politicususa--2020-04-16--Jared Kushner May Get Government Bailout As Millions Wait For $1,200

The President ’ s son-in-law , Jared Kushner , may get a coronavirus bailout as millions of people are waiting for the $ 1,200 checks .
The $ 2 trillion relief bill passed by Congress in March barred the President and his family from receiving loans or other funds from the U.S. Treasury .
But that may not affect Kushner family assets if Jared Kushner has divested his stakes , or if his percentage ownership is small .
“ These are Kushner problems , these are not coronavirus problems , ” said Virginia Canter , a former ethics adviser to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counsel for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington , a group that has been critical of the Trump administration .
“ But they ’ ll potentially be able to take advantage of federal relief , and if they do I think we should know about it.
” Kushner ’ s companies would not be eligible for federal aid under the law , because he is married to Trump ’ s daughter , but his family might be able to get federal aid for the companies that Jared Kushner runs if he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s debt problems and foreign debt issues are so severe that the intelligence community deemed him a risk to national security who should not have top-secret security clearance .
The loophole that allows the family in law of the President to get federal aid will need to be closed in future stimulus bills .
Millions of Americans who need money for food and housing are being forced to wait for their $ 1,200 because Trump wants his signature to appear on the checks .
Jared Kushner and his failing businesses shouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even try , Congress will need to act to close the loophole that Trump ’ s in-laws will exploit .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Print
The President’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, may get a coronavirus bailout as millions of people are waiting for the $1,200 checks.
According to Bloomberg:
The $2 trillion relief bill passed by Congress in March barred the President and his family from receiving loans or other funds from the U.S. Treasury. But that may not affect Kushner family assets if Jared Kushner has divested his stakes, or if his percentage ownership is small.
“These are Kushner problems, these are not coronavirus problems,” said Virginia Canter, a former ethics adviser to Democratic presidents who is now chief ethics counsel for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a group that has been critical of the Trump administration. “But they’ll potentially be able to take advantage of federal relief, and if they do I think we should know about it.”
Kushner’s companies would not be eligible for federal aid under the law, because he is married to Trump’s daughter, but his family might be able to get federal aid for the companies that Jared Kushner runs if he is technically not in charge.
Jared Kushner’s debt problems and foreign debt issues are so severe that the intelligence community deemed him a risk to national security who should not have top-secret security clearance. The loophole that allows the family in law of the President to get federal aid will need to be closed in future stimulus bills.
Millions of Americans who need money for food and housing are being forced to wait for their $1,200 because Trump wants his signature to appear on the checks.
Jared Kushner and his failing businesses shouldn’t get a dime, and if even try, Congress will need to act to close the loophole that Trump’s in-laws will exploit.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-04-16--Cuomo Hires Consultants to Develop “Trump Proof” Plan So Economy Can Reopen on New York’s Terms

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has hired McKinsey & Company to produce “ models on testing , infections and other key data points that will underpin decisions on how and when to reopen the region ’ s economy ” according to government sources who spoke to Reuters .
“ McKinsey , like so many other businesses , is committed to supporting the response to the crisis , ” a company spokesman told reporters .
Cuomo ’ s efforts for his state begins just after seven East Coast states formed a coalition , led by New York , to develop a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The three governors on the West Coast have created a similar plan , and together these 10 states make up 38 percent of the national economy .
“ We think Trump ultimately will blink on this , but if not , we need to push back , and we are reaching out to top experts and other professionals to come up with a bullet-proof plan , ” said a Cuomo adviser .
Cuomo has extended “ New York on Pause ” ––the name for the statewide shutdown––through May 15 .
“ I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period––that ’ s about one month , one month is a long time .
People need certainty and clarity so they can plan .
I made a coordinated action plan with the other states , ” Cuomo said earlier today .
President Donald Trump plans to release new guidelines telling states they can lift their stay-at-home orders at their discretion before the May 1 deadline , news that has sparked anger among the public and garnered criticism from the medical community .
The president often touted the strength of his economy before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ re going to be announcing guidelines , and we ’ ll be talking about various states , and it ’ s very exciting , ” Trump said yesterday .
“ We will be the comeback kids , all of us , all of us .
It ’ s incredible , what ’ s going on .
“ Tomorrow is going to be a very big day … We will have some openings that will … exceed our expectations , and they will be safe .
”

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Print
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has hired McKinsey & Company to produce “models on testing, infections and other key data points that will underpin decisions on how and when to reopen the region’s economy” according to government sources who spoke to Reuters.
“McKinsey, like so many other businesses, is committed to supporting the response to the crisis,” a company spokesman told reporters.
Cuomo’s efforts for his state begins just after seven East Coast states formed a coalition, led by New York, to develop a plan to reopen their respective economies. The three governors on the West Coast have created a similar plan, and together these 10 states make up 38 percent of the national economy.
“We think Trump ultimately will blink on this, but if not, we need to push back, and we are reaching out to top experts and other professionals to come up with a bullet-proof plan,” said a Cuomo adviser.
Cuomo has extended “New York on Pause”––the name for the statewide shutdown––through May 15.
“I don’t want to project beyond that period––that’s about one month, one month is a long time. People need certainty and clarity so they can plan. I made a coordinated action plan with the other states,” Cuomo said earlier today.
President Donald Trump plans to release new guidelines telling states they can lift their stay-at-home orders at their discretion before the May 1 deadline, news that has sparked anger among the public and garnered criticism from the medical community. The president often touted the strength of his economy before the novel coronavirus pandemic upended it.
“We’re going to be announcing guidelines, and we’ll be talking about various states, and it’s very exciting,” Trump said yesterday. “We will be the comeback kids, all of us, all of us. It’s incredible, what’s going on. “Tomorrow is going to be a very big day … We will have some openings that will … exceed our expectations, and they will be safe.”


politicususa--2020-04-16--Trump Wiped Out The Entire Obama Recovery In A Month

Donald Trump ’ s mishandling of the coronavirus response has resulted in him wiping all of the job gains in Obama ’ s recovery from the Great Recession .
More than 5 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week , bringing the total in the month since the coronavirus pandemic throttled the U.S. economy to 22 million and effectively erasing a decade worth of job creation .
Initial jobless claims of 5.25 million in the week ended April 11 followed 6.62 million the prior week , according to Labor Department figures Thursday .
The median estimate of economists was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as high as 8 million .
The four-week sum compares with roughly 21.5 million jobs added during the expansion that began in mid-2009 .
None of this had to happen .
If Trump would have acted on the months of warnings before the virus arrived in the US .
If the President would have had a widespread testing system in place , health experts would have been able to track the virus , and given local , state , and federal governments the data that they needed to effectively shut down and stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targeted three weeks .
The country continues to fly blind with no real timetable for resuming normal life because testing is completely inadequate .
Trump promised to make America great again , but what he has done is take America back to a state of collapse that hasn ’ t existed since the Great Depression .
Trump has wiped out everything Obama and the American people worked for , as illness , death , failure , and collapse are destined to be his legacy .
For more discussion about this story join our @ @ @ @ @ @

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Print
Donald Trump’s mishandling of the coronavirus response has resulted in him wiping all of the job gains in Obama’s recovery from the Great Recession.
Via Bloomberg:
More than 5 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week, bringing the total in the month since the coronavirus pandemic throttled the U.S. economy to 22 million and effectively erasing a decade worth of job creation.
Initial jobless claims of 5.25 million in the week ended April 11 followed 6.62 million the prior week, according to Labor Department figures Thursday. The median estimate of economists was for 5.5 million, with projections ranging as high as 8 million. The four-week sum compares with roughly 21.5 million jobs added during the expansion that began in mid-2009.
None of this had to happen. If Trump would have acted on the months of warnings before the virus arrived in the US. If the President would have had a widespread testing system in place, health experts would have been able to track the virus, and given local, state, and federal governments the data that they needed to effectively shut down and stop the spread of the virus for a targeted three weeks.
The country continues to fly blind with no real timetable for resuming normal life because testing is completely inadequate. Trump promised to make America great again, but what he has done is take America back to a state of collapse that hasn’t existed since the Great Depression.
Trump has wiped out everything Obama and the American people worked for, as illness, death, failure, and collapse are destined to be his legacy.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-04-16--Republican Senator John Kennedy: Lift Coronavirus Restrictions or “The World Economy Collapses”

A Republican senator thinks the U.S. economy must be reopened despite the threat of Covid-19 .
Louisiana ’ s John Kennedy accepted this would cause the virus to spread even further .
Kennedy spoke to Fox News ’ Tucker Carlson on Wednesday and argued that the U.S. must ease Coronavirus containment measures .
He said the making the decision was like “ choosing between cancer and a heart attack.
” “ Here ’ s the way I say it , ” Kennedy said .
“ The American people are not morons .
They understand what I ’ m about to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re going to have to trust them.
” “ Number one , very soon the can is going to run out of road , ” the senator said .
“ We ’ ve got to open this economy .
If we don ’ t , it ’ s going to collapse .
And if the U.S. economy collapses , the world economy collapses.
” “ Trying to burn down the village to save it is foolish .
That ’ s a cold , hard truth.
” However , Kennedy admitted reopening the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread throughout the nation .
“ We ’ ve got to be smart about how we do it , ” he said .
“ Don ’ t open up in the middle of a hot spot .
Encourage your elderly and those with pre-existing conditions to stay quarantined and provide them financial support.
” “ It ’ s a miserable choice , ” he admitted , though clearly coming down in favor of the economy .
Kennedy merely reiterated President Donald Trump ’ s refrain about the need to reopen the economy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ million Americans lost their jobs in the last month .

