thelibertydaily--2020-03-15--All Bars, Restaurants Closing in Illinois and Ohio Due to Coronavirus

The coronavirus continues to spread , affecting the government , schools and sports organizations .
Now it ’ s affecting restaurants and bars .
All bars and restaurants are now closing in Illinois and Ohio .
Governor of Ohio Mike DeWine announced the closures on Twitter .
He tweeted , “ We will be issuing an order closing all bars and restaurants in # Ohio beginning at 9:00 tonight.
” DeWine added , “ Establishments can stay open for carry-out and delivery .
What we can ’ t have is people congregating and seated.
” DeWine wasn ’ t the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bars and restaurants .
Illinois Gov .
J.B. Pritzker is ordering bars and restaurants to close their dine-in operations on Monday .
During a press conference , Pritzker said , “ We are working with restaurant owners and food delivery services across the state to see if restaurants can safely keep their kitchens open , so the restaurants can continue food delivery to people at their homes.
” The closures come amid school closings , lawmakers encouraged to practice social distancing and declarations of health emergencies .
California Gov .
Gavin Newsom ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , pubs , and wineries in the state will close .
The state is also putting restrictions on restaurants .
DeWine acknowledged the impact these closures have on employees .
He tweeted , “ I ’ m aware that this will impact many , many good workers .
I can ’ t tell you how sorry I am , but we will work to mitigate the suffering .
It is our goal for everyone to get through this.
” Additionally , lawmakers are calling for more action .
“ Every day we delay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we do not act and get some distance between people , our healthcare system in # Ohio will not hold up.
” DeWine added , “ The loss won ’ t only be those impacted by # COVID19 , but the danger is also to everyone else who needs hospital care for other issues.
” States continue to deal with school closures .
According to reports , Gov .
Andrew Cuomo announced public schools in New York City and surrounding counties are set to close .

The coronavirus continues to spread, affecting the government, schools and sports organizations. Now it’s affecting restaurants and bars.
All bars and restaurants are now closing in Illinois and Ohio. Governor of Ohio Mike DeWine announced the closures on Twitter.
He tweeted, “We will be issuing an order closing all bars and restaurants in #Ohio beginning at 9:00 tonight.” DeWine added, “Establishments can stay open for carry-out and delivery. What we can’t have is people congregating and seated.”
Establishments can stay open for carry-out and delivery. What we can't have is people congregating and seated. #COVID19 #COVID19OhioReady pic.twitter.com/3EaBWeeMdr — Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 15, 2020
DeWine wasn’t the only government official to announce closures of bars and restaurants.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is ordering bars and restaurants to close their dine-in operations on Monday.
During a press conference, Pritzker said, “We are working with restaurant owners and food delivery services across the state to see if restaurants can safely keep their kitchens open, so the restaurants can continue food delivery to people at their homes.”
The closures come amid school closings, lawmakers encouraged to practice social distancing and declarations of health emergencies.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) also announced that all bars, pubs, and wineries in the state will close. The state is also putting restrictions on restaurants.
DeWine acknowledged the impact these closures have on employees.
He tweeted, “I’m aware that this will impact many, many good workers. I can’t tell you how sorry I am, but we will work to mitigate the suffering. It is our goal for everyone to get through this.”
Additionally, lawmakers are calling for more action.
“Every day we delay, more people will die. If we do not act and get some distance between people, our healthcare system in #Ohio will not hold up.” DeWine added, “The loss won’t only be those impacted by #COVID19, but the danger is also to everyone else who needs hospital care for other issues.”
States continue to deal with school closures. According to reports, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced public schools in New York City and surrounding counties are set to close.
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thelibertydaily--2020-03-15--Stock Futures Drop, Hit ‘Limit Down,’ Even as Fed Slashes Rates; Dow Futures Off 1,000 Points

Stock futures plunged Sunday night even after the Federal Reserve embarked on a massive monetary stimulus campaign to curb slower economic growth amid the coronavirus outbreak .
Stock market futures hit `` limit down '' levels of 5 % lower , a move made by the CME futures exchange to reduce panic in markets .
No prices can trade below that threshold , only at higher prices than that down 5 % limit .
Dow Jones Industrial average futures were off by more than 1,000 points , triggering the limit down level .
S & P 500 and Nasdaq 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While the central bank 's actions may help ease the functioning of markets , many investors said they would ultimately want to see coronavirus cases peaking and falling in the U.S. before it was safe to take on risk and buy equities again .
`` The Fed blasted its monetary bazooka for sure , '' said Peter Boockvar , chief investment officer at Bleakley Advisory Group .
`` This better work because I do n't know what they have left and no amount of money raining from the sky will cure this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The Fed cut interest rates down to basically zero , their lowest level since 2015 .
The U.S. central bank also launched a massive $ 700 billion quantitative easing program .
President Donald Trump said he was `` very happy '' with the announcement , adding : `` I think that people in the markets should be very thrilled . ''
`` This , coupled with an important fiscal package , should help cushion the economic downside from the virus ' effect on economic activity , '' said Quincy Krosby , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It 's going to be positive , but the market is at the mercy of the virus and at the mercy of whether the containment policies work . ''
The Fed 's announcement came after they issued another emergency rate cut earlier this month .
It also comes on the heels of the market 's biggest one-day gain since 2008 , with the major averages all surging more than 9 % on Friday .
But the weekend 's news about the coronavirus outbreak was not helping sentiment .
U.S. cases have jumped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least 57 , according to Johns Hopkins University .
The Dow and S & P 500 both fell more than 8 % last week along with the Nasdaq Composite , tumbling into bear market territory .
A bear market is usually defined on Wall Street as a decline of at least 20 % from a high .
Investors have been dumping equities amid worries the coronavirus will slow economic growth and take a bite out of corporate profits .
Economists at JPMorgan see negative growth for the first quarter while Goldman Sachs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 0.7 % .
`` The rapid spread of COVID-19 across the globe has dramatically heightened investor uncertainty and rocked global financial markets , '' strategists at MRB Partners said in a note , adding the situation will `` get worse before it gets better . ''
`` Looking ahead , the number of active cases is likely to worsen in the near run , '' they said .
More than 156,000 cases around the world have been confirmed , data from Johns Hopkins University shows .
At least 2,952 people in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' death toll in the U.S. is at least 57 .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo urged Sunday the Trump administration to mobilize the army to help fight the virus .
To be sure , MKM Partners ' JC O'Hara thinks the market may be getting close to reaching a bottom as sentiment keeps dropping and technical signals `` suggest a selling climax is near . ''
`` We believe the conditions are such that we are closer to a sentiment low , '' the firm 's chief market technician said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are often made with two distinct lows ; a low in price and a low in sentiment , and they do n't always occur at the same time .
Both are needed before stocks can move higher . ''
Subscribe to CNBC PRO for exclusive insights and analysis , and live business day programming from around the world .
—CNBC 's Jeff Cox and Pippa Stevens contributed to this report .

Stocks fell sharply Monday — with the Dow suffering its worst day since the "Black Monday" market crash in 1987 and its third-worst day ever — even after the Federal Reserve embarked on a massive monetary stimulus campaign to curb slower economic growth amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 2,997.10 points lower, or 12.9%, at 20,188.52. The 30-stock Dow was briefly down more than 3,000 points in the final minutes of trading. The S&P 500 dropped 12% to 2,386.13 — hitting its lowest level since December 2018 — while the Nasdaq Composite closed 12.3% lower at 6,904.59 in its worst day ever.
"The markets are getting no break with yesterday's historic Fed actions and COVID-19 dominating the world's headlines," Frank Cappelleri, executive director at Instinet, said in a note. "While the news continues to worsen and with the price action doing things we've only seen a handful of other times in the last century, it's nearly impossible to keep things in perspective."
"We can't argue the facts, and we're dealing with a much bigger issue than just the economy," Cappelleri said.
The major averages fell to their lows into the close after President Donald Trump said the worst of the outbreak could last until August. He also told reporters the U.S. "may be" heading into a recession.
"The market didn't hear what it wanted to hear. I don't think that it wanted to hear that this was going to last until July and August, and now the market does the math. If it lasts until July and August, that means we maybe have a contraction in the second quarter and the third quarter, and that means recession," BNY Mellon strategist Liz Young said on CNBC's "Closing Bell."
Monday's losses put the Dow down 31.7% from its all-time high and the S&P 500 and Nasdaq more than 29% below their records last month. The Dow fell to its lowest point since 2017.
The Dow's drop was the worst decline since its "Black Monday" crash three decades ago when it fell more than 22%. The drop surpassed its 9.99% tumble last Thursday. It was also the Dow's third-worst day ever; it dropped more than 13% in late 1929.


thelibertydaily--2020-03-15--Livestream: Biden vs. Bernie Debate, Beginning at 8:00 PM ET

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thelibertydaily--2020-03-15--Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach to Close Beaches; Restaurants and Bars to Close at 10 PM in Both Cities

“ We have to do everything we can to minimize crowds and stop further cases of COVID-19 , ” Trantalis @ @ @ @ @ to do everything possible to minimize crowds and unfortunately , our beautiful beaches must be @ @ @ @ @ I want to be clear that this is not an overreaction , but a way @ @ @ @ @ further cases of COVID-19 in our community .
We must all do our part to @ @ @ @ @ protecting our residents , visitors and our first responders .
”

