westernjournal--2020-03-15--CNN Anchor Blasted for Implying Healthy People Should Waste Precious COVID Tests on Themselves

I don ’ t think there ’ s a single news-consuming person left in America that doesn ’ t know the country is currently short on tests for COVID-19 .
What ’ s truly remarkable , then , is when one of the professionals responsible for reporting the news suggests healthy people ought to waste COVID tests .
It ’ s somewhat less remarkable when you consider that there ’ s a Trump angle to the story , however .
Jim Sciutto is one of CNN ’ s newsroom anchors and the network ’ s chief national security correspondent .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s news conference where the president announced a national emergency due to coronavirus .
During the news conference , Trump said that COVID tests — previously sparse due to the fact that the test developed by the Centers for Disease Control turned out to be faulty — would be readily available .
He also made it clear that it wasn ’ t a test everyone should be taking .
“ Today we ’ re announcing a new partnership with the private sector to vastly increase and accelerate our capacity to test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sure that those who need a test can get a test it very safely , quickly and conveniently , ” Trump said at the Friday news conference .
TRENDING : Dick Morris : A New Donald Trump Is Emerging in Coronavirus Battle “ But we don ’ t want people to take a test if we feel that they shouldn ’ t be doing it .
We don ’ t want everyone running out and taking it , only if you have certain symptoms.
” He added , “ We ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make drive-through tests available in the critical locations identified by public health professionals .
The goal is for individuals to be able to drive up and be swabbed without having to leave your car.
” “ Again , we don ’ t want everyone taking this test .
It ’ s totally unnecessary , ” he added .
This seemed like common sense to everyone but Jim Sciutto .
“ ’ Again , we don ’ t want everyone taking this test , ’ says Trump , ” Sciutto tweeted .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On what medical basis ?
” Trump made it clear during the speech that while millions of coronavirus test kits would be ready shortly , there was still going to be a period of shortage .
Trump said in the speech that 5 million tests would be available within a month , which he hoped was more than needed .
There are over 300 million people in the country .
Forget about trusting scientists , how about trusting basic math ?
RELATED : Acosta Blasted for Hypocrisy After Criticizing Trump for Coronavirus 'Xenophobia' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Trump just wants to “ keep the number of confirmed cases down.
” Sciutto was blasted for his question — and the implication that any American who wanted a test should feel justified in getting one , even if it meant diverting scarce resources away from where they are most needed .
The problem was that this was more or less par for the course at CNN when it came to pulling apart President Trump ’ s words .
The most glaring example was ( sigh ) White House correspondent Jim Acosta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Oval Office address on Wednesday — took issue with the president ’ s use of the phrase “ foreign virus ” to describe a virus that originated in a foreign country .
“ The president referred to the coronavirus as a ‘ foreign virus , ’ that I think was interesting because , I was talking to sources earlier this evening , one of the points that the president wanted to make tonight , wanted to get across to Americans , is that this virus did not start here , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Acosta said .
“ Now , why the president would go as far to describe it as a foreign virus , that is something we ’ ll also be asking questions about.
” Those questions , of course , had to do with the fact that the speech was “ going to come across to a lot of Americans as smacking of xenophobia.
” Here ’ s Acosta , meanwhile , on Twitter in January calling COVID-19 the “ Wuhan Coronavirus ” : At least Acosta still seems to be in control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Don Lemon on the air Wednesday with former Ohio Gov .
John Kasich .
Kasich , you may remember , was a primary opponent of Trump in 2016 and hasn ’ t really joined the president ’ s fan club in the interim .
He even joined calls for Trump ’ s impeachment in October .
Still , Kasich thought the speech was “ fine.
” Lemon thought , well , otherwise : I want a megamix of all of this craziness with James Earl Jones intoning “ This … is CNN ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At least Lemon and Acosta ’ s quibbles with Trump ’ s words are just that : quibbles .
Even if taken seriously , this kind of nitpicking and caviling just makes people who are reflexively angry at anything President Trump says or does a bit angrier .
Sciutto ’ s line of thought , if taken seriously , could have dire consequences .
The priority for COVID tests should be those who are ill and/or in high-risk groups , such as those with compromised immune systems or the elderly .
If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sore throat , you shouldn ’ t be taking a COVID test .
In a time of scarcity , that ’ s taking up resources that are desperately needed by others who are in greater danger .
By undermining the president ’ s vital warning about wasting test kits and by implying that the medical community might want healthy people to be tested , Siutto ’ s comment could literally cost lives by keeping the sick from being tested and then treated and isolated Sciutto ’ s words weren ’ t just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes it all to likely that they were borne out of a political animus toward the president .
CNN is so eager to lay into the president ’ s response that to Jeff Zucker ’ s network , literally anything is fair game , including questioning — and by implication belittling — obviously responsible medical advice .
Good work .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

I don’t think there’s a single news-consuming person left in America that doesn’t know the country is currently short on tests for COVID-19. What’s truly remarkable, then, is when one of the professionals responsible for reporting the news suggests healthy people ought to waste COVID tests.
It’s somewhat less remarkable when you consider that there’s a Trump angle to the story, however.
Jim Sciutto is one of CNN’s newsroom anchors and the network’s chief national security correspondent. He was, unsurprisingly, tweeting President Trump’s news conference where the president announced a national emergency due to coronavirus.
During the news conference, Trump said that COVID tests — previously sparse due to the fact that the test developed by the Centers for Disease Control turned out to be faulty — would be readily available. He also made it clear that it wasn’t a test everyone should be taking.
“Today we’re announcing a new partnership with the private sector to vastly increase and accelerate our capacity to test for the coronavirus. We want to make sure that those who need a test can get a test it very safely, quickly and conveniently,” Trump said at the Friday news conference.
“But we don’t want people to take a test if we feel that they shouldn’t be doing it. We don’t want everyone running out and taking it, only if you have certain symptoms.”
He added, “We’ve been in discussions with pharmacies and retailers to make drive-through tests available in the critical locations identified by public health professionals. The goal is for individuals to be able to drive up and be swabbed without having to leave your car.”
“Again, we don’t want everyone taking this test. It’s totally unnecessary,” he added.
This seemed like common sense to everyone but Jim Sciutto.
“Again, we don’t want everyone taking this test,” says Trump. On what medical basis? — Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) March 13, 2020
“’Again, we don’t want everyone taking this test,’ says Trump,” Sciutto tweeted. “On what medical basis?”
“On what medical basis?” Trump made it clear during the speech that while millions of coronavirus test kits would be ready shortly, there was still going to be a period of shortage.
Trump said in the speech that 5 million tests would be available within a month, which he hoped was more than needed. There are over 300 million people in the country. Forget about trusting scientists, how about trusting basic math?
But then again, Sciutto actually thinks that Trump just wants to “keep the number of confirmed cases down.”
One consistent feature of Trump’s response is a stated desire to keep the number of confirmed cases down. — Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) March 13, 2020
Sciutto was blasted for his question — and the implication that any American who wanted a test should feel justified in getting one, even if it meant diverting scarce resources away from where they are most needed.
You think 330 million people should get tested? — Samuel Culper 722 (@politiwars) March 13, 2020
Bc high risk people need the tests. People with compromised immune systems. Not the hysterical nut jobs who have a slight cough due to allergies. — Dan ?? (@danieltobin) March 13, 2020
The problem was that this was more or less par for the course at CNN when it came to pulling apart President Trump’s words. The most glaring example was (sigh) White House correspondent Jim Acosta, who — immediately after President Trump’s Oval Office address on Wednesday — took issue with the president’s use of the phrase “foreign virus” to describe a virus that originated in a foreign country.
Jim @Acosta says it is “going to come across to a lot of Americans as smacking of xenophobia” with regards to Trump pointing out the coronavirus started out in Wuhan, China. pic.twitter.com/CFs1GVm3dt — Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) March 12, 2020
“The president referred to the coronavirus as a ‘foreign virus,’ that I think was interesting because, I was talking to sources earlier this evening, one of the points that the president wanted to make tonight, wanted to get across to Americans, is that this virus did not start here, but that they’re dealing it,” Acosta said.
“Now, why the president would go as far to describe it as a foreign virus, that is something we’ll also be asking questions about.” Those questions, of course, had to do with the fact that the speech was “going to come across to a lot of Americans as smacking of xenophobia.”
Here’s Acosta, meanwhile, on Twitter in January calling COVID-19 the “Wuhan Coronavirus”:
CNN International: Authorities in Beijing have cancelled all large-scale Chinese New Year celebrations in an effort to contain the growing spread of Wuhan Coronavirus. — Jim Acosta (@Acosta) January 23, 2020
At least Acosta still seems to be in control of his faculties. Here’s Don Lemon on the air Wednesday with former Ohio Gov. John Kasich. Kasich, you may remember, was a primary opponent of Trump in 2016 and hasn’t really joined the president’s fan club in the interim. He even joined calls for Trump’s impeachment in October.
Still, Kasich thought the speech was “fine.” Lemon thought, well, otherwise:
.@CNN‘s Don Lemon loses his mind, shouts down Gov. John Kasich for NOT bashing Trump’s coronavirus address. “No, you can’t [talk], John!” pic.twitter.com/yNCVr9QFNM — Nicholas Fondacaro (@NickFondacaro) March 12, 2020
I want a megamix of all of this craziness with James Earl Jones intoning “This … is CNN” in between every morsel of absurdity.
At least Lemon and Acosta’s quibbles with Trump’s words are just that: quibbles. Even if taken seriously, this kind of nitpicking and caviling just makes people who are reflexively angry at anything President Trump says or does a bit angrier. Sciutto’s line of thought, if taken seriously, could have dire consequences.
The priority for COVID tests should be those who are ill and/or in high-risk groups, such as those with compromised immune systems or the elderly. If you’re young, healthy and have a sore throat, you shouldn’t be taking a COVID test. In a time of scarcity, that’s taking up resources that are desperately needed by others who are in greater danger.
Do you think the way Sciutto asked his question was irresponsible? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 99% (1744 Votes) No: 1% (22 Votes)
By undermining the president’s vital warning about wasting test kits and by implying that the medical community might want healthy people to be tested, Siutto’s comment could literally cost lives by keeping the sick from being tested and then treated and isolated
Sciutto’s words weren’t just horribly irresponsible, CNN’s record makes it all too likely that they were borne out of a political animus toward the president.
CNN is so eager to lay into the president’s response that to Jeff Zucker’s network, literally anything is fair game, including questioning — and by implication belittling — obviously responsible medical advice. Good work.
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westernjournal--2020-03-15--NFL Players Approve 17-Game Regular Season as Part of New Labor Deal