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Print
A Republican senator thinks the U.S. economy must be reopened despite the threat of Covid-19. Louisiana’s John Kennedy accepted this would cause the virus to spread even further.
Kennedy spoke to Fox News’ Tucker Carlson on Wednesday and argued that the U.S. must ease Coronavirus containment measures. He said the making the decision was like “choosing between cancer and a heart attack.”
“Here’s the way I say it,” Kennedy said. “The American people are not morons. They understand what I’m about to say, and at some point we’re going to have to trust them.”
“Number one, very soon the can is going to run out of road,” the senator said.
“We’ve got to open this economy. If we don’t, it’s going to collapse. And if the U.S. economy collapses, the world economy collapses.”
“Trying to burn down the village to save it is foolish. That’s a cold, hard truth.”
However, Kennedy admitted reopening the economy now would only help Coronavirus to spread throughout the nation.
“We’ve got to be smart about how we do it,” he said.
“Don’t open up in the middle of a hot spot. Encourage your elderly and those with pre-existing conditions to stay quarantined and provide them financial support.”
“It’s a miserable choice,” he admitted, though clearly coming down in favor of the economy.
Kennedy merely reiterated President Donald Trump’s refrain about the need to reopen the economy. New figures released on Thursday showed 22 million Americans lost their jobs in the last month.
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-04-16--Joe Biden Tears into Donald Trump: “Nothing Is His Fault. Nothing Is His Responsibility”

Joe Biden took the President to task on Thursday for his handling of the Coronavirus .
The former vice president was incredulous at Donald Trump ’ s recent behavior .
The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee spoke to MSNBC ’ s Morning Joe program along with his wife , Dr. Jill Biden .
He discussed Americans ’ reaction to the Covid-19 global pandemic and chastised Trump for not showing leadership .
“ These are people who are frightened and they ’ re looking for leadership , ” Biden said .
“ What bothers me , what bothers me so much , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t take responsibility , ” he said .
“ The President of the United States acts like… nothing is his fault .
Nothing is his responsibility , ” said a clearly exasperated Biden .
“ You know , Franklin Roosevelt made the case that , look , just tell the American people the truth… they can handle it.
” “ But you have to let them know what you are doing .
You have to let them know you understand their pain.
” Biden made wider ranging remarks about leadership and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been .
He also focused much of his fire on Trump .
“ The president is supposed to take care of things !
” he said .
“ He says , ‘ I take no responsibility for that , it is not my fault , it is somebody else ’ s fault.
’ He is doing the exact — I know it sounds sort of strange — but he is doing the exact thing we teach our kids not to do , blame somebody else.
” “ Not me , the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this man is sort of above my pay grade , ” Biden also said .
“ Everything is about him .
This is not about him .
It ’ s about us .
It ’ s about the American people .
”

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Print
Joe Biden took the President to task on Thursday for his handling of the Coronavirus. The former vice president was incredulous at Donald Trump’s recent behavior.
The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee spoke to MSNBC’s Morning Joe program along with his wife, Dr. Jill Biden.
He discussed Americans’ reaction to the Covid-19 global pandemic and chastised Trump for not showing leadership.
These are people who are frightened and they’re looking for leadership,” Biden said.
“What bothers me, what bothers me so much, is the President of the United States doesn’t take responsibility,” he said.
“The President of the United States acts like… nothing is his fault. Nothing is his responsibility,” said a clearly exasperated Biden.
Watch part of Biden’s interview:
WATCH: Joe Biden discusses how he would have handled the coronavirus pandemic. "We knew what was about to happen and instead of acting the president did nothing." pic.twitter.com/YnXwOaOdPn — MSNBC (@MSNBC) April 16, 2020
“You know, Franklin Roosevelt made the case that, look, just tell the American people the truth… they can handle it.”
“But you have to let them know what you are doing. You have to let them know you understand their pain.”
Biden made wider ranging remarks about leadership and what his response to the crisis would have been. He also focused much of his fire on Trump.
“The president is supposed to take care of things!” he said.
“He says, ‘I take no responsibility for that, it is not my fault, it is somebody else’s fault.’ He is doing the exact — I know it sounds sort of strange — but he is doing the exact thing we teach our kids not to do, blame somebody else.”
“Not me, the other guy.”
“Trying to figure out this man is sort of above my pay grade,” Biden also said.
“Everything is about him. This is not about him. It’s about us. It’s about the American people.”
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-04-17--Pelosi And Schiff Unload On Trump For Proposing A Reopen Plan That Will Cause More Death

Donald Trump released a hollow plan to reopen America on Thursday , and Democratic leaders were quick to tear it to shreds .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi blasted Trump for failing to address the most crucial aspect of reopening the country – testing – and said his so-called plan will only cause more death and destruction .
“ Testing is the key to opening our country to resume our lives , ” Pelosi said , according to MSNBC ’ s Kyle Griffin .
“ The White House ’ s vague and inconsistent document does nothing to make up for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scientists and produce and distribute national rapid testing.
” According to Chad Pergram of Fox News , she added , “ The President ’ s continued insistence on moving forward without testing , contact tracing , demographic data collection and a respect for science and the facts risks further death and economic disaster.
” Pelosi also noted that on March 4 the House of Representatives passed a bill focused on “ testing , testing , testing , ” yet the president still has yet to develop and implement his own plan for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s response to the president ’ s non-plan , House Rep. Adam Schiff ( D-CA ) said Trump is ignoring experts and forcing a “ premature reopening ” that could cause even more deaths .
Ultimately , the president ’ s latest stunt – releasing a glorified PowerPoint presentation with a juvenile title – confirms what most Americans already knew : He is making this up as he goes along .
Donald Trump ’ s inaction at the beginning of this crisis led to the needless death of tens of thousands of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy without adequate testing will likely increase that death toll .

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Print
Donald Trump released a hollow plan to reopen America on Thursday, and Democratic leaders were quick to tear it to shreds.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi blasted Trump for failing to address the most crucial aspect of reopening the country – testing – and said his so-called plan will only cause more death and destruction.
“Testing is the key to opening our country to resume our lives,” Pelosi said, according to MSNBC’s Kyle Griffin. “The White House’s vague and inconsistent document does nothing to make up for the President’s failure to listen to the scientists and produce and distribute national rapid testing.”
According to Chad Pergram of Fox News, she added, “The President’s continued insistence on moving forward without testing, contact tracing, demographic data collection and a respect for science and the facts risks further death and economic disaster.”
Pelosi also noted that on March 4 the House of Representatives passed a bill focused on “testing, testing, testing,” yet the president still has yet to develop and implement his own plan for adequate nationwide coronavirus screening.
Pelosi: On March 4..the Hse passed our 1st bipartisan coronavirus response bill focusing on testing, testing, testing. 6 wks later, we still do not have adequate testing..the President continues his assault on the truth & says that we have more testing than any other country — Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) April 17, 2020
Echoing Pelosi’s response to the president’s non-plan, House Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) said Trump is ignoring experts and forcing a “premature reopening” that could cause even more deaths.
There’s no way to safely reopen without massive testing. Yet we’re barely testing more people this week than last. And hospitals continue to report serious bottlenecks. If Trump ignores the experts and forces a premature reopening, Even more Americans will die. — Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) April 17, 2020
Ultimately, the president’s latest stunt – releasing a glorified PowerPoint presentation with a juvenile title – confirms what most Americans already knew: He is making this up as he goes along.
Donald Trump’s inaction at the beginning of this crisis led to the needless death of tens of thousands of Americans. His new proposal to reopen the economy without adequate testing will likely increase that death toll.
Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook and Twitter


politicususa--2020-04-18--Trump Consults Faith Leaders on Restarting In-Person Worship