Spring break may be in full swing, but now it’s getting a buzz-killing dose of coronavirus reality.
Both Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach, where spring breakers were expected to flood into town through early April, are closing their beaches in an attempt to contain the spread of COVID-19. Both cities are also ordering bars and restaurants to close by 10 p.m. and cap crowds at 250 people to get a grip on the pandemic.
“We cannot become a petri dish for a very dangerous virus,” Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said Sunday during a joint news conference at Miami Beach City Hall. “Spring break is over. The party is over.”
Fort Lauderdale beach — the sandy section — will be closed from Harbor Drive north to Oakland Park Boulevard. Miami Beach will close the beach from Fifth Street to 15th Street —the uber trendy section known as South Beach. Even its public parking garages will close and an 11 p.m. curfew will be strictly enforced.
Fort Lauderdale’s rules are in effect now through April 12.
Miami Beach officials say their regulations will remain in effect until March 19 and might continue beyond that if necessary.
Violators can risk a $500 fine or 60 days in jail.
“We clearly want to encourage voluntary compliance, but we could arrest or issue notices to appear if necessary,” Fort Lauderdale City Manager Chris Lagerbloom said.
Gelber and Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis said the two cities worked together on coming up with a plan so that any new rules enforced by one city would not send a crush of spring breakers to the other one.
“We have to do everything we can to minimize crowds and stop further cases of COVID-19,” Trantalis said. “We have to do everything possible to minimize crowds and unfortunately, our beautiful beaches must be part of that plan. I want to be clear that this is not an overreaction, but a way for us to help stop further cases of COVID-19 in our community. We must all do our part to save lives. This includes protecting our residents, visitors and our first responders.”
Gelber had a message for spring breakers who have been descending en masse on South Beach: “You have a mother, you have a grandmother and maybe a great-grandmother. That virus can be extremely dangerous to them.”
The two mayors announced the measures as the number of new cases in Florida keeps growing and is expected to continue to increase over the next couple months, experts say.
Gov. Ron DeSantis said he applauds Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach’s decision to “pull the plug” on large spring break gatherings.
“Florida is not going to be a place where you are going to be out until 2 a.m. with 500 people in some bar,” DeSantis said. “Those gatherings present high risks.”
Although younger people are not high risk from the disease, they can carry the virus to vulnerable people, he said.
DeSantis said bars and restaurants are not being ordered to close tonight to protect public health, but he will be reviewing guidance Monday morning that will be issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
On Friday, Trantalis called a state of emergency in response to the spreading virus, canceling all city events and meetings for the next 30 days, through April 12.
The following events in Fort Lauderdale are postponed:
* All meetings of the commission and city boards, including advisory boards, city committees and City working groups;
* All special magistrate, code enforcement, board of adjustment and nuisance abatement board hearings;
* All homeowners association and civic association meetings held on city property;
* All city events and city-approved events; and
* All city recreational programs, facility rentals, pools and organized sports leagues. Parks facilities and community centers remain open during normal business hours; however, all programming is postponed.
In addition, all organized public gatherings must now be capped at 250 people, Trantalis said.
Exemptions include grocery stores and land or facilities managed by Broward County, the Broward County School District, the North Broward Hospital District, the state or federal government, as well as hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Fort Lauderdale is requiring every public place, including all businesses, restaurants, bars and retail shops to have alcohol-based hand sanitizer at every entrance.
Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy says he got a call from Trantalis on Sunday before the news conference to let him know what was happening.
“Hollywood beach has not experienced the ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’ spring break crowds seen in Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach,” Levy said. “People have been spread out on our sandy beach. Nonetheless, the county’s situation with COVID-19 is evolving daily, and we will need to do whatever necessary to protect the public from putting themselves at greater risk of contracting the virus.”
Levy declined to say whether Hollywood might consider closing its beach.
Staff writer Skyler Swisher contributed to this report.
Susannah Bryan can be reached at sbryan@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4554


thelibertydaily--2020-03-15--The Coronavirus Side-Effect: A Nanny State

Let ’ s get one thing out of the way from the start .
I do not deny that the coronavirus is a truly serious threat .
The fact that its death rate for the elderly is so high should be enough for us to unite against it , act responsibly , and take the appropriate precautions willingly .
Unfortunately , a combination of people not taking it seriously and government seizing on what they consider a mandate to live out their nanny state fantasies has created a very dangerous scenario .
It ’ s a Catch-22 for some patriots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people acting haphazardly and we wish they ’ d be less selfish .
On the other hand , we ( should ) recognize that government invariably seeks to fill every power vacuum and the huge one surrounding the handling of the coronavirus is the opening many of them have been seeking .
Many in government , particularly on the left , look for every opportunity to flex their muscles over the people .
It ’ s a natural side-effect of an ideology driven by the need for people to rely on government to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we saw anything even approach this level of a “ save us ” attitude was following 9/11 .
The Patriot Act and wars without appropriate predication followed .
Today , most Americans realize both were terrible mistakes .
But at the time , the masses demanded to be protected and America hasn ’ t been the same since .
The coronavirus is much worse .
No , the death toll is nowhere near what happened on 9/11 , but a similar fear of hidden threats is present and government is in the process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greater good .
Many , perhaps most , will say it ’ s only temporary .
They ’ ll say keeping people from going to bars and restaurants is just a short-term precaution that will allow us to get ahead of the virus and obliterate it before it becomes much worse than it already is .
If that ’ s the case , I ’ ll be very relieved .
But I fear that won ’ t be the case .
I fear the creeping authoritarianism we ’ ve been seeing on every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deal with a pandemic that has the nation paralyzed .
If it succeeds , it will be a case study of how government control works well for the people .
If it fails , it will generate a greater desire for government to somehow save the day .
In other words , we ’ re being taken down a dark path in which reliance on government is the status quo .
Do I believe the restrictions against us now will eventually be lifted once the coronavirus is no longer a major threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the aftereffects of this dark path , one which we won ’ t be able to walk back completely .
Many Americans are acting irresponsibly about the coronavirus .
Some are being silly and taking their response to the coronavirus to the extreme .
We all know about the toilet paper lunacy .
Others are being silly and not taking this seriously enough .
Those who are out partying on Saturday night in crowded bars are being vilified , but more important they ’ re prompting responses from government that are slicing into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we , as a people , are learning that we can ’ t trust our fellow Americans to act responsibly so we ’ re turning to government to mandate appropriate precautions .
This will be seen as a good thing by many .
It is not .
It ’ s an unfortunate response to stupidity that will allow government to make similar decisions in the future .
What does this mean to those of us who value our freedom ?
Should we be fighting against these restrictions ?
No .
What ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to happen is going to happen .
The coronavirus has made paranoia and overreaction popular , so trying to tell the people to defy government over their responses is futile .
But when the coronavirus has run its course and life is starting to get back to normal in America , it is incumbent on patriots to reinforce our rights and demand that all measures prompted by the pandemic are reversed .
Many in government will try to let things linger .
They will try to quietly hide away some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this crisis .
It ’ s just part of their nature .
The nanny state must not be the new normal .
The coronavirus must be taken seriously .
Precautions are necessary .
But let ’ s not excuse away the authoritarianism that ’ s clearly emerging from all of this .
Even a partial , temporary embrace of the nanny state normalizes government control over our lives .
Join fellow patriots as we form a grassroots movement to advance the cause of conservatism .
We have two priorities until election day : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We currently have 7500+ patriots with us in a very short time .
If you are interested , please join us to receive updates .