NFL players have approved a new labor agreement with the league that features a 17-game regular season , higher salaries , increased roster sizes and larger pensions for current and former players .
The deal , which runs through the 2030 season , was accepted by the 32 team owners last month .
The NFL Players Association ’ s membership spent the last week voting on the 439-page document after its executive board narrowly rejected it by a 6-5 vote , and the player representatives voted 17-14 in favor , with one abstention .
Clearly , there was some strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though .
Many stars , including Aaron Rodgers , Russell Wilson , J.J. Watt and Todd Gurley , spoke out against it .
The total vote , among the nearly 2,500 union members who participated , was 1,019-959 .
Ratification required a simple majority — results were announced Sunday — and there could be lasting resentment among union members , given how close the vote was .
TRENDING : Dick Morris : A New Donald Trump Is Emerging in Coronavirus Battle “ We are pleased that the players have voted to ratify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide substantial benefits to all current and retired players , increase jobs , ensure continued progress on player safety , and give our fans more and better football , ” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement .
“ We appreciate the tireless efforts of the members of the Management Council Executive Committee and the NFLPA leadership , both of whom devoted nearly a year to detailed , good faith negotiations to reach this comprehensive , transformative agreement.
” The 2020 NFL business season begins Wednesday with free agency and trades — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions on travel as a safeguard against the new coronavirus .
A 17-game schedule won ’ t happen before the 2021 season .
The mechanics for dealing with an uneven number of games — neutral sites or which teams get nine home games — will be worked out in the interim .
Extending the season was a non-starter with the players in 2011 , when the current 10-year deal was finalized after a 4 1/2 month lockout .
NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith explained the ins and outs of negotiating the new deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had concluded Saturday night .
“ The current proposal contains increases across almost every category of wages , hours , working conditions and benefits for former and current players , ” he said .
“ Like any contested negotiation … the proposal also reflects trades with the counterparty which have to be carefully weighed and assessed across the entirety of the deal .
Please be confident that I hear — loudly and clearly — those of you who have passionately expressed their perspective that these gains are not enough when weighed against , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That position reflects how some members have chosen to weigh what aspect of the deal is important to them .
“ The fact is , however , that there are literally hundreds of issues in any collective bargaining agreement that affect thousands of circumstances and impact thousands of current and former players which we must consider carefully.
” RELATED : Rapinoe , Whose USWNT Was Trounced By a U15 Boys Team : 'You Are Not Better Just Because You 're a Boy' The gains the players make in the new agreement in sharing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pie , ” according to outgoing NFLPA President Eric Winston , swayed the vote .
• An increase from the 47 percent of league revenues given to the players , with that percentage dependent on the length of the season .
• A reduction of the preseason , initially from four games to three .
More time off during training camps .
• Upgraded pensions , with the addition of groups of previous players not included in past agreements .
• Two more roster spots per team , from 53 to 55 ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Larger practice squads with fewer limitations on movement of those players .
• Narrowing the testing period for players for marijuana use , plus lowered discipline for using it ; and a reduction in on-field fines .
Adding two playoff teams was not part of the bargaining process ; the owners can do so without union approval .
That is expected to occur this season , with only the top team in each conference getting a wild-card bye .
With labor peace for the rest of the decade , the NFL now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its broadcast partners .
Results of that , including digital media , should , as Winston mentioned , substantially grow the financial pie .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

NFL players have approved a new labor agreement with the league that features a 17-game regular season, higher salaries, increased roster sizes and larger pensions for current and former players.
The deal, which runs through the 2030 season, was accepted by the 32 team owners last month.
The NFL Players Association’s membership spent the last week voting on the 439-page document after its executive board narrowly rejected it by a 6-5 vote, and the player representatives voted 17-14 in favor, with one abstention.
Clearly, there was some strong player opposition to this collective bargaining agreement, though. Many stars, including Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, J.J. Watt and Todd Gurley, spoke out against it.
The total vote, among the nearly 2,500 union members who participated, was 1,019-959. Ratification required a simple majority — results were announced Sunday — and there could be lasting resentment among union members, given how close the vote was.
“We are pleased that the players have voted to ratify the proposed new CBA, which will provide substantial benefits to all current and retired players, increase jobs, ensure continued progress on player safety, and give our fans more and better football,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.
“We appreciate the tireless efforts of the members of the Management Council Executive Committee and the NFLPA leadership, both of whom devoted nearly a year to detailed, good faith negotiations to reach this comprehensive, transformative agreement.”
The 2020 NFL business season begins Wednesday with free agency and trades — though a delay is possible given league restrictions on travel as a safeguard against the new coronavirus. A 17-game schedule won’t happen before the 2021 season.
The mechanics for dealing with an uneven number of games — neutral sites or which teams get nine home games — will be worked out in the interim.
Do you like the idea of a 17-game NFL season? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 43% (93 Votes) No: 57% (125 Votes)
Extending the season was a non-starter with the players in 2011, when the current 10-year deal was finalized after a 4 1/2 month lockout.
NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith explained the ins and outs of negotiating the new deal in a lengthy tweet after the voting had concluded Saturday night.
“The current proposal contains increases across almost every category of wages, hours, working conditions and benefits for former and current players,” he said.
“Like any contested negotiation … the proposal also reflects trades with the counterparty which have to be carefully weighed and assessed across the entirety of the deal. Please be confident that I hear — loudly and clearly — those of you who have passionately expressed their perspective that these gains are not enough when weighed against, for example, adding another game. That position reflects how some members have chosen to weigh what aspect of the deal is important to them.
“The fact is, however, that there are literally hundreds of issues in any collective bargaining agreement that affect thousands of circumstances and impact thousands of current and former players which we must consider carefully.”
The gains the players make in the new agreement in sharing “a bigger portion of the growing pie,” according to outgoing NFLPA President Eric Winston, swayed the vote.
Among those gains:
An increase from the 47 percent of league revenues given to the players, with that percentage dependent on the length of the season.
A reduction of the preseason, initially from four games to three. More time off during training camps.
Upgraded pensions, with the addition of groups of previous players not included in past agreements.
Two more roster spots per team, from 53 to 55; that’s 64 more jobs.
Larger practice squads with fewer limitations on movement of those players.
Narrowing the testing period for players for marijuana use, plus lowered discipline for using it; and a reduction in on-field fines.
Adding two playoff teams was not part of the bargaining process; the owners can do so without union approval. That is expected to occur this season, with only the top team in each conference getting a wild-card bye.
With labor peace for the rest of the decade, the NFL now will turn to negotiating new deals with its broadcast partners. Results of that, including digital media, should, as Winston mentioned, substantially grow the financial pie.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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westernjournal--2020-03-15--This ‘Song’ Trick Will Destroy Coronavirus Better Than Hand Sanitizer