The Associated Press reports that President Donald Trump is consulting faith leaders on “ a phased-in return to broader in-person worship ” after religious services had to move online after the coronavirus pandemic shuttered houses of worship nationwide .
A White House statement said Trump “ mentioned his memories as a young child attending Billy Graham ’ s service at Yankee Stadium , and acknowledged that while he has enjoyed watching services online from the White House , he told the faith leaders it is important for people to soon be able to once again come together , pray , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the call , including Jack Graham , pastor of Texas-based Prestonwood Baptist Church , and Samuel Rodriguez , president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Council , said religious leaders want to get back to business carefully ; Rodriguez himself said religious institutions “ want to be a blessing and not a burden.
” Trump ’ s conversation with representatives of multiple Christian denominations and Jewish and Islamic groups came a day after the White House announced new guidelines on reopening the economy that say places of worship can operate so long as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adhered to .
The president has often courted the support of religious leaders , telling them as recently as last week to support him in November ’ s general election .
“ We have a tremendous year coming up .
We ’ re going to beat this plague .
We ’ re going to beat this virus and we ’ re going to beat it soon , ” Trump told the leaders on an off-the-record conference call .
“ We ’ re going to get our country back , ” he said at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very , very powerful year coming up because you know what lies ahead .
And we have to do it .
People of faith have to do it .
We have to have victory .
So I just want to thank everybody very much .
And I ’ m always here .
”

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Print
The Associated Press reports that President Donald Trump is consulting faith leaders on “a phased-in return to broader in-person worship” after religious services had to move online after the coronavirus pandemic shuttered houses of worship nationwide.
A White House statement said Trump “mentioned his memories as a young child attending Billy Graham’s service at Yankee Stadium, and acknowledged that while he has enjoyed watching services online from the White House, he told the faith leaders it is important for people to soon be able to once again come together, pray, and worship.”
Those who participated in the call, including Jack Graham, pastor of Texas-based Prestonwood Baptist Church, and Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Council, said religious leaders want to get back to business carefully; Rodriguez himself said religious institutions “want to be a blessing and not a burden.”
Trump’s conversation with representatives of multiple Christian denominations and Jewish and Islamic groups came a day after the White House announced new guidelines on reopening the economy that say places of worship can operate so long as “strict physical distancing protocols” are adhered to.
The president has often courted the support of religious leaders, telling them as recently as last week to support him in November’s general election.
“We have a tremendous year coming up. We’re going to beat this plague. We’re going to beat this virus and we’re going to beat it soon,” Trump told the leaders on an off-the-record conference call. “We’re going to get our country back,” he said at the time. “We have a very, very powerful year coming up because you know what lies ahead. And we have to do it. People of faith have to do it. We have to have victory. So I just want to thank everybody very much. And I’m always here.”


politicususa--2020-04-18--Trump Says Some States Have Been “Too Tough” on Stay-at-Home Orders

President Donald Trump responded to questions about tweets he wrote earlier today urging Michigan , Minnesota , and Virginia to “ liberate ” themselves from stay-at-home orders .
“ Some things are too tough and if you look at some of the states you just mentioned , it ’ s too tough , not only relative to this , ” he told one reporter .
“ But what they did in Virginia in regard to the Second Amendment , it ’ s just a horrible thing , they did a horrible thing , the governor , and he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out with .
So when you see what he said about the Second Amendment , when you see what other states have done , I feel very comfortable.
” You can watch footage of the president ’ s comments below .
Trump ’ s comments on the Second Amendment are in reference to Virginia Governor Ralph Northam ( D ) , who signed firearm restrictions into law this week .
The laws will increase background checks , limit handgun purchases , and establish a “ red flag ” procedure by which law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threat to themselves or others .
“ Tea party ” -style protests erupted around the country in response to stay-at-home orders .
“ This week , about 100 protesters gathered outside the Ohio statehouse in Columbus to push for Republican Gov .
Mike DeWine to reopen the state .
In Raleigh , more than 100 demonstrators gathered to protest Democratic North Carolina Gov .
Roy Cooper ’ s stay-at-home order , where at least one protester was charged with violating the order , ” NBC reports .
“ In New York , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state Capitol in Albany to rally for returning to normal .
Kentucky , Utah and Wyoming also saw similar protests.
” The largest of these was in Michigan , where at least 3,000 people protested Governor Gretchen Whitmer ’ s ( D ) extended and expanded stay-at-home order in front of the state Capitol in Lansing .
“ I think they ’ re listening .
I think they listen to me , ” Trump said in response to questions about the protests .
“ They seem to be protesters that like me and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the same as just about all of the governors .
They all want to open .
Nobody wants to stay shut but they want to open safely .
So do I.
” The president ’ s tweets sparked a debate on whether he was advocating for an armed insurrection , an action that law experts say is illegal and that health experts say would only further the spread of the coronavirus .

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Print
President Donald Trump responded to questions about tweets he wrote earlier today urging Michigan, Minnesota, and Virginia to “liberate” themselves from stay-at-home orders.
“Some things are too tough and if you look at some of the states you just mentioned, it’s too tough, not only relative to this,” he told one reporter. “But what they did in Virginia in regard to the Second Amendment, it’s just a horrible thing, they did a horrible thing, the governor, and he’s a governor under a cloud to start out with. So when you see what he said about the Second Amendment, when you see what other states have done, I feel very comfortable.”
You can watch footage of the president’s comments below.
Trump on his "LIBERATE" tweets basically calling for civil unrest in a number of states with Democratic governors: "I think some things are too tough." pic.twitter.com/v7ff67Fiac — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 17, 2020
Trump’s comments on the Second Amendment are in reference to Virginia Governor Ralph Northam (D), who signed firearm restrictions into law this week. The laws will increase background checks, limit handgun purchases, and establish a “red flag” procedure by which law enforcement can take firearms from someone deemed a threat to themselves or others.
“Tea party”-style protests erupted around the country in response to stay-at-home orders.
“This week, about 100 protesters gathered outside the Ohio statehouse in Columbus to push for Republican Gov. Mike DeWine to reopen the state. In Raleigh, more than 100 demonstrators gathered to protest Democratic North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s stay-at-home order, where at least one protester was charged with violating the order,” NBC reports. “In New York, a few dozen people gathered Thursday outside the state Capitol in Albany to rally for returning to normal. Kentucky, Utah and Wyoming also saw similar protests.”
The largest of these was in Michigan, where at least 3,000 people protested Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) extended and expanded stay-at-home order in front of the state Capitol in Lansing.
“I think they’re listening. I think they listen to me,” Trump said in response to questions about the protests. “They seem to be protesters that like me and respect this opinion, and my opinion is the same as just about all of the governors. They all want to open. Nobody wants to stay shut but they want to open safely. So do I.”
The president’s tweets sparked a debate on whether he was advocating for an armed insurrection, an action that law experts say is illegal and that health experts say would only further the spread of the coronavirus.


politicususa--2020-04-18--Trump Falsely Tells His Supporters They Aren’t Spreading Virus With Protests

Trump told his supporters that they were not spreading the coronavirus by violating stay at home orders and not respecting social distancing guidelines .
Q : Sir , are you concerned , though , that people coming out in protest are going to spread COVID to other people ?
They ’ re congregating in ways that health experts have said they should not .
Trump : No .
These are people expressing their views .
I see where they are and they seem to be responsible people to me .
But it ’ s — they ’ ve been treated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are staging these protests are not wearing masks .
They aren ’ t respecting social distancing , and they are violating stay at home orders .
Of course , they are spreading the virus .
They will spread the virus among themselves and anyone that they interact with .
The protests are unsafe behavior that are endangering public health .
Trump has been encouraging his supporters to violate stay at home orders and protest because he wants to blame governors for the collapsed economy .
Trump is trying to pass the buck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killing his own supporters if it helps him escape blame in November .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Print
Trump told his supporters that they were not spreading the coronavirus by violating stay at home orders and not respecting social distancing guidelines.
The exchange:
Q: Sir, are you concerned, though, that people coming out in protest are going to spread COVID to other people? They’re congregating in ways that health experts have said they should not.
Trump: No. These are people expressing their views. I see where they are and they seem to be responsible people to me. But it’s — they’ve been treated a little bit rough.
Video:
Trump encourages the spread of Covid-19 by telling his supporters that they aren't spreading the virus by protesting stay at home orders. pic.twitter.com/4qkYe8uYBo — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) April 17, 2020
The people who are staging these protests are not wearing masks. They aren’t respecting social distancing, and they are violating stay at home orders. Of course, they are spreading the virus. They will spread the virus among themselves and anyone that they interact with.
The protests are unsafe behavior that are endangering public health.
Trump has been encouraging his supporters to violate stay at home orders and protest because he wants to blame governors for the collapsed economy. Trump is trying to pass the buck, and he doesn’t mind killing his own supporters if it helps him escape blame in November.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-04-17--U.S. is the “King of Ventilators,” Says Trump As Death Toll Hits 37,000

President Donald Trump declared the United States the “ king of ventilators ” in statements during a coronavirus briefing at the White House earlier today , even as the death toll in the United States hits 37,000 .
“ We ’ re now the king of ventilators .
We have hundreds of thousands under construction .
We don ’ t need them ourselves , the governors are in great shape .
If we do we have a great stockpile that we ’ ll immediately send to the state in need .
But we ’ ve handled that situation incredibly well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I wish the media would get the word out .
What we ’ ve done with ventilators is amazing because they ’ re big , expensive , and highly complex.
” Trump added that the United States government would help Mexico and “ other countries ” as they struggle with the pandemic , saying that more ventilators “ are being constructed as we speak.
” You can watch footage of Trump ’ s remarks below .
Trump ’ s statement come mere weeks after he assailed New York Governor Andrew Cuomo ( D @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe New York , which leads the nation in confirmed coronavirus cases , needs 30,000 ventilators to treat infected patients .
“ I have a feeling that a lot of the numbers that are being said in some areas are just bigger than they ’ re going to be , ” Trump told Sean Hannity during a Fox News interview last night .
“ I don ’ t believe you need 40,000 or 30,000 ventilators .
You go into major hospitals sometimes , and they ’ ll have two ventilators .
And now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying , ‘ Can we order 30,000 ventilators ?
’ ” The president continues to face harsh criticism as the death toll climbs .
Earlier today , critics accused him of advocating for armed insurrection after he tweeted calls for states to “ liberate ” themselves from stay-at-home orders as protesters defy social distancing guidelines around the country .