The economy is tanking. We recommend two America First precious metals companies. Our Gold Guy delivers personal service with no gimmicks. JD GoldCo offers a wide array of products. You can’t go wrong with either (or both).
Let’s get one thing out of the way from the start. I do not deny that the coronavirus is a truly serious threat. The fact that its death rate for the elderly is so high should be enough for us to unite against it, act responsibly, and take the appropriate precautions willingly. Unfortunately, a combination of people not taking it seriously and government seizing on what they consider a mandate to live out their nanny state fantasies has created a very dangerous scenario.
It’s a Catch-22 for some patriots. On one hand, we see people acting haphazardly and we wish they’d be less selfish. On the other hand, we (should) recognize that government invariably seeks to fill every power vacuum and the huge one surrounding the handling of the coronavirus is the opening many of them have been seeking. Many in government, particularly on the left, look for every opportunity to flex their muscles over the people. It’s a natural side-effect of an ideology driven by the need for people to rely on government to solve their problems.
The last time we saw anything even approach this level of a “save us” attitude was following 9/11. The Patriot Act and wars without appropriate predication followed. Today, most Americans realize both were terrible mistakes. But at the time, the masses demanded to be protected and America hasn’t been the same since. The coronavirus is much worse. No, the death toll is nowhere near what happened on 9/11, but a similar fear of hidden threats is present and government is in the process of taking away our rights for the greater good.
Many, perhaps most, will say it’s only temporary. They’ll say keeping people from going to bars and restaurants is just a short-term precaution that will allow us to get ahead of the virus and obliterate it before it becomes much worse than it already is. If that’s the case, I’ll be very relieved. But I fear that won’t be the case. I fear the creeping authoritarianism we’ve been seeing on every level of government is being rushed forward to deal with a pandemic that has the nation paralyzed. If it succeeds, it will be a case study of how government control works well for the people. If it fails, it will generate a greater desire for government to somehow save the day.
In other words, we’re being taken down a dark path in which reliance on government is the status quo. Do I believe the restrictions against us now will eventually be lifted once the coronavirus is no longer a major threat? Yes. But I also fear the aftereffects of this dark path, one which we won’t be able to walk back completely.
Many Americans are acting irresponsibly about the coronavirus. Some are being silly and taking their response to the coronavirus to the extreme. We all know about the toilet paper lunacy. Others are being silly and not taking this seriously enough. Those who are out partying on Saturday night in crowded bars are being vilified, but more important they’re prompting responses from government that are slicing into our freedoms.
The saddest part is we, as a people, are learning that we can’t trust our fellow Americans to act responsibly so we’re turning to government to mandate appropriate precautions. This will be seen as a good thing by many. It is not. It’s an unfortunate response to stupidity that will allow government to make similar decisions in the future.
What does this mean to those of us who value our freedom? Should we be fighting against these restrictions? No. What’s done is done. What’s going to happen is going to happen. The coronavirus has made paranoia and overreaction popular, so trying to tell the people to defy government over their responses is futile. But when the coronavirus has run its course and life is starting to get back to normal in America, it is incumbent on patriots to reinforce our rights and demand that all measures prompted by the pandemic are reversed. Many in government will try to let things linger. They will try to quietly hide away some of the excess power they’re accumulating during this crisis. It’s just part of their nature.
Don’t wait until food shortages get REALLY bad before stocking up. Get a three-month’s supply now while it’s still available.
The nanny state must not be the new normal.
The coronavirus must be taken seriously. Precautions are necessary. But let’s not excuse away the authoritarianism that’s clearly emerging from all of this. Even a partial, temporary embrace of the nanny state normalizes government control over our lives.
We Often Feel Like David Taking on Giants Today’s Goliath is the Mainstream Media Industrial Complex that brainwashes the masses. Our mission is very straightforward: To counter the false narratives and nefarious agendas destroying America today. It isn’t easy for obvious reasons; despite incredible growth over the last year we are still a very tiny fish in a huge media pond. But we’re fighting and we will continue to do so, Lord willing, for as long as we possibly can. The battle for America’s present and future is too important for us to back down to the giants that stand in our way. We need help. I don’t want to say “desperately,” but the need is definitely great. If you have the means, please donate through our GivingFuel page, PayPal, or our brand new GiveSendGo page. Your generosity is what keeps these sites running and allows us to get the truth to the masses. We’ve had great success in growing but we know we can do more with your assistance. Thank you, and God Bless! JD Rucker


thelibertydaily--2020-03-16--Who is Circulating FAKE Reports About ‘Stafford Act’ Mandatory National Quarantine? Chi-Coms? Russia

Who is Circulating FAKE Reports About ‘Stafford Act’ Mandatory National Quarantine? Chi-Coms? Russia? Democrats?

Which is worse , the coronavirus or the panic that has ensued as a result ?
At least one group believes it ’ s the latter and they ’ re trying to spread further fear across the nation through mass text message distributions and chain-message tactics .
Their claims are that the U.S. military and the White House intend to announce a two-week quarantine through the Stafford Act which would essentially impose martial law across America .
The National Security Council Tweeted late Sunday night that the text message is a hoax .
This should concern us as their handling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been distributed widely already .
As noted by our EIC earlier , there are concerns among many patriots about authoritarianism as the new normal .
But even in his warnings there were no concerns about the White House going so far as to invoke martial law or mandatory universal quarantines .
This seems to be intended to cause another rush on grocery stories and supply outlets .
I received one myself , though not through mobile .
It was distributed through a Twitter group but matches what was shown by Mike Cernovich below @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about hoaxes .
The Stafford Act Text Message Announcing an Emergency Quarantine is a Hoax By now you or someone you know has received a hoax text announcing martial law .
With some minor variations , the texts all read the same : “ In 48 to 72 hours the president will evoke what is called the Stafford act .
Just got off the phone with some of my military friends in DC who just got out of a two hour briefing .
The president will order a two week mandatory quarantine for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you guys need to make sure you have a two week supply of everything .
Please forward.
” The Stafford Act has already been invoked , but not for the purpose of ordering a two week mandatory quarantine for the nation .
The fact that this message is widespread tells us it ’ s not a silly prank .
Someone is making an effort to spark further panic in the United States .
My EIC was among those who asked who it could possibly be .
To me , most fingers point to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They ’ ve been using disinformation campaigns in the United States for longer than most Twitter users have been alive .
It was their primary goal of the 2016 election “ hacking ” to sow seeds of discontent and further divide the nation .
They want Americans hating other Americans , parties not trusting each other , and a polarized culture that embraces divisiveness over unity .
They also want chaos in America , and considering how insane the responses to the coronavirus has been so far , it seems that Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is an outside chance that it ’ s China , though their concerns seem to be much more self-centered .
They are more worried about deflecting blame for the coronavirus than causing harm to other nations .
Could it be the Democrats ?
That isn ’ t outside of the realm of possibility , though it ’ s nearly impossible to conceive anyone official within the DNC or any campaigns would participate in something like this .
They ’ ll go low , but not this low .
If it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a radical element willing to harm others in their efforts to make their point .
Think Antifa , only digital .
The thought that it ’ s someone trying to take the markets down even lower also isn ’ t inconceivable , though highly unlikely .
You will first hear about national quarantines through the White House , not through a text message chain .
Anyone with “ insider ” information warning you to rush out and buy more toilet paper is playing you for a fool .
Join fellow patriots as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cause of conservatism .
We have two priorities until election day : Stopping Democrats and supporting strong conservative candidates .
We currently have 7500+ patriots with us in a very short time .
If you are interested , please join us to receive updates .

See all the latest videos and articles patriots need to watch and read at Discern.tv.
Which is worse, the coronavirus or the panic that has ensued as a result? At least one group believes it’s the latter and they’re trying to spread further fear across the nation through mass text message distributions and chain-message tactics. Their claims are that the U.S. military and the White House intend to announce a two-week quarantine through the Stafford Act which would essentially impose martial law across America.
The National Security Council Tweeted late Sunday night that the text message is a hoax. This should concern us as their handling of the situation means the message has been distributed widely already.
Text message rumors of a national #quarantine are FAKE. There is no national lockdown. @CDCgov has and will continue to post the latest guidance on #COVID19. #coronavirus — NSC (@WHNSC) March 16, 2020
As noted by our EIC earlier, there are concerns among many patriots about authoritarianism as the new normal. But even in his warnings there were no concerns about the White House going so far as to invoke martial law or mandatory universal quarantines. This seems to be intended to cause another rush on grocery stories and supply outlets.
I received one myself, though not through mobile. It was distributed through a Twitter group but matches what was shown by Mike Cernovich below. Cernovich knows a thing or two about hoaxes.
The Stafford Act Text Message Announcing an Emergency Quarantine is a Hoax By now you or someone you know has received a hoax text announcing martial law. With some minor variations, the texts all read the same: “In 48 to 72 hours the president will evoke what is called the Stafford act. Just got off the phone with some of my military friends in DC who just got out of a two hour briefing. The president will order a two week mandatory quarantine for the nation. Stock up on whatever you guys need to make sure you have a two week supply of everything. Please forward.”
The Stafford Act has already been invoked, but not for the purpose of ordering a two week mandatory quarantine for the nation. The fact that this message is widespread tells us it’s not a silly prank. Someone is making an effort to spark further panic in the United States. My EIC was among those who asked who it could possibly be.
Was this a foreign disinformation op, a prank by private parties, or an op paid for by people who want to short the market? https://t.co/AJqtq0Cncd — Cernovich (@Cernovich) March 16, 2020
Russia? China? Democrats? Pranksters? Principalities and Powers? Who do you think is behind this? — JD Rucker (@JDRucker) March 16, 2020
To me, most fingers point to Russia. This is simply their style. They’ve been using disinformation campaigns in the United States for longer than most Twitter users have been alive. It was their primary goal of the 2016 election “hacking” to sow seeds of discontent and further divide the nation. They want Americans hating other Americans, parties not trusting each other, and a polarized culture that embraces divisiveness over unity. They also want chaos in America, and considering how insane the responses to the coronavirus has been so far, it seems that Russia’s goals are being achieved.
There is an outside chance that it’s China, though their concerns seem to be much more self-centered. They are more worried about deflecting blame for the coronavirus than causing harm to other nations. Could it be the Democrats? That isn’t outside of the realm of possibility, though it’s nearly impossible to conceive anyone official within the DNC or any campaigns would participate in something like this. They’ll go low, but not this low. If it’s the “Democrats,” it will be a radical element willing to harm others in their efforts to make their point. Think Antifa, only digital. The thought that it’s someone trying to take the markets down even lower also isn’t inconceivable, though highly unlikely.
You will first hear about national quarantines through the White House, not through a text message chain. Anyone with “insider” information warning you to rush out and buy more toilet paper is playing you for a fool.
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thelibertydaily--2020-03-16--Revised Coronavirus ‘Boondoggle’ to Return to House Floor for Unanimous Consent Vote

