westernjournal--2020-04-20--Patton Oswalt Gets Roasted After Comparing Coronavirus Lockdown Protesters to Anne Frank

Even a liberal comic should know that an Anne Frank joke won ’ t fly .
But comedian Patton Oswalt decided to give it a whirl over the weekend with an atrocious post on Twitter that compared Americans protesting the prolonged economic lockdown caused by the coronavirus to the young Jewish girl who hid from the Nazis in World War II Amsterdam .
Oswalt was aiming to insult the protesters but ended up smothered in scorn himself .
“ Anne Frank spent 2 years hiding in an attic and we ’ ve been home for just over a month with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and there are people risking viral death by storming state capital buildings & screaming , ‘ Open Fuddruckers !
’ ” he wrote .
TRENDING : Cuomo Calls Trump Comments Bulls*** , But Turns Out Cuomo Created That Bull with Selective Editing That would probably have ’ em roaring in Malibu or the other tony enclaves where Hollywood ’ s rich and famous are hunkered down .
In fact , it would be a hit in any bubble world where real people don ’ t have to worry about real problems .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media , and while he had some supporters , the general backlash was scathing .
For a wealthy entertainer , the lockdown might look like time off binging on streaming television , but for the unwashed masses who have families to feed and bills to pay , it ’ s a considerably different story .
It ’ s a classic example of the glitterati that doesn ’ t get it .
Most Americans understand by now that the Chinese-imported coronavirus represents a deadly threat .
They understand that some unpleasant measures are necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life .
( It ’ s a good bet they understand it a lot better than any pampered celebrity . )
For many millions of Americans , though , lost employment , unpaid bills and dreams deferred are also a threat .
They ’ re not saying the country needs to ignore the potential for disease , they ’ re saying there ’ s got to be a way around it — and as American citizens , they have the right to make those feelings known , no matter how much Oswalt et @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no stranger to recent controversy .
This is the guy who , a little more than a month ago , made headlines with another social media post that fantasized about President Donald Trump ’ s supporters dying of COVID-19 .
In short , for viewers who know him best as the lovable loser Spence Olchin on the old “ King of Queens ” show , his public image has come a long way in the wrong direction .
But the joke wasn ’ t just elitist , it was ignorant of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic ones .
For a lot of Americans who ’ ve been watching as state governors indulge their totalitarian bents while cops detain dads in parks and some overeager sheriffs decide arresting pastors is a smart law-and-order tactic , the prolonged lockdown is a sign that fundamental American liberties are at risk .
And it was essentially self-defeating .
As one Twitter poster pointed out , carrying the analogy to its logical conclusion , comparing the protesters to the famous young Jewish girl who hid because the alternative was death puts those in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the murderous Nazi regime .
Obviously , Oswalt never intended to make his side look like the villains in the Anne Frank story .
But that ’ s the kind of thing that happens when a Hollywood airhead with an ax to grind decides to invoke one of the great tragedies of history in a juvenile attempt to make political opponents look stupid .
Oswalt should also have remembered that young Anne Frank was captured and died a tormented death in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp .
It ’ s not a story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an idiot liberal comedian trying to impress an idiot liberal audience .
There ’ s a reason Anne Frank jokes don ’ t fly .
Maybe Oswalt and his fans will have the decency someday to understand why .
They might even understand that some Americans need to work for a living , too .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Even a liberal comic should know that an Anne Frank joke won’t fly.
But comedian Patton Oswalt decided to give it a whirl over the weekend with an atrocious post on Twitter that compared Americans protesting the prolonged economic lockdown caused by the coronavirus to the young Jewish girl who hid from the Nazis in World War II Amsterdam.
Oswalt was aiming to insult the protesters but ended up smothered in scorn himself.
“Anne Frank spent 2 years hiding in an attic and we’ve been home for just over a month with Netflix, food delivery & video games and there are people risking viral death by storming state capital buildings & screaming, ‘Open Fuddruckers!’” he wrote.
Anne Frank spent 2 years hiding in an attic and we’ve been home for just over a month with Netflix, food delivery & video games and there are people risking viral death by storming state capital buildings & screaming, “Open Fuddruckers!” — Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) April 18, 2020
That would probably have ’em roaring in Malibu or the other tony enclaves where Hollywood’s rich and famous are hunkered down. In fact, it would be a hit in any bubble world where real people don’t have to worry about real problems.
But Oswalt was making his joke on social media, and while he had some supporters, the general backlash was scathing.
For a wealthy entertainer, the lockdown might look like time off binging on streaming television, but for the unwashed masses who have families to feed and bills to pay, it’s a considerably different story.
Hi Mr. Oswalt,
Roughly 22 million Americans are out of work. There are news reports of miles-long lines of cars at food distribution centers. People aren’t asking for restrictions to be lifted so they can go to Fuddruckers, they are doing so b/c they want to earn money to eat. — Wes (@wcrickards) April 18, 2020
This is extremely elitist, many of these people are out of work and on their last leg. Yes, if you are part of the lucky few who are able to work from home or have jobs that are essential it seems this easy. Millions of Americans are struggling right now… come on Patton! — Andrew Burns (@andrew_burns94) April 18, 2020
22 million new jobless claims in 4 weeks.
“Having to watch netflix” is not the extent of the problem they’re protesting.