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Print
President Donald Trump declared the United States the “king of ventilators” in statements during a coronavirus briefing at the White House earlier today, even as the death toll in the United States hits 37,000.
“We’re now the king of ventilators. We have hundreds of thousands under construction. We don’t need them ourselves, the governors are in great shape. If we do we have a great stockpile that we’ll immediately send to the state in need. But we’ve handled that situation incredibly well. I hope people understand it, I wish the media would get the word out. What we’ve done with ventilators is amazing because they’re big, expensive, and highly complex.”
Trump added that the United States government would help Mexico and “other countries” as they struggle with the pandemic, saying that more ventilators “are being constructed as we speak.”
You can watch footage of Trump’s remarks below.
Trump begins the April 17 #TrumpPressConf by remarking on Sonny Perdue's handsomeness and then announcing a new $19 billion relief program for farmers pic.twitter.com/Shicb9d9ZK — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 17, 2020
Trump’s statement come mere weeks after he assailed New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D), saying he didn’t believe New York, which leads the nation in confirmed coronavirus cases, needs 30,000 ventilators to treat infected patients.
“I have a feeling that a lot of the numbers that are being said in some areas are just bigger than they’re going to be,” Trump told Sean Hannity during a Fox News interview last night. “I don’t believe you need 40,000 or 30,000 ventilators. You go into major hospitals sometimes, and they’ll have two ventilators. And now all of a sudden they’re saying, ‘Can we order 30,000 ventilators?’”
The president continues to face harsh criticism as the death toll climbs. Earlier today, critics accused him of advocating for armed insurrection after he tweeted calls for states to “liberate” themselves from stay-at-home orders as protesters defy social distancing guidelines around the country.


politicususa--2020-04-17--Naive American Tribes Sue U.S. Treasury to Stop Coronavirus Relief from Going to Corporations

Six Native American tribes––including the Tulalip Tribes and the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation in Washington State .
The Akiak Native Community , the Aleut Community of St. Paul Island , the Asa ’ carsarmiut Tribe of Alaska , and Maine ’ s Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians––have sued the United States Treasury Department to make sure coronavirus relief funds go directly to tribal governments and not Alaska Native corporations .
The plaintiffs say in their suit , which names Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin as a defendant , that Alaska Native corporations are not eligible to receive funds designated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ state-chartered and state-regulated private business corporations.
” The fact that these corporations have the same legal status as tribal governments by the federal government , they contend , “ reduces the funds available for allocation and distribution to Plaintiffs , who are in dire need for the funds to support the necessary and increased expenditures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
” Alaska Native corporations , which own 44 million acres of land in Alaska , were devised in 1971 after Congress passed the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act .
That legislation created @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the state , where corporations could purchase land and conduct business such as mining and fishing .
The Interior Department , which oversees the Bureau of Indian Affairs , argues that Alaska Native corporations are eligible for coronavirus relief .
They ’ ve cited a definition that includes them as an “ Indian Tribe ” in the federal bill .
Earlier this week , tribes alleged that Tara Sweeney , Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the Department of the Interior , is deciding how this funding is spent .
Senator Chuck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sweeney ’ s role earlier this week .
“ We can ’ t put these corporations before tribal governments [ and ] people , ” Schumer wrote .

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Print
Six Native American tribes––including the Tulalip Tribes and the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation in Washington State. The Akiak Native Community, the Aleut Community of St. Paul Island, the Asa’carsarmiut Tribe of Alaska, and Maine’s Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians––have sued the United States Treasury Department to make sure coronavirus relief funds go directly to tribal governments and not Alaska Native corporations.
The plaintiffs say in their suit, which names Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin as a defendant, that Alaska Native corporations are not eligible to receive funds designated for tribal governments because they are for-profit “state-chartered and state-regulated private business corporations.”
The fact that these corporations have the same legal status as tribal governments by the federal government, they contend, “reduces the funds available for allocation and distribution to Plaintiffs, who are in dire need for the funds to support the necessary and increased expenditures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Alaska Native corporations, which own 44 million acres of land in Alaska, were devised in 1971 after Congress passed the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. That legislation created 12 separate sections, or regions, of the state, where corporations could purchase land and conduct business such as mining and fishing.
The Interior Department, which oversees the Bureau of Indian Affairs, argues that Alaska Native corporations are eligible for coronavirus relief. They’ve cited a definition that includes them as an “Indian Tribe” in the federal bill.
Earlier this week, tribes alleged that Tara Sweeney, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the Department of the Interior, is deciding how this funding is spent. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) also commented on Sweeney’s role earlier this week.
“We can’t put these corporations before tribal governments [and] people,” Schumer wrote.


politicususa--2020-04-17--Trump Claims People Are Lying Who Say They Can’t Get Coronavirus Test

Trump claimed that states and media who are reporting inadequate access to coronavirus testing are all lying about the availability of tests for the virus .
Following the announcement of our reopening guidelines , there have been some very partisan voices in the media and politics who have spread false and misleading information about our testing capacities .
Totally false and misleading .
Demonstrating a complete failure to understand the enormous scope of the testing capabilities that we ’ ve brought online .
And we started really from ground zero .
We started from really being very , very outdated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past .
And I will say this .
If they didn ’ t understand it , it ’ s just really , unfortunately , I hate to say this , because we ’ ve been getting along very well , but it would be false reporting because they understand the capability .
It ’ s going to be up to the states to use that capability .
The states have local points where they can go .
The governor can call the mayors and the mayors can call representatives .
And everything is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information about inadequate access to testing , not only from governors , but from hospitals , doctors , health care workers , and patients .
Medical professionals are in universal agreement that access to testing remains a gigantic problem .
Trump doesn ’ t want to hear about testing , because he has convinced himself that testing is not important and necessary for reopening the economy .
It is not false reporting or misinformation .
It ’ s a fact .
The number of tests is not adequate for the amount of testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is still not enough access to testing for all the at-risk individuals who need to be tested .
Trump was lying because he is in a rush to reopen the economy and save his reelection campaign .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Print
Trump claimed that states and media who are reporting inadequate access to coronavirus testing are all lying about the availability of tests for the virus.
Trump said:
Following the announcement of our reopening guidelines, there have been some very partisan voices in the media and politics who have spread false and misleading information about our testing capacities. Totally false and misleading. Demonstrating a complete failure to understand the enormous scope of the testing capabilities that we’ve brought online. And we started really from ground zero.
We started from really being very, very outdated and obsolete as a country from the past. And I will say this. If they didn’t understand it, it’s just really, unfortunately, I hate to say this, because we’ve been getting along very well, but it would be false reporting because they understand the capability. It’s going to be up to the states to use that capability. The states have local points where they can go. The governor can call the mayors and the mayors can call representatives. And everything is perfect.
The press is getting the information about inadequate access to testing, not only from governors, but from hospitals, doctors, health care workers, and patients. Medical professionals are in universal agreement that access to testing remains a gigantic problem.
Trump doesn’t want to hear about testing, because he has convinced himself that testing is not important and necessary for reopening the economy.
It is not false reporting or misinformation. It’s a fact. The number of tests is not adequate for the amount of testing that needs to be done, and there is still not enough access to testing for all the at-risk individuals who need to be tested.
Trump was lying because he is in a rush to reopen the economy and save his reelection campaign.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-04-17--Trump Invents Fake Praise From World Leaders For His Virus Response