On Monday , the House of Representatives will have to vote on a revised version of the coronavirus relief package that passed early Saturday morning , after “ technical changes ” were hastily added to the bill , Roll Call reported .
After hours of negotiations between Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin , H.R .
6201 , the Families First Coronavirus Response Act sailed through congress with a vote of 363-40-1 .
Democratic legislators voted in lock-step for the bill while 40 Republicans voted against , bucking President ’ s Trump ’ s stated support for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( I-Mich. ) cast the abstaining vote .
The revisions didn ’ t make to the version of the bill the House voted on , so a do-over has been planned for Monday morning .
Almost all of the 40 House Republicans who voted against the Families First package , voted for the $ 8.3 billion coronavirus spending bill last week .
But these same conservatives are ringing alarm bells over the multi-billion dollar Families First legislation “ boondoggle.
” The bill , which was rushed through congress without going through the necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of paid sick leave and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for workers affected by the virus .
Companies with 500 or more employees are exempted from the bill ’ s paid emergency leave requirements .
Small and mid-sized businesses will apparently be given a tax credit to pay for the benefits .
The bill also provides additional funding for state Medicaid programs , $ 1 billion in food aid , extended unemployment benefits , and free coronavirus testing for patients without insurance .
The “ technical change ” allows small businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lobby for additional changes when the measure reaches the Senate , ” according to Roll Call .
The influential National Federation of Independent Business said it may consider the matter a “ key vote ” on its legislative scorecard , a gauge of how worthy congressional candidates are of support in the upcoming elections .
Appearing on Fox News Sunday , Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin acknowledged the concerns small businesses had with the legislation and hedged on whether it could pass the Senate in its current form .
“ We are hearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerned about the burden of this , ” Mnuchin said Sunday , adding he ’ s been in contact with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , and other senators .
“ I ’ m speaking to senators , I don ’ t want to predict , OK , I think there ’ s a lot of bipartisan support , I hope they pass this bill , ” the Treasury chief said .
“ If not we ’ ll work with the Senate on whatever minor changes we need.
” It wasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were needed that didn ’ t make it into the bill during frenzied late-night bargaining and drafting on Friday .
But the paid leave issue continued to vex lawmakers and ultimately 40 House Republicans , or roughly one-fifth of the GOP conference , voted “ no ” on the measure .
Mnuchin described the needed change as “ a technical correction ” that had been agreed to by Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy , R-Calif. , before the measure passed the House , 363-40 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revised bill would come to the House floor Monday morning , though with the chamber on recess any changes would have to be made by unanimous consent .
A Democratic aide who wasn ’ t authorized to speak publicly confirmed that the change would be made by unanimous consent , but the timing was still up in the air .
Rep. Louie Gohmert ( R-Texas ) was one of the Republicans who voted against the emergency relief package .
In a statement Saturday , Gohmert complained that the bill was rushed through before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it and before it had gone through the proper committees .
Gohmert said he was proud of how the president had called Pelosi ’ s bluff when she demanded a vote on Thursday because she would not be there on Friday .
Then she said she would not be here on Saturday so we had to vote right away to pass a bill before we knew what was in it .
But with this bill , President Trump made clear that he did not want to destroy small businesses in our effort to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this crisis .
As the bill kept changing , we were having trouble getting copies of the latest version .
I was reading the version I got around 9 pm Friday or shortly thereafter .
I had noted some concerns in that version that might do more harm than good .
The Rules Committee that has to vote on the rules to bring the final bill to the floor had to recess to await the language of that final bill .
But they never got the bill or had a hearing on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ text of the bill was publicly released at approximately 11:57 pm and there was no time for lawmakers to carefully review it .
He said the later bill was 110 pages , while the 9:00 pm version was 108 pages .
“ I did not even have time to do a side-by-side to see what was different , ” he complained .
Shortly before 1:00 a.m. , following passage of the bill , Gohmert called the rushed vote “ sad ” on the House floor .
“ My questions and concerns that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to put some people out of business , ” he exclaimed .
“ This is no way to handle billions and billions of dollars when we ’ re trying to help people and we don ’ t even know if we ’ re going to help them or hurt them , ” he said .
Five other Texas Republicans voted against the coronavirus relief package : Reps. Chip Roy , Lance Gooden , Brian Babin , Michael Cloud , and Randy Weber .
Gooden said he voted no because lawmakers were “ given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill at midnight.
” “ I don ’ t wish to disparage any House members as they hail this bill as a positive step forward , ” he said in a statement .
“ I ’ m not here to rubber-stamp Nancy Pelosi or anyone else ’ s work without proper vetting.
” Roy called it “ welfare ” that would do “ more harm than good ” and complained that it was rushed through with no time to debate it .
“ I voted no because this bill will cause more harm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purports to offer , ” Roy tweeted early Saturday .
“ We were given a take-it-or-leave it bill with zero chance to amend it or debate it .
… Despite it being well-intentioned , it puts onerous burdens and mandates on main street employers , while picking winners and losers by carving out big business !
” The congressman later railed against the legislation , calling it “ a terrible mistake ” in a 16-part tweet-storm Sunday night , ( condensed below for easier reading ) : “ Early Saturday morning I voted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate , amend , or even read .
That bill was badly flawed .
It purports to help people by putting a massive mandate on small & medium sized businesses while perpetuating the K-Street.
” “ Corporate welfare cronyism Americans are sick of – exempting businesses over 500 .
Worse yet , the mandate was to be paid LATER through tax credits , and the tax credits would not cover it all !
” “ This was a terrible mistake , and the Senate ( or the House , in its “ technical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ floor to clean up its mess ) ought to correct it .
Small business owners have reached out to me to ask what we can do to help stop this so they won ’ t be hurt.
” “ In short , it does no good to mandate ‘ paid leave ’ from a job that doesn ’ t exist because the business went under .
To solve that problem , I suggest – & would have on Friday , had we had any chance to amend – offering very expansive and immediate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep businesses afloat through the negative impacts of government calls to stay home.
” “ Due to the action and recommendation of government leaders of all levels , we are facing massive slowdown for restaurants , retail , the arts , travel , hotels , and more .
It is fully and wholly unsustainable for most.
” “ Therefore , we have a duty to find ways to inject capital and help them stay afloat – and tie any temporary sick leave requirement to the choice of the business to take the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ penalty.
” “ We should get busy using tax relief – be it with deferring tax filing or quarterly payments , payroll taxes , or otherwise – to provide immediately relief .
And for the unfortunate folks who , starting this week , are likely getting laid off due directly to government action , particularly in the service industry – we are going to have to find ways besides taxes to provide additional relief.
” “ It ’ s not clear the Unemployment Insurance relief in the House bill will sufficiently or effectively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on service industry workers.
” “ Our goals should be simple – 1 ) ensure we get on top of testing , supply chain problems , & our ability to respond to the virus nationwide , 2 ) ensure ample liquidity and capital for businesses being hammered by both the virus & , much more , our response to it to survive & 3 ) ensure relief for American citizens also getting hammered because , frankly , they will be laid off due directly to government calls for folks to sequester themselves.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imperative is that we get through this quickly and keep businesses going – through a multi-faceted approach .
Besides loans for liquidity… it ’ s important that we encourage creative thinking in both commerce and charity – for example , encouraging Americans to buy gift cards for food , offering double or triple tipping , & /or encourage modified approaches to “ eating out ” by ramping up more delivery and pick up options.
” “ It ’ s already happening in the private sector , but we should find ways to expand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as what Governor Abbott is already doing in Texas ( e.g .
transportation & trucking ) , or perhaps empty hotels can be used to deal with some of our possible healthcare needs.
” “ We should encourage a mix of government support combined with charity – perhaps a service workers relief fund – to support those losing work ( in part of full ) , or having to care for children or loved ones.
” “ We are facing an historic challenge , and we will adapt and rise to it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hardship .
Government can and should act – but it can not do so with the recklessness that Pelosi & Mnuchin did late last week by rushing the legislation to a vote .
It harms Americans more than helps by picking winners & losers and turning legislation being sold as “ help ” to Americans into crony corporate welfare.
” “ Rather , we need to act decisively & swiftly to get our healthcare solution while keeping the wheels of commerce moving as much as possible and then back to full speed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is how we beat the corona virus .
# BeatCoronaVirus.
” Colorado Republican Ken Buck accused Pelosi of larding the bill up with liberal “ wishlist items.
” “ Nancy Pelosi squandered days trying to push wishlist items on us rather than engaging in a meaningful bipartisan discussion , ” Rep. Ken Buck ( R-Colo. ) tweeted .
“ This bill is a 110-page , multi-billion dollar boondoggle shoved on us at the stroke of midnight.
” Sen. Ron Johnson ( R-Wis. ) has already voiced opposition to the paid leave requirement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope the Senate will approach this with a level head and pass a bill that does more good than harm — or , if it won ’ t , pass nothing at all , ” he said in a statement .
Mnuchin told reporters late Saturday that Treasury will provide “ regulatory flexibility to get small businesses the cash they need .
”