Check your wealthy privilege. — Carlos America (@CarlosTheRight) April 18, 2020
“Let them eat kale!” laughed the rich comedian. — Bridget Phetasy (@BridgetPhetasy) April 18, 2020
It’s a classic example of the glitterati that doesn’t get it. Most Americans understand by now that the Chinese-imported coronavirus represents a deadly threat. They understand that some unpleasant measures are necessary to deal with the unpleasant parts of life. (It’s a good bet they understand it a lot better than any pampered celebrity.)
Do you think the U.S. is ready to reopen its economy? Yes No
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For many millions of Americans, though, lost employment, unpaid bills and dreams deferred are also a threat. They’re not saying the country needs to ignore the potential for disease, they’re saying there’s got to be a way around it — and as American citizens, they have the right to make those feelings known, no matter how much Oswalt et al might not like it.
Oswalt is no stranger to recent controversy. This is the guy who, a little more than a month ago, made headlines with another social media post that fantasized about President Donald Trump’s supporters dying of COVID-19.
In short, for viewers who know him best as the lovable loser Spence Olchin on the old “King of Queens” show, his public image has come a long way in the wrong direction.
But the joke wasn’t just elitist, it was ignorant of the fact that there are bigger concerns than economic ones.
For a lot of Americans who’ve been watching as state governors indulge their totalitarian bents while cops detain dads in parks and some overeager sheriffs decide arresting pastors is a smart law-and-order tactic, the prolonged lockdown is a sign that fundamental American liberties are at risk.
Anne Frank faced a much more credible threat. Our greatest threat here is the one against our Constitutional rights. — Kash Jackson (@KashJackson2018) April 18, 2020
And it was essentially self-defeating. As one Twitter poster pointed out, carrying the analogy to its logical conclusion, comparing the protesters to the famous young Jewish girl who hid because the alternative was death puts those in charge of the lockdowns on the side of the murderous Nazi regime.
Maybe living under Nazis is not a good model to emulate, eh? — Robert Barnes (@Barnes_Law) April 18, 2020
Obviously, Oswalt never intended to make his side look like the villains in the Anne Frank story. But that’s the kind of thing that happens when a Hollywood airhead with an ax to grind decides to invoke one of the great tragedies of history in a juvenile attempt to make political opponents look stupid.
Oswalt should also have remembered that young Anne Frank was captured and died a tormented death in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.
It’s not a story to joke about – not even for an idiot liberal comedian trying to impress an idiot liberal audience.
There’s a reason Anne Frank jokes don’t fly. Maybe Oswalt and his fans will have the decency someday to understand why.
They might even understand that some Americans need to work for a living, too.
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westernjournal--2020-04-20--Texas Governor Wants To Lead Country in Reopening: ‘God’s Hand Is Working’

Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott invoked his faith in God as an integral part of the route Texans and the nation can take they move forward toward recovery from the coronavirus pandemic .
Abbott appeared via video during Sunday ’ s service of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano , led by Pastor Jack Graham .
The Republican governor noted that when he talks about faith as an element of recovery , he knows how it works — sharing his story of how faith helped him after an accident left him paralyzed at age 26 .
“ As you might imagine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it tests your faith , ” Abbott said .
“ Why would God allow something like this to happen ?
“ But , very importantly , I found in the aftermath of that , as I continued to reach out to God , I found God reaching right back out to me , and my relationship with God and Jesus Christ grew even closer after the accident .
And it empowered me to go on and become governor of the great state of Texas .
TRENDING : Cuomo Calls Trump Comments Bulls*** @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bull with Selective Editing “ My point is this : We ’ re all tested .
We ’ re all challenged .
Everybody right now , but in your own unique way , every single person watching this today — you have your own tests and your own challenges , and there is a solution .
“ There is something that will support you that you can lean on that will always be there for you .
That ’ s Jesus Christ .
God almighty .
You lean on Jesus and God and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You ’ ll be able to weather this storm.
” Abbott noted that life is never without trials .
“ You know , God never promised us a life free of storms , ” he said .
“ What God promised was a pathway through those storms .
That ’ s what I ’ ve seen in my own life .
That ’ s what I ’ m seeing in Texas.
” The governor praised Graham and his congregation for continuing to safely worship and pray for the nation to recover .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ congregation and what you have prayed for is beginning to be answered .
The growth of the coronavirus in Texas is slowing by people staying at home , by people reducing interaction with others , ” Abbott said .
“ God ’ s hand is working through the scientists across this great nation by coming up with fast , innovative drugs that would lead to therapeutic remedies , ” he said .
As his segment ended , Abbott shared one final message .
RELATED : First Amendment Triumphs Over TX Judge Who Tried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your faith in God , ” the governor said .
“ God will bring you through this , and Texas will once again rise up to be the No .
1 economy in the United States of America.
” Abbott ’ s embrace of faith struck a far different tone from Democratic New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo , who last week marginalized God when discussing the apparent plateauing of the increase in cases .
“ The number is down because we brought the number down .
God did not do that .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not do that .
A lot of pain and suffering did that , ” he said April 13 .
In an Op-Ed in National Review about Cuomo ’ s comments , Kathryn Jean Lopez mused that perhaps Cuomo “ can ’ t see because he ’ s stuck behind cameras.