Trump pulled out one of his favorite propaganda tools at the coronavirus briefing , where he referenced praise by unnamed world leaders for his virus response .
Trump said , “ There is nothing like it .
There is nobody like us , not even close .
I wish I could tell you stories what other country , even powerful countries say to me , the leaders .
They say it quietly and they say it off the record , but they have great respect for what we can do.
” The United States leads the world in coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in coronavirus deaths .
The United States lags far behind the rest of the developed world in per capita testing and access to testing .
When Trump feels the need to boost his own ego , one of his favorite devices throughout his presidency has been to invent fake praise from unnamed fellow world leaders .
In this case , it is impossible to believe that the rest of the world is praising Trump ’ s negligent and incompetent response to the coronavirus .
Trump knows he ’ s failing .
He is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governors and snow job the American people with made-up praise from unnamed leaders .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Print
Trump pulled out one of his favorite propaganda tools at the coronavirus briefing, where he referenced praise by unnamed world leaders for his virus response.
Trump said, “There is nothing like it. There is nobody like us, not even close. I wish I could tell you stories what other country, even powerful countries say to me, the leaders. They say it quietly and they say it off the record, but they have great respect for what we can do.”
Video:
Trump is incoherent and making up fake praise from other unnamed world leaders about his coronavirus response. pic.twitter.com/rbTSTLg2vx — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) April 17, 2020
The United States leads the world in coronavirus cases.
The United States leads the world in coronavirus deaths.
The United States lags far behind the rest of the developed world in per capita testing and access to testing.
When Trump feels the need to boost his own ego, one of his favorite devices throughout his presidency has been to invent fake praise from unnamed fellow world leaders. In this case, it is impossible to believe that the rest of the world is praising Trump’s negligent and incompetent response to the coronavirus.
Trump knows he’s failing. He is trying to pass the blame to the governors and snow job the American people with made-up praise from unnamed leaders.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-04-17--Senate Democrats Explode On Mike Pence Over Lack Of Testing

Senate Democrats unloaded on Vice President Mike Pence during a conference call over the lack of adequate availability of coronavirus testing .
It was extremely explosive , chuck there was just this growing frustration among Democrats especially on this issue of testing .
And this is the second time in two days that we heard from Democrats who got to speak with administration officials today .
It was Vice President Pence in the white house task force member , including Dr. Fauci and Dr. Birx .
But then yesterday President Donald Trump held a call with a bipartisan group of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where testing was also a big issue .
And they ’ ve expressed their frustration now two days in a row .
They ’ re not getting the answers they want .
We ’ re told that senator Angus King of Maine , he is an Independent who caucuses with the Democrats , he said that it was a dereliction of duty that the administration has not implemented a nationwide testing regime .
And I think that days and days of not getting adequate answers and the president really blowing off this entire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on wanting to reopen the government , they just couldn ’ t take it anymore , and they expressed their frustration .
Trump has completely blown off testing .
The President and Vice President think that they can lie their way around having to perform adequate testing before the economy can reopen .
Democrats have had enough .
Someone needs to call out this administration , because in states like Pennsylvania , drive up testing sites can only perform 100 tests a day .
The situation is not adequate for public safety and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the coronavirus will be with us for a long time to come .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Print
Senate Democrats unloaded on Vice President Mike Pence during a conference call over the lack of adequate availability of coronavirus testing.
Leigh Ann Caldwell of NBC News reported:
It was extremely explosive, chuck there was just this growing frustration among Democrats especially on this issue of testing. And this is the second time in two days that we heard from Democrats who got to speak with administration officials today. It was Vice President Pence in the white house task force member, including Dr. Fauci and Dr. Birx. But then yesterday President Donald Trump held a call with a bipartisan group of members of the House and the Senate where testing was also a big issue. And they’ve expressed their frustration now two days in a row. They’re not getting the answers they want.
We’re told that senator Angus King of Maine, he is an Independent who caucuses with the Democrats, he said that it was a dereliction of duty that the administration has not implemented a nationwide testing regime. And I think that days and days of not getting adequate answers and the president really blowing off this entire issue of testing, instead of focusing on wanting to reopen the government, they just couldn’t take it anymore, and they expressed their frustration.
Video:
Senate Democrats explode on Mike Pence over the lack of coronavirus testing. pic.twitter.com/WCQgsSIOza — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) April 17, 2020
Trump has completely blown off testing. The President and Vice President think that they can lie their way around having to perform adequate testing before the economy can reopen. Democrats have had enough. Someone needs to call out this administration, because in states like Pennsylvania, drive up testing sites can only perform 100 tests a day.
The situation is not adequate for public safety and Trump’s failure on testing means that the coronavirus will be with us for a long time to come.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-04-17--Matt Gaetz Facing Investigation For Using Taxpayer Money To Pay Office Rent To A Donor

Rep. Matt Gaetz ( R-FL ) could be facing a House Ethics Committee investigation after it was revealed that he gave a donor nearly $ 200,000 in taxpayer money for office rent .
Florida GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz has spent nearly $ 200,000 in taxpayer funds renting an office from a longtime friend , adviser , campaign donor and legal client .
Both men said in separate interviews Gaetz paid below market rent for the space — although Gaetz later shifted , saying the rent was “ at or below market rate.
” House rules explicitly state such arrangements are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all leases for district offices must be “ at fair market value as the result of a bona fide , arms-length , marketplace transaction .
The Lessor and Lessee certify that the parties are not relatives nor have had , or continue to have , a professional or legal relationship ( except as a landlord and tenant ) .
” Gaetz never disclosed his relationship with the owner of the building to the House , and he was also violating rules by paying below-market rent for his office space .
Gaetz has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insider trading , but he has his own ethical problems .
Trump isn ’ t the disease causing Republican corruption .
He is a symptom of party-wide rot .
Gaetz has some serious ethical issues that are in need of an investigation .
Rep. Gaetz has been one of Trump ’ s biggest defenders in the House , and given this behavior , it is not difficult to understand why .
In the midst of a pandemic , the Republican Party remains more interested in lining its own pockets than protecting the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Print
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) could be facing a House Ethics Committee investigation after it was revealed that he gave a donor nearly $200,000 in taxpayer money for office rent.
Politico reported:
Florida GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz has spent nearly $200,000 in taxpayer funds renting an office from a longtime friend, adviser, campaign donor and legal client.
Both men said in separate interviews Gaetz paid below market rent for the space — although Gaetz later shifted, saying the rent was “at or below market rate.” House rules explicitly state such arrangements are not allowed.
…
House rules state that all leases for district offices must be “at fair market value as the result of a bona fide, arms-length, marketplace transaction. The Lessor and Lessee certify that the parties are not relatives nor have had, or continue to have, a professional or legal relationship (except as a landlord and tenant).”
Gaetz never disclosed his relationship with the owner of the building to the House, and he was also violating rules by paying below-market rent for his office space. Gaetz has been all over Sen. Richard Burr for his insider trading, but he has his own ethical problems.
Trump isn’t the disease causing Republican corruption. He is a symptom of party-wide rot. Gaetz has some serious ethical issues that are in need of an investigation. Rep. Gaetz has been one of Trump’s biggest defenders in the House, and given this behavior, it is not difficult to understand why.
In the midst of a pandemic, the Republican Party remains more interested in lining its own pockets than protecting the American people.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-04-17--Smugglers Sawed into Trump’s Border Wall 18 Times in One Month in San Diego

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection ( CBP ) records obtained by The Washington Post via a Freedom of Information Act request , smugglers breached or attempted to breach President Donald Trump ’ s border wall 18 times in one month , sawing into sections in the San Diego area between September 27 and October 27 .
The newspaper had requested breaching data for the full 2019 fiscal year , which ended Sept. 30 .
CBP said the average cost to repair the damage was $ 620 per incident .
The agency declined to reveal specific locations of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” It clarified that the smuggling attempts that were counted were ones that required the government to repair the border wall and did not necessarily represent successful breaches , which allow narcotics or migrants to enter the country illegally .
“ Transnational criminal organizations are an adaptive adversary — regardless of materials , nothing is impenetrable if given unlimited time and tools , ” CBP said in a statement , adding that they are building a “ border wall system that includes technology , roads and an enforcement zone .
Taken together , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to respond to attempted crossings — increasing the time they have from mere seconds to minutes , hours or even days depending on the adversary ’ s methods.
” The wall is still under construction amid the coronavirus pandemic , and Congressional Democrats have called on the president ’ s administration to stop building the barrier as the nation grapples with the enormity of the public health crisis .
“ Money should be invested in healthcare , small businesses and fighting the spread of the coronavirus , not used to build an ineffective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic lawmakers wrote in a letter addressed to Attorney General William Barr , acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf and Defense Secretary Mark Esper , obtained by Axios .
Representative Raúl Grijalva ( D-Ariz. ) , who represents areas like the town of Ajo , where residents have reported their fears that the virus will spread unchecked as border wall construction workers travel to and from the border , said : “ The presence of large construction crews in small border towns threatens the health of those communities where they are already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health emergency .
”