On Monday, the House of Representatives will have to vote on a revised version of the coronavirus relief package that passed early Saturday morning, after “technical changes” were hastily added to the bill, Roll Call reported.
After hours of negotiations between Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin, H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act sailed through congress with a vote of 363-40-1. Democratic legislators voted in lock-step for the bill while 40 Republicans voted against, bucking President’s Trump’s stated support for the emergency relief package. Rep. Justin Amash (I-Mich.) cast the abstaining vote. The revisions didn’t make to the version of the bill the House voted on, so a do-over has been planned for Monday morning.
Almost all of the 40 House Republicans who voted against the Families First package, voted for the $8.3 billion coronavirus spending bill last week. But these same conservatives are ringing alarm bells over the multi-billion dollar Families First legislation “boondoggle.”
The bill, which was rushed through congress without going through the necessary committees, includes provisions for two weeks of paid sick leave and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for workers affected by the virus. Companies with 500 or more employees are exempted from the bill’s paid emergency leave requirements. Small and mid-sized businesses will apparently be given a tax credit to pay for the benefits.
The bill also provides additional funding for state Medicaid programs, $1 billion in food aid, extended unemployment benefits, and free coronavirus testing for patients without insurance.
The “technical change” allows small businesses, unhappy with the bill, time to lobby for additional changes when the measure reaches the Senate,” according to Roll Call.
The influential National Federation of Independent Business said it may consider the matter a “key vote” on its legislative scorecard, a gauge of how worthy congressional candidates are of support in the upcoming elections. Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin acknowledged the concerns small businesses had with the legislation and hedged on whether it could pass the Senate in its current form. “We are hearing feedback that certain small businesses are very concerned about the burden of this,” Mnuchin said Sunday, adding he’s been in contact with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and other senators.
“I’m speaking to senators, I don’t want to predict, OK, I think there’s a lot of bipartisan support, I hope they pass this bill,” the Treasury chief said. “If not we’ll work with the Senate on whatever minor changes we need.” It wasn’t immediately clear exactly what changes were needed that didn’t make it into the bill during frenzied late-night bargaining and drafting on Friday. But the paid leave issue continued to vex lawmakers and ultimately 40 House Republicans, or roughly one-fifth of the GOP conference, voted “no” on the measure. Mnuchin described the needed change as “a technical correction” that had been agreed to by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., before the measure passed the House, 363-40. The Treasury chief told reporters Saturday that the revised bill would come to the House floor Monday morning, though with the chamber on recess any changes would have to be made by unanimous consent. A Democratic aide who wasn’t authorized to speak publicly confirmed that the change would be made by unanimous consent, but the timing was still up in the air.
Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) was one of the Republicans who voted against the emergency relief package. In a statement Saturday, Gohmert complained that the bill was rushed through before anyone had had a chance to read it and before it had gone through the proper committees.
House Rules would have required that the bill go through the Appropriations Committee, Ways & Means Committee then to the Rules Committee for examination by the Members of the Committees of Jurisdiction, holding hearings by each with an opportunity to amend mistakes. However, this is a crisis so some rules may have needed to be bypassed. We had already appropriated the billions of dollars needed to cover vaccines, medications, and medical care last week, so this was to address economic damages from the Coronavirus. The President has access to around $50 billion by virtue of his “National Emergency” declaration. I did not understand why we had to shove this through in the wee hours of a Friday night/Saturday morning when the Senate won’t even return to start looking at this until Monday.
Gohmert said he was proud of how the president had called Pelosi’s bluff when she demanded a vote on Thursday because she would not be there on Friday.
Then she said she would not be here on Saturday so we had to vote right away to pass a bill before we knew what was in it. But with this bill, President Trump made clear that he did not want to destroy small businesses in our effort to help those who could not help themselves in this crisis. As the bill kept changing, we were having trouble getting copies of the latest version. I was reading the version I got around 9 pm Friday or shortly thereafter. I had noted some concerns in that version that might do more harm than good. The Rules Committee that has to vote on the rules to bring the final bill to the floor had to recess to await the language of that final bill. But they never got the bill or had a hearing on it.
Gohmert explained that the final text of the bill was publicly released at approximately 11:57 pm and there was no time for lawmakers to carefully review it.
He said the later bill was 110 pages, while the 9:00 pm version was 108 pages. “I did not even have time to do a side-by-side to see what was different,” he complained.
Shortly before 1:00 a.m., following passage of the bill, Gohmert called the rushed vote “sad” on the House floor.
“My questions and concerns that I couldn’t get answered are going to put some people out of business,” he exclaimed. “This is no way to handle billions and billions of dollars when we’re trying to help people and we don’t even know if we’re going to help them or hurt them,” he said.
Five other Texas Republicans voted against the coronavirus relief package: Reps. Chip Roy, Lance Gooden, Brian Babin, Michael Cloud, and Randy Weber.
Gooden said he voted no because lawmakers were “given only a few minutes to read a bill at midnight.”
“I don’t wish to disparage any House members as they hail this bill as a positive step forward,” he said in a statement. “I’m not here to rubber-stamp Nancy Pelosi or anyone else’s work without proper vetting.”
Roy called it “welfare” that would do “more harm than good” and complained that it was rushed through with no time to debate it.
“I voted no because this bill will cause more harm for more Americans than the good it purports to offer,” Roy tweeted early Saturday. “We were given a take-it-or-leave it bill with zero chance to amend it or debate it. … Despite it being well-intentioned, it puts onerous burdens and mandates on main street employers, while picking winners and losers by carving out big business!”
The congressman later railed against the legislation, calling it “a terrible mistake” in a 16-part tweet-storm Sunday night, (condensed below for easier reading):
“Early Saturday morning I voted against legislation we had no time to debate, amend, or even read. That bill was badly flawed. It purports to help people by putting a massive mandate on small & medium sized businesses while perpetuating the K-Street.”
“Corporate welfare cronyism Americans are sick of – exempting businesses over 500. Worse yet, the mandate was to be paid LATER through tax credits, and the tax credits would not cover it all!”
“This was a terrible mistake, and the Senate (or the House, in its “technical corrections” it is hurrying to the floor to clean up its mess) ought to correct it. Small business owners have reached out to me to ask what we can do to help stop this so they won’t be hurt.”
“In short, it does no good to mandate ‘paid leave’ from a job that doesn’t exist because the business went under. To solve that problem, I suggest – & would have on Friday, had we had any chance to amend – offering very expansive and immediate small business loans, & other measures to keep businesses afloat through the negative impacts of government calls to stay home.”
“Due to the action and recommendation of government leaders of all levels, we are facing massive slowdown for restaurants, retail, the arts, travel, hotels, and more. It is fully and wholly unsustainable for most.”
“Therefore, we have a duty to find ways to inject capital and help them stay afloat – and tie any temporary sick leave requirement to the choice of the business to take the loan rather than through the force of penalty.”
“We should get busy using tax relief – be it with deferring tax filing or quarterly payments, payroll taxes, or otherwise – to provide immediately relief. And for the unfortunate folks who, starting this week, are likely getting laid off due directly to government action, particularly in the service industry – we are going to have to find ways besides taxes to provide additional relief.”
“It’s not clear the Unemployment Insurance relief in the House bill will sufficiently or effectively deal with the magnitude of the impact on service industry workers.”
“Our goals should be simple – 1) ensure we get on top of testing, supply chain problems, & our ability to respond to the virus nationwide, 2) ensure ample liquidity and capital for businesses being hammered by both the virus &, much more, our response to it to survive & 3) ensure relief for American citizens also getting hammered because, frankly, they will be laid off due directly to government calls for folks to sequester themselves.”
“To be clear – our biggest imperative is that we get through this quickly and keep businesses going – through a multi-faceted approach. Besides loans for liquidity… it’s important that we encourage creative thinking in both commerce and charity – for example, encouraging Americans to buy gift cards for food, offering double or triple tipping, &/or encourage modified approaches to “eating out” by ramping up more delivery and pick up options.”
“It’s already happening in the private sector, but we should find ways to expand it and encourage it through de-regulation such as what Governor Abbott is already doing in Texas (e.g. transportation & trucking), or perhaps empty hotels can be used to deal with some of our possible healthcare needs.”
“We should encourage a mix of government support combined with charity – perhaps a service workers relief fund – to support those losing work (in part of full), or having to care for children or loved ones.”
“We are facing an historic challenge, and we will adapt and rise to it. But it will not be without significant hardship. Government can and should act – but it cannot do so with the recklessness that Pelosi & Mnuchin did late last week by rushing the legislation to a vote. It harms Americans more than helps by picking winners & losers and turning legislation being sold as “help” to Americans into crony corporate welfare.”
“Rather, we need to act decisively & swiftly to get our healthcare solution while keeping the wheels of commerce moving as much as possible and then back to full speed in a very short period of time. This is how we beat the corona virus. #BeatCoronaVirus.”
Colorado Republican Ken Buck accused Pelosi of larding the bill up with liberal “wishlist items.”
“Nancy Pelosi squandered days trying to push wishlist items on us rather than engaging in a meaningful bipartisan discussion,” Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) tweeted. “This bill is a 110-page, multi-billion dollar boondoggle shoved on us at the stroke of midnight.”
Nancy Pelosi squandered days trying to push wishlist items on us rather than engaging in a meaningful bipartisan discussion. This bill is a 110-page, multi-billion dollar boondoggle shoved on us at the stroke of midnight. — Congressman Ken Buck (@RepKenBuck) March 14, 2020
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) has already voiced opposition to the paid leave requirement in the House bill. “I hope the Senate will approach this with a level head and pass a bill that does more good than harm — or, if it won’t, pass nothing at all,” he said in a statement.
Mnuchin told reporters late Saturday that Treasury will provide “regulatory flexibility to get small businesses the cash they need.”