” “ When Andrew Cuomo declares that God has played no role in our successes and protection and healing , he is missing why we need those churches open , ” she wrote .
“ While somehow movie theaters and churches are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phasing in public life again , we need the sacraments because we need grace , we need supernatural help .
“ We ’ ve shown ourselves to be good citizens , but some of us feel like we are dying inside .
Of course , that feeling may be a good sign .
The real bad death is in triumphant declarations that God has no hand in our lives at our most vulnerable .
We need him .
He is near .
And a lot of us give thanks to Him these Easter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mass or not .
“ We would not be here without Him , and we never want to be without Him .
And bodily death isn ’ t the worst that could happen.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott invoked his faith in God as an integral part of the route Texans and the nation can take as they move forward toward recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
Abbott appeared via video during Sunday’s service of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, led by Pastor Jack Graham.
The Republican governor noted that when he talks about faith as an element of recovery, he knows how it works — sharing his story of how faith helped him after an accident left him paralyzed at age 26.
“As you might imagine, when you face something like that, it tests your faith,” Abbott said. “Why would God allow something like this to happen?
“But, very importantly, I found in the aftermath of that, as I continued to reach out to God, I found God reaching right back out to me, and my relationship with God and Jesus Christ grew even closer after the accident. And it empowered me to go on and become governor of the great state of Texas.
“My point is this: We’re all tested. We’re all challenged. Everybody right now, but in your own unique way, every single person watching this today — you have your own tests and your own challenges, and there is a solution.
“There is something that will support you that you can lean on that will always be there for you. That’s Jesus Christ. God almighty. You lean on Jesus and God and you will be taken care of. You’ll be able to weather this storm.”
Abbott noted that life is never without trials.
“You know, God never promised us a life free of storms,” he said. “What God promised was a pathway through those storms. That’s what I’ve seen in my own life. That’s what I’m seeing in Texas.”
The governor praised Graham and his congregation for continuing to safely worship and pray for the nation to recover.
“What you all have done as a congregation and what you have prayed for is beginning to be answered. The growth of the coronavirus in Texas is slowing by people staying at home, by people reducing interaction with others,” Abbott said.
“God’s hand is working through the scientists across this great nation by coming up with fast, innovative drugs that would lead to therapeutic remedies,” he said.
Do you believe God is key to the nation's recovery? 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% (4817 Votes) No: 1% (70 Votes)
As his segment ended, Abbott shared one final message.
“Put your faith in God,” the governor said. “God will bring you through this, and Texas will once again rise up to be the No. 1 economy in the United States of America.”
Abbott’s embrace of faith struck a far different tone from Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who last week marginalized God when discussing the apparent plateauing of the increase in cases.
“The number is down because we brought the number down. God did not do that. Faith did not do that. Destiny did not do that. A lot of pain and suffering did that,” he said April 13.
In an Op-Ed in National Review about Cuomo’s comments, Kathryn Jean Lopez mused that perhaps Cuomo “can’t see because he’s stuck behind cameras.”
“When Andrew Cuomo declares that God has played no role in our successes and protection and healing, he is missing why we need those churches open,” she wrote. “While somehow movie theaters and churches are getting lumped into the same category of phasing in public life again, we need the sacraments because we need grace, we need supernatural help.
“We’ve shown ourselves to be good citizens, but some of us feel like we are dying inside. Of course, that feeling may be a good sign. The real bad death is in triumphant declarations that God has no hand in our lives at our most vulnerable. We need him. He is near. And a lot of us give thanks to Him these Easter days, whether we can go to Mass or not.
“We would not be here without Him, and we never want to be without Him. And bodily death isn’t the worst that could happen.”
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westernjournal--2020-04-20--Trump Goes Off on CNN Reporter at Briefing: ‘You Don’t Have the Brains You Were Born With’

President Donald Trump lashed out at CNN reporter Jeremy Diamond on Sunday after Diamond criticized the president during the daily White House coronavirus task force briefing .
Trump seemed to expect a confrontation when , as he called on Diamond , he breathed into the microphone , “ Yeah , here we go.
” Diamond , noting the toll of the coronavirus on America , asked the president , “ Can you explain , then , why you come out here and you were reading clips and showing clips of praise for you and for your administration ?
Is this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I will tell you this , ” Trump said .
“ What I ’ m doing is I ’ m standing up for the men and women that have done such an incredible job , not for me , for the men and women , admirals , and vice president , if I might , but all of the men and women — thousands , tens of thousands of them — they built hospitals in New York and New Jersey and all over this country in record time .
They ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days .
I ’ m sticking up for those people .
Those people have been incredible .
I ’ m also sticking up for doctors and nurses and military doctors and nurses.
” The CNN reporter then argued that Trump had played video clips and read comments praising his administration .
TRENDING : Cuomo Calls Trump Comments Bulls*** , But Turns Out Cuomo Created That Bull with Selective Editing “ All I played today was Governor Cuomo saying very positive things about the job the federal government has done , ” Trump said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Andrew Cuomo .
“ Those people have been just absolutely excoriated by some of the fake news like you , ” he said .
“ You ’ re CNN .
You ’ re fake news .
And let me just tell you , they were excoriated by people like you that don ’ t know any better because you don ’ t have the brains you were born with .
You should be praising the people that have done a good job , not doing what you do , even that question.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the president said .