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Print
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) records obtained by The Washington Post via a Freedom of Information Act request, smugglers breached or attempted to breach President Donald Trump’s border wall 18 times in one month, sawing into sections in the San Diego area between September 27 and October 27. The newspaper had requested breaching data for the full 2019 fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30.
CBP said the average cost to repair the damage was $620 per incident. The agency declined to reveal specific locations of the incidents, “citing law enforcement sensitivities.” It clarified that the smuggling attempts that were counted were ones that required the government to repair the border wall and did not necessarily represent successful breaches, which allow narcotics or migrants to enter the country illegally.
“Transnational criminal organizations are an adaptive adversary — regardless of materials, nothing is impenetrable if given unlimited time and tools,” CBP said in a statement, adding that they are building a “border wall system that includes technology, roads and an enforcement zone. Taken together, these capabilities maximize how long agents have to respond to attempted crossings — increasing the time they have from mere seconds to minutes, hours or even days depending on the adversary’s methods.”
The wall is still under construction amid the coronavirus pandemic, and Congressional Democrats have called on the president’s administration to stop building the barrier as the nation grapples with the enormity of the public health crisis.
“Money should be invested in healthcare, small businesses and fighting the spread of the coronavirus, not used to build an ineffective and wasteful border wall,” 91 Democratic lawmakers wrote in a letter addressed to Attorney General William Barr, acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf and Defense Secretary Mark Esper, obtained by Axios.
Representative Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), who represents areas like the town of Ajo, where residents have reported their fears that the virus will spread unchecked as border wall construction workers travel to and from the border, said: “The presence of large construction crews in small border towns threatens the health of those communities where they are already underprepared to deal with the coming public health emergency.”


politicususa--2020-04-17--Trump Hit With Devastating Ad For Giving PPE To China As US Healthcare Workers Die

Trump is hammered by an ad that accurately points out that he gave 17.8 tons of vital medical supplies to China as US healthcare workers die from Coronavirus .
A narrator says , “ Everyone knew they lied about the virus .
China .
President Trump gave China his trust .
And Trump gave China more than praise .
He shipped China 17 tons of American masks and medical supplies .
Our masks and medical supplies .
Supplies we need now .
Trump trusted China , sent China our supplies , and just look at the mess we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been trying to turn Biden into some kind of China lover and putting reports in conservative media that Biden has a “ China problem , ” which is more classic Trump attempted projection of his problems onto his opponent .
As this ad reveals , Trump gave vital supplies that American healthcare workers needed to China .
Americans are on the frontlines of this fight are getting sick and dying because of Trump putting China first .
The only person with a China problem on the ballot in November is Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Print
Trump is hammered by an ad that accurately points out that he gave 17.8 tons of vital medical supplies to China as US healthcare workers die from Coronavirus.
A narrator says, “Everyone knew they lied about the virus. China. President Trump gave China his trust. And Trump gave China more than praise. He shipped China 17 tons of American masks and medical supplies. Our masks and medical supplies. Supplies we need now. Trump trusted China, sent China our supplies, and just look at the mess we’re in now.”
The ad from American Bridge:
America first? @realDonaldTrump shipped lifesaving medical equipment to China as hospitals in the U.S. faced shortages. Trump's complete betrayal left us tragically vulnerable to the virus—and now we’re paying the price. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/wTWsjvDmG8 — American Bridge (@American_Bridge) April 17, 2020
Trump’s campaign has been trying to turn Biden into some kind of China lover and putting reports in conservative media that Biden has a “China problem,” which is more classic Trump attempted projection of his problems onto his opponent.
As this ad reveals, Trump gave vital supplies that American healthcare workers needed to China. Americans are on the frontlines of this fight are getting sick and dying because of Trump putting China first.
The only person with a China problem on the ballot in November is Donald Trump.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-04-17--Trump Demands States Be “Liberated” From Stay-At-Home Orders

President Donald Trump tweeted demands that the governors of several states under lockdown in response to the coronavirus pandemic “ liberate ” citizens who are protesting against stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines .
In two separate tweets , the president directed messages toward the governors of Minnesota and Michigan .
In a third tweet , Trump suggested that protesters “ save your great 2nd Amendment .
It is under siege.
” “ Tea party ” -style protests erupted around the country in response to stay-at-home orders .
“ This week , about 100 protesters gathered outside the Ohio statehouse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mike DeWine to reopen the state .
In Raleigh , more than 100 demonstrators gathered to protest Democratic North Carolina Gov .
Roy Cooper ’ s stay-at-home order , where at least one protester was charged with violating the order , ” NBC reports .
“ In New York , a few dozen people gathered Thursday outside the state Capitol in Albany to rally for returning to normal .
Kentucky , Utah and Wyoming also saw similar protests.
” The largest of these was in Michigan , where at least 3,000 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D ) extended and expanded stay-at-home order in front of the state Capitol in Lansing .
“ I think they ’ re listening .
I think they listen to me , ” Trump said in response to questions about the protests .
“ They seem to be protesters that like me and respect this opinion , and my opinion is the same as just about all of the governors .
They all want to open .
Nobody wants to stay shut but they want to open safely .
So do I.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Governor Andrew Cuomo ( D ) , telling him to “ spend more time ‘ doing ’ and less time ‘ complaining . '
” “ Your numbers are not good , ” he added .
In fact , Cuomo ’ s approval rating is the highest it ’ s been in seven years .

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Print
President Donald Trump tweeted demands that the governors of several states under lockdown in response to the coronavirus pandemic “liberate” citizens who are protesting against stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines.
In two separate tweets, the president directed messages toward the governors of Minnesota and Michigan.
LIBERATE MINNESOTA! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 17, 2020
LIBERATE MICHIGAN! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 17, 2020
In a third tweet, Trump suggested that protesters “save your great 2nd Amendment. It is under siege.”
LIBERATE VIRGINIA, and save your great 2nd Amendment. It is under siege! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 17, 2020
“Tea party”-style protests erupted around the country in response to stay-at-home orders.
“This week, about 100 protesters gathered outside the Ohio statehouse in Columbus to push for Republican Gov. Mike DeWine to reopen the state. In Raleigh, more than 100 demonstrators gathered to protest Democratic North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s stay-at-home order, where at least one protester was charged with violating the order,” NBC reports. “In New York, a few dozen people gathered Thursday outside the state Capitol in Albany to rally for returning to normal. Kentucky, Utah and Wyoming also saw similar protests.”
The largest of these was in Michigan, where at least 3,000 people protested Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) extended and expanded stay-at-home order in front of the state Capitol in Lansing.
“I think they’re listening. I think they listen to me,” Trump said in response to questions about the protests. “They seem to be protesters that like me and respect this opinion, and my opinion is the same as just about all of the governors. They all want to open. Nobody wants to stay shut but they want to open safely. So do I.”
The president also launched an attack against New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D), telling him to “spend more time ‘doing’ and less time ‘complaining.'”
“Your numbers are not good,” he added.
Governor Cuomo should spend more time “doing” and less time “complaining”. Get out there and get the job done. Stop talking! We built you thousands of hospital beds that you didn’t need or use, gave large numbers of Ventilators that you should have had, and helped you with…. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 17, 2020
….testing that you should be doing. We have given New York far more money, help and equipment than any other state, by far, & these great men & women who did the job never hear you say thanks. Your numbers are not good. Less talk and more action! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 17, 2020
In fact, Cuomo’s approval rating is the highest it’s been in seven years.


politicususa--2020-04-17--Fox’s Lou Dobbs Mulls War with China if Coronavirus Is “A Biological Weapon”

Fox Business personality Lou Dobbs has floated the idea of war with China as a result of Covid-19 .
Dobbs advanced the totally unfounded idea that the disease could be an act of biological warfare .
Dobbs spoke to former deputy national security advisor K.T .
McFarland on Thursday night when he made the startling suggestion .
“ If this turns out to be a biological weapon , K.T.
, if this happens to be a conscious and overt act on the part of the Chinese military — and we know that biological warfare is part of their military doctrine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cyber warfare or any other — if this were to turn out to be that , what should be the response ?
” Dobbs asked .
“ Because I ’ m not interested in two and three year programs , ” he said .
“ This country is not operating in the 21st century if we think we have time to retool , reposition , repurpose .
We have to have an answer now.
” Dobbs went on to ponder the possibility of a U.S. war with China because of Coronavirus deaths .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to war over the loss of 31,000 now , and certainly more to come , 31,000 American lives , what do we go to war over ?
” he asked .
“ When do we quit sending strong letters and talking tough ?
At what point are there consequences for this kind of behavior ?
” “ Because whether they did it intentionally or not , we do know this : that that virus was unleashed on the world and they lied , and that is the same as making it an intentional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far as I ’ m concerned.
” There is absolutely no evidence that Covid-19 is a biological weapon .
The chairman of the joint chiefs of staff General Mark Milley made this clear on Tuesday .