thelibertydaily--2020-03-16--‘FAKE’: National Security Council Announces ‘Stafford Act’ Text Message Announcing National Emergenc

‘FAKE’: National Security Council Announces ‘Stafford Act’ Text Message Announcing National Emergency Quarantine is a Hoax: ‘There is No National Lockdown’

America just held a nationwide IQ test .
Did you notice it ?
Everyone who has said about coronavirus that , “ It ’ s just the flu , ” failed the IQ test .
As did those who claim discussing coronavirus is “ spreading panic.
” They are engaging in what Scott Adams calls Loserthink .
Read his book here .
Low probability of certain death = “ Freakout ” is Rational .
You will almost certainly not die from the coronavirus .
If the coronavirus contagion and death rates are accurate , between one and three million Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low risk of a pandemic with a death count exceeding the total number of Americans who died in World War II , you take precautions .
Reasonable minds can differ as to what those precautions are .
But if you ’ re not thinking about coronavirus in terms of fat tail risk , you ’ re not even allowed to be part of the conversation .
• “ Tail risk is the additional risk of an asset or portfolio of assets moving more than 3 standard deviations from its current price , above @ @ @ @ @ @ @ … Tail risk is sometimes defined less strictly , as merely the risk ( or probability ) of rare events.
” You will almost certainly not die from the coronavirus .
Do you buy some extra food / water ?
Your car will almost certainly not be stolen .
Do you lock it ?
Your house will almost certainly never burn down in a fire .
Do you have fire insurance ?
Why it ’ s better to panic early : Nassim Nicholas Taleb & Yaneer Bar-Yam “ But 60,000 people die from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and this is terrible .
I had no idea that seasonal flu deaths were that high .
Did you ?
( Don ’ t lie .
I bet you didn ’ t . )
Rather than use , “ but 60,000 die from the flu , ” as some sort of repudiation of coronavirus risk , isn ’ t the answer that we should care more about the flu .
You ’ re not checkmating anyone with that stat .
You sound like an idiot .
Or someone who is glib about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ society can prevent more people from dying of the flu , let ’ s have that conversation .
Engineer Liz Specht did what engineers do – MATH !
Our hospitals aren ’ t prepared to handle the number of patients who catch coronavirus .
Here are some highlights : • The US has about 2.8 hospital beds per 1000 people .
With a population of 330M , this is ~1M beds .
At any given time , 65 % of those beds are already occupied .
That leaves about 330k beds available nationwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of year with regular flu season , etc ) .
7/n • By this estimate , by about May 8th , all open hospital beds in the US will be filled .
( This says nothing , of course , about whether these beds are suitable for isolation of patients with a highly infectious virus . )
9/n • Importantly , I can not stress this enough : even if I ’ m wrong – even VERY wrong – about core assumptions like % of severe cases or current case # , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks .
This is how exponential growth in an immunologically naïve population works .
22/n Ms. Specht assumes a closed system , so her numbers are likely on the high side .
But she is also creating a starting point of how to think about the coronavirus .
“ It ’ s just the flu , bro , ” is f-cking moronic .
Shut the f-ck up .
You don ’ t know anything .
Any rational discussion of coronavirus looks at the worst-case numbers / secondary effects of millions of sick Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OODA loop / find ways to open the system .
1 .
Observation .
How many cases of coronavirus are there ?
Where are these cases originating ?
Who Is getting sick ?
How many are dying ?
2 .
Orientation .
Are the number of cases of coronavirus increasing ?
Then what ?
Are they increasing ?
Now what ?
3 .
Decision making .
Make a rational decision based on what you ’ re observation and how you ’ re orientating yourself based on these observations .
4 .
Action .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ need “ right to try ” laws .
We need some form of “ doctors lite.
” You don ’ t need an MD and $ 500,000 in medical school debt along with 4 years of a residency to treat patients with coronavirus .
We need vision and leadership .
If your contribution to the coronavirus discussion is some form of “ It ’ s only flu , ” please go away .
You ’ re not helping .
Let the adults figure out what to do next .
And please don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the math .

By now you or someone you know has received a hoax text announcing martial law. With some minor variations, the texts all read the same:
In 48 to 72 hours the president will evoke what is called the Stafford act. Just got off the phone with some of my military friends in DC who just got out of a two hour briefing. The president will order a two week mandatory quarantine for the nation. Stock up on whatever you guys need to make sure you have a two week supply of everything. Please forward.
The National Security Council issued a rare public statement warning the public that the Stafford act text was a hoax.
Text message rumors of a national #quarantine are FAKE. There is no national lockdown. @CDCgov has and will continue to post the latest guidance on #COVID19. #coronavirus — NSC 45 Archived (@WHNSC45) March 16, 2020
How can you tell the Stafford Act Text is a Hoax?
Even if you refuse to accept the NSC’s word on the matter, the text message has some telltale signs of a hoax.
First, the text promises secret insider knowledge. “Just got off the phone with some of my military friends in DC who just got out of a two hour briefing.” This is a vague enough proclamation that it sounds plausible.
Second, no specifics of these friends are given. Who are these friends? Why did they call this specific person?
Third, the hoaxers ask you to spread the message. Why would anyone acting in good faith want to incite a panic?
If an emergency quarantine were able to be declared, the plan would be Top Secret. No one’s friends would just get out of a briefing and start alerting people. THEY WOULD GO TO PRISON FOR LEAKING CLASSIFIED INFORMATION.
If such an emergency plan were in the works and higher command wanted the story to get out, they’d leak it to a credible outlet. Not share chain-letter style text messages.
There’s also tradecraft involved in sharing classified information.
None of the telltale signs (and no I won’t share how to leak classified secrets here) were present in that alert.
UPDATE: Other outlets are now reporting that the Stafford Act text is a foreign disinformation campaign:
The Trump administration is alleging that a foreign disinformation campaign is underway aimed at spreading fear in the country amid the coronavirus pandemic, three U.S. officials said Monday. On Sunday, federal officials began confronting what they said was a deliberate effort by a foreign entity to sow fears of a nationwide quarantine amid the virus outbreak. Agencies took coordinated action Sunday evening to deny that any such plans were put in place, as they tried to calm a nation already on edge by disruptions to daily life caused by the virus.
——-


thelibertydaily--2020-03-16--Coronavirus Update: Florida Setting Up Drive-Thru Testing In Broward County

TALLAHASSEE ( CBSMiami ) – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a partnership with the National Guard and the Memorial Healthcare System in Broward County to set up a drive-thru coronavirus testing operation for “ a limited subset of the population ” and the tests would be paid for by the state .
“ All of these COVID-19 tests will be free to the patients , ” said DeSantis .
In a Sunday news conference , DeSantis said 170 guardsmen are already in Broward and hundreds more are coming .
The Florida Department of Health said Sunday that 16 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in Broward County , which remains the state ’ s hot spot for the disease with more than 30 confirmed infections .
The state total reached 100 but with more than 500 pending test results , that number will continue to rise .
He said the state has seen a rapid increase of cases , and added , “ we anticipate that will continue for the foreseeable future.
” DeSantis touched on mass gatherings of young people , like in Miami Beach , are problematic which is why he supports the decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Fort Lauderdale to shut down Spring Break .
“ To have people congregating in bars and on beaches undercuts our efforts to protect the vulnerable population , ” he said .
However , he said he is not yet in favor of totally shutting down bars and restaurants like Ohio and California .
He says he is waiting for CDC guidance on bars and restaurants and says social distancing in restaurants would be good .
RELATED : Coronavirus Cancellations and Postponements in Miami-Dade , Broward Coronavirus , Pandemic , Quarantine , Social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To Know Washing Your Hands Is Best Defense Against Coronavirus , Not A Facemask Track The Spread Of The Coronavirus In Real Time Think You Have Coronavirus ?
Call Florida ’ s COVID-19 Hotline Before Going To Doctor Or ER The Governor also said he talked to the CEO of Publix Supermarkets and thanked the company and employees for working hard to clean stores and restock supplies due to the high demand of supplies as people are stocking up .
“ A lot of people are going into Publix because they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re working really hard , they ’ re changing their hours so they can clean their stores.
” The Governor also said state employees can transfer leave and sick time to other state employees , which will give families some relief with schools being closed .
Agency for Health Care Administration Sec .
Mary Mayhew said they are working with health systems to identify additional hospital buildings that can be used if demand exceeds current hospital capacity .
Florida Secretary of State Laurel Lee said the presidential primary was proceeding on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting and over 1 million have early voted .
She added “ Floridians can safely and security go to the polls .
”