“ Look , you ’ re never going to treat me fairly , many of you , and I understand that .
I don ’ t even know , I got here with the worst , most unfair press treatment , they say , in the history of the United States for a president .
They did say Abraham Lincoln had very bad treatment , too.
” Diamond noted that a Wall Street Journal article said Trump was “ remaking the playbook.
” “ Well , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s an exercise in how to do it and what to do , and that ’ s good for the future , ” the president said .
“ People can learn from that .
But I want the men and women of this country that are in danger , the admirals and the generals that have done a job like they ’ ve never done before — they ’ re in war , ” Trump said .
“ We ’ re in war .
You know , I call it the invisible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it ’ s a dangerous war .
We ’ re also at a level when you said 40,000 people , and you ’ re right , almost 40,000 people – “ Diamond then interjected that the number was 41,000 .
“ Correct me .
Good .
Well , I ’ m really glad you corrected me , CNN , but here ’ s the story .
Let me just tell you something .
If we didn ’ t do what we did , the 40,000 right now could be a million people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not 40,000 .
It could be a million , ” Trump said .
RELATED : Elon Musk Fires Back at CNN Over Ventilator Story , Says What 's 'Most Surprising Is that CNN Still Exists' “ We ’ re tracking at much less than the lowest possible estimate , and that ’ s a great tribute to a number of people and a number of things .
One of the things that it ’ s attributed to is what ’ s taken place in this country with the American people because they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve done it .
They ’ ve done a job that nobody thought was possible , and in fact , when they did the models , as they call them , nobody thought it was possible .
They did models not based on this kind of success , ” he said .
The president then noted how Americans have changed their lives .
“ I ’ ve seen New York streets , and I see it in the morning , I ’ ve watched all my life , New York streets , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pavement , there ’ s so many people , ” Trump said .
“ And you take a look this morning , you take a look even on Friday morning , I looked at it .
I saw it through a camera .
There wasn ’ t a person on Fifth Avenue .
There wasn ’ t a person on Madison Avenue .
I ’ ve never seen anything like it because people have really listened to instructions , and they ’ ve listened to what we ’ ve had to say , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ listened .
“ People should really give them a lot of credit , including people like you , because you just don ’ t have the sense to understand what ’ s going on.
” The exchange was much like one earlier this month in which CNN ’ s Jim Acosta mocked the president ’ s briefings as “ happy talk.
” “ This is not happy talk .
Maybe it ’ s happy talk for you .
It ’ s not happy talk for me .
We are talking about death , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later added , “ When you ask a question like that , it ’ s very insulting to a lot of great people.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

President Donald Trump lashed out at CNN reporter Jeremy Diamond on Sunday after Diamond criticized the president during the daily White House coronavirus task force briefing.
Trump seemed to expect a confrontation when, as he called on Diamond, he breathed into the microphone, “Yeah, here we go.”
Diamond, noting the toll of the coronavirus on America, asked the president, “Can you explain, then, why you come out here and you were reading clips and showing clips of praise for you and for your administration? Is this really the time for self-congratulations?”
“I will tell you this,” Trump said. “What I’m doing is I’m standing up for the men and women that have done such an incredible job, not for me, for the men and women, admirals, and vice president, if I might, but all of the men and women — thousands, tens of thousands of them — they built hospitals in New York and New Jersey and all over this country in record time. They’d throw up a thousand beds in four days. I’m sticking up for those people. Those people have been incredible. I’m also sticking up for doctors and nurses and military doctors and nurses.”
The CNN reporter then argued that Trump had played video clips and read comments praising his administration.
“All I played today was Governor Cuomo saying very positive things about the job the federal government has done,” Trump said, referring to Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
“Those people have been just absolutely excoriated by some of the fake news like you,” he said. “You’re CNN. You’re fake news. And let me just tell you, they were excoriated by people like you that don’t know any better because you don’t have the brains you were born with. You should be praising the people that have done a good job, not doing what you do, even that question.”
“Nothing’s about me,” the president said. “Look, you’re never going to treat me fairly, many of you, and I understand that. I don’t even know, I got here with the worst, most unfair press treatment, they say, in the history of the United States for a president. They did say Abraham Lincoln had very bad treatment, too.”
Do you think the CNN reporter's question was out of line? Yes No
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Diamond noted that a Wall Street Journal article said Trump was “remaking the playbook.”
“Well, that’s a positive thing because that’s an exercise in how to do it and what to do, and that’s good for the future,” the president said.
“People can learn from that. But I want the men and women of this country that are in danger, the admirals and the generals that have done a job like they’ve never done before — they’re in war,” Trump said. “We’re in war. You know, I call it the invisible enemy. That’s their war and it’s a dangerous war. We’re also at a level when you said 40,000 people, and you’re right, almost 40,000 people –”
Diamond then interjected that the number was 41,000.
“Correct me. Good. Well, I’m really glad you corrected me, CNN, but here’s the story. Let me just tell you something. If we didn’t do what we did, the 40,000 right now could be a million people. It could be a million people, not 40,000. It could be a million,” Trump said.
“We’re tracking at much less than the lowest possible estimate, and that’s a great tribute to a number of people and a number of things. One of the things that it’s attributed to is what’s taken place in this country with the American people because they’ve gone inside. They’ve done it. They’ve done a job that nobody thought was possible, and in fact, when they did the models, as they call them, nobody thought it was possible. They did models not based on this kind of success,” he said.