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Print
Fox Business personality Lou Dobbs has floated the idea of war with China as a result of Covid-19. Dobbs advanced the totally unfounded idea that the disease could be an act of biological warfare.
Dobbs spoke to former deputy national security advisor K.T. McFarland on Thursday night when he made the startling suggestion.
“If this turns out to be a biological weapon, K.T., if this happens to be a conscious and overt act on the part of the Chinese military — and we know that biological warfare is part of their military doctrine, a significant part, just as cyber warfare or any other — if this were to turn out to be that, what should be the response?” Dobbs asked.
“Because I’m not interested in two and three year programs,” he said.
“This country is not operating in the 21st century if we think we have time to retool, reposition, repurpose. We have to have an answer now.”
Watch the video:
Lou Dobbs speculates coronavirus could be a biological weapon used by the Chinese military, adding "If we don't go to war over the loss of 31,000…American lives, what do we go to war over?" pic.twitter.com/yZRUmjcTeY — Jason S. Campbell (@JasonSCampbell) April 16, 2020
Dobbs went on to ponder the possibility of a U.S. war with China because of Coronavirus deaths.
“If we don’t go to war over the loss of 31,000 now, and certainly more to come, 31,000 American lives, what do we go to war over?” he asked.
“When do we quit sending strong letters and talking tough? At what point are there consequences for this kind of behavior?”
“Because whether they did it intentionally or not, we do know this: that that virus was unleashed on the world and they lied, and that is the same as making it an intentional and conscious act of warfare, as far as I’m concerned.”
There is absolutely no evidence that Covid-19 is a biological weapon. The chairman of the joint chiefs of staff General Mark Milley made this clear on Tuesday.
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-04-17--Trump Mindlessly Repeats Fox News Attack On The WHO

Trump is directly taking his talking points for his attack on the WHO from watching Fox and Friends , as he is copying what he is watching on TV .
Matthew Gerwitz of Media Matters caught the President parroting his favorite morning show : Trump has his TiVo set to record Fox News , so it is clear that he settled in to watch his morning intelligence briefing at roughly 9 AM .
For the record , the press pool call time for Friday at the White House is not until 11 AM .
One of the biggest and most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fact that the country has a president who rarely shows up to work before lunchtime and leaves by dinner .
The Trump/Fox News reinforcing co-dependency is alive and well .
Trump isn ’ t listening to medical and disease experts on the coronavirus pandemic .
He has turned his most trusted adviser , his television .
If Joe Biden wins the presidency one of the biggest immediate changes will be that public policy will no longer be influenced by a cable news network .
Trump is a bad president who is getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Print
Trump is directly taking his talking points for his attack on the WHO from watching Fox and Friends, as he is copying what he is watching on TV.
Trump tweeted:
Why did the W.H.O. Ignore an email from Taiwanese health officials in late December alerting them to the possibility that CoronaVirus could be transmitted between humans? Why did the W.H.O. make several claims about the CoronaVirus that ere either inaccurate or misleading…. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 17, 2020
Matthew Gerwitz of Media Matters caught the President parroting his favorite morning show:
Quoting Fox & Friends… Left, Fox & Friends, 6:11 a.m.
Right, Trump, 9:20 a.m. pic.twitter.com/ZsKOSpqpw9 — Matthew Gertz (@MattGertz) April 17, 2020
Trump has his TiVo set to record Fox News, so it is clear that he settled in to watch his morning intelligence briefing at roughly 9 AM. For the record, the press pool call time for Friday at the White House is not until 11 AM. One of the biggest and most underreported elements of the Trump presidency is the fact that the country has a president who rarely shows up to work before lunchtime and leaves by dinner.
The Trump/Fox News reinforcing co-dependency is alive and well. Trump isn’t listening to medical and disease experts on the coronavirus pandemic. He has turned his most trusted adviser, his television. If Joe Biden wins the presidency one of the biggest immediate changes will be that public policy will no longer be influenced by a cable news network.
Trump is a bad president who is getting bad information from all the wrong places.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-04-17--Trump’s Approval Rating Suffers “Sharpest Drop Gallup Has Recorded”

President Donald Trump ’ s approval rating has suffered a severe decline over the past month .
A new Gallup poll shows the steepest fall the consulting firm has ever seen .
The President ’ s approval stands at 43 % – a major decline since April , when Gallup found 49 % of Americans approved of Trump .
“ The six-point decline in the president ’ s approval rating is the sharpest drop Gallup has recorded for the Trump presidency so far , largely because Trump ’ s ratings have been highly stable and have yet to reach the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1945 ) of 53 % , ” Gallup said .
Trump ’ s average approval is around 42 % .
This is lower than the general average for presidents as Trump has consistently struggled to keep his numbers above water .
“ The current health and economic crisis is undoubtedly the greatest challenge of his presidency so far — and could imperil his standing in the final year of his first term as he seeks reelection , ” Gallup reported .
“ Americans ’ ratings of Trump ’ s performance improved in mid-March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal efforts to contain the spread , ” the firm said .
“ Trump addressed the nation on the threat on March 11 , and a few days later recommended that Americans follow stay-at-home measures already in place in several states.
” “ But one month is a long time for Americans in quarantine and the dip in the president ’ s ratings may be equally reflective of their assessment of his performance and an overall souring mood as the unemployment rate and death toll both continue to climb.
” Separately , conservative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s approval rating suffering from Coronavirus , too .
Trump has approvingly cited Zogby polling despite its poor reputation .
But even Zogby had a warning for the President .
“ Trump will need to change his message from blame game to one of safety and economics , ” he said .

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Print
President Donald Trump’s approval rating has suffered a severe decline over the past month. A new Gallup poll shows the steepest fall the consulting firm has ever seen.
The President’s approval stands at 43% – a major decline since April, when Gallup found 49% of Americans approved of Trump.
“The six-point decline in the president’s approval rating is the sharpest drop Gallup has recorded for the Trump presidency so far, largely because Trump’s ratings have been highly stable and have yet to reach the historical average for presidents (back to 1945) of 53%,” Gallup said.
Trump’s average approval is around 42%. This is lower than the general average for presidents as Trump has consistently struggled to keep his numbers above water.
“The current health and economic crisis is undoubtedly the greatest challenge of his presidency so far — and could imperil his standing in the final year of his first term as he seeks reelection,” Gallup reported.
“Americans’ ratings of Trump’s performance improved in mid-March, when the novel Coronavirus threat demanded federal efforts to contain the spread,” the firm said.
“Trump addressed the nation on the threat on March 11, and a few days later recommended that Americans follow stay-at-home measures already in place in several states.”
“But one month is a long time for Americans in quarantine and the dip in the president’s ratings may be equally reflective of their assessment of his performance and an overall souring mood as the unemployment rate and death toll both continue to climb.”
Separately, conservative pollster John Zogby has found Trump’s approval rating suffering from Coronavirus, too. Trump has approvingly cited Zogby polling despite its poor reputation.
But even Zogby had a warning for the President.
“Trump will need to change his message from blame game to one of safety and economics,” he said.
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-04-16--Dr. Oz: Reopening Schools “May Only Cost Us Two to Three Percent in Terms of Total Mortality”

Dr. Mehmet Oz , who President Donald Trump has turned to for advice on the novel coronavirus , said in an interview with Fox News that he supports reopening schools nationwide , saying the tradeoff of sending children back to school “ may only cost us two to three percent in terms of total mortality.
” “ We need our mojo back .
Let ’ s start with things that are really critical to the nation where we think we might be able to open without getting into a lot of trouble , ” he said .
“ I tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity .
I just saw a nice piece in The Lancer arguing that the opening of schools may only cost us two to three percent in terms of total mortality .
Any life is a life lost , but to get every child back in to a school where they ’ re safely being educated , being fed and making the most out of their lives with the theoretical risk on the backside , might be a trade-off some folks may consider.
” You can watch the clip from the newscast below : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fox and Friends , ” the television personality lamented Boston University ’ s decision to close amid concerns about the pandemic .
“ I learned that Boston University canceled its fall semester .
That really bothered me .
How do you know right now in April — before you even tried to reopen– if you need to close down your school through the rest of this calendar year ?
” he said .
“ You ’ re hurting people that you ’ re responsible for .
I am a doctor .
I want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you to err on the side of being overly cautious , but not at the expense of making decisions that don ’ t really serve us , ” he continued , saying that while the school aims to make the “ right ” choice , shutting down “ is not the right thing ” for everyone .