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami) – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a partnership with the National Guard and the Memorial Healthcare System in Broward County to set up a drive-thru coronavirus testing operation for "a limited subset of the population" and the tests would be paid for by the state. "All of these COVID-19 tests will be free to the patients," said DeSantis.
In a Sunday news conference, DeSantis said 170 guardsmen are already in Broward and hundreds more are coming. The Florida Department of Health said Sunday that 16 of the state's 39 new cases are in Broward County, which remains the state's hot spot for the disease with more than 30 confirmed infections. The state total reached 100 but with more than 500 pending test results, that number will continue to rise.
He said the state has seen a rapid increase of cases, and added, "we anticipate that will continue for the foreseeable future."
DeSantis touched on mass gatherings of young people, like in Miami Beach, are problematic which is why he supports the decision to by the cities of Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale to shut down Spring Break.
"To have people congregating in bars and on beaches undercuts our efforts to protect the vulnerable population," he said.
However, he said he is not yet in favor of totally shutting down bars and restaurants like Ohio and California. He says he is waiting for CDC guidance on bars and restaurants and says social distancing in restaurants would be good.
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The Governor also said he talked to the CEO of Publix Supermarkets and thanked the company and employees for working hard to clean stores and restock supplies due to the high demand of supplies as people are stocking up.
"A lot of people are going into Publix because they're going to be at home, they're working really hard, they're changing their hours so they can clean their stores."
The Governor also said state employees can transfer leave and sick time to other state employees, which will give families some relief with schools being closed.
Agency for Health Care Administration Sec. Mary Mayhew said they are working with health systems to identify additional hospital buildings that can be used if demand exceeds current hospital capacity.
Florida Secretary of State Laurel Lee said the presidential primary was proceeding on Tuesday and that 600,000 have participated in early voting and over 1 million have voted by mail. She added "Floridians can safely and securely go to the polls."


thelibertydaily--2020-03-16--Dr. Phil: Stop ‘Politicizing’ Coronavirus

Dr. Phil : Stop ‘ Politicizing ' Coronavirus - ‘ Shut Up and Listen to Scientists ’ TV physician says ' I do n't care what the politicians say' Popular TV personality Dr. Phil McGraw slammed politicians for politicizing the coronavirus pandemic and urged people to listen to scientists .
`` We need to stop politicizing this and listen to the scientists , '' Dr. Phil said on ABC 's The View on Monday .
`` I do n't care what the politicians say , shut up ! ''
he added .
`` Listen to the scientists .
And you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paying attention to and limit the time that you spend obsessing about this . ''
The TV physician urged people to check the news a couple of times a day for updates about the virus , and not be paranoid if they get the coronavirus because most who fall ill do n't require hospitalization .
Here are some examples of those in the political arena politicizing the coronavirus : Last week , Democratic socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez suggested people avoiding Chinese and Asian restaurants due to the coronavirus are racist during a bizarre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost so silly to say , but there ’ s a lot of restaurants that are feeling the pain of racism , ” Ocasio-Cortez said during an Instagram Live video .
“ Where people are literally not patroning Chinese restaurants , uh , they ’ re not patroning Asian restaurants because of just straight up racism around the coronavirus . ''
Earlier this month , CNN 's White House correspondent Jim Acosta blasted Donald Trump ’ s Oval Office address on the coronavirus pandemic .
Acosta accused the president of “ xenophobia ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ foreign virus.
” And not forgetting Hillary Clinton , who slammed Trump 's response to the coronavirus outbreak on Thursday , saying it would help if he actually tried “ giving a damn.
” The twice-failed presidential candidate tweeted Trump offering to “ spell ” out what needs to happen in order to contain the virus .
“ I know this is all hard for you , @ realdonaldtrump , so let me spell it out , ” Mrs. Clinton wrote .
Clinton then suggested the president should support measures such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid sick leave and “ giving a damn.
” [ RELATED ] Recovered Coronavirus Patient : ‘ Hysteria Has Just Gotten Out of Control ’

Dr. Phil: Stop ‘Politicizing' Coronavirus - ‘Shut Up and Listen to Scientists’
TV physician says 'I don't care what the politicians say'
© press The TV physician urged people to check the news a couple of times a day for updates about the virus,
Popular TV personality Dr. Phil McGraw slammed politicians for politicizing the coronavirus pandemic and urged people to listen to scientists.
"We need to stop politicizing this and listen to the scientists," Dr. Phil said on ABC's The View on Monday.
"I don't care what the politicians say, shut up!" he added.
"Listen to the scientists. And you need to limit the sources you're paying attention to and limit the time that you spend obsessing about this."
The TV physician urged people to check the news a couple of times a day for updates about the virus, and not be paranoid if they get the coronavirus because most who fall ill don't require hospitalization.
© press Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez suggested people avoiding Chinese and Asian restaurants due to the coronavirus are racist
Here are some examples of those in the political arena politicizing the coronavirus:
Last week, Democratic socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez suggested people avoiding Chinese and Asian restaurants due to the coronavirus are racist during a bizarre video.
“Honestly, it sounds almost so silly to say, but there’s a lot of restaurants that are feeling the pain of racism,” Ocasio-Cortez said during an Instagram Live video.
“Where people are literally not patroning Chinese restaurants, uh, they’re not patroning Asian restaurants because of just straight up racism around the coronavirus."
© press CNN's White House correspondent Jim Acosta accused Trump of 'xenophobia' because he referred to COVID-19 as a 'foreign virus'
Earlier this month, CNN's White House correspondent Jim Acosta blasted Donald Trump’s Oval Office address on the coronavirus pandemic.
Acosta accused the president of “xenophobia” because he referred to COVID-19 as a “foreign virus.”
And not forgetting Hillary Clinton, who slammed Trump's response to the coronavirus outbreak on Thursday, saying it would help if he actually tried “giving a damn.”
The twice-failed presidential candidate tweeted Trump offering to “spell” out what needs to happen in order to contain the virus.
“I know this is all hard for you, @realdonaldtrump , so let me spell it out,” Mrs. Clinton wrote.
Clinton then suggested the president should support measures such as free coronavirus testing, and federally mandated paid sick leave and “giving a damn.”


thelibertydaily--2020-03-16--DOJ Prosecutors Move to Drop Mueller’s Junk Russian Bot Case, Hoping to Avoid Trial

DOJ prosecutors on Monday filed a motion to drop Mueller ’ s junk case against Concord Management and Consulting , hoping to avoid a trial .
Prosecutors were scheduled to go to trial in a month in a case they were never prepared to fight .
Concord surprised Mueller ’ s team after getting indicted when they showed up to court to play ball .
Recall , then-Special Counsel Robert Mueller indicted a ‘ Russian troll farm ’ in his pathetic Russia witch hunt as a publicity stunt — and it backfired on him big time .
“ In short @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reap the benefits of the Court ’ s jurisdiction while positioning itself to evade any real obligations or responsibility , ” prosecutors said .
Prosecutors say Concord were availing themselves of U.S. legal protections while refusing to comply with their own obligations , reported Politico ’ s Kyle Cheney .
“ Plus a “ change in the balance of the government ’ s proof due to a classification determination ” informed the decision , ” he added .
Prosecutors are seeking to submit a classified filing to the federal judge they claim backs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Consulting .
“ The Government has identified several considerations in its motion to dismiss that relate to the national security interests implicated by proceeding against defendants Concord Management and Consulting LLC and Concord Catering ( ‘ Concord Defendants ’ ) .
For the benefit of the Court , the Government seeks to provide information regarding these national security interests .
These facts can only be filed ex parte because they are classified .
”

Robert Mueller
Update: U.S. District Court Judge Dabney Friedrich on Monday evening granted the DOJ’s motion to dismiss the case against Concord Management and Consulting.
The judge entered a gag order on the case, according to Politico’s legal reporter Josh Gerstein.
DOJ prosecutors on Monday filed a motion to drop Mueller’s junk case against Concord Management and Consulting, hoping to avoid a trial.
Prosecutors were scheduled to go to trial in a month in a case they were never prepared to fight.
Concord surprised Mueller’s team after getting indicted when they showed up to court to play ball.
Recall, then-Special Counsel Robert Mueller indicted a ‘Russian troll farm’ in his pathetic Russia witch hunt as a publicity stunt — and it backfired on him big time.
BREAKING: Prosecutors move to drop the case against the Russians charged by Mueller. pic.twitter.com/yfm6XmzYya — Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) March 16, 2020
“In short, Concord has demonstrated its intent to reap the benefits of the Court’s jurisdiction while positioning itself to evade any real obligations or responsibility,” prosecutors said.
Prosecutors say Concord were availing themselves of U.S. legal protections while refusing to comply with their own obligations, reported Politico’s Kyle Cheney.
“Plus a “change in the balance of the government’s proof due to a classification determination” informed the decision,” he added.
It gets better…
Prosecutors are seeking to submit a classified filing to the federal judge they claim backs up their decision to dismiss Concord Management and Consulting.
“The Government has identified several considerations in its motion to dismiss that relate to the national security interests implicated by proceeding against defendants Concord Management and Consulting LLC and Concord Catering (‘Concord Defendants’). For the benefit of the Court, the Government seeks to provide information regarding these national security interests. These facts can only be filed ex parte because they are classified.”


thelibertydaily--2020-03-16--Hunter Biden’s Foreign Escapades Cost Taxpayers Nearly $200,000, According to Gov’t Database

Then-vice president Joe Biden spared no words when he extolled the virtues of his second son , Hunter Biden , in a 2013 address to South Korean students at the elite Yonsei University .
`` And as I speak , my son has just boarded—my grown son has just boarded a plane , an aircraft—he ’ s heading to the Philippines , '' Biden said .
`` His name is Hunter Biden .
He ’ s chairman of the World Food Program USA , and he 's going there out in the field , like so many of you did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him and the tens of thousands of young people around the world who either went or wanted to . ''
But Hunter Biden was n't exactly going `` out in the fields '' in the same way a naive 20-something might travel to the developing world to dig wells and build schools .
What Joe Biden did n't tell the next generation of South Korean elite was that his son was visiting the Philippines with a Secret Service entourage that was costing U.S. taxpayers a fortune .
As Hunter Biden zipped across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid $ 193,696 for his Secret Service entourage , according to an official database that reports unclassified government expenditures .
That amount is nearly four times the recorded security bill of the four adult Trump children—combined .
While his father Joe Biden was vice president , Hunter Biden traveled with a Secret Service entourage to at least 10 different countries , including China , Qatar , and South Africa , according to a government expenditure database .
He racked up 28 separate bills , all of which involved taxpayer payments to a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign awardee . ''
Many of the bills explicitly said that the money was used to pay for accommodations for the Secret Service , but others were scant on details .
With few details about Hunter Biden 's travels publicly disclosed , the database is far from a complete account of his foreign activities .
The limited disclosures do shed light on the taxpayer burden of Hunter Biden 's lucrative global business career , which far eclipses the Secret Service costs for other presidential and vice-presidential family members disclosed in the database .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , did not respond to a request for comment .
The Trump children combined , for example , are recorded to have spent about $ 40,000 .
The one exception to this rule is security costs for first ladies : Critics have denounced both Michelle Obama and Melania Trump for excessive security costs .
But first ladies often , though not always , accrue those fees on official government visits , while Hunter Biden never held an official government position .
Sean Moulton , a senior policy analyst at the Project on Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is far from complete because the Secret Service withholds much information for security reasons .
He added that it is unclear why Hunter Biden 's security is so expensive compared to his peers—it could be Hunter Biden traveled more frequently or in larger groups , but there is no way to know without more complete details .
The Secret Service did not return a request for comment .
As Joe Biden cements his place as the presumptive Democratic nominee , Sens .
Chuck Grassley ( R. , Iowa ) and Ron Johnson ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scrutiny of Biden 's troubled son .
As part of their probe , the senators requested Hunter Biden 's travel records from the Secret Service in February to unearth `` potential conflicts of interest posed by the business activities of Hunter Biden and his associates . ''
In their letter to the Secret Service , Grassley and Johnson zeroed in on two examples of Hunter Biden 's foreign entanglement , one each in Ukraine and China .
Hunter Biden was a board member of Burisma , a Ukrainian energy company , while his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine policy .
He also served on the board of Chinese private equity company BHR Partners , organizing a meet-and-greet between Joe Biden and BHR CEO Jonathan Li on Dec. 4 , 2013 , according to the New Yorker .
The database has not disclosed details about the Secret Service protection for Hunter Biden 's time in Ukraine .
It does , however , show that Hunter visited China on at least two other occasions , once each before and after the December 2013 meeting .
The records show that Hunter Biden stayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in June 2013 and March 2014 , costing taxpayers nearly $ 13,000 .
Expenditures related to Hunter Biden 's trips to the Phillippines are filed under `` WFP , '' which stands for World Food Program USA , the nonprofit group that Joe Biden told the South Korean students about .
But while Hunter Biden snapped pictures of himself as a man-of-the-people mingling with the disaster-struck children of the Philippines , that did not stop him and his Secret Service guards from checking into rooms at the St. Regis Doha in Qatar , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 11,000 .
The disclosed expenditures provide scant details about the exact purpose of Hunter Biden 's trips .
Moulton said that the categorization of all Secret Service expenditures as `` miscellaneous '' is a `` frustrating lack of transparency . ''
`` Sometimes there are security concerns for recipients of USA money ( either contracts or aid ) that require keeping them anonymous to protect them from possible reprisals from those unhappy with our country , '' he said in an email .
`` But too often the convention is used for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the information required to be reported for each foreign contractor . ''
This is not the first time the Biden family has used the Secret Service for its personal benefit .
While in the White House , Joe Biden charged rent for the Secret Service agents stationed in his Wilmington , Del.
, property , costing taxpayers $ 171,600 between 2011 and 2017 .
Biden 's campaign did not respond to a request for comment .

Then-vice president Joe Biden spared no words when he extolled the virtues of his second son, Hunter Biden, in a 2013 address to South Korean students at the elite Yonsei University.
"And as I speak, my son has just boarded—my grown son has just boarded a plane, an aircraft—he’s heading to the Philippines," Biden said. "His name is Hunter Biden. He’s chairman of the World Food Program USA, and he's going there out in the field, like so many of you did. I'm so incredibly proud of him and the tens of thousands of young people around the world who either went or wanted to."
But Hunter Biden wasn't exactly going "out in the fields" in the same way a naive 20-something might travel to the developing world to dig wells and build schools. What Joe Biden didn't tell the next generation of South Korean elite was that his son was visiting the Philippines with a Secret Service entourage that was costing U.S. taxpayers a fortune.
As Hunter Biden zipped across the globe for his business deals, taxpayers paid $193,696 for his Secret Service entourage, according to an official database that reports unclassified government expenditures. That amount is nearly four times the recorded security bill of the four adult Trump children—combined.
While his father Joe Biden was vice president, Hunter Biden traveled with a Secret Service entourage to at least 10 different countries, including China, Qatar, and South Africa, according to a government expenditure database. He racked up 28 separate bills, all of which involved taxpayer payments to a "miscellaneous foreign contractor" or "miscellaneous foreign awardee." Many of the bills explicitly said that the money was used to pay for accommodations for the Secret Service, but others were scant on details.
With few details about Hunter Biden's travels publicly disclosed, the database is far from a complete account of his foreign activities. The limited disclosures do shed light on the taxpayer burden of Hunter Biden's lucrative global business career, which far eclipses the Secret Service costs for other presidential and vice-presidential family members disclosed in the database. George Mesires, Hunter Biden's attorney, did not respond to a request for comment.
The Trump children combined, for example, are recorded to have spent about $40,000. The one exception to this rule is security costs for first ladies: Critics have denounced both Michelle Obama and Melania Trump for excessive security costs. But first ladies often, though not always, accrue those fees on official government visits, while Hunter Biden never held an official government position.
Sean Moulton, a senior policy analyst at the Project on Government Oversight, cautioned that the government database is far from complete because the Secret Service withholds much information for security reasons. He added that it is unclear why Hunter Biden's security is so expensive compared to his peers—it could be Hunter Biden traveled more frequently or in larger groups, but there is no way to know without more complete details.
The Secret Service did not return a request for comment.
As Joe Biden cements his place as the presumptive Democratic nominee, Sens. Chuck Grassley (R., Iowa) and Ron Johnson (R., Wis.) have renewed congressional scrutiny of Biden's troubled son. As part of their probe, the senators requested Hunter Biden's travel records from the Secret Service in February to unearth "potential conflicts of interest posed by the business activities of Hunter Biden and his associates."
In their letter to the Secret Service, Grassley and Johnson zeroed in on two examples of Hunter Biden's foreign entanglement, one each in Ukraine and China. Hunter Biden was a board member of Burisma, a Ukrainian energy company, while his father handled the Obama White House's Ukraine policy. He also served on the board of Chinese private equity company BHR Partners, organizing a meet-and-greet between Joe Biden and BHR CEO Jonathan Li on Dec. 4, 2013, according to the New Yorker.
The database has not disclosed details about the Secret Service protection for Hunter Biden's time in Ukraine. It does, however, show that Hunter visited China on at least two other occasions, once each before and after the December 2013 meeting. The records show that Hunter Biden stayed in China for one to two weeks in June 2013 and March 2014, costing taxpayers nearly $13,000.
Expenditures related to Hunter Biden's trips to the Phillippines are filed under "WFP," which stands for World Food Program USA, the nonprofit group that Joe Biden told the South Korean students about. But while Hunter Biden snapped pictures of himself as a man-of-the-people mingling with the disaster-struck children of the Philippines, that did not stop him and his Secret Service guards from checking into rooms at the St. Regis Doha in Qatar, a luxury hotel that cost taxpayers roughly $11,000.
The disclosed expenditures provide scant details about the exact purpose of Hunter Biden's trips. Moulton said that the categorization of all Secret Service expenditures as "miscellaneous" is a "frustrating lack of transparency."
"Sometimes there are security concerns for recipients of USA money (either contracts or aid) that require keeping them anonymous to protect them from possible reprisals from those unhappy with our country," he said in an email. "But too often the convention is used for convenience because agencies may not have all of the information required to be reported for each foreign contractor."
This is not the first time the Biden family has used the Secret Service for its personal benefit. While in the White House, Joe Biden charged rent for the Secret Service agents stationed in his Wilmington, Del., property, costing taxpayers $171,600 between 2011 and 2017. Biden's campaign did not respond to a request for comment.