The president then noted how Americans have changed their lives.
“I’ve seen New York streets, and I see it in the morning, I’ve watched all my life, New York streets, and you can’t even see the pavement, there’s so many people,” Trump said. “And you take a look this morning, you take a look even on Friday morning, I looked at it. I saw it through a camera. There wasn’t a person on Fifth Avenue. There wasn’t a person on Madison Avenue. I’ve never seen anything like it because people have really listened to instructions, and they’ve listened to what we’ve had to say, and the professionals, they’ve listened.
“People should really give them a lot of credit, including people like you, because you just don’t have the sense to understand what’s going on.”
The exchange was much like one earlier this month in which CNN’s Jim Acosta mocked the president’s briefings as “happy talk.”
“This is not happy talk. Maybe it’s happy talk for you. It’s not happy talk for me. We are talking about death,” Trump said in reply.
He later added, “When you ask a question like that, it’s very insulting to a lot of great people.”
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westernjournal--2020-04-20--Bill Maher, Left Without Fawning Studio Audience, Gets Utterly Exposed by Dan Crenshaw

The HBO host has built a career on combining a sharp wit with deadpan , sometimes malicious humor that draws predictable applause from his left-leaning “ Real Time ” audience .
But when he tried to take on Republican Rep. Dan Crenshaw on Friday , Maher was stuck in his own home – thanks to the coronavirus lockdown – and without the benefit of a crowd to support him , he got taken apart with cold logic .
On everything from President Donald Trump ’ s response to the coronavirus crisis to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ’ s inept attacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for voting rights , Maher was simply outclassed by the Texas congressman .
TRENDING : Cuomo Calls Trump Comments Bulls*** , But Turns Out Cuomo Created That Bull with Selective Editing The conversation started out friendly enough , with Maher praising Crenshaw ’ s handling of a disgraceful affair when he was mocked by Pete Davidson , the “ Saturday Night Live ” comic who thought it was funny to make fun of a man who ’ d lost an eye in military service to his country .
Crenshaw responded that Maher tends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the left these days – which is true enough .
But the bar there is so low as to be nonexistent .
The chumminess ended , though , when Maher tried to turn the interview into an attack on Trump , and Crenshaw more than had his defenses ready .
Not only did Trump act quickly to protect Americans from the coronavirus with the Jan. 31 ban on travelers from China , Crenshaw said , but the president actually faced open Democratic resistance in doing it .
“ That same day , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No Ban Act , which would be a congressional limitation on what President Trump [ was ] actually able to do with that travel restriction , ” he said , about the 5-minute mark .
At another point , Crenshaw described Pelosi ’ s response after Feb. 24 , when the Trump administration requested $ 2.5 billion in supplemental funding from Congress for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , National Institutes of Health and Food and Drug Administration for coronavirus-related spending .
“ What happened right then ?
” Crenshaw said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because I was in Congress and I know what happened .
Did we vote on a supplemental funding bill ?
No .
Did we wait days to vote ?
No , still didn ’ t vote on it .
“ You know what we voted on later that week ?
Nancy Pelosi , the only thing she would put on the floor to vote on was a bill to ban flavored tobacco .
That ’ s what actually happened .
It was only a week later that we voted on supplemental funding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lib Bill Maher Forced To Admit Trump Will Be ‘ Hard To Beat ’ After His ‘ Best Week Ever ’ As an example of Democratic fecklessness during the Peloso reign of error , that ban on flavored tobacco vote in the face of a pandemic was about perfect : an overreaching , autocratic and essentially pointless act that ignores the basic purpose of government , which is to ensure the public ’ s safety .
When Maher tried another line of attack , citing long lines for voting in Houston during Super @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as evidence that Republicans somehow want to discourage Americans from participation in elections , Crenshaw cut him flat by pointing out that Houston is run by Democrats and any problems with elections there should be placed at the Democrats ’ door .
He then outlined problems with the latest Democratic fetish of mail-in voting that left the HBO host essentially speechless .
In a nutshell , Crenshaw said the system would be too prone to error , without even counting the massive possibility of fraud involved .
One thing that was clear throughout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the brightest , most articulate spokesman on the liberal end of the spectrum — is in deep trouble when he ’ s matched with an equally bright , equally articulate spokesman for the conservative cause .
Without the trained seals of a studio audience backing him up , his schtick fell flat .
Crenshaw , on the other hand , earned plenty of plaudits on social media .
But this one nailed it .
Even liberals can ’ t deny that in the overheated atmosphere of contemporary politics , Dan Crenshaw is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s battle-tested – literally .
He ’ s knowledgeable , and as that conversation with Maher showed , he shows every sign of being more interested in getting to the truth of the argument than simply winning it .
Maher and other liberals should take a lesson .
The roar from the liberal , home-team crowd isn ’ t always going to be there .
And the simpering approval of the mainstream media is losing its power with the American public .
And in a one-on-one debate with an informed opponent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Bill Maher needed backup.
The HBO host has built a career on combining a sharp wit with deadpan, sometimes malicious humor that draws predictable applause from his left-leaning “Real Time” audience.
But when he tried to take on Republican Rep. Dan Crenshaw on Friday, Maher was stuck in his own home – thanks to the coronavirus lockdown – and without the benefit of a crowd to support him, he got taken apart with cold logic.