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Print
Dr. Mehmet Oz, who President Donald Trump has turned to for advice on the novel coronavirus, said in an interview with Fox News that he supports reopening schools nationwide, saying the tradeoff of sending children back to school “may only cost us two to three percent in terms of total mortality.”
“We need our mojo back. Let’s start with things that are really critical to the nation where we think we might be able to open without getting into a lot of trouble,” he said. “I tell you, schools are a very appetizing opportunity. I just saw a nice piece in The Lancer arguing that the opening of schools may only cost us two to three percent in terms of total mortality. Any life is a life lost, but to get every child back in to a school where they’re safely being educated, being fed and making the most out of their lives with the theoretical risk on the backside, might be a trade-off some folks may consider.”
You can watch the clip from the newscast below:
DR OZ: "Schools are a very appetizing opportunity. I just saw a nice piece in The Lancet arguing the opening of schools may only cost us 2 to 3%, in terms of total mortality. Any, you know, any life is a life lost, but … that might be a tradeoff some folks would consider." 😳 pic.twitter.com/aifMeKTsIv — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 16, 2020
In remarks to the hosts of “Fox and Friends,” the television personality lamented Boston University’s decision to close amid concerns about the pandemic.
“I learned that Boston University canceled its fall semester. That really bothered me. How do you know right now in April — before you even tried to reopen– if you need to close down your school through the rest of this calendar year?” he said.
“You’re hurting people that you’re responsible for. I am a doctor. I want you to be safer — I want you to err on the side of being overly cautious, but not at the expense of making decisions that don’t really serve us,” he continued, saying that while the school aims to make the “right” choice, shutting down “is not the right thing” for everyone.


politicususa--2020-04-17--Native American Tribes Sue U.S. Treasury to Stop Coronavirus Relief from Going to Corporations


politicususa--2020-04-19--Opinion: Coronavirus Exposes The GOP’s America and Its Long Established Inequities

By making items of privilege out of hand sanitizer , toilet paper , and access to testing for a deadly disease , Trump ’ s mishandling of COVID-19 dragged the skeletons out of our national closet .
It ’ s the nation ’ s worst kept secret .
The racism , sexism and nativism are so pervasive that they define you , the opportunities you will have , the quality of your life and the quality of your health .
Excelling means you ’ ll still be left behind .
You ’ ll be left behind by people who begrudge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Americans who don ’ t fit the Trump profile of an American , or for that matter of an immigrant .
If you are a person of color , an immigrant , someone LGBT , a woman and/or poor , you already know what I ’ m talking about .
But if you could belong in Trump ’ s America , even if you choose not to , odds are you scarcely have a clue that there are two Americas .
I prefer to call Trump ’ s America “ Magastan ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as fictional as the name .
The responses to COVID-19 reflect these two different realities .
In the lies and propaganda of Magastan , COVID-19 is a Chinese myth or a bio weapon that the WHO uses to destroy Magastan .
Magastanis protest with MAGA hats and confederate flags because they want sports back .
While Trump and his supporters were protesting for liberation in states with stay home and social distancing policies , the White House was hoarding PPE for personal use and medical professionals went without .
Trump sends equipment to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again , Americans are doing without .
In fact , Trump is still fighting to destroy Obamacare as unemployment numbers shatter all previous records .
Since most of America ’ s healthcare is tied to employment , that means millions of Americans have no healthcare coverage when we need it like we ’ ve never needed it before .
For the most part , Magastan is a bubble unto itself .
But occasionally , reality penetrates it .
The “ hoax ” became real — apparently after one of Trump ’ s friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Chera eventually succumbed to the illness , as many thousands of New Yorkers and Americans did nationwide .
But Mr. Chera was the only person whose plight reached whatever passes for empathy in Trump ’ s mind .
Trump ’ s handling peeled back the veneer of an unreal America where opportunity is there for the taking and where “ the biggest , ” “ the best ” and “ the brightest ” excel .
The heart-shattering number of deaths resulting from the pandemic , for the most part , were of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” to Donald Trump .
They lived in America – not in Magastan .
Their reality shows that America solves the problems , cleans up the messes and earns the money to subsidize Magastan .
The America where people of color and immigrants dwell is the one that innovates to survive a pandemic while the Magastanis protest for freedom from the very policies that will save them .
The real America knows that Magastan is unreliable , narcissistic , racist , sexist and entitled .
Americans know they can not count on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Putin in exchange for Putin ’ s expertise at manipulating minds and with them , elections .
We know that we have a better chance of surviving on our own than by relying on Trump and the merry lapdogs of Magastan .
Because we listen to Dr. Fauci and other scientists , we know those rising numbers in Florida and other red states mean they are on the cusp of COVID-19 .
We know they face a situation as traumatizing and deadly as what Washington , New York , Michigan and other blue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help them by sharing the information and resources we have .
For some of us it isn ’ t about the altruism as much as it is a matter of practicality .
Crushing the novel corona virus means containing it everywhere , including places that wish us harm .
By helping Magastan , we also help ourselves .
But thankfully , we do have people for whom it is all about the altruisim .
They are our conscience and our souls .
They ’ re the people who brave the front lines of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can , and offer compassion in the last moments for the people they can not save .
They ’ re the ones who are doing without PPE and putting their lives on the line – every day , and for whom even saying thank you is asking too much of the Emperor of Magastan .
They ’ re the ones who are looking death in the eye and in some cases will be traumatized forever because of what they are experiencing right now .
They ’ re the ones who are earning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ innovation and “ book learnin ” .
They ’ re the ones who understand the thousands of shades of gray that complete the world , Magastanis can only see in black and white .
The care-givers are also what makes America very different , ( thankfully ) from Magastan .

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Print
By making items of privilege out of hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and access to testing for a deadly disease, Trump’s mishandling of COVID-19 dragged the skeletons out of our national closet.
It’s the nation’s worst kept secret. The racism, sexism and nativism are so pervasive that they define you, the opportunities you will have, the quality of your life and the quality of your health.
Excelling means you’ll still be left behind. You’ll be left behind by people who begrudge any amount of resources or attention going to Americans who don’t fit the Trump profile of an American, or for that matter of an immigrant.
If you are a person of color, an immigrant, someone LGBT, a woman and/or poor, you already know what I’m talking about. But if you could belong in Trump’s America, even if you choose not to, odds are you scarcely have a clue that there are two Americas.
I prefer to call Trump’s America “Magastan”, because that “reality” is as fictional as the name.
The responses to COVID-19 reflect these two different realities. In the lies and propaganda of Magastan, COVID-19 is a Chinese myth or a bio weapon that the WHO uses to destroy Magastan. Magastanis protest with MAGA hats and confederate flags because they want sports back.
While Trump and his supporters were protesting for liberation in states with stay home and social distancing policies, the White House was hoarding PPE for personal use and medical professionals went without. Trump sends equipment to Russia, China and Italy while, again, Americans are doing without.
In fact, Trump is still fighting to destroy Obamacare as unemployment numbers shatter all previous records. Since most of America’s healthcare is tied to employment, that means millions of Americans have no healthcare coverage when we need it like we’ve never needed it before.
For the most part, Magastan is a bubble unto itself. But occasionally, reality penetrates it. The “hoax” became real — apparently after one of Trump’s friends, Stanley Chera, was infected. Mr. Chera eventually succumbed to the illness, as many thousands of New Yorkers and Americans did nationwide. But Mr. Chera was the only person whose plight reached whatever passes for empathy in Trump’s mind.
Trump’s handling peeled back the veneer of an unreal America where opportunity is there for the taking and where “the biggest,” “the best” and “the brightest” excel.
The heart-shattering number of deaths resulting from the pandemic, for the most part, were of people who don’t “matter” to Donald Trump. They lived in America – not in Magastan.
Their reality shows that America solves the problems, cleans up the messes and earns the money to subsidize Magastan. The America where people of color and immigrants dwell is the one that innovates to survive a pandemic while the Magastanis protest for freedom from the very policies that will save them.
The real America knows that Magastan is unreliable, narcissistic, racist, sexist and entitled. Americans know they cannot count on the man who sold his soul to Vladimir Putin in exchange for Putin’s expertise at manipulating minds and with them, elections.
We know that we have a better chance of surviving on our own than by relying on Trump and the merry lapdogs of Magastan.
Because we listen to Dr. Fauci and other scientists, we know those rising numbers in Florida and other red states mean they are on the cusp of COVID-19. We know they face a situation as traumatizing and deadly as what Washington, New York, Michigan and other blue states are experiencing. And we will help them by sharing the information and resources we have.
For some of us it isn’t about the altruism as much as it is a matter of practicality. Crushing the novel corona virus means containing it everywhere, including places that wish us harm. By helping Magastan, we also help ourselves.
But thankfully, we do have people for whom it is all about the altruisim. They are our conscience and our souls. They’re the people who brave the front lines of this deadly epidemic to save the lives they can, and offer compassion in the last moments for the people they cannot save. They’re the ones who are doing without PPE and putting their lives on the line – every day, and for whom even saying thank you is asking too much of the Emperor of Magastan.
They’re the ones who are looking death in the eye and in some cases will be traumatized forever because of what they are experiencing right now.
They’re the ones who are earning the money to keep Magastan afloat through innovation and “book learnin”. They’re the ones who understand the thousands of shades of gray that complete the world, Magastanis can only see in black and white.
The care-givers are also what makes America very different, (thankfully) from Magastan.