With the novel coronavirus finally spreading in the United States , it ’ s now up to every American to ensure the virus is stopped dead in its tracks .
The media hypes youths ’ resilience to the virus as proof that COVID-19 is less deadly than the flu , but this simply isn ’ t the case .
While the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 is only slightly deadly for young people , for elderly patients 80 or older the virus has a sobering 14.8 percent fatality rate in China , according to the Chinese Center for Disease Control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 79 , the fatality rate remains high at a jaw-dropping 8 percent .
Because of the virus ’ rapid spread , everyone should be expected to do their part to mitigate the disease no matter how safe their own age group is .
TRENDING : Twice-Deported Illegal Caught in Act of Raping Woman , Said He Thought She Would n't Remember : Report Many people stocked up on hand sanitizer as fear of the virus swept America , but it turns out that ordinary soap works even better if used in a proper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professor at Australia ’ s University of New South Wales , explained the reasoning behind soap ’ s efficiency in a lengthy Twitter thread .
“ The soap dissolves the fat membrane and the virus falls apart like a house of cards and ‘ dies ’ , or rather , we should say it becomes inactive as viruses aren ’ t really alive , ” Thordarson wrote Sunday .
“ Disinfectants , or liquids , wipes , gels and creams containing alcohol ( and soap ) have a similar effects but are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he continued .
Even with soap , careless handwashing only gives a false sense of security .
To really destroy the novel coronavirus , it ’ s important to not only use the correct technique ( here ’ s the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ’ s recommendation ) , but to do it for the proper amount of time — 20 seconds .
While this may seem difficult , there ’ s a simple trick using songs that can make the task a fun routine .
Journalist Jen Monnier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choruses to hum or sing in your head while helping mitigate the spread of coronavirus .
RELATED : Much to Liberals ' Horror , Trump Declares Nat ' l Day of Prayer as We Look 'to God for Protection & Strength' It ’ s important to remember you shouldn ’ t be singing these out loud , which may only help spread the disease if you ’ re an asymptomatic carrier .
Her list , and the many comments below it , contains something for almost everyone .
From Beyoncé to Fleetwood Mac @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s hardly an excuse to cut corners with handwashing once you find the right song for you .
Along with proper handwashing , many recommend taking a sick day or simply working from home if you find yourself with symptoms of COVID-19 .
While the disease may seem a trivial matter for younger people , for the nation ’ s elderly the spread of the novel coronavirus is a dire situation .
Once it makes its way into a confined space like an assisted living facility , it ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sow destruction .
The government alone can not be relied on to combat this outbreak in America .
It ’ s up to every one of us to slow and stop the spread of this deadly virus .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

With the novel coronavirus finally spreading in the United States, it’s now up to every American to ensure the virus is stopped dead in its tracks.
The media hypes youths’ resilience to the virus as proof that COVID-19 is less deadly than the flu, but this simply isn’t the case.
While the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 is only slightly deadly for young people, for elderly patients 80 or older the virus has a sobering 14.8 percent fatality rate in China, according to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
For those 70 to 79, the fatality rate remains high at a jaw-dropping 8 percent.
Because of the virus’ rapid spread, everyone should be expected to do their part to mitigate the disease no matter how safe their own age group is.
Many people stocked up on hand sanitizer as fear of the virus swept America, but it turns out that ordinary soap works even better if used in a proper manner.
Palli Thordarson, a chemistry professor at Australia’s University of New South Wales, explained the reasoning behind soap’s efficiency in a lengthy Twitter thread.
1/25 Part 1 – Why does soap work so well on the SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus and indeed most viruses? Because it is a self-assembled nanoparticle in which the weakest link is the lipid (fatty) bilayer. A two part thread about soap, viruses and supramolecular chemistry #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/OCwqPjO5Ht — Palli Thordarson (@PalliThordarson) March 8, 2020
Will you follow this advice? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 97% (603 Votes) No: 3% (16 Votes)
“The soap dissolves the fat membrane and the virus falls apart like a house of cards and ‘dies’, or rather, we should say it becomes inactive as viruses aren’t really alive,” Thordarson wrote Sunday.
“Disinfectants, or liquids, wipes, gels and creams containing alcohol (and soap) have a similar effects but are not really quite as good as normal soap,” he continued.
Even with soap, careless handwashing only gives a false sense of security.
To really destroy the novel coronavirus, it’s important to not only use the correct technique (here’s the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation), but to do it for the proper amount of time — 20 seconds. While this may seem difficult, there’s a simple trick using songs that can make the task a fun routine.
Journalist Jen Monnier compiled a list of songs with 20-second choruses to hum or sing in your head while helping mitigate the spread of coronavirus.
You’re supposed to wash your hands for 20 sec, which is the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice. But I’m tired of singing Happy Birthday and you probably are too, so I’ve done the very important public service of compiling other songs with roughly 20 sec choruses to sing: — Jen Monnier (@JenMonnier) March 2, 2020
It’s important to remember you shouldn’t be singing these out loud, which may only help spread the disease if you’re an asymptomatic carrier.
Her list, and the many comments below it, contains something for almost everyone.
From Beyoncé to Fleetwood Mac, and Prince to Dolly Parton, there’s hardly an excuse to cut corners with handwashing once you find the right song for you.
Along with proper handwashing, many recommend taking a sick day or simply working from home if you find yourself with symptoms of COVID-19.
While the disease may seem a trivial matter for younger people, for the nation’s elderly the spread of the novel coronavirus is a dire situation. Once it makes its way into a confined space like an assisted living facility, it’s not hard to see how it can easily sow destruction.
The government alone cannot be relied on to combat this outbreak in America.
It’s up to every one of us to slow and stop the spread of this deadly virus.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-03-15--Report: China Knew About Coronavirus a Full Month Before They Admitted It

Amid new claims from China that it may not be the origin of the novel coronavirus sweeping the world , a new report claims that the first people infected with the virus took sick more than a month before China ever admitted the virus existed .
The South China Morning Post has reported that based on Chinese government documents to which it had access , a 55-year-old in Hubei province , which contains the city of Wuhan , contracted the disease on Nov. 17 .
That is long before the Dec. 31 notice from the Chinese government that it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to The New York Times .
Other reports have identified the first case as taking place in early December .
TRENDING : Twice-Deported Illegal Caught in Act of Raping Woman , Said He Thought She Would n't Remember : Report The November case was followed by other reported cases , the South China Morning Post reported , claiming that according to the data it saw , “ one to five new cases were reported each day.
” There were 27 people infected as of Dec. 15 , the report said , with reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
By Dec. 20 , there were 60 cases reported , according to the report .
As of Dec. 27 , the date Dr. Zhang Jixian made a report that the disease was a new coronavirus , more than 180 people had been infected .
There were 266 cases on the day China announced the first death , a number that soared to 381 the next day .
Although China at the time said the disease had originated in Wuhan , it has pulled back from that claim .
At a recent briefing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ there is simply no basis and no reason to push China for an apology .
It is yet undetermined where the virus originated.
” He later issued a tweet alleging the U.S. Army may have brought the virus to China .
RELATED : Spain Declares Nationwide Quarantine as Europe Becomes Center of Pandemic Jonathan Mayer , a professor emeritus at the University of Washington ’ s department of epidemiology , said it is “ entirely conceivable ” the November time frame is accurate according to The Guardian .
He said officials might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not have known what they were dealing with .
He added a third possibility : that the Chinese government suppressed reporting about the disease .
“ I have no way of knowing which of these possibilities in fact happened , ” Mayer said .
“ We know that there are reports of early suppression of reports of cases , and the ‘ whistleblowers ’ dealt with rather severely.
” “ Epidemics always have become political , ” Mayer said .
“ Governments seem opposed to admitting that things were handled imperfectly , yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and shortcomings that things can be addressed to do a better job next time .
“ With emerging infections , ” he added , “ there will always be a next time.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Amid new claims from China that it may not be the origin of the novel coronavirus sweeping the world, a new report claims that the first people infected with the virus took sick more than a month before China ever admitted the virus existed.
The South China Morning Post has reported that based on Chinese government documents to which it had access, a 55-year-old in Hubei province, which contains the city of Wuhan, contracted the disease on Nov. 17.
That is long before the Dec. 31 notice from the Chinese government that it was dealing with a new disease, according to The New York Times. Other reports have identified the first case as taking place in early December.
The first identified case of the virus is from November 17th, so there’s a good chance it’s been around a fair bit longer than that, possibly as early as the start of October, it’s almost certain that some of us will have had it already.https://t.co/QpEgO7selZ — Ellis Greenwood (@Ellis_Greenwood) March 13, 2020
The November case was followed by other reported cases, the South China Morning Post reported, claiming that according to the data it saw, “one to five new cases were reported each day.”
There were 27 people infected as of Dec. 15, the report said, with reported cases reaching double digits on Dec. 17.
By Dec. 20, there were 60 cases reported, according to the report.
As of Dec. 27, the date Dr. Zhang Jixian made a report that the disease was a new coronavirus, more than 180 people had been infected.
There were 266 cases on the day China announced the first death, a number that soared to 381 the next day.
Although China at the time said the disease had originated in Wuhan, it has pulled back from that claim.
At a recent briefing, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said “there is simply no basis and no reason to push China for an apology. It is yet undetermined where the virus originated.”
He later issued a tweet alleging the U.S. Army may have brought the virus to China.
2/2 CDC was caught on the spot. When did patient zero begin in US? How many people are infected? What are the names of the hospitals? It might be US army who brought the epidemic to Wuhan. Be transparent! Make public your data! US owe us an explanation! pic.twitter.com/vYNZRFPWo3 — Lijian Zhao 赵立坚 (@zlj517) March 12, 2020
Jonathan Mayer, a professor emeritus at the University of Washington’s department of epidemiology, said it is “entirely conceivable” the November time frame is accurate according to The Guardian.
He said officials might not have detected the cases or might not have known what they were dealing with.
He added a third possibility: that the Chinese government suppressed reporting about the disease.
“I have no way of knowing which of these possibilities in fact happened,” Mayer said. “We know that there are reports of early suppression of reports of cases, and the ‘whistleblowers’ dealt with rather severely.”
“Epidemics always have become political,” Mayer said. “Governments seem opposed to admitting that things were handled imperfectly, yet it is only by identifying the imperfections and shortcomings that things can be addressed to do a better job next time.
“With emerging infections,” he added, “there will always be a next time.”
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westernjournal--2020-03-15--WHO Reverses Position: Some Pets Can Catch Coronavirus

The World Health Organization has walked back its claim that there was no evidence that pets could be infected by the coronavirus after a dog in Hong Kong tested positive for the virus .
Quartz reported that the WHO ’ s myth-buster page on animals such as dogs or cats has disappeared from the website as of Saturday morning .
In an email to Quartz , the WHO said , “ currently , there is no evidence that pets such as dogs and cats have infected humans with COVID-19.
” The WHO ’ s previous statement about pets said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ animals/pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new coronavirus.
” The reversal came after a blood test from a pet dog in Hong Kong revealed a low-level infection of COVID-19 .
TRENDING : Twice-Deported Illegal Caught in Act of Raping Woman , Said He Thought She Would n't Remember : Report The dog has been quarantined since Feb. 26 after its owner was found to have COVID-19 and hospitalized , The Washington Post reported .
The government said at first it seemed the positive test came from “ environmental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the low-level infection “ is likely to be a case of human-to-animal transmission.
” “ We strongly advise that mammalian pet animals including dogs and cats from households with persons confirmed as infected with COVID-19 or as close contacts of COVID-19 infected persons should be put under quarantine in AFCD facilities to safeguard public and animal health , ” Hong Kong ’ s Agriculture , Fisheries and Conservation Department said .
The dog has not shown symptoms of coronavirus and further blood tests were conducted to try to determine the cause of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier test results support this being a true infection , ” J. Scott Weese , a professor at the University of Guelph ’ s Ontario Veterinary College , told The Post .
“ It wouldn ’ t be surprising for this to be a low-grade infection because dogs are not thought to be very good hosts for this virus.
” The New York Post reported Saturday morning that the dog has since tested negative for coronavirus .
Despite the negative test results , however , authorities still believe the dog could be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolation .
As of now , experts still say pet owners should not worry about treating their animals differently or worry about them contracting the virus .
However , anyone who has COVID-19 or has been exposed to the virus should restrict contact with their pets to avoid exposing the pet to the virus and getting it on their skin or fur to potentially pass it to another human .
“ If you are sick with COVID-19 , avoid contact with your pet , including petting , snuggling , being kissed or licked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The World Health Organization has walked back its claim that there was no evidence that pets could be infected by the coronavirus after a dog in Hong Kong tested positive for the virus.
Quartz reported that the WHO’s myth-buster page on animals such as dogs or cats has disappeared from the website as of Saturday morning.
In an email to Quartz, the WHO said, “currently, there is no evidence that pets such as dogs and cats have infected humans with COVID-19.”
The WHO’s previous statement about pets said, “there is no evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new coronavirus.”
The reversal came after a blood test from a pet dog in Hong Kong revealed a low-level infection of COVID-19.
#BREAKING: The Hong Kong govt said in a statement on Mar 3 that a pet dog had repeatedly tested “weak positive” the for #COVID2019 virus, which indicates a low-level of infection with the #coronavirus. Two other dogs are also under quarantine, the govt added. H/T: @galileocheng pic.twitter.com/cM1ZNE8aR2 — Ezra Cheung (@ezracheungtoto) March 4, 2020
The dog has been quarantined since Feb. 26 after its owner was found to have COVID-19 and hospitalized, The Washington Post reported.
The government said at first it seemed the positive test came from “environmental contamination,” but after further consultation, the low-level infection “is likely to be a case of human-to-animal transmission.”
Are you worried about your pets catching coronavirus? Yes No
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“We strongly advise that mammalian pet animals including dogs and cats from households with persons confirmed as infected with COVID-19 or as close contacts of COVID-19 infected persons should be put under quarantine in AFCD facilities to safeguard public and animal health,” Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said.
The dog has not shown symptoms of coronavirus and further blood tests were conducted to try to determine the cause of this singular case.
“The repeated earlier test results support this being a true infection,” J. Scott Weese, a professor at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College, told The Post.
“It wouldn’t be surprising for this to be a low-grade infection because dogs are not thought to be very good hosts for this virus.”
A dog has tested positive for COVID-19 in Hong Kong, the WHO confirmed: “The dog is doing well we understand, he doesn’t have symptoms… in terms of what this means for transmission, we don’t believe this is a major driver of transmission.” https://t.co/A5RTsQLTsQ pic.twitter.com/XOxvvwUdTh — ABC News (@ABC) March 5, 2020
The New York Post reported Saturday morning that the dog has since tested negative for coronavirus.
Despite the negative test results, however, authorities still believe the dog could be a carrier and continue to hold him in isolation.
As of now, experts still say pet owners should not worry about treating their animals differently or worry about them contracting the virus.
However, anyone who has COVID-19 or has been exposed to the virus should restrict contact with their pets to avoid exposing the pet to the virus and getting it on their skin or fur to potentially pass it to another human.
“If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
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westernjournal--2020-03-15--All of DC Museum’s Dead Sea Scrolls Are Fake: Made with ‘Intent To Deceive’

Dead Sea Scroll fragments that have been displayed in the Museum of the Bible in Washington , D.C. , are forgeries , the museum announced this week .
Officials with the museum said Friday in a news release that a team of researchers ran a battery of tests on 16 Dead Sea Scrolls fragments to determine their authenticity .
“ After an exhaustive review of all the imaging and scientific analysis results , it is evident that none of the textual fragments in Museum of the Bible ’ s Dead Sea Scroll collection are authentic , ” said Colette Loll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company called Art Fraud Insights , LLC .
“ Moreover , each exhibits characteristics that suggest they are deliberate forgeries created in the twentieth century with the intent to mimic authentic Dead Sea Scroll fragments , ” Loll concluded in her company ’ s report on the matter .
There was almost certainly nefarious intent behind the forgeries , according to Loll .
“ These fragments were manipulated with the intent to deceive , ” she said .
TRENDING : Twice-Deported Illegal Caught in Act of Raping Woman , Said He Thought She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kloha , the chief curatorial officer for the Museum of the Bible , praised the museum ’ s transparency relating to the discovery of the forgeries .
“ The sophisticated and costly methods employed to discover the truth about our collection could be used to shed light on other suspicious fragments and perhaps even be effective in uncovering who is responsible for these forgeries , ” Kloha said .
Loll echoed Kloha ’ s sentiments , praising the museum and saying the discovery could help in the analysis of suspected forgeries of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ What Museum of the Bible is doing is extremely important in the museum world , ” Loll said .
“ Usually , items that are determined to be fake are quietly removed from display and transferred to the euphemistic ‘ study collection.
’ Museum of the Bible has opted to be as transparent as possible with its collection of Dead Sea Scrolls – from the interim gallery labels , to the public announcement of the results of the research and the subsequent release of all of the associated research materials .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comparison to other questioned fragments .
What a tremendous contribution to the field , ” Loll added .
According to the museum ’ s news release , the fragments were questioned after they “ exhibited characteristics ‘ inconsistent with ancient origins.
’ ” Five of the fragments were previously deemed to be inauthentic following an investigation that concluded in 2018 .
They were taken off display at the time .
According to National Geographic , the forgeries do not cast any doubt on authenticity of the more than 100,000 scroll fragments found prior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new fragments flooded the antiquities market .
“ Once one or two of the fragments were fake , you know all of them probably are , because they come from the same sources , and they look basically the same , ” Arstein Justnes , a researcher at Norway ’ s University of Agder , told National Geographic .
RELATED : 49ers Playoff Hero Raheem Mostert Reveals Meaning of Bible Verse Tattooed on His Chest The museum is now reevaluating other artifacts in its collection and plans to to reorganize its Dead Sea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fragments were proven to be forgeries .
The Museum of the Bible announced Friday it would hold a weekend conference regarding its investigation into the fragments , but that conference was postponed Saturday due to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus .
“ The March 15 , 2020 Dead Sea Scroll conference has been postponed due to the public health situation , ” the news release stated .
The museum will be open throughout the weekend , but will be closed beginning on Monday .
The Dead Sea Scrolls are ancient manuscripts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ text that were first unearthed between 1947 and 1956 in nearly a dozen caves at Khirbet Qumran , just east of Jerusalem in what is now the West Bank on the shores of the Dead Sea .
“ They are approximately two thousand years old , dating from the third century BCE to the first century CE .
Most of the scrolls were written in Hebrew , with a smaller number in Aramaic or Greek , ” according to the Israel Museum , Jerusalem .
“ Most of them were written on parchment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ written on papyrus .
The vast majority of the scrolls survived as fragments — only a handful were found intact .
Nevertheless , scholars have managed to reconstruct from these fragments approximately 950 different manuscripts of various lengths , ” the museum says .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Dead Sea Scroll fragments that have been displayed in the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., are forgeries, the museum announced this week.
Officials with the museum said Friday in a news release that a team of researchers ran a battery of tests on 16 Dead Sea Scrolls fragments to determine their authenticity.
“After an exhaustive review of all the imaging and scientific analysis results, it is evident that none of the textual fragments in Museum of the Bible’s Dead Sea Scroll collection are authentic,” said Colette Loll, who is the director of a company called Art Fraud Insights, LLC.
“Moreover, each exhibits characteristics that suggest they are deliberate forgeries created in the twentieth century with the intent to mimic authentic Dead Sea Scroll fragments,” Loll concluded in her company’s report on the matter.
There was almost certainly nefarious intent behind the forgeries, according to Loll. “These fragments were manipulated with the intent to deceive,” she said.
Dr. Jeffrey Kloha, the chief curatorial officer for the Museum of the Bible, praised the museum’s transparency relating to the discovery of the forgeries.
“The sophisticated and costly methods employed to discover the truth about our collection could be used to shed light on other suspicious fragments and perhaps even be effective in uncovering who is responsible for these forgeries,” Kloha said.
Loll echoed Kloha’s sentiments, praising the museum and saying the discovery could help in the analysis of suspected forgeries of the Dead Sea Scrolls in other locations.
“What Museum of the Bible is doing is extremely important in the museum world,” Loll said. “Usually, items that are determined to be fake are quietly removed from display and transferred to the euphemistic ‘study collection.’ Museum of the Bible has opted to be as transparent as possible with its collection of Dead Sea Scrolls – from the interim gallery labels, to the public announcement of the results of the research and the subsequent release of all of the associated research materials.
“This data can now be used for comparison to other questioned fragments. What a tremendous contribution to the field,” Loll added.
According to the museum’s news release, the fragments were questioned after they “exhibited characteristics ‘inconsistent with ancient origins.’”
Five of the fragments were previously deemed to be inauthentic following an investigation that concluded in 2018. They were taken off display at the time.
According to National Geographic, the forgeries do not cast any doubt on authenticity of the more than 100,000 scroll fragments found prior to 2002, when a series of new fragments flooded the antiquities market.
“Once one or two of the fragments were fake, you know all of them probably are, because they come from the same sources, and they look basically the same,” Arstein Justnes, a researcher at Norway’s University of Agder, told National Geographic.
The museum is now reevaluating other artifacts in its collection and plans to to reorganize its Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit to show how its scroll fragments were proven to be forgeries.
The Museum of the Bible announced Friday it would hold a weekend conference regarding its investigation into the fragments, but that conference was postponed Saturday due to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus.
“The March 15, 2020 Dead Sea Scroll conference has been postponed due to the public health situation,” the news release stated.
The museum will be open throughout the weekend, but will be closed beginning on Monday.
The Dead Sea Scrolls are ancient manuscripts containing the oldest known copies of Biblical text that were first unearthed between 1947 and 1956 in nearly a dozen caves at Khirbet Qumran, just east of Jerusalem in what is now the West Bank on the shores of the Dead Sea.
“They are approximately two thousand years old, dating from the third century BCE to the first century CE. Most of the scrolls were written in Hebrew, with a smaller number in Aramaic or Greek,” according to the Israel Museum, Jerusalem.
“Most of them were written on parchment, with the exception of a few written on papyrus. The vast majority of the scrolls survived as fragments — only a handful were found intact. Nevertheless, scholars have managed to reconstruct from these fragments approximately 950 different manuscripts of various lengths,” the museum says.
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westernjournal--2020-03-15--Journalist Denied Entry to White House After Failing Temperature Check

One journalist was barred from Saturday ’ s coronavirus task force briefing after failing to pass a precautionary health checkpoint .
The White House announced in a tweet that the journalist , whose name was not released , failed a medical screening .
“ According to the White House Medical Unit , the temperature was taken three times over a 15 minute period — all three registered above the @ CDCgov 100.4 guidelines , ” Katie Miller , the press secretary for Vice President Mike Pence , wrote in a Twitter post .
TRENDING : Twice-Deported Illegal Caught in Act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She Would n't Remember : Report “ Out of an abundance of caution , temperature checks are now being performed on any individuals who are in close contact with the president and vice president , ” White House spokesman Judd Deere said , according to The New York Times .
In a Twitter post , NBC News White House correspondent Kelly O ’ Donnell wrote that the unidentified man appeared to be from China Global Television Network .
A fever is one of the common signs for the possible presence of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and of itself a sure sign of the virus , taking an individual ’ s temperature has become a common screening tool used in trying to determine possible exposure who may have the virus .
As noted by The Washington Post , temperature screening is not a sure thing , but has been widely used because it is a minimally intrusive method of sampling individuals .
During Saturday ’ s briefing , Trump engaged in a bit if byplay with the media in regards to having their temperatures taken .
“ By the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming into the room , ” Trump said .
“ So did we , ” he was told .
“ You did ?
Good , ” Trump replied , later adding , “ Let ’ s compare .
Do you want to compare ?
” After being told that all the media had been screened , Trump said , “ Good .
We ’ ll we ’ re — that means we ’ re all looking good.
” However , there was one fact that remained pressing .
“ Was your temperature normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked ( about the 42:50 mark ) .
“ I wouldn ’ t be here if it wasn ’ t. ” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

One journalist was barred from Saturday’s coronavirus task force briefing after failing to pass a precautionary health checkpoint.
The White House announced in a tweet that the journalist, whose name was not released, failed a medical screening.
“According to the White House Medical Unit, the temperature was taken three times over a 15 minute period — all three registered above the @CDCgov 100.4 guidelines,” Katie Miller, the press secretary for Vice President Mike Pence, wrote in a Twitter post.
According to the White House Medical Unit, the temperature was taken three times over a 15 minute period – all three registered above the @CDCgov 100.4 guidelines. https://t.co/E2uORqvcxS — Katie Miller (@VPPressSec) March 14, 2020
“Out of an abundance of caution, temperature checks are now being performed on any individuals who are in close contact with the president and vice president,” White House spokesman Judd Deere said, according to The New York Times.
In a Twitter post, NBC News White House correspondent Kelly O’Donnell wrote that the unidentified man appeared to be from China Global Television Network.
Journalist turned away after temperature screening. His organization appears to be CGTN an English language channel that is Chinese owned. pic.twitter.com/DFvVasbxd5 — Kelly O’Donnell (@KellyO) March 14, 2020
A fever is one of the common signs for the possible presence of the coronavirus.
Is the White House right to be cautious? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (158 Votes) No: 0% (0 Votes)
Although a fever is not in and of itself a sure sign of the virus, taking an individual’s temperature has become a common screening tool used in trying to determine possible exposure who may have the virus.
As noted by The Washington Post, temperature screening is not a sure thing, but has been widely used because it is a minimally intrusive method of sampling individuals.
So when the journalists were whining about their temperature being taken at this morning’s press conference with POTUS did they even think about this possibility? ? https://t.co/pJTCxJNCyB — Purple Dalmation (@purpledalmation) March 14, 2020
During Saturday’s briefing, Trump engaged in a bit if byplay with the media in regards to having their temperatures taken.
“By the way, I had my temperature taken coming into the room,” Trump said.
“So did we,” he was told.
“You did? Good,” Trump replied, later adding, “Let’s compare. Do you want to compare?”
After being told that all the media had been screened, Trump said, “Good. We’ll we’re — that means we’re all looking good.”
However, there was one fact that remained pressing.
“Was your temperature normal, Mr. President?” Trump was asked (about the 42:50 mark).
“Totally normal,” he said.
“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t.”
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westernjournal--2020-03-15--Islamic Scholar Who Said Coronavirus Was Punishment from Allah Catches the Virus

I find there ’ s no sight more pathetic than one of those Marjoe-like preachers on those high-numbered religious channels on your satellite system , worked up into a pro-wrestling-level fake harangue about how a hurricane has punished the wicked in some state or another .
All right , then .
As an evangelical Christian , I think I deserve an answer as to why plenty of believers in the Bible Belt are subject to tornadoes .
If that ’ s your shallow , horrible theology , at least explain that one to me .
Apparently , this kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Christianity .
Iran-based Iraqi Shiite religious scholar Hadi al-Modarresi declared that coronavirus was Allah ’ s punishment upon the Chinese for their mistreatment of Muslims .
Unfortunately , that punishment has also been visited upon him now that the virus has arrived in Iran — which has , as of Thursday , the third-most infections and deaths .
TRENDING : Twice-Deported Illegal Caught in Act of Raping Woman , Said He Thought She Would n't Remember : Report First , here ’ s al-Modarresi talking about how COVID-19 was divine punishment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Institute : “ It is obvious that the spread of this virus is an act of Allah , ” al-Modarresi said , according to the translation .
“ How do we know this ?
The spread of the coronavirus began in China , an ancient and vast country , the population of which makes up one-seventh of humanity .
More than a billion people live in that country .
The authorities in that country are tyrannical and they laid siege to more than a million Muslims and placed them under house arrest , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in that country began to mock the niqab of Muslim women and they forced Muslim men to eat pork and drink wine .
Allah sent a disease upon them and this disease laid siege to 40 million [ Chinese people ] , ” al-Modarresi continued .
“ The same niqab that they mocked has been forced upon them , both men and women , by Allah , by means of the state authorities and officials.
” There ’ s no doubt the Chinese government has mistreated the Uighur Muslims , whom it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their religion , but even with that these charges seem outlandish , and the connection between this and COVID-19 is tenuous — if , of course , your definition of “ tenuous ” is “ nonexistent.
” But lo !
Al-Modarresi has evidence , given how the virus was transmitted to humans .
“ Islam forbade people from eating insects , but [ the Chinese ] mocked this matter , ” he said .
RELATED : If All These Regulations Have To Be Suspended To Treat COVID , Why Do We Have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And there you have it , this disease spread from the world of animals — be it bats , ants , or snakes , the result is the same — to the human world and it has scared humanity in its entirety.
” That video was uploaded on Feb. 25 .
In early March , reports said the scholar himself had contracted the coronavirus .
A March 7 article from Iraq ’ s Buratha News Agency said al-Modarresi ’ s school announced his infection in a short statement , adding that he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day , his official Twitter account said the same thing , appending a notice that he was doing better and recovering at the end of a prayer .
On March 10 , meanwhile , he tweeted a picture of himself wearing what ’ s quickly become the symbol of coronavirus , a surgical mask : Wait , I thought this was all punishment for lifestyle .
Did he take to eating insects and bats ?
Was the BLT just too good to resist ?
At a wider level , this is the problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that doesn ’ t exist .
It ’ s not an argument for “ Medicare for all , ” it ’ s not a sign of the failure of late-capitalist patriarchy and it certainly isn ’ t a sign Allah is taking his wrath out on the Chinese .
That ’ s particularly true when you considered Allah apparently decided to take it out on his own next — and not just any Muslims , but specifically those in mostly Shiite Iran .
In any sane world , a man like al-Modarresi would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a street corner hollering his nonsense about how disasters are punishment for people he doesn ’ t like .
At least in the United States , such hucksters are consigned to the corners of the DirecTV channel lineup where few viewers tend to tread .
Al-Modarresi has almost a million followers on Twitter .
At least , one hopes , they won ’ t view him as an expert on divine virology anymore .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

I find there’s no sight more pathetic than one of those Marjoe-like preachers on those high-numbered religious channels on your satellite system, worked up into a pro-wrestling-level fake harangue about how a hurricane has punished the wicked in some state or another.
All right, then. As an evangelical Christian, I think I deserve an answer as to why plenty of believers in the Bible Belt are subject to tornadoes. If that’s your shallow, horrible theology, at least explain that one to me.
Apparently, this kind of grim spiritual fatuousness isn’t endemic to Christianity.
Iran-based Iraqi Shiite religious scholar Hadi al-Modarresi declared that coronavirus was Allah’s punishment upon the Chinese for their mistreatment of Muslims.
Unfortunately, that punishment has also been visited upon him now that the virus has arrived in Iran — which has, as of Thursday, the third-most infections and deaths.
First, here’s al-Modarresi talking about how COVID-19 was divine punishment, translated by the Middle East Media Research Institute:
Iraqi Islamic Scholar Hadi Al-Modarresi, Prior to Being Infected with Coronavirus: The Virus Is a Divine Punishment against the Chinese pic.twitter.com/7NiQki6qBy — MEMRI (@MEMRIReports) March 9, 2020
“It is obvious that the spread of this virus is an act of Allah,” al-Modarresi said, according to the translation.
Do you think coronavirus will be successfully contained? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 91% (1386 Votes) No: 9% (136 Votes)
“How do we know this? The spread of the coronavirus began in China, an ancient and vast country, the population of which makes up one-seventh of humanity. More than a billion people live in that country. The authorities in that country are tyrannical and they laid siege to more than a million Muslims and placed them under house arrest,” he said.
“The journalists in that country began to mock the niqab of Muslim women and they forced Muslim men to eat pork and drink wine. Allah sent a disease upon them and this disease laid siege to 40 million [Chinese people],” al-Modarresi continued. “The same niqab that they mocked has been forced upon them, both men and women, by Allah, by means of the state authorities and officials.”
There’s no doubt the Chinese government has mistreated the Uighur Muslims, whom it has packed into “re-education” camps because of their religion, but even with that these charges seem outlandish, and the connection between this and COVID-19 is tenuous — if, of course, your definition of “tenuous” is “nonexistent.”
But lo! Al-Modarresi has evidence, given how the virus was transmitted to humans.
“Islam forbade people from eating insects, but [the Chinese] mocked this matter,” he said.
“And there you have it, this disease spread from the world of animals — be it bats, ants, or snakes, the result is the same — to the human world and it has scared humanity in its entirety.”
That video was uploaded on Feb. 25.
In early March, reports said the scholar himself had contracted the coronavirus.
A March 7 article from Iraq’s Buratha News Agency said al-Modarresi’s school announced his infection in a short statement, adding that he was resting in the hospital.
That same day, his official Twitter account said the same thing, appending a notice that he was doing better and recovering at the end of a prayer.
“اللّهم صلّ على محمد وآل محمد، واكشف عنّي بهم كل كرب، ونفّس عنّي بهم كل همّ، وفرّج عنّي بهم كل غمّ واكفني بهم كلّ خوف، واصرف عني بهم مقادير البلاء، وسوء القضاء، ودرك الشقاء، وشماتة الأعداء” تنويه: صحة سماحة السيد في تحسّن ملحوظ ولله الحمد والمنّة. دعواتكم له ولسائر المؤمنين — السيد هادي المدرسي (@HadiAlModarresi) March 7, 2020
On March 10, meanwhile, he tweeted a picture of himself wearing what’s quickly become the symbol of coronavirus, a surgical mask:
يا عمتاه وهذا الشوق في كبدي
ما حيلتي ليت شباك الهوى بيدي في كل يوم لنا شوقٌ نكابده
ما دام في القلب نبضٌ فالوصال ندي فأنتم الماء للأحياء قاطبةً
يا سادتي أولياء الله يا مددي pic.twitter.com/pqGSUPcdnD — السيد هادي المدرسي (@HadiAlModarresi) March 10, 2020
Wait, I thought this was all punishment for lifestyle. Did he take to eating insects and bats? Was the BLT just too good to resist?
At a wider level, this is the problem with taking a message out of coronavirus that doesn’t exist.
It’s not an argument for “Medicare for all,” it’s not a sign of the failure of late-capitalist patriarchy and it certainly isn’t a sign Allah is taking his wrath out on the Chinese. That’s particularly true when you considered Allah apparently decided to take it out on his own next — and not just any Muslims, but specifically those in mostly Shiite Iran.
In any sane world, a man like al-Modarresi would be standing on an upturned crate on a street corner hollering his nonsense about how disasters are punishment for people he doesn’t like.
At least in the United States, such hucksters are consigned to the corners of the DirecTV channel lineup where few viewers tend to tread. Al-Modarresi has almost a million followers on Twitter.
At least, one hopes, they won’t view him as an expert on divine virology anymore.
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westernjournal--2020-03-15--Gallup Poll: Congressional GOP Approval Soars, Surpassing Dems

With elections less than eight months away , congressional Republicans are more in favor with Americans than congressional Democrats are , according to a new Gallup poll .
The poll found that 40 percent of respondents believe congressional Republicans are doing a good job while only 35 percent said Democrats were doing well .
When Gallup surveyed the nation in September 2017 , before the 2018 elections that saw Democrats gain control of the House , Democrats enjoyed a 31 percent approval rating , but congressional Republicans were at 20 percent approval .
In October 2019 , 38 percent approved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against 34 percent of Republicans .
President Donald Trump ’ s favorability rating rose from 41 percent in October to 48 percent in January before settling at 46 percent in the February poll .
Republicans and Republican-leaning independents gave Trump an 89 percent favorability rating .
TRENDING : Dick Morris : A New Donald Trump Is Emerging in Coronavirus Battle “ Republicans in Congress appear to have benefited from the impeachment of the president , as they are currently enjoying improved job approval ratings , ” Gallup said in its analysis of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being an election bellwether .
“ In the coming months , as Americans ’ memories of the impeachment fade , their opinions of political leaders may change .
The coronavirus outbreak and the Democratic presidential nominating contests have already largely superseded Trump ’ s impeachment in the news , ” it said .
The poll found that Republicans are stronger in support of their party ’ s members in Congress than are Democrats .
Seventy-six percent of Republicans approve of what GOP legislators are doing in Congress , an increase of 13 points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sixty-five percent of Democrats support their legislators , a level that is unchanged from the fall .
One exception to the rule was Republican Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah .
Romney , who sided with Democrats in Trump ’ s impeachment trial , had his favorability among Republicans drop from 45 percent a year ago to 23 percent this year .
Democrats , on the other hand , have embraced the long-time Trump critic , with his favorability rating among Democrats at 56 percent , up 19 points from what it was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conducted via telephone between Feb. 17-28 with a random sample of 1,020 voters and a margin of error of 4 percentage points .
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California said that Republican candidates for the House will have Trump on their side , according to Axios .
The president is “ going to travel for us .
If you look at where we ’ re playing , he ’ ll be going .
He ’ s already made that commitment to me , ” McCarthy said .
“ He and I talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about these races .
He is committed , ” McCarthy said .
“ He ’ ll be in these competitive districts and more.
” RELATED : Economic Experts Caution Against Overreaction , Call for Targeted Support To Lessen Coronavirus ' Impact Tim Murtaugh , communications director for the Trump campaign , said the focus will be on turnout .
“ Nationwide there were 8.8 million people who voted in 2016 and did not vote in 2018 .
We can say with full confidence that we know who they are , and we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Murtaugh said .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

With elections less than eight months away, congressional Republicans are more in favor with Americans than congressional Democrats are, according to a new Gallup poll.
The poll found that 40 percent of respondents believe congressional Republicans are doing a good job while only 35 percent said Democrats were doing well.
When Gallup surveyed the nation in September 2017, before the 2018 elections that saw Democrats gain control of the House, Democrats enjoyed a 31 percent approval rating, but congressional Republicans were at 20 percent approval.
In October 2019, 38 percent approved of the work congressional Democrats were doing against 34 percent of Republicans.
President Donald Trump’s favorability rating rose from 41 percent in October to 48 percent in January before settling at 46 percent in the February poll. Republicans and Republican-leaning independents gave Trump an 89 percent favorability rating.
“Republicans in Congress appear to have benefited from the impeachment of the president, as they are currently enjoying improved job approval ratings,” Gallup said in its analysis of the poll.
Gallup cautioned against the poll being an election bellwether.
“In the coming months, as Americans’ memories of the impeachment fade, their opinions of political leaders may change. The coronavirus outbreak and the Democratic presidential nominating contests have already largely superseded Trump’s impeachment in the news,” it said.
The poll found that Republicans are stronger in support of their party’s members in Congress than are Democrats. Seventy-six percent of Republicans approve of what GOP legislators are doing in Congress, an increase of 13 points from Gallup’s October survey. Sixty-five percent of Democrats support their legislators, a level that is unchanged from the fall.
Can the GOP regain control of the House? Yes No
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One exception to the rule was Republican Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah. Romney, who sided with Democrats in Trump’s impeachment trial, had his favorability among Republicans drop from 45 percent a year ago to 23 percent this year. Democrats, on the other hand, have embraced the long-time Trump critic, with his favorability rating among Democrats at 56 percent, up 19 points from what it was a year ago.
The Gallup poll was conducted via telephone between Feb. 17-28 with a random sample of 1,020 voters and a margin of error of 4 percentage points.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California said that Republican candidates for the House will have Trump on their side, according to Axios.
The president is “going to travel for us. If you look at where we’re playing, he’ll be going. He’s already made that commitment to me,” McCarthy said.
“He and I talk twice a day. We meet often about these races. He is committed,” McCarthy said. “He’ll be in these competitive districts and more.”
Tim Murtaugh, communications director for the Trump campaign, said the focus will be on turnout.
“Nationwide there were 8.8 million people who voted in 2016 and did not vote in 2018. We can say with full confidence that we know who they are, and we will be going after them hard,” Murtaugh said.
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westernjournal--2020-03-15--Known Plagiarist Biden Trashes Trump’s COVID Plans, Then Steals Trump’s Plans & Peddles Them as His

Known Plagiarist Biden Trashes Trump’s COVID Plans, Then Steals Trump’s Plans & Peddles Them as His Own

If you ’ re a younger reader , your first exposure to Joe Biden is probably his time as Barack Obama ’ s second-in-command .
You may not have known that 20 years earlier , he could have been the guy sitting at the Oval Office desk rather than the one standing beside it .
Biden was one of the Democratic contenders for president in 1988 and , unlike now , he was seen as an antidote to the Democratic establishment .
“ The Democrats had taken two shellackings at the hands of Reagan , and there was this thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of facts , that the Democrats were too soft , too feminine , too much into interest politics , and Biden was seen by his own people as an antidote to that — good looking and athletic — who would come across as stronger , ” Time reporter Laurence I. Barrett , who covered the campaign 1988 , told another Time reporter in a 2019 interview .
Unfortunately for Biden , that campaign died in its early months when it turned out he plagiarized a speech from British Labour Party leader Neil Kinnock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revealed Biden had plagiarized other politicians on the stump , and thusly was his campaign torpedoed before a single vote had been cast .
While it ’ s difficult to guess what would have happened had Biden won the nomination — and he was certainly the favorite before the plagiarism scandal — he would have been a stronger candidate against George H.W .
Bush than the Democrats ’ nominee that year was — the wholly ineffectual Michael Dukakis .
TRENDING : Dick Morris : A New Donald Trump Is Emerging in Coronavirus Battle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later , Joe Biden hasn ’ t really learned his lesson .
On Thursday , Biden slammed the Trump administration ’ s response to coronavirus .
This was disheartening , if unsurprising .
He then told the crowd his plan to fight coronavirus — which was almost exactly what the president had been proposing .
First , Biden ’ s condemnation of the administration ’ s COVID-19 efforts , which came during a speech in Wilmington , Delaware .
“ The administration ’ s failure on testing is colossal , ” Biden said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s a failure of planning , leadership and execution .
“ We have to help the world to drive coordinated global strategy , not shut ourselves out from the world .
Unfortunately , this virus laid bare the severe shortcoming of the current administration.
” He also criticized the administration ’ s European travel ban and claimed Trump ’ s reference to COVID-19 as a “ foreign virus ” — which is objectively true , since the outbreak started in a foreign country — was evidence of bigotry .
“ Neither @ @ @ @ @ @ @ xenophobia .
… labeling [ the coronavirus ] a foreign virus does not displace accountability for misjudgments that have been taken thus far by the Trump admin , ” Biden said .
“ Coronavirus does not have a political affiliation.
” He said this with a straight face during a speech where he was using coronavirus as a political bludgeon .
Well , whatever .
Nobody seemed to really notice , given that the speech was well-received by the usual voices : RELATED : In Coronavirus Panic , Alyssa Milano Thanks God for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Charge of Nothing The thing was , as Trump ’ s campaign pointed out , much of Biden ’ s “ presidential ” coronavirus plan was stolen from another president — namely , the current one .
“ Joe Biden ’ s coronavirus remarks today sounded awfully familiar .
Listening to him , we felt a sense of déjà vu , ” the campaign declared on its website .
“ Here ’ s why : Biden blatantly ripped off President Trump , and bizarrely called on him to do things he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden said ‘ no efforts should be spared ’ to get private labs and universities working to rapidly expand testing for coronavirus .
“ President Trump already acted on this weeks ago , ordering the FDA to allow hundreds of private labs and academic hospitals to rapidly begin testing for coronavirus .
“ Joe Biden said that small businesses will need relief from coronavirus ’ economic impact .
“ President Trump already moved decisively to provide $ 50 billion in liquidity to small business owners , and is asking Congress for even more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical for insurance companies to waive copays for coronavirus testing .
“ President Trump already got it done , securing a commitment from the nation ’ s insurance providers to waive all copays on coronavirus testing and expand coverage of coronavirus treatment in all their benefit plans .
“ Perhaps most critically , Biden said it was time to “ accelerate ” the search for a coronavirus vaccine — something the Trump administration had already done in January .
According to CNBC , officials fast-tracked the vaccine with the hope of clinical trials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this was an optimistic timeline .
If there was a way to faster-track this , Biden didn ’ t make that clear .
Stealing ideas isn ’ t necessarily academic plagiarism , but stealing the ideas of a man you ’ re excoriating isn ’ t a good look .
The Thursday speech was apparently Biden ’ s presidential moment .
If you wanted to look at it uncritically , it was .
Democrats have always been able to project their idea of a perfect president on Biden , even if he isn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 32 years hasn ’ t changed Biden much .
He ’ s still stealing ideas , if not exact words .
At least with Neil Kinnock , it was an ideological ally .
By the way , as the Trump campaign pointed out , Biden ’ s already been in a position where he could reassure the public in the face of a pandemic .
He failed miserably .
“ In the past , Joe Biden has shown terrible judgment and incompetence in the face of public health issues , ” Tim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement .
“ The Obama White House had to publicly apologize for and clean up after Biden when his irresponsible remarks caused panic during the swine flu outbreak in 2009 .
Just weeks ago , he was openly critical of President Trump ’ s early move to restrict travel from China to the United States in response to the coronavirus – a decision which medical experts agree helped impede the spread of the virus to this country.
” Even Politifact , a fact-checking organization that generally leans left-ish , rated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s comments on the H1N1 virus 11 years ago as “ Mostly True.
” While the Obama administration never issued an official apology for Biden ’ s remarks during the swine flu outbreak , his comments on it were both irresponsible and unscientific .
“ When one person sneezes [ the virus ] goes all the way through the aircraft , ” Biden said during an appearance on “ Today.
” He also advised against taking the subway .
“ If you ’ re out in the middle of a field and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing ; if you ’ re in a closed aircraft or closed container or closed car or closed classroom , it ’ s a different thing.
” While there was an apology to those who were “ unduly alarmed , ” there was nothing in the way of an official apology .
Aside from that , all of that is true .
Perhaps , then , we shouldn ’ t be so annoyed over his ideological plagiarism .
By essentially copying the Trump plan , he ’ s co-signing it .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comforted or alarmed by that , given Biden ’ s predilection for being totally wrong and his decision to politicize a national emergency , but at least he ’ s not talking about whole planes getting infected by coronavirus anymore .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

If you’re a younger reader, your first exposure to Joe Biden is probably his time as Barack Obama’s second-in-command. You may not have known that 20 years earlier, he could have been the guy sitting at the Oval Office desk rather than the one standing beside it.
Biden was one of the Democratic contenders for president in 1988 and, unlike now, he was seen as an antidote to the Democratic establishment.
“The Democrats had taken two shellackings at the hands of Reagan, and there was this thought, not really based on a lot of facts, that the Democrats were too soft, too feminine, too much into interest politics, and Biden was seen by his own people as an antidote to that — good looking and athletic — who would come across as stronger,” Time reporter Laurence I. Barrett, who covered the campaign 1988, told another Time reporter in a 2019 interview.
Unfortunately for Biden, that campaign died in its early months when it turned out he plagiarized a speech from British Labour Party leader Neil Kinnock without giving him attribution. Media scrutiny revealed Biden had plagiarized other politicians on the stump, and thusly was his campaign torpedoed before a single vote had been cast.
While it’s difficult to guess what would have happened had Biden won the nomination — and he was certainly the favorite before the plagiarism scandal — he would have been a stronger candidate against George H.W. Bush than the Democrats’ nominee that year was — the wholly ineffectual Michael Dukakis.
Thirty-two years and one generational health crisis later, Joe Biden hasn’t really learned his lesson.
On Thursday, Biden slammed the Trump administration’s response to coronavirus. This was disheartening, if unsurprising. He then told the crowd his plan to fight coronavirus — which was almost exactly what the president had been proposing.
First, Biden’s condemnation of the administration’s COVID-19 efforts, which came during a speech in Wilmington, Delaware.
“The administration’s failure on testing is colossal,” Biden said, according to Yahoo News. “It’s a failure of planning, leadership and execution.
Do you think Biden is using the coronavirus to try to score political points? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (5127 Votes) No: 0% (14 Votes)
“We have to help the world to drive coordinated global strategy, not shut ourselves out from the world. Unfortunately, this virus laid bare the severe shortcoming of the current administration.”
He also criticized the administration’s European travel ban and claimed Trump’s reference to COVID-19 as a “foreign virus” — which is objectively true, since the outbreak started in a foreign country — was evidence of bigotry.
“Neither should we panic or fall back on xenophobia. … labeling [the coronavirus] a foreign virus does not displace accountability for misjudgments that have been taken thus far by the Trump admin,” Biden said. “Coronavirus does not have a political affiliation.”
He said this with a straight face during a speech where he was using coronavirus as a political bludgeon. Well, whatever. Nobody seemed to really notice, given that the speech was well-received by the usual voices:
It’s a very good speech–and a reminder of what the traditional presidency would emphasize at a moment like this. https://t.co/BaUTBDVq54 — Benjamin Wittes (@benjaminwittes) March 12, 2020
Joe Biden delivered a call for swift and urgent action to combat the coronavirus outbreak, in a speech that rebuked the Trump administration’s isolationist response and sought to preview how he would steer the nation through a crisis as its presidenthttps://t.co/xFrYlohSgT — POLITICO (@politico) March 12, 2020
WILMINGTON, Delaware—@joebiden‘s coronavirus speech was designed to look presidential. It worked. My dispatch from inside the room: https://t.co/fPLipCDtCZ — Hanna Trudo (@HCTrudo) March 12, 2020
The thing was, as Trump’s campaign pointed out, much of Biden’s “presidential” coronavirus plan was stolen from another president — namely, the current one.
“Joe Biden’s coronavirus remarks today sounded awfully familiar. Listening to him, we felt a sense of déjà vu,” the campaign declared on its website. “Here’s why: Biden blatantly ripped off President Trump, and bizarrely called on him to do things he has in fact already done.
“Joe Biden said ‘no efforts should be spared’ to get private labs and universities working to rapidly expand testing for coronavirus.
“President Trump already acted on this weeks ago, ordering the FDA to allow hundreds of private labs and academic hospitals to rapidly begin testing for coronavirus.
“Joe Biden said that small businesses will need relief from coronavirus’ economic impact.
“President Trump already moved decisively to provide $50 billion in liquidity to small business owners, and is asking Congress for even more.
“Joe Biden said it is critical for insurance companies to waive copays for coronavirus testing.
“President Trump already got it done, securing a commitment from the nation’s insurance providers to waive all copays on coronavirus testing and expand coverage of coronavirus treatment in all their benefit plans. “
Perhaps most critically, Biden said it was time to “accelerate” the search for a coronavirus vaccine — something the Trump administration had already done in January. According to CNBC, officials fast-tracked the vaccine with the hope of clinical trials in three months, although officials admitted this was an optimistic timeline. If there was a way to faster-track this, Biden didn’t make that clear.
Stealing ideas isn’t necessarily academic plagiarism, but stealing the ideas of a man you’re excoriating isn’t a good look.
The Thursday speech was apparently Biden’s presidential moment. If you wanted to look at it uncritically, it was. Democrats have always been able to project their idea of a perfect president on Biden, even if he isn’t presidential material.
Looking closer, 32 years hasn’t changed Biden much. He’s still stealing ideas, if not exact words. At least with Neil Kinnock, it was an ideological ally.
By the way, as the Trump campaign pointed out, Biden’s already been in a position where he could reassure the public in the face of a pandemic. He failed miserably.
“In the past, Joe Biden has shown terrible judgment and incompetence in the face of public health issues,” Tim Murtaugh, Trump campaign communications director, said in a statement.
“The Obama White House had to publicly apologize for and clean up after Biden when his irresponsible remarks caused panic during the swine flu outbreak in 2009. Just weeks ago, he was openly critical of President Trump’s early move to restrict travel from China to the United States in response to the coronavirus – a decision which medical experts agree helped impede the spread of the virus to this country.”
“President @realDonaldTrump acted early and decisively… His every move has been aimed at keeping Americans safe, while Joe Biden has sought to capitalize politically and stoke citizens’ fears.” – @TimMurtaugh @TeamTrump statement on Biden’s coronavirus speech ⬇ pic.twitter.com/nZHKt89nn3 — Kayleigh McEnany (@kayleighmcenany) March 12, 2020
Even Politifact, a fact-checking organization that generally leans left-ish, rated the administration’s criticisms of Biden’s comments on the H1N1 virus 11 years ago as “Mostly True.”
While the Obama administration never issued an official apology for Biden’s remarks during the swine flu outbreak, his comments on it were both irresponsible and unscientific.
“When one person sneezes [the virus] goes all the way through the aircraft,” Biden said during an appearance on “Today.”
He also advised against taking the subway.
“If you’re out in the middle of a field and someone sneezes, that’s one thing; if you’re in a closed aircraft or closed container or closed car or closed classroom, it’s a different thing.”
While there was an apology to those who were “unduly alarmed,” there was nothing in the way of an official apology.
Aside from that, all of that is true.
Perhaps, then, we shouldn’t be so annoyed over his ideological plagiarism. By essentially copying the Trump plan, he’s co-signing it.
I’m not sure whether I should be comforted or alarmed by that, given Biden’s predilection for being totally wrong and his decision to politicize a national emergency, but at least he’s not talking about whole planes getting infected by coronavirus anymore.
That’s something, right?
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