On everything from President Donald Trump’s response to the coronavirus crisis to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s inept attacks to hackneyed liberal criticism of Republican respect for voting rights, Maher was simply outclassed by the Texas congressman.
Bill Maher gets REKT without the high production spell that is Hollywood. No phony studio audience to save him. Great job by @DanCrenshawTX. pic.twitter.com/FWBgGsYJnO — Austen Fletcher (@fleccas) April 19, 2020
The conversation started out friendly enough, with Maher praising Crenshaw’s handling of a disgraceful affair when he was mocked by Pete Davidson, the “Saturday Night Live” comic who thought it was funny to make fun of a man who’d lost an eye in military service to his country.
Crenshaw responded that Maher tends to be more open-minded than most on the left these days – which is true enough. But the bar there is so low as to be nonexistent.
The chumminess ended, though, when Maher tried to turn the interview into an attack on Trump, and Crenshaw more than had his defenses ready.
Not only did Trump act quickly to protect Americans from the coronavirus with the Jan. 31 ban on travelers from China, Crenshaw said, but the president actually faced open Democratic resistance in doing it.
“That same day, on Jan. 31, Nancy Pelosi proposed the No Ban Act, which would be a congressional limitation on what President Trump [was] actually able to do with that travel restriction,” he said, about the 5-minute mark.
At another point, Crenshaw described Pelosi’s response after Feb. 24, when the Trump administration requested $2.5 billion in supplemental funding from Congress for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health and Food and Drug Administration for coronavirus-related spending.
“What happened right then?” Crenshaw said. “I’ll tell you, because I was in Congress and I know what happened. Did we vote on a supplemental funding bill? No. Did we wait days to vote? No, still didn’t vote on it.
“You know what we voted on later that week? Nancy Pelosi, the only thing she would put on the floor to vote on was a bill to ban flavored tobacco. That’s what actually happened. It was only a week later that we voted on supplemental funding that the administration requested.”
As an example of Democratic fecklessness during the Peloso reign of error, that ban on flavored tobacco vote in the face of a pandemic was about perfect: an overreaching, autocratic and essentially pointless act that ignores the basic purpose of government, which is to ensure the public’s safety.
When Maher tried another line of attack, citing long lines for voting in Houston during Super Tuesday’s primary election March 3 as evidence that Republicans somehow want to discourage Americans from participation in elections, Crenshaw cut him flat by pointing out that Houston is run by Democrats and any problems with elections there should be placed at the Democrats’ door.
He then outlined problems with the latest Democratic fetish of mail-in voting that left the HBO host essentially speechless. In a nutshell, Crenshaw said the system would be too prone to error, without even counting the massive possibility of fraud involved.
Do you see higher office ahead for Dan Crenshaw? Yes No
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One thing that was clear throughout the segment was that Maher — one of the brightest, most articulate spokesman on the liberal end of the spectrum — is in deep trouble when he’s matched with an equally bright, equally articulate spokesman for the conservative cause.
Without the trained seals of a studio audience backing him up, his schtick fell flat.
Crenshaw, on the other hand, earned plenty of plaudits on social media.
Brilliant!!! Maher knew he lost the argument so he then becomes condescending at the end with the “you should know better”. In other words trying the old “I’m smarter than you” attitude. One of the best take downs of Maher!!! — Millychesterton (@Theresa68351492) April 19, 2020
@billmaher’s entire strategy was “look up a quote that Trump said and hope the other guy is less prepared.” Notice how he kept going back to “but he had a hunch” when Crenshaw kept going back to actions. — Michael (@MikeDeCSSL) April 19, 2020
But this one nailed it.
Everybody’s so addicted to performative snark and tribalized histrionics. To actually see a man of honor and intellect who can lead with clear vision and uncomprimised ethics is almost surreal. People like him give me hope for the further trials to come with this new decade. — Benin Templar (@PatrickSalaman2) April 19, 2020
Even liberals can’t deny that in the overheated atmosphere of contemporary politics, Dan Crenshaw is a breath of fresh air.
He’s battle-tested – literally. He’s knowledgeable, and as that conversation with Maher showed, he shows every sign of being more interested in getting to the truth of the argument than simply winning it.
Maher and other liberals should take a lesson.
The roar from the liberal, home-team crowd isn’t always going to be there. And the simpering approval of the mainstream media is losing its power with the American public.
And in a one-on-one debate with an informed opponent, Maher was outnumbered — badly.
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westernjournal--2020-04-20--Bipartisan House Group Reaches Agreement on ‘Back to Work’ Plan To Reopen the Country: Report

A new report indicates that a bipartisan group of House members has agreed upon a plan that can serve as the core of America ’ s roadmap for recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic .
The Fox News report said a group of 50 Congress members , dubbed the Problem Solvers Caucus and representing all ideologies , has developed a list of short-term and long-term actions needed to repair economic and societal damage as well as prepare the nation for what health experts have warned will be recurring bouts with the coronavirus .
“ The bottom line is people I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to understand what we think it takes to get everything moving again , ” Democratic Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey , who co-chairs the group , said .
“ What this checklist does is it shows that if you ’ re sincere and you want to put partisan politics aside … you can actually roll up your sleeves and you can find some common ground that makes a lot of good common sense , ” Republican Rep. Tom Reed of New York , the other co-chairman , said .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary votes at 218 and 60 to get it done.
” A White House roadmap released last week by President Donald Trump became fodder for bickering as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and some governors attacked it .
TRENDING : Cuomo Calls Trump Comments Bulls*** , But Turns Out Cuomo Created That Bull with Selective Editing The bipartisan group , however , developed its plan to find a way forward , requiring that anything on its list win the support of 75 percent of the caucus ’ members .
“ If we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s a pretty good indication that these are solid ideas substantively that can bring people together , ” Reed said .
The group ’ s plan is not final legislation but a group of core principles Republicans and Democrats on the panel want to see included in future legislation .
The plan envisions a new version of normal in which wearing of protective gear in public becomes business as usual while Americans await a vaccine for the coronavirus .
In particular , it calls for students and teachers to use protective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ In the short run , we need to do it to get our schools back open , ” Gottheimer told Fox News .
It seeks to require some form of social distancing in businesses as they reopen , increase cleaning and sanitizing in public spaces and develop benchmarks driven by data that can empower the Department of Homeland Security to ban travel from other nations when cases overseas spike .
According to the plan , a better data system is also needed across the nation of regional hot spots when outbreaks take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with real needs .
With the virus having exposed the reliance of Americans on China for pharmaceuticals and medical supplies , the plan would give companies incentives to bring production back to the U.S .
The roadmap to recovery includes help for small businesses through tax credits and loans as well as a system of relief for renters , landlords and homeowners who can ’ t meet obligations incurred before the virus-induced shutdown put millions of Americans out of work .
“ What this proposal is doing is really trying to lay some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better job of looking over the horizon and around the corners , ” Reed said .
“ And I ’ ll tell you we ’ ve learned so much over the last four weeks.
” The major public health priority in the plan calls for rapid testing to diagnose COVID-19 and testing to learn how many people have already developed antibodies .
“ The overall point is that we need to have testing , ” Gottheimer said .
“ It ’ s critical to be able to fully reopen.
” The lawmakers hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action they expect to become a major policy issue for months to come .
“ We ’ re going through this crisis for the next two years — by the time you get to a vaccine and the economic recovery , ” Reed said in explaining the immediate , short-term and longer-term goals of the plan .
“ There ’ s all different pieces to this at the state and federal and local level that we ’ re hoping this has an impact on , ” Gottheimer said .
“ And my hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ checklist for others … and as a way for people to feel comfortable that we actually are making important progress in this country [ and ] that we are moving toward getting back to work , which is absolutely essential as long as it ’ s done safely.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A new report indicates that a bipartisan group of House members has agreed upon a plan that can serve as the core of America’s roadmap for recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Fox News report said a group of 50 Congress members, dubbed the Problem Solvers Caucus and representing all ideologies, has developed a list of short-term and long-term actions needed to repair economic and societal damage as well as prepare the nation for what health experts have warned will be recurring bouts with the coronavirus.
“The bottom line is people I think are eager for a checklist. They want to understand what we think it takes to get everything moving again,” Democratic Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, who co-chairs the group, said.
“What this checklist does is it shows that if you’re sincere and you want to put partisan politics aside … you can actually roll up your sleeves and you can find some common ground that makes a lot of good common sense,” Republican Rep. Tom Reed of New York, the other co-chairman, said. “It also shows that you can get the necessary votes at 218 and 60 to get it done.”
A White House roadmap released last week by President Donald Trump became fodder for bickering as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and some governors attacked it.
The bipartisan group, however, developed its plan to find a way forward, requiring that anything on its list win the support of 75 percent of the caucus’ members.
“If we can get to 75 percent-plus consensus, that’s a pretty good indication that these are solid ideas substantively that can bring people together,” Reed said.
The group’s plan is not final legislation but a group of core principles Republicans and Democrats on the panel want to see included in future legislation.
The plan envisions a new version of normal in which wearing of protective gear in public becomes business as usual while Americans await a vaccine for the coronavirus.
Do you like this plan? 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: 65% (322 Votes) No: 35% (175 Votes)
In particular, it calls for students and teachers to use protective masks when they return to school.
“In the short run, we need to do it to get our schools back open,” Gottheimer told Fox News.
It seeks to require some form of social distancing in businesses as they reopen, increase cleaning and sanitizing in public spaces and develop benchmarks driven by data that can empower the Department of Homeland Security to ban travel from other nations when cases overseas spike.
According to the plan, a better data system is also needed across the nation of regional hot spots when outbreaks take place so that supplies can be matched with real needs.
With the virus having exposed the reliance of Americans on China for pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, the plan would give companies incentives to bring production back to the U.S.
The roadmap to recovery includes help for small businesses through tax credits and loans as well as a system of relief for renters, landlords and homeowners who can’t meet obligations incurred before the virus-induced shutdown put millions of Americans out of work.
“What this proposal is doing is really trying to lay some groundwork. We need to do a better job of looking over the horizon and around the corners,” Reed said. “And I’ll tell you we’ve learned so much over the last four weeks.”
The major public health priority in the plan calls for rapid testing to diagnose COVID-19 and testing to learn how many people have already developed antibodies.
“The overall point is that we need to have testing,” Gottheimer said. “It’s critical to be able to fully reopen.”
The lawmakers hope the plan will become the foundation for action they expect to become a major policy issue for months to come.
“We’re going through this crisis for the next two years — by the time you get to a vaccine and the economic recovery,” Reed said in explaining the immediate, short-term and longer-term goals of the plan.
“There’s all different pieces to this at the state and federal and local level that we’re hoping this has an impact on,” Gottheimer said. “And my hope is that this is used as a checklist for others … and as a way for people to feel comfortable that we actually are making important progress in this country [and] that we are moving toward getting back to work, which is absolutely essential as long as it’s done safely.”
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westernjournal--2020-04-20--Gunman Disguises Himself as Police Officer for 12-Hour Rampage, Deadliest Shooting in Canadian Histo

Gunman Disguises Himself as Police Officer for 12-Hour Rampage, Deadliest Shooting in Canadian History

A gunman disguised as a police officer went on a 12-hour rampage in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia , shooting people in their homes , setting fires and killing at least 16 people , including a police officer , in the deadliest such attack in the country ’ s history .
Officials said the suspected shooter , identified as 51-year-old Gabriel Wortman , who apparently worked as a denture-maker , was also dead .
Police did not provide a motive for the killings .
“ Today is a devastating day for Nova Scotia and will remain etched in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” a visibly shaken Lee Bergerman , an assistant RCMP commissioner , said at a news conference on Sunday .
TRENDING : Cuomo Calls Trump Comments Bulls*** , But Turns Out Cuomo Created That Bull with Selective Editing Overnight Saturday , police began advising residents of the rural town of Portapique , about 60 miles north of Halifax — already on lockdown because of the coronavirus pandemic — to lock their doors and stay in their basements .
Several bodies were later found inside and outside one home in the small town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at other locations .
The assault began late Saturday , and authorities believe the shooter may have targeted his first victims but then began attacking randomly .
Several homes in the area were set on fire as well .
RCMP spokesman Daniel Brien confirmed that 16 people had been killed in addition to the suspect .
The dead officer was identified as Constable Heidi Stevenson , a mother of two and a 23-year veteran of the force .
RELATED : Hero Coach Who Disarmed and Hugged Student Awarded by Congressional Medal of Honor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police said Wortman was thought to live part-time in Portapique .
Authorities said he wore a police uniform at one point and made his car look like a Royal Canadian Mounted Police cruiser .
Police first announced that they had arrested him at a gas station in Enfield , outside Halifax , but later said he had died .
It was not clear how , and they did not explain further .
“ This is one of the most senseless acts of violence in our province ’ s history , ” said Nova @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are relatively rare in Canada .
Before this weekend ’ s rampage , the country ’ s worst shooting came in 1989 when gunman Marc Lepine killed 14 women and himself at Montreal ’ s Ecole Polytechnique college .
“ As a country , in moments like these , we come together to support one another .
Together we will mourn with the families of the victims , and help them get through this difficult time , ” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a written news release .
While officials believe the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RCMP Chief Superintendent Chris Leather said many of the victims did not know the shooter .
“ That fact that this individual had a uniform and a police car at his disposal certainly speaks to it not being a random act , ” Leather said .
He added that police believe he acted alone .
At one point , there was an exchange of gunfire between the suspect and police , he said .
Cpl .
Lisa Croteau , a spokeswoman with the provincial force , said police received a call about “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night , and the investigation “ evolved into an active shooting investigation.
” Christine Mills , a resident of the area , said it had been a frightening night for the small town , with armed officers patrolling the streets .
In the morning , helicopters flew overhead searching for the suspect .
“ It ’ s nerve-wracking because you don ’ t know if somebody has lost their mind and is going to beat in your front door , ” she said .
Tom Taggart , a lawmaker who represents the Portapique @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the quiet community has been shaken .
“ This is just an absolutely wonderful , peaceful quiet community and the idea that this could happen in our community is unbelievable , ” Taggart said by phone from his home in nearby Bass River .
A Gabriel Wortman is listed as a denturist — a person who makes dentures — in the city of Dartmouth , near Halifax , according to the Denturist Society of Nova Scotia website .
A suspect photo issued by the RCMP appears to be of the same person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dentures by CTV Atlantic in 2014 .
Mills also said Wortman was known locally as someone who divided his time between a residence in Halifax and a residence in Portapique .
Taggart said he didn ’ t know Wortman well but spoke to him a few times when he telephoned about municipal issues .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A gunman disguised as a police officer went on a 12-hour rampage in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, shooting people in their homes, setting fires and killing at least 16 people, including a police officer, in the deadliest such attack in the country’s history.
Officials said the suspected shooter, identified as 51-year-old Gabriel Wortman, who apparently worked as a denture-maker, was also dead.
Police did not provide a motive for the killings.
“Today is a devastating day for Nova Scotia and will remain etched in the minds of many for years to come,” a visibly shaken Lee Bergerman, an assistant RCMP commissioner, said at a news conference on Sunday.
“Today is a devastating day for Nova Scotia and will remain etched in the minds of many for years to come.” –@RCMPNS Commanding Officer, Assistant Commissioner Lee Bergerman https://t.co/MNZ66ZYvCO — Bill Bratton (@CommissBratton) April 20, 2020
Overnight Saturday, police began advising residents of the rural town of Portapique, about 60 miles north of Halifax — