scope of biblical analysis, and it is important for believers to speak truth on all matters of concern to humanity – especially truth Satan obviously wants suppressed. Remember, he is the Father of Lies whose influence among men relies on deception.
In reality, "conspiracy" is everywhere, as natural as breathing. People regularly conspire with each other to accomplish mutual goals, from the benign agreement of adult children to convince Mom to move to a retirement facility, to the corrupt agreement of gas station owners in a particular locality to fix prices. Corrupt conspiracies are so common they have their own category in criminal and civil law, litigated in tens of thousands of cases every day.
If the "common people" whose lives revolve around working for a living and raising a family so freely engage in conspiracies together, how much more are the agenda-driven "uncommon people," like politicians, business magnates and ideologues of various stripes, conspiratorially minded? A priori, why wouldn't we expect the super-rich elites, especially multi-generational dynastic families who control vast empires, to be the most conspiratorial of all, developing mutually agreed strategies and systems designed to perpetuate their power indefinitely? In the logic of the world, they would be fools not to do so.
Put this common-sense analysis into the biblical context, in which Satan, the "god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4) has the power to assign principalities and powers to whom he pleases (Matthew 4:8-9), and the existence of an "Illuminati" or similar cabal seems virtually certain.
Given the reality of conspiracy as an normal aspect of social interaction, why are reasoned, evidence-based speculations about conspiracies in history, politics and current events met with scorn and derision by the "mainstream" of our society? I argue this is itself evidence of a conspiracy to program irrational self-censorship in society to suppress inquiry that would otherwise be a normal part of public discourse.
Granted, many conspiracy theories are unfounded, just as many opinions on matters of public concern reflect faulty perspectives and/or reasoning. But, in a healthy society the public discourse should be as lively and diverse as the population itself, with all ideas and arguments measured against the standards of truth and evidence.
Our society is presently very unhealthy, because a vast international network of people who share a theology called Humanism (the religion of Marxism) have conspired together for many decades to overthrow Bible-based civilization and replace it with their own global socialist order. They have systematically infiltrated and coopted nearly every institution of our society, retasking them to serve the Marxist agenda. And in furtherance of that agenda they have imposed a "groupthink" mentality on at least three generations of public school students, developed by the social sciences and reinforced by mass media: the simple but powerful result of this conditioning being an unnatural but overpowering "fear of ridicule" in virtually everyone.
Saul Alinsky's book of Marxist tactics, "Rules for Radicals," taught that "ridicule is man's most potent weapon," and our culture has been carefully reshaped to maximize the effect of that weapon.
My exhortation today is for Christian believers to "Fear Not." We should be modeling courage anyway in the face of the orchestrated coronavirus pandemic and panic that has the world stampeding like cattle. But we should especially not fear to tell truths and expose conspiracies at this pivotal time when fake news, fake science and fake Christianity are also at pandemic levels. Be reasonable. Be fact-based. But be Bold Adversaries of the Deceiver.


wnd--2020-03-16--Why America needs baseball to begin -- now more than ever

The draconian measures put in place to stop the spread of the coronavirus may be wise , but they are wreaking havoc on the world economy .
The measures could cause a worldwide depression , which in turn could ultimately cause more damage to human health than the virus itself .
To avoid this , it is critical that , as these measures are put in place , we not panic .
It was panic that caused the Great Depression .
We need to `` Stay Calm , and Carry On '' as best we can .
We could use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that – and I suggest that Major League Baseball players step up and play that role .
MLB first announced that all baseball would be suspended for at least two weeks .
This originally pushed back the opening day of the regular season from March 26 to April 9 .
Its decision followed similar actions by the other major team sports .
Monday Major League Baseball announced that opening day has been suspended until mid-May .
But I suggest that baseball , absent there being a dramatic escalation of the virus , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it will in fact commence on April 9 .
Andrew Heaney , the Los Angeles Angels pitcher who was to be the starter on opening day , expressed to ESPN what the players are feeling : `` It 's the national pastime , and from an emotional standpoint , it 's been there for people and been a source of entertainment and distraction and all that stuff from all of the bigger-picture things that are going on .
And I think that that 's something that guys really enjoy , being able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of pride in what you do and what it means to people .
For that , it 's sad .
And for the people that are gon na be out of work and might not have other options or other places to turn , that sucks . ''
A return of baseball would demonstrate some return to normalcy , serving the critical role of calming the public and the markets .
Of course , the absolute safest thing to do is for everyone to stay home , but everyone staying home for an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the economy .
And , it simply is not possible .
We need doctors , health care workers , policemen , reporters , grocery store workers , farmers , truck drivers , factory workers , etc .
to do their jobs .
These are essential workers .
Just as these workers are accepting some risk by doing their jobs , I posit that baseball players should do the same , because their jobs at this moment are just as essential .
They should not play in front of crowds .
And , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while in the clubhouse .
But the sport is well suited to be played safely .
Players have little contact with each other .
Physical exertion is less than with other sports .
And the crowd plays a more limited role than in other sports .
TRENDING : 2 Fox stars gave Donna Brazile lesson in manners after outrageous 'Go to hell ' comment Baseball has languished in recent years as the game has gotten longer while attention spans have gotten shorter .
But no other sport plays to America 's psyche like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well over a century , through the Great Depression and World Wars , and is the only game played every day .
We need to see people on our televisions at home `` staying calm and carrying on . ''
Baseball players competing on the field can play that role .
If they play , baseball may reclaim its place as `` America 's Game , '' and these players will truly be our heroes .

The draconian measures put in place to stop the spread of the coronavirus may be wise, but they are wreaking havoc on the world economy. The measures could cause a worldwide depression, which in turn could ultimately cause more damage to human health than the virus itself. To avoid this, it is critical that, as these measures are put in place, we not panic. It was panic that caused the Great Depression. We need to "Stay Calm, and Carry On" as best we can. We could use some role models to help us do that – and I suggest that Major League Baseball players step up and play that role.
MLB first announced that all baseball would be suspended for at least two weeks. This originally pushed back the opening day of the regular season from March 26 to April 9. Its decision followed similar actions by the other major team sports. Monday Major League Baseball announced that opening day has been suspended until mid-May. But I suggest that baseball, absent there being a dramatic escalation of the virus, "step to the plate" and announce that it will in fact commence on April 9.
Andrew Heaney, the Los Angeles Angels pitcher who was to be the starter on opening day, expressed to ESPN what the players are feeling: "It's the national pastime, and from an emotional standpoint, it's been there for people and been a source of entertainment and distraction and all that stuff from all of the bigger-picture things that are going on. And I think that that's something that guys really enjoy, being able to be that, having that source of pride in what you do and what it means to people. For that, it's sad. And for the people that are gonna be out of work and might not have other options or other places to turn, that sucks."
A return of baseball would demonstrate some return to normalcy, serving the critical role of calming the public and the markets. Of course, the absolute safest thing to do is for everyone to stay home, but everyone staying home for an extended length of time is extremely destructive to the economy. And, it simply is not possible. We need doctors, health care workers, policemen, reporters, grocery store workers, farmers, truck drivers, factory workers, etc. to do their jobs. These are essential workers. Just as these workers are accepting some risk by doing their jobs, I posit that baseball players should do the same, because their jobs at this moment are just as essential.
They should not play in front of crowds. And, naturally, they should take necessary precautions while in the clubhouse. But the sport is well suited to be played safely. Players have little contact with each other. Physical exertion is less than with other sports. And the crowd plays a more limited role than in other sports.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Baseball has languished in recent years as the game has gotten longer while attention spans have gotten shorter. But no other sport plays to America's psyche like baseball. It has been played for well over a century, through the Great Depression and World Wars, and is the only game played every day. We need to see people on our televisions at home "staying calm and carrying on." Baseball players competing on the field can play that role.
If they play, baseball may reclaim its place as "America's Game," and these players will truly be our heroes.


wnd--2020-03-16--Will coronavirus sink Trump's reelection?

Until the coronavirus outbreak , most conservatives were pretty confident President Donald Trump would get reelected .
The economy was doing great , which is a good sign an incumbent president will win a second term .
But the coronavirus may change things .
We may end up in a recession .
Although only 70 people in the U.S. have died from it so far , the country is taking drastic action to reduce the spread of coronavirus .
The flu kills about 12,000 people in the U.S. each year , but the coronavirus is 10 times more deadly than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken are hurting the economy and jobs .
People are staying at home and avoiding travel and entertainment .
Schools are shutting down .
Retirees are losing their investments in stocks .
Everyone has been affected to some extent .
People panicking and overloading on supplies from grocery stores are making life difficult for others who ca n't get the essentials like toilet paper .
And there 's no end in sight .
Some experts predict two months , but they could be overly optimistic .
Regardless , two months is a long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't cause the coronavirus , but he is being blamed for everything in regards to handling it .
He 's done an excellent job despite the naysaying from Democrats and the mainstream media .
He 's taking drastic action .
TRENDING : 2 Fox stars gave Donna Brazile lesson in manners after outrageous 'Go to hell ' comment Cutting off travel from China was the right thing to do , but Trump was accused of being racist .
Then , after he did it , they criticized him for not doing it fast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slower than Trump dealing with the swine flu .
And then , when Europe became a hotbed for the virus , as new cases in China dwindled , Trump cut off travel from there .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , says 70 % of the new cases of the virus are coming from Europe .
Newt Gingrich , who is currently living in Italy , observed , `` When you realize that the current 1,016 deaths in Italy with a population of 60 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths in the United States instead of the 41 deaths we have had so far , you can see what milder , slower and less aggressive responses might have cost in lives . ''
Conservative columnist Rachel Marsden described the aggressive steps Russia has taken , which are working there .
The country put up `` barriers , closing its border with coronavirus hotbed China in late January , banning high-risk flights , maintaining strict screening at border checkpoints and placing Russian expats evacuated from the Chinese city of Wuhan in quarantine for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As a result , there have been only 17 reported cases of coronavirus , despite 51,000 reported tests .
Democrat Joe Biden attacked Trump 's handling of the crisis , then turned around and plagiarized Trump 's plan .
This comes as no surprise , since Biden has a history of plagiarism .
Tim Murtaugh , the communications director for the Trump campaign , said Biden raised the `` vile conspiracy theory that the president purposely allowed the coronavirus to spread . ''
This is dishonest considering how aggressively Trump has moved to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with falsely accusing Trump of calling the crisis a hoax and not treating it seriously .
What he actually said was a criticism of the `` politicizing '' of the coronavirus by Democrats as `` their new hoax . ''
Trump 's critics fault him no matter what action he takes .
Jon Gabriel , the conservative editor of Ricochet , points out how the left criticized Trump for not getting tested for coronavirus right away .
But after he got the test , they complained about why he was able to access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's speeches are criticized for either being too ominous or not worried enough , no matter how carefully he tries to walk that fine line between the two approaches .
Mike Huckabee observed , `` So … how has the other side responded ?
You know , the people with such high standards of 'character ' for others ?
Thus far , they have relentlessly attacked , mocked , criticized , second-guessed and undermined everything Trump has tried to do . ''
If the crisis is averted after a couple of months , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it fast enough .
No matter how many people die , even if a small number , they will say it could have been smaller .
Trump ca n't win .
When it 's all over , the Democrats will claim everything Trump did was wrong .
These vicious attacks are in contrast to previous outbreaks .
The actor James Woods observed , `` I remember the H1N1 and SARS epidemics .
Everyone supported our president then .
There was no hysteria and the doomsayers kept their mouths shut .
Thousands of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ astonishingly tepid response by the leaders of the time .
Why the hysteria now ? ''
What 's sad is liberal networks like CNN and MSNBC are so focused on nitpicking Trump that they are squandering time that could be spent giving people important information about the outbreak .
All the people significantly affected by this crisis – especially those losing working hours – may hold it against Trump .
The Democrats of course will say the job interruptions could have been avoided – and that if Trump had started to contain the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to avoid public places and businesses .
What it 's going to come down to is : Will Americans believe the Democrats and mainstream media and fault Trump for much of the epidemic , or will they see through the lies and realize he did an excellent job addressing it ?
It 's going to be an uphill battle as the Democrats and media act as an echo chamber for each other .
Trump is going to be in the fight of his life .

Until the coronavirus outbreak, most conservatives were pretty confident President Donald Trump would get reelected. The economy was doing great, which is a good sign an incumbent president will win a second term. But the coronavirus may change things. We may end up in a recession.
Although only 70 people in the U.S. have died from it so far, the country is taking drastic action to reduce the spread of coronavirus. The flu kills about 12,000 people in the U.S. each year, but the coronavirus is 10 times more deadly than the flu.
The extreme measures being taken are hurting the economy and jobs. People are staying at home and avoiding travel and entertainment. Schools are shutting down. Retirees are losing their investments in stocks. Everyone has been affected to some extent. People panicking and overloading on supplies from grocery stores are making life difficult for others who can't get the essentials like toilet paper.
And there's no end in sight. Some experts predict two months, but they could be overly optimistic. Regardless, two months is a long time for such misery.
Trump didn't cause the coronavirus, but he is being blamed for everything in regards to handling it. He's done an excellent job despite the naysaying from Democrats and the mainstream media. He's taking drastic action.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Cutting off travel from China was the right thing to do, but Trump was accused of being racist. Then, after he did it, they criticized him for not doing it fast enough. But Barack Obama moved far slower than Trump dealing with the swine flu.
And then, when Europe became a hotbed for the virus, as new cases in China dwindled, Trump cut off travel from there. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, says 70% of the new cases of the virus are coming from Europe.
Newt Gingrich, who is currently living in Italy, observed, "When you realize that the current 1,016 deaths in Italy with a population of 60 million would be the equivalent of 5,400 deaths in the United States instead of the 41 deaths we have had so far, you can see what milder, slower and less aggressive responses might have cost in lives."
Conservative columnist Rachel Marsden described the aggressive steps Russia has taken, which are working there. The country put up "barriers, closing its border with coronavirus hotbed China in late January, banning high-risk flights, maintaining strict screening at border checkpoints and placing Russian expats evacuated from the Chinese city of Wuhan in quarantine for three weeks – in Siberia." As a result, there have been only 17 reported cases of coronavirus, despite 51,000 reported tests.
Democrat Joe Biden attacked Trump's handling of the crisis, then turned around and plagiarized Trump's plan. This comes as no surprise, since Biden has a history of plagiarism. Tim Murtaugh, the communications director for the Trump campaign, said Biden raised the "vile conspiracy theory that the president purposely allowed the coronavirus to spread." This is dishonest considering how aggressively Trump has moved to prevent that.
It's the same with falsely accusing Trump of calling the crisis a hoax and not treating it seriously. What he actually said was a criticism of the "politicizing" of the coronavirus by Democrats as "their new hoax."
Trump's critics fault him no matter what action he takes. Jon Gabriel, the conservative editor of Ricochet, points out how the left criticized Trump for not getting tested for coronavirus right away. But after he got the test, they complained about why he was able to access the test before other people.
Trump's speeches are criticized for either being too ominous or not worried enough, no matter how carefully he tries to walk that fine line between the two approaches.
Mike Huckabee observed, "So … how has the other side responded? You know, the people with such high standards of 'character' for others? Thus far, they have relentlessly attacked, mocked, criticized, second-guessed and undermined everything Trump has tried to do."
If the crisis is averted after a couple of months, they'll say Trump didn't stop it fast enough. No matter how many people die, even if a small number, they will say it could have been smaller. Trump can't win. When it's all over, the Democrats will claim everything Trump did was wrong.
These vicious attacks are in contrast to previous outbreaks. The actor James Woods observed, "I remember the H1N1 and SARS epidemics. Everyone supported our president then. There was no hysteria and the doomsayers kept their mouths shut. Thousands of people died and yet the press supported the astonishingly tepid response by the leaders of the time. Why the hysteria now?"
What's sad is liberal networks like CNN and MSNBC are so focused on nitpicking Trump that they are squandering time that could be spent giving people important information about the outbreak.
All the people significantly affected by this crisis – especially those losing working hours – may hold it against Trump. The Democrats of course will say the job interruptions could have been avoided – and that if Trump had started to contain the virus faster, we wouldn't have had to avoid public places and businesses.
What it's going to come down to is: Will Americans believe the Democrats and mainstream media and fault Trump for much of the epidemic, or will they see through the lies and realize he did an excellent job addressing it? It's going to be an uphill battle as the Democrats and media act as an echo chamber for each other. Trump is going to be in the fight of his life.


wnd--2020-03-16--Pray for God's mercy during coronavirus pandemic

It is true that God is a righteous Judge who will one day pour out His wrath on a rebellious world .
But the overwhelming emphasis of Scripture is not on the wrath of God but rather on His mercy .
As the psalmist proclaimed , `` The Lord is compassionate and gracious , slow to anger , abounding in love '' ( Psalm 103:8 ) .
Can you imagine if God 's character were the opposite of this ?
If He were slow to mercy and abounding in anger ?
We would have been wiped out many millennia ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He will not always accuse , nor will he harbor his anger forever ; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities .
For as high as the heavens are above the earth , so great is his love for those who fear him ; as far as the east is from the west , so far has he removed our transgressions from us .
As a father has compassion on his children , so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he remembers that we are dust '' ( Psalm 103:9–14 ) .
And remember : These words were written long before the cross .
Long before God displayed His love for us through His Son .
Long before the perfect Savior paid for our sins .
Yet the psalmist , David himself , understood the greatness of God 's mercy and kindness .
And compassion and longsuffering .
That is who our God is .
The prophet Micah , who had much to say about divine judgment , also said this about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God like you , who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance ?
You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy '' ( Micah 7:18 ) .
TRENDING : 2 Fox stars gave Donna Brazile lesson in manners after outrageous 'Go to hell ' comment Similarly , the prophet Ezekiel , who also prophesied about the judgment of God , said this on behalf of the Lord : `` Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed , and get a new heart and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ die , people of Israel ?
For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone , declares the Sovereign Lord .
Repent and live ! ''
( Ezekiel 18:31–32 ) Yes , our righteous God looks for opportunities to show mercy .
He desires to demonstrate His compassion .
And while He will not overlook our rebellion and sin – that is , if we refuse to turn away from it – He is longing to forgive .
The book of Genesis contains a remarkable dialogue between the Lord and Abraham , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between the two .
( See Genesis 18:16-33 . )
The Lord is about to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because of their wickedness .
But Abraham 's nephew , Lot , lives in Sodom , along with his wife and children .
So God , in His incredible condescension , wants to let Abraham know in advance , prompting Abraham to take a bold step in faith .
As Genesis records , `` Then Abraham approached him and said : 'Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the city ?
Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it ?
Far be it from you to do such a thing – to kill the righteous with the wicked , treating the righteous and the wicked alike .
Far be it from you !
Will not the Judge of all the earth do right ? '
'' ( Genesis 18:23–25 ) What an extraordinary prayer .
And what an outrageous appeal .
To paraphrase , `` God , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to judge these places , but You are a righteous Judge .
And that means You wo n't destroy the innocent along with the guilty .
So , if you find 50 righteous people there , will You spare the whole population ? ''
Remarkably , the Lord – the Creator and Sustainer of the universe – acceded to Abraham 's request : `` I will spare the city for the sake of the 50 . ''
`` What if there are 45 righteous ? ''
`` I 'll spare it , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going out on a limb !
Amazingly , the Lord said yes to that request as well .
In fact , He said yes to everyone of Abraham 's requests , which ended with God agreeing to spare the entire city of Sodom if He could find just 10 righteous people in it .
Sadly , He could not , so judgment was poured out .
Yet we get an incredible glimpse into God 's heart toward His creation .
He will bend over backwards to withhold judgment .
He will give us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be incredibly longsuffering and patient .
Only then will His wrath be poured out .
The ultimate proof of this is found in the cross .
There , rather than God pouring out His judgment on all of us – yes , all of us are guilty sinners in His sight – He poured out judgment on His Son .
Jesus took our place .
Jesus bore our guilt .
Jesus paid for our sins .
That is the heart of the gospel .
That is the heart of God .
As we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's intervention in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic , let us appeal to His mercy and compassion .
God alone knows what caused this viral outbreak , and God alone can dramatically turn the tide .
So we pray , `` Have mercy on us , O Lord !
And grant us repentance from our sins .
We have no hope outside of You . ''

It is true that God is a righteous Judge who will one day pour out His wrath on a rebellious world. But the overwhelming emphasis of Scripture is not on the wrath of God but rather on His mercy. As the psalmist proclaimed, "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love" (Psalm 103:8).
Can you imagine if God's character were the opposite of this? If He were slow to mercy and abounding in anger? We would have been wiped out many millennia ago.
As the psalmist continued, "He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust" (Psalm 103:9–14).
And remember: These words were written long before the cross. Long before God displayed His love for us through His Son. Long before the perfect Savior paid for our sins. Yet the psalmist, David himself, understood the greatness of God's mercy and kindness. And compassion and longsuffering. That is who our God is.
The prophet Micah, who had much to say about divine judgment, also said this about the Lord: "Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy" (Micah 7:18).
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Our God delights to show mercy.
Similarly, the prophet Ezekiel, who also prophesied about the judgment of God, said this on behalf of the Lord: "Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!" (Ezekiel 18:31–32)
Yes, our righteous God looks for opportunities to show mercy. He desires to demonstrate His compassion. And while He will not overlook our rebellion and sin – that is, if we refuse to turn away from it – He is longing to forgive.
The book of Genesis contains a remarkable dialogue between the Lord and Abraham, related as a face to face conversation between the two. (See Genesis 18:16-33.)
The Lord is about to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because of their wickedness. But Abraham's nephew, Lot, lives in Sodom, along with his wife and children. So God, in His incredible condescension, wants to let Abraham know in advance, prompting Abraham to take a bold step in faith.
As Genesis records, "Then Abraham approached him and said: 'Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing – to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?'" (Genesis 18:23–25)
What an extraordinary prayer. And what an outrageous appeal.
To paraphrase, "God, I know that You have every right to judge these places, but You are a righteous Judge. And that means You won't destroy the innocent along with the guilty. So, if you find 50 righteous people there, will You spare the whole population?"
Remarkably, the Lord – the Creator and Sustainer of the universe – acceded to Abraham's request: "I will spare the city for the sake of the 50."
But Abraham wasn't done.
"What if there are 45 righteous?"
"I'll spare it," was the reply.
"How about 40?"
Abraham was really going out on a limb!
Amazingly, the Lord said yes to that request as well.
In fact, He said yes to everyone of Abraham's requests, which ended with God agreeing to spare the entire city of Sodom if He could find just 10 righteous people in it.
Sadly, He could not, so judgment was poured out.
Yet we get an incredible glimpse into God's heart toward His creation. He will bend over backwards to withhold judgment. He will give us every chance to repent. He will be incredibly longsuffering and patient. Only then will His wrath be poured out.
The ultimate proof of this is found in the cross. There, rather than God pouring out His judgment on all of us – yes, all of us are guilty sinners in His sight – He poured out judgment on His Son. Jesus took our place. Jesus bore our guilt. Jesus paid for our sins.
That is the heart of the gospel. That is the heart of God.
As we pray, then, for the Lord's intervention in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, let us appeal to His mercy and compassion. God alone knows what caused this viral outbreak, and God alone can dramatically turn the tide.
So we pray, "Have mercy on us, O Lord! And grant us repentance from our sins. We have no hope outside of You."


wnd--2020-03-16--1,500 years later, St. Patrick's amazing story still inspires

Just opening in theaters nationwide is the film `` I am Patrick : Patron Saint of Ireland . ''
Barbarians , slavery , abuse … so this is a movie about the gentle , kindhearted figure Saint Patrick ?
If Dwayne `` The Rock '' Johnson portrayed Saint Patrick as a superhero with mind-boggling Hollywood special effects , perhaps the world would gain a greater interest in and appreciation for one of the greatest impact players in world history .
He is a genuine hero of the faith and incredible masculine example of perseverance , an absolute essential for success @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real story ?
For years there has been a character on `` Saturday Night Live '' named Debbie Downer .
Maybe you 've seen her on YouTube videos replaying her skits .
A depressed-looking , bug-eyed , frumpy woman , Downer had a knack for sharing negative information when others were trying to celebrate .
Hang with me for a moment as this commentary starts with a Debbie Downer moment .
TRENDING : 2 Fox stars gave Donna Brazile lesson in manners after outrageous 'Go to hell ' comment • As a young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• He never drove out any snakes because there were none in Ireland .
• His use of a shamrock to teach the Trinity is cute for children , but it 's just a myth .
• There is no such thing as a leprechaun .
Now , I 'm not a party-pooper .
I enjoy a celebration but enjoy it even more when I understand what 's legitimate and what 's legend .
With St. Patrick 's Day and all the green , the parades , parties with Irish stew and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Irish , '' let 's get behind the blarney to focus on an incredible man of God who transformed a nation through the proclamation of the gospel and the planting of churches .
Years ago when I ministered in Ireland , I recall the descent of the plane and how absolutely awestruck I was as I beheld for the first time the Emerald Isle .
This deep green countryside is the picture conjured up in the hearts and minds of tens of thousands of Irish celebrants who annually dye the Chicago River green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in celebrations throughout America , this special feast day is a sign of spring , bringing welcome relief after the cold of winter .
But what 's really behind this day and the man we honor ?
After all , he died over 1,500 years ago on March 17 , 461 .
Patrick was born in Britain in A.D. 390 .
He was raised in a Christian family , but his interest in God was almost nonexistent .
He also was illiterate .
Teens are often apt to wander , and Patrick sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the age of 16 , he was kidnapped by thugs and taken hostage on a ship to Ireland .
Imagine the trauma and grief his parents experienced while praying for God 's miraculous intervention and the return of their son .
For six agonizing years , he was trapped as a slave , working as a shepherd on hills where he tended the sheep .
He was alone .
He was scared .
In desperation he began to cry out to God to rescue him from his plight .
Picture your teenage son @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fearful for his or her very life .
Yet God was at work in Patrick 's soul ( just as he is in your wayward son or daughter ! )
.
In his classic `` Confession , '' he painfully wrote , `` I would pray constantly during the daylight hours '' until finally God broke through and revealed Himself in a dream and specifically said the following to this young , lost soul : `` Your hunger is rewarded .
You are going home .
Look , your ship is ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the core by the call of God on his life , Patrick journeyed some 200 miles to the coast !
He bravely boarded a ship that was going to Britain , and he knew instinctively God was taking him back home .
This young man returned to his family transformed by the grace of God ( would n't it be great to see this homecoming captured on video ? )
.
In time , he even entered a Christian training center , a monastery , to pursue the calling to full-time vocational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excelled in his understanding of the Scriptures , and his character impacted his superiors and peers .
Eventually , they affirmed him in becoming an overseer/bishop in the church .
Three decades after his initial abduction , Patrick sensed God stirring his heart .
The Holy Spirit was directing him to go back to the pagan land of Ireland to evangelize the people mired in deception and darkness .
Not only would this be an arduous journey , as there were no 747s to swiftly carry one to a destination , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known for their angry outbursts and violent behavior .
Next time you hear the term , `` Paddy Wagon , '' think of its origin with the influx of Irish immigrants ( nicknamed `` Paddies '' after Patrick ) many of whom became policemen .
Some others were routinely picked up in these wagons for their drunken brawling .
Patrick recorded his sentiments as he wrote , `` I am ready to be murdered , betrayed , enslaved – whatever may come my way ! ''
May his courage ignite something in our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the face of our cultural attacks today .
May this man 's bravery inspire us to speak the truth in love regarding homosexuality , militant Islam , dishonesty , fornication ( living together or casual sex ) , adultery and compromising `` Christians '' yielding to pornography and a host of carnal indulgences in our day .
`` For the sake of Zion I will not keep silent , and for the sake of Jerusalem I will not rest until her righteousness goes forth as brightness and her salvation as a lamp that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the face of mockery and physical opposition – history records he was beaten by thugs and harassed by Irish royalty – Patrick persevered in proclaiming the gospel and training converts in their newfound faith .
Like John Wesley , who would follow in his footsteps a thousand years later , he also provided for the training of leadership to shepherd the new churches being planted .
As Patrick crisscrossed the countryside , God blessed him mightily .
Tens of thousands of Irish were converted , and hundreds of churches were established !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` How the Irish Saved Civilization , '' through Patrick 's courageous leadership , this warrior populace `` laid down the swords of battle , flung away the knives of sacrifice , and cast away their chains of slavery . ''
As we look at the moral decline in America today , it is easy to get discouraged .
This is why it 's important to reflect on the exploits of this man of God who was instrumental in saving a nation .
From the fall of Rome , culture was disintegrating on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paul the apostle , Wesley , Booth , Wilberforce , Bonhoeffer , Chuck Colson and other fearless Christian activists – did not retreat in the midst of overwhelming odds .
All of them prayed , preached the gospel , affirmed biblical Christianity and confronted evil fearlessly .
Cahill honors Patrick and other champions of the faith who brought transformation to society .
Because of him and others who rose to the occasion , `` The Irish not only were conservators of civilization , but became shapers of the medieval mind , putting their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One hundred years after Patrick 's death in 461 , multitudes of churches and monasteries remained , training future leaders as a testimony to this mighty man of God .
His legacy should make us , excuse the expression , `` Green with envy . ''
Here 's the deal : 1,500 years after Patrick lived , let 's follow this world changer in lifestyle evangelism !
`` When Irish eyes are smiling/ 't is like a morn in spring/ In the lift of Irish laughter , you can hear the angels sing @ @

Just opening in theaters nationwide is the film "I am Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland." Barbarians, slavery, abuse … so this is a movie about the gentle, kindhearted figure Saint Patrick?
If Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson portrayed Saint Patrick as a superhero with mind-boggling Hollywood special effects, perhaps the world would gain a greater interest in and appreciation for one of the greatest impact players in world history. He is a genuine hero of the faith and incredible masculine example of perseverance, an absolute essential for success in life.
Do you know the real story?
For years there has been a character on "Saturday Night Live" named Debbie Downer. Maybe you've seen her on YouTube videos replaying her skits.
A depressed-looking, bug-eyed, frumpy woman, Downer had a knack for sharing negative information when others were trying to celebrate. Hang with me for a moment as this commentary starts with a Debbie Downer moment.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Patrick was not Irish.
As a young man he had no interest in God.
He never drove out any snakes because there were none in Ireland.
His use of a shamrock to teach the Trinity is cute for children, but it's just a myth.
There is no such thing as a leprechaun.
Patrick didn't drink Guinness beer because it didn't exist.
Waaaah!
Now, I'm not a party-pooper. I enjoy a celebration but enjoy it even more when I understand what's legitimate and what's legend.
With St. Patrick's Day and all the green, the parades, parties with Irish stew and toasts to the "luck of the Irish," let's get behind the blarney to focus on an incredible man of God who transformed a nation through the proclamation of the gospel and the planting of churches.
The Real Story of St. Patrick
Years ago when I ministered in Ireland, I recall the descent of the plane and how absolutely awestruck I was as I beheld for the first time the Emerald Isle. This deep green countryside is the picture conjured up in the hearts and minds of tens of thousands of Irish celebrants who annually dye the Chicago River green for St. Patrick's Day. And in celebrations throughout America, this special feast day is a sign of spring, bringing welcome relief after the cold of winter.
But what's really behind this day and the man we honor? After all, he died over 1,500 years ago on March 17, 461.
Patrick was born in Britain in A.D. 390. He was raised in a Christian family, but his interest in God was almost nonexistent. He also was illiterate.
Teens are often apt to wander, and Patrick sure did, reaping the consequences. At the age of 16, he was kidnapped by thugs and taken hostage on a ship to Ireland.
Imagine the trauma and grief his parents experienced while praying for God's miraculous intervention and the return of their son.
For six agonizing years, he was trapped as a slave, working as a shepherd on hills where he tended the sheep. He was alone. He was scared. In desperation he began to cry out to God to rescue him from his plight.
Picture your teenage son or daughter on that hillside, trembling and fearful for his or her very life.
Yet God was at work in Patrick's soul (just as he is in your wayward son or daughter!). In his classic "Confession," he painfully wrote, "I would pray constantly during the daylight hours" until finally God broke through and revealed Himself in a dream and specifically said the following to this young, lost soul: "Your hunger is rewarded. You are going home. Look, your ship is ready."
Patrick departs
Risking his life but pierced to the core by the call of God on his life, Patrick journeyed some 200 miles to the coast! He bravely boarded a ship that was going to Britain, and he knew instinctively God was taking him back home.
This young man returned to his family transformed by the grace of God (wouldn't it be great to see this homecoming captured on video?). In time, he even entered a Christian training center, a monastery, to pursue the calling to full-time vocational ministry as a Catholic priest.
Patrick excelled in his understanding of the Scriptures, and his character impacted his superiors and peers. Eventually, they affirmed him in becoming an overseer/bishop in the church.
Patrick returns
Three decades after his initial abduction, Patrick sensed God stirring his heart. The Holy Spirit was directing him to go back to the pagan land of Ireland to evangelize the people mired in deception and darkness.
Not only would this be an arduous journey, as there were no 747s to swiftly carry one to a destination, but it meant facing a hostile culture of pagans known for their angry outbursts and violent behavior.
Next time you hear the term, "Paddy Wagon," think of its origin with the influx of Irish immigrants (nicknamed "Paddies" after Patrick) many of whom became policemen. Some others were routinely picked up in these wagons for their drunken brawling.
Patrick recorded his sentiments as he wrote, "I am ready to be murdered, betrayed, enslaved – whatever may come my way!" May his courage ignite something in our hearts to reject silence and cowardice in the face of our cultural attacks today. May this man's bravery inspire us to speak the truth in love regarding homosexuality, militant Islam, dishonesty, fornication (living together or casual sex), adultery and compromising "Christians" yielding to pornography and a host of carnal indulgences in our day.
"For the sake of Zion I will not keep silent, and for the sake of Jerusalem I will not rest until her righteousness goes forth as brightness and her salvation as a lamp that burns" (Isaiah 62:1).
In the face of mockery and physical opposition – history records he was beaten by thugs and harassed by Irish royalty – Patrick persevered in proclaiming the gospel and training converts in their newfound faith. Like John Wesley, who would follow in his footsteps a thousand years later, he also provided for the training of leadership to shepherd the new churches being planted.
As Patrick crisscrossed the countryside, God blessed him mightily. Tens of thousands of Irish were converted, and hundreds of churches were established! Thomas Cahill writes in his book, "How the Irish Saved Civilization," through Patrick's courageous leadership, this warrior populace "laid down the swords of battle, flung away the knives of sacrifice, and cast away their chains of slavery."
As we look at the moral decline in America today, it is easy to get discouraged. This is why it's important to reflect on the exploits of this man of God who was instrumental in saving a nation.
From the fall of Rome, culture was disintegrating on the European continent. Patrick – like Paul the apostle, Wesley, Booth, Wilberforce, Bonhoeffer, Chuck Colson and other fearless Christian activists – did not retreat in the midst of overwhelming odds. All of them prayed, preached the gospel, affirmed biblical Christianity and confronted evil fearlessly. Cahill honors Patrick and other champions of the faith who brought transformation to society. Because of him and others who rose to the occasion, "The Irish not only were conservators of civilization, but became shapers of the medieval mind, putting their unique stamp on Western culture."
One hundred years after Patrick's death in 461, multitudes of churches and monasteries remained, training future leaders as a testimony to this mighty man of God. His legacy should make us, excuse the expression, "Green with envy."
Here's the deal: 1,500 years after Patrick lived, let's follow this world changer in lifestyle evangelism!
"When Irish eyes are smiling/ 'tis like a morn in spring/ In the lift of Irish laughter, you can hear the angels sing."


wnd--2020-03-16--The new dealer on the corner

The new dealer on the corner

Hillary begs for pass in two of her most serious scandals

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wnd--2020-03-16--Apparently, money can't buy love

Apparently, money can't buy love

( CITY JOURNAL ) -- The political world is practically giddy at the failed campaigns of Michael Bloomberg and Tom Steyer .
The Democratic primary ’ s billionaire candidates rediscovered an age-old truth : money can ’ t buy love .
It couldn ’ t buy love for Hillary Clinton , who nearly doubled Donald Trump ’ s spending in 2016 and had three times as many positive ads .
Or for Jeb Bush ’ s wealthy backers in the Republican primary preceding that race .
Or for self-funders from years past like Meg Whitman , Linda McMahon , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign ’ s message get heard , but it doesn ’ t mean that listeners will like what they hear .
Yet fears of campaign spending “ buying ” elections continue to drive our campaign-finance laws .
The result is bad law and poor policy .
Last year , the House passed H.R .
1 , a sweeping rewrite of campaign-finance and election laws .
The bill would have imposed a variety of new restrictions on paid political speech .
Its authors asserted that current law lets wealthy individuals and special interests “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and degrade our democracy through tidal waves of unlimited and anonymous spending .
”

(CITY JOURNAL) -- The political world is practically giddy at the failed campaigns of Michael Bloomberg and Tom Steyer. The Democratic primary’s billionaire candidates rediscovered an age-old truth: money can’t buy love.
It couldn’t buy love for Hillary Clinton, who nearly doubled Donald Trump’s spending in 2016 and had three times as many positive ads. Or for Jeb Bush’s wealthy backers in the Republican primary preceding that race. Or for self-funders from years past like Meg Whitman, Linda McMahon, and Steve Forbes. Money can help a campaign’s message get heard, but it doesn’t mean that listeners will like what they hear. Yet fears of campaign spending “buying” elections continue to drive our campaign-finance laws. The result is bad law and poor policy.
Last year, the House passed H.R. 1, a sweeping rewrite of campaign-finance and election laws. The bill would have imposed a variety of new restrictions on paid political speech. Its authors asserted that current law lets wealthy individuals and special interests “dominate election spending, corrupt our politics, and degrade our democracy through tidal waves of unlimited and anonymous spending.”
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-03-17--Amazon looks to hire 100,000 new workers amid coronavirus pandemic

As retail stores close or restrict hours as part of the nation 's response to the coronavirus outbreak , opportunity knocks for Americans at Amazon .
The online retailer is planning to hire 100,000 more employees to cope with the expected spike in demand as consumers who either will not or can not go to a store do their shopping online .
Amazon Senior Vice President of Worldwide Operations Dave Clark announced the hirings in a Monday blog post .
`` As the COVID-19 pandemic continues , Amazon and our network of partners are helping communities around the world in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplies directly to the doorsteps of people who need them , '' he wrote .
`` Getting a priority item to your doorstep is vital as communities practice social-distancing , particularly for the elderly and others with underlying health issues .
We are seeing a significant increase in demand , which means our labor needs are unprecedented for this time of year . ''
TRENDING : 2 Fox stars gave Donna Brazile lesson in manners after outrageous 'Go to hell ' comment According to Clark , Amazon will have both full-time and part-time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new full and part-time positions across the U.S. in our fulfillment centers and delivery network to meet the surge in demand from people relying on Amazon ’ s service during this stressful time , particularly those most vulnerable to being out in public , '' he wrote .
`` We also know many people have been economically impacted as jobs in areas like hospitality , restaurants , and travel are lost or furloughed as part of this crisis .
We want those people to know we welcome them on our teams until things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is able to bring them back . ''
Many Amazon employees will also be getting a raise .
`` In the U.S. , we will be adding an additional $ 2 USD per hour worked through April from our current rate of $ 15/hour or more , depending on the region , £2 per hour in the UK , and approximately €2 per hour in many EU countries .
This commitment to increased pay through the end of April represents an investment of over $ 350 million in increased compensation for hourly employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canada , '' Clark wrote .
The company also announced the creation of a $ 25-million relief fund to support workers and their families impacted by the outbreak .
Amazon has also increased cleaning at all sites , CNBC reported .
The company now requires that employees sanitize and clean work stations and vehicles before and after each shift .
Mark Zandi , chief economist at Moody 's Analytics , said millions of American workers will have their jobs impacted by the virus through changes in consumer behavior , according to CNN .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ less of everything .
The stock market is down and wiping out people 's nest eggs , '' Zandi said .
`` They 're worried 'Am I going to get sick ?
Are my parents going to get sick ? '
That 's a prescription for people going into the bunker and for job losses . ''
Zandi said small businesses are likely to face the toughest going .
`` I think large companies are going to be slower to lay off .
They are going to try to get through this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of these small businesses do n't have the cash to weather the storm .
It 's not obvious to me how we help them .
It 's tough for the government to try to get cash and credit to small businesses . ''
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

As retail stores close or restrict hours as part of the nation's response to the coronavirus outbreak, opportunity knocks for Americans at Amazon.
The online retailer is planning to hire 100,000 more employees to cope with the expected spike in demand as consumers who either will not or cannot go to a store do their shopping online.
Amazon Senior Vice President of Worldwide Operations Dave Clark announced the hirings in a Monday blog post.
"As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Amazon and our network of partners are helping communities around the world in a way that very few can—delivering critical supplies directly to the doorsteps of people who need them," he wrote.
"Getting a priority item to your doorstep is vital as communities practice social-distancing, particularly for the elderly and others with underlying health issues. We are seeing a significant increase in demand, which means our labor needs are unprecedented for this time of year."
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
According to Clark, Amazon will have both full-time and part-time openings.
"We are opening 100,000 new full and part-time positions across the U.S. in our fulfillment centers and delivery network to meet the surge in demand from people relying on Amazon’s service during this stressful time, particularly those most vulnerable to being out in public," he wrote.
"We also know many people have been economically impacted as jobs in areas like hospitality, restaurants, and travel are lost or furloughed as part of this crisis. We want those people to know we welcome them on our teams until things return to normal and their past employer is able to bring them back."
Many Amazon employees will also be getting a raise.
"In the U.S., we will be adding an additional $2 USD per hour worked through April from our current rate of $15/hour or more, depending on the region, £2 per hour in the UK, and approximately €2 per hour in many EU countries. This commitment to increased pay through the end of April represents an investment of over $350 million in increased compensation for hourly employees across the U.S., Europe, and Canada," Clark wrote.
The company also announced the creation of a $25-million relief fund to support workers and their families impacted by the outbreak.
Amazon has also increased cleaning at all sites, CNBC reported.
The company now requires that employees sanitize and clean work stations and vehicles before and after each shift.
Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics, said millions of American workers will have their jobs impacted by the virus through changes in consumer behavior, according to CNN.
"People are going to be buying less of everything. The stock market is down and wiping out people's nest eggs," Zandi said. "They're worried 'Am I going to get sick? Are my parents going to get sick?' That's a prescription for people going into the bunker and for job losses."
Zandi said small businesses are likely to face the toughest going.
"I think large companies are going to be slower to lay off. They are going to try to get through this," he said. "But a lot of these small businesses don't have the cash to weather the storm. It's not obvious to me how we help them. It's tough for the government to try to get cash and credit to small businesses."
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-03-17--Why the remedy may be worse than the disease

As of this writing , 6,400 people all over the world have died from the coronavirus .
In the United States , 68 people have died .
Chinese deaths ( 3,217 ) account for half of the worldwide total .
If you add Italy ( 1,441 ) and Iran ( 724 ) , two countries where many Chinese were allowed in until recently , that totals another 2,165 .
In other words , outside of China , Italy and Iran – with 5,382 deaths collectively – 1,018 people have died .
There are 7.8 billion people in the world .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 16 reported that according to Nobel Prize-winning chemist Michael Levitt , `` Italy 's higher death rate was likely due to the fact that elderly people make up a greater percentage of the population than they do in other countries such as China or France . ''
As former CBS correspondent Sharyl Attkisson further explained : `` Italy has the oldest population in Europe and more elderly per capita than the U.S .
Most of the Italian deaths are in patients in their 80s and 90s .
In addition , Italy has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Italy was the first to join China 's 'silk road ' economic partnership project … ( Italy 's ) deaths are out of a population of 60 million people . ''
Regarding Iran , the Wall Street Journal reported on March 11 : TRENDING : 2 Fox stars gave Donna Brazile lesson in manners after outrageous 'Go to hell ' comment '' Iranian officials trace the origins of the country 's coronavirus epidemic to the holy city of Qom , home to … a number of Chinese-backed infrastructure projects built by scores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ … ' ( China has ) turned into a very toxic bomb , ' said Sanam Vakil , deputy Middle East director at Chatham House , a think tank in London . ''
Meanwhile , President Donald Trump announced a ban on flights from China on Jan. 31 – for which he was denounced by leading Democrats and throughout the left .
The very next day , presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden declared , `` This is no time for Donald Trump 's record of hysteria and xenophobia – hysterical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Feb. 2 , the American Civil Liberties Union announced , `` These measures are extraordinary incursions on liberty and fly in the face of considerable evidence that travel bans and quarantines can do more harm than good . ''
The current consensus favors near total social isolation , or `` social distancing , '' as it is now called .
The thinking is that we must shut down the Western world to prevent the exponential growth of the virus .
If we do n't , our hospital systems will be overwhelmed .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as doctors have to make grisly triage decisions as to who gets care and who does n't .
This latter scenario is reported to have already happened in Italy .
Though there is no longer an exponential growth in the United States , they may otherwise be right .
Is this thinking correct ?
The truth is we do n't know .
We have no idea how many people carry the COVID-19 coronavirus .
Therefore , the rates of either critical illness or death are completely unknown .
Perhaps millions of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in which case we would have rates of death similar to ( or even below ) the flu virus .
On the other hand , perhaps not many people carry the virus , but the rates of illness demanding intensive care and of death are much greater than those of the flu .
We can only be certain that shutting down virtually every part of society will result in a large number of people economically ruined , life savings depleted , decades of work building a restaurant or some other small business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bad enough , the ancillary effects would include increased depression and divorce and other personal tragedies .
The effects of closing schools for weeks or months will include family chaos , vast numbers of bored young people , health care providers who will have to stay home and more .
Yet young people are the least likely people to become ill from the virus .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released this statement regarding closing schools : '' Available modeling data indicate … that other mitigation efforts ( e.g.
, handwashing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on both spread of disease and health care measures .
In other countries , those places who ( sic ) closed school ( e.g.
, Hong Kong ) have not had more success in reducing spread than those that did not ( e.g.
, Singapore ) . ''
But the longer-term ripple effects are potentially far worse .
Economic disasters rarely remain only economic disasters .
To give a particularly dramatic example , the Nazis came to power because of economics more than any other single reason , including Germany 's defeat in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or anti-Semitism .
Nazi success at the polls was almost entirely related to the Weimar economy .
Communist parties do n't fare well in robust economies , but they 're very tempting when people are in dire economic straits .
Only God knows what economic dislocation the shutting down of American and other Western economies will lead to .
I am not predicting a Nazi or communist ascendancy , but economic and political disaster may be as likely , or even more likely , than a health disaster .
But here is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ society to cease functioning , from restaurants and other businesses to schools , due to a possible health disaster , it is highly likely that a Democratic president and Congress will similarly declare emergency and assert authoritarian rule in order to prevent what they consider the even greater `` existential threat '' to human life posed by global warming .
The dam has been broken .
Maybe it was necessary .
But when dams break , flooding follows .

As of this writing, 6,400 people all over the world have died from the coronavirus. In the United States, 68 people have died.
Some perspective:
Chinese deaths (3,217) account for half of the worldwide total. If you add Italy (1,441) and Iran (724), two countries where many Chinese were allowed in until recently, that totals another 2,165. In other words, outside of China, Italy and Iran – with 5,382 deaths collectively – 1,018 people have died. There are 7.8 billion people in the world.
Regarding Italy, the Jerusalem Post of March 16 reported that according to Nobel Prize-winning chemist Michael Levitt, "Italy's higher death rate was likely due to the fact that elderly people make up a greater percentage of the population than they do in other countries such as China or France." As former CBS correspondent Sharyl Attkisson further explained: "Italy has the oldest population in Europe and more elderly per capita than the U.S. Most of the Italian deaths are in patients in their 80s and 90s. In addition, Italy has a great number of direct China contacts. Italy was the first to join China's 'silk road' economic partnership project … (Italy's) deaths are out of a population of 60 million people."
Regarding Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported on March 11:
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"Iranian officials trace the origins of the country's coronavirus epidemic to the holy city of Qom, home to … a number of Chinese-backed infrastructure projects built by scores of workers and technicians from China. … '(China has) turned into a very toxic bomb,' said Sanam Vakil, deputy Middle East director at Chatham House, a think tank in London."
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump announced a ban on flights from China on Jan. 31 – for which he was denounced by leading Democrats and throughout the left. The very next day, presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden declared, "This is no time for Donald Trump's record of hysteria and xenophobia – hysterical xenophobia – and fearmongering." On Feb. 2, the American Civil Liberties Union announced, "These measures are extraordinary incursions on liberty and fly in the face of considerable evidence that travel bans and quarantines can do more harm than good."
The current consensus favors near total social isolation, or "social distancing," as it is now called. The thinking is that we must shut down the Western world to prevent the exponential growth of the virus. If we don't, our hospital systems will be overwhelmed. Many thousands, maybe more, would die, as doctors have to make grisly triage decisions as to who gets care and who doesn't. This latter scenario is reported to have already happened in Italy.
Though there is no longer an exponential growth in the United States, they may otherwise be right.
Is this thinking correct? The truth is we don't know.
We have no idea how many people carry the COVID-19 coronavirus. Therefore, the rates of either critical illness or death are completely unknown. Perhaps millions of people have the virus and nothing serious develops, in which case we would have rates of death similar to (or even below) the flu virus. On the other hand, perhaps not many people carry the virus, but the rates of illness demanding intensive care and of death are much greater than those of the flu.
We can only be certain that shutting down virtually every part of society will result in a large number of people economically ruined, life savings depleted, decades of work building a restaurant or some other small business destroyed. As if that were not bad enough, the ancillary effects would include increased depression and divorce and other personal tragedies. The effects of closing schools for weeks or months will include family chaos, vast numbers of bored young people, health care providers who will have to stay home and more. Yet young people are the least likely people to become ill from the virus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released this statement regarding closing schools:
"Available modeling data indicate … that other mitigation efforts (e.g., handwashing, home isolation) have more impact on both spread of disease and health care measures. In other countries, those places who (sic) closed school (e.g., Hong Kong) have not had more success in reducing spread than those that did not (e.g., Singapore)."
But the longer-term ripple effects are potentially far worse. Economic disasters rarely remain only economic disasters. To give a particularly dramatic example, the Nazis came to power because of economics more than any other single reason, including Germany's defeat in World War I, the Versailles Treaty or anti-Semitism. Nazi success at the polls was almost entirely related to the Weimar economy. Communist parties don't fare well in robust economies, but they're very tempting when people are in dire economic straits. Only God knows what economic dislocation the shutting down of American and other Western economies will lead to. I am not predicting a Nazi or communist ascendancy, but economic and political disaster may be as likely, or even more likely, than a health disaster.
But here is a prediction: If the government can order society to cease functioning, from restaurants and other businesses to schools, due to a possible health disaster, it is highly likely that a Democratic president and Congress will similarly declare emergency and assert authoritarian rule in order to prevent what they consider the even greater "existential threat" to human life posed by global warming.
The dam has been broken. Maybe it was necessary. But when dams break, flooding follows.


wnd--2020-03-17--Customer leaves $2,500 tip for staff before restaurant shuts down due to coronavirus

The mandatory shutdowns across the globe that have resulted as an attempt to stop the spread of the coronavirus have added to the panic and stress that many people were already experiencing .
There are those who are blessed to still have work , though working from home while managing kids who are also out of school is an intense juggling act .
But some , especially those on hourly wages or whose jobs can not be performed remotely , are facing a tough time ahead .
One regular customer at Coaches Bar & Grill in Columbus , Ohio , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there were in .
On Sunday , according to WBNS , the governor required all dine-in spots to close their dining rooms until further notice .
Faced with this news , the workers there were no doubt stressed about their financial futures .
TRENDING : 2 Fox stars gave Donna Brazile lesson in manners after outrageous 'Go to hell ' comment The anonymous patron decided to throw them a bone by leaving a $ 2,500 tip and asking them to split it among the staff .
`` Please split this tab equally between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Arrun .
The tip amount is $ 2500.00 , '' the handwritten note on the check read .
`` ( There were ) tears , tears of joy , '' owner Patrick `` Benny '' Leonard told WBNS .
`` An unbelievable act of kindness on a pretty weird day . ''
`` We ’ ve got unprecedented times going on , we ’ ve got people fighting over toilet paper and so on and so forth , and to have a guy show up and care enough about people that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once in a while , that means a lot , '' Leonard added .
`` It ’ s humanity at its best . ''
The recipients were grateful for the kind gesture , and the owner confirmed that many of them were deeply moved over the windfall .
`` It brought some of them to tears , and they 're going to split it with everyone in the restaurant -- so 13 ways -- but it ’ s going to help them and we are going to do our best -- we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it together , '' Leonard told WCMH-TV .
While the kind customer specifically left the amount to five individuals , Dene Sanfillipo ( the account that posted the check image ) explained that those five made the decision to split the amount between everyone working -- another heartwarming example of generosity .
Though the restaurant had to close its doors to incoming customers , they have shifted to start offering take-out and delivery , which may help them stay afloat in these troubled times .
`` We will be delivering and allowing pick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us in the morning and we will let you know our pick up and carry hours , '' their Facebook page shared on March 15 .
Many other restaurants are facing similar orders and are either closing their doors for a time or hoping to do something like what Coaches is doing .
No matter what our jobs are or how unsure the future seems , acting from a place of kindness is always the right choice .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

The mandatory shutdowns across the globe that have resulted as an attempt to stop the spread of the coronavirus have added to the panic and stress that many people were already experiencing.
There are those who are blessed to still have work, though working from home while managing kids who are also out of school is an intense juggling act.
But some, especially those on hourly wages or whose jobs cannot be performed remotely, are facing a tough time ahead.
One regular customer at Coaches Bar & Grill in Columbus, Ohio, must have understood the plight the servers there were in.
On Sunday, according to WBNS, the governor required all dine-in spots to close their dining rooms until further notice. Faced with this news, the workers there were no doubt stressed about their financial futures.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
The anonymous patron decided to throw them a bone by leaving a $2,500 tip and asking them to split it among the staff.
"Please split this tab equally between Tara, Nicky, Jim, Liz, and Arrun. The tip amount is $2500.00," the handwritten note on the check read.
"(There were) tears, tears of joy," owner Patrick "Benny" Leonard told WBNS. "An unbelievable act of kindness on a pretty weird day."
When the going gets tough, the tough stay loyal. This loyal, amazing patron of Coaches on Bethel left the staff a $2500 tip to help lighten the losses during this required closing of Restaurants & Bars in Ohio. @OnCoaches @nbc4i @GovMikeDeWine @wsyx6 @DinoTrip @10TVBot pic.twitter.com/gAXxwSloIS — Dene' Sanfillipo (@dsanfillipo) March 16, 2020
"We’ve got unprecedented times going on, we’ve got people fighting over toilet paper and so on and so forth, and to have a guy show up and care enough about people that give him a beer and a hamburger once in a while, that means a lot," Leonard added. "It’s humanity at its best."
The recipients were grateful for the kind gesture, and the owner confirmed that many of them were deeply moved over the windfall.
"It brought some of them to tears, and they're going to split it with everyone in the restaurant -- so 13 ways -- but it’s going to help them and we are going to do our best -- we're a family and we will get through it together," Leonard told WCMH-TV.
Yep - the specified staff on the note decided to split amongst all. Truly is a family over there ❤ #fomozone #coachesonbethel — Dene' Sanfillipo (@dsanfillipo) March 16, 2020
While the kind customer specifically left the amount to five individuals, Dene Sanfillipo (the account that posted the check image) explained that those five made the decision to split the amount between everyone working -- another heartwarming example of generosity.
Though the restaurant had to close its doors to incoming customers, they have shifted to start offering take-out and delivery, which may help them stay afloat in these troubled times.
"We will be delivering and allowing pick up food and beer ... please call us in the morning and we will let you know our pick up and carry hours," their Facebook page shared on March 15.
Many other restaurants are facing similar orders and are either closing their doors for a time or hoping to do something like what Coaches is doing.
No matter what our jobs are or how unsure the future seems, acting from a place of kindness is always the right choice.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-03-17--2nd wave of locusts could hit one-third of world's nations, warning says

When billions of locusts stripped hundreds of square miles of African croplands a few weeks ago , there were warnings it might get worse .
Now , a second wave is about to descend that has the potential to damage the food and economic security of a tenth of the world 's population .
The worldwide Christian charity Barnabas Fund noted the desert locust is considered the most dangerous migratory pest on earth .
TRENDING : 2 Fox stars gave Donna Brazile lesson in manners after outrageous 'Go to hell ' comment '' A swarm of only one square kilometer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can eat in one day .
In times of plague , desert locusts can spread across around 29 million square kilometer – extending to around 60 countries – or more than 20 % of the total land surface of the planet , '' Barnabas Fund said .
`` Many thousands of people were already in the grip of food shortages , due to either drought or flooding in the last twelve months , before the crop destruction caused by a first wave of vast swarms of desert locusts in East Africa and Pakistan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
And this time around , it could be 400 times worse .
The United Nations estimates 20 million are facing the threat of severe `` food insecurity . ''
The breeding activity for desert locusts in Kenya , Ethiopia and Somalia is threatening `` millions . ''
`` Crops are due to be harvested in the next few weeks , but already in Uganda , `` the government has warned the country to prepare for impending double disaster as unusually heavy seasonal rains are expected . ''
A Christian leader explained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase the risks of a locust plague .
Normally , the locusts are in parts of Africa , the Middle East and Asia , an area of about 16 million square kilometers .
`` A second wave of this year ’ s devastating locust outbreak is under way in summer breeding grounds in East Africa , parts of the Middle East and south-west Asia .
Breeding conditions for the locusts have remained highly favorable since February along both Red Sea coasts and in East Africa .
Heavy rains fell in southern Iran spurring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dry conditions have dominated , remains largely unaffected by the locust swarms , '' the report said .
And similar breeding patterns have been found in Ethiopia , Sudan , Eritrea , Saudi Arabia , Kuwait and the UAE .
The report noted the only effective means to battle the plague is aerial insecticide spraying , mainly with organophosphate chemicals .
But the cost , at least $ 60 million , is unworkable for some nations .

When billions of locusts stripped hundreds of square miles of African croplands a few weeks ago, there were warnings it might get worse.
Now, a second wave is about to descend that has the potential to damage the food and economic security of a tenth of the world's population.
The worldwide Christian charity Barnabas Fund noted the desert locust is considered the most dangerous migratory pest on earth.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
"A swarm of only one square kilometer will eat as much as 35,000 people can eat in one day. In times of plague, desert locusts can spread across around 29 million square kilometer – extending to around 60 countries – or more than 20% of the total land surface of the planet," Barnabas Fund said.
"Many thousands of people were already in the grip of food shortages, due to either drought or flooding in the last twelve months, before the crop destruction caused by a first wave of vast swarms of desert locusts in East Africa and Pakistan earlier this year," the report said.
And this time around, it could be 400 times worse. The United Nations estimates 20 million are facing the threat of severe "food insecurity."
The breeding activity for desert locusts in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia is threatening "millions."
"Crops are due to be harvested in the next few weeks, but already in Uganda, "the government has warned the country to prepare for impending double disaster as unusually heavy seasonal rains are expected." A Christian leader explained to Barnabas that the severe rains will increase the risks of a locust plague.
Normally, the locusts are in parts of Africa, the Middle East and Asia, an area of about 16 million square kilometers.
"A second wave of this year’s devastating locust outbreak is under way in summer breeding grounds in East Africa, parts of the Middle East and south-west Asia. Breeding conditions for the locusts have remained highly favorable since February along both Red Sea coasts and in East Africa. Heavy rains fell in southern Iran spurring egg laying. Western Africa, where dry conditions have dominated, remains largely unaffected by the locust swarms," the report said.
And similar breeding patterns have been found in Ethiopia, Sudan, Eritrea, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE.
The report noted the only effective means to battle the plague is aerial insecticide spraying, mainly with organophosphate chemicals. But the cost, at least $60 million, is unworkable for some nations.


wnd--2020-03-17--Mitt Romney: Give $1,000 to every American adult in response to coronavirus

Sen. Mitt Romney has proposed giving every U.S. adult a $ 1,000 check to help them cover their immediate financial needs and to help stimulate the economy as the country struggles to stop the spread of the coronavirus outbreak .
The Republican from Utah announced the proposal Monday to not only contain the spread of the virus but also to curtail what is quickly becoming an economic crisis .
`` Every American adult should immediately receive $ 1,000 to help ensure families and workers can meet their short-term obligations and increase spending in the economy , '' Romney ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The senator said that under his proposal , the stimulus checks would be a one-time cash infusion .
`` Congress took similar action during the 2001 and 2008 recessions .
While expansions of paid leave , unemployment insurance , and SNAP benefits are crucial , the check will help fill the gaps for Americans that may not quickly navigate different government options , ” the news release said .
TRENDING : 2 Fox stars gave Donna Brazile lesson in manners after outrageous 'Go to hell ' comment Romney said his proposal is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress to offer financial relief to workers and businesses affected by the spread of COVID-19 .
“ The House coronavirus response package contains critical measures to help families in Utah and across the nation in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak , and the Senate should act swiftly on this legislation , ” Romney said in a statement .
“ We also urgently need to build on this legislation with additional action to help families and small businesses meet their short-term financial obligations , ease the financial burden on students entering the workforce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front lines and their patients by improving telehealth services , ” he said .
“ I will be pushing these measures as Senate discussions continue about an additional relief package , ” the senator said .
Romney 's office said the checks “ will help fill the gaps for Americans that may not quickly navigate different government options.
” He also proposed offering grants , not loans , to small businesses being affected by the virus and the rapidly spreading uncertainty that has accompanied it .
Under his proposal , the Small Business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses that apply for but do not receive Economic Injury Disaster Loans .
“ This program would ensure small businesses can meet short-term obligations , such as payroll and rent , without forcing them into future bankruptcies , ” the senator 's news release said .
Romney also proposed easing the financial burden for students by offering student loan deferments for recent college graduates and by increasing Pell Grant amounts to lessen “ the burden on some students who had to make unexpected travel , housing , and storage purchases due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House passed a second package early over the weekend to ease the burden of the pandemic on working Americans .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky is among Republicans who are concerned that the current legislative proposals do not do enough to help Americans who are facing extreme financial burdens , and particularly those who might have been or could be laid off from work .
`` Senate Republicans feel strongly that this bill must only be the beginning of Congress ’ s efforts to support our nation ’ s economy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement , The Hill reported .
McConnell added that discussions are “ underway ” regarding providing direct economic relief to Americans and to help stimulate the economy .
“ The Senate is eager to work with the Administration and the House to deliver the solutions our nation deserves , '' he said .
The Down Jones Industrial Average plunged nearly 3,000 points , or 12.9 percent , Monday amid fears about the coronavirus .
It was the largest point drop in the Dow 's history .
This article appeared originally @ @ @ @ @

Sen. Mitt Romney has proposed giving every U.S. adult a $1,000 check to help them cover their immediate financial needs and to help stimulate the economy as the country struggles to stop the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.
The Republican from Utah announced the proposal Monday to not only contain the spread of the virus but also to curtail what is quickly becoming an economic crisis.
"Every American adult should immediately receive $1,000 to help ensure families and workers can meet their short-term obligations and increase spending in the economy," Romney’s office said in a news release.
The senator said that under his proposal, the stimulus checks would be a one-time cash infusion.
"Congress took similar action during the 2001 and 2008 recessions. While expansions of paid leave, unemployment insurance, and SNAP benefits are crucial, the check will help fill the gaps for Americans that may not quickly navigate different government options,” the news release said.
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Romney said his proposal is in addition to measures currently being undertaken by Congress to offer financial relief to workers and businesses affected by the spread of COVID-19.
“The House coronavirus response package contains critical measures to help families in Utah and across the nation in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, and the Senate should act swiftly on this legislation,” Romney said in a statement.
“We also urgently need to build on this legislation with additional action to help families and small businesses meet their short-term financial obligations, ease the financial burden on students entering the workforce, and protect health workers on the front lines and their patients by improving telehealth services,” he said.
“I will be pushing these measures as Senate discussions continue about an additional relief package,” the senator said.
Romney's office said the checks “will help fill the gaps for Americans that may not quickly navigate different government options.”
He also proposed offering grants, not loans, to small businesses being affected by the virus and the rapidly spreading uncertainty that has accompanied it.
Under his proposal, the Small Business Administration would grant funds to qualified small businesses that apply for but do not receive Economic Injury Disaster Loans.
“This program would ensure small businesses can meet short-term obligations, such as payroll and rent, without forcing them into future bankruptcies,” the senator's news release said.
Romney also proposed easing the financial burden for students by offering student loan deferments for recent college graduates and by increasing Pell Grant amounts to lessen “the burden on some students who had to make unexpected travel, housing, and storage purchases due to the COVID-19 outbreak.”
The Hill reported the House passed a second package early over the weekend to ease the burden of the pandemic on working Americans.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky is among Republicans who are concerned that the current legislative proposals do not do enough to help Americans who are facing extreme financial burdens, and particularly those who might have been or could be laid off from work.
"Senate Republicans feel strongly that this bill must only be the beginning of Congress’s efforts to support our nation’s economy and stand with American families," McConnell said in a statement, The Hill reported.
McConnell added that discussions are “underway” regarding providing direct economic relief to Americans and to help stimulate the economy.
“The Senate is eager to work with the Administration and the House to deliver the solutions our nation deserves," he said.
The Down Jones Industrial Average plunged nearly 3,000 points, or 12.9 percent, Monday amid fears about the coronavirus.
It was the largest point drop in the Dow's history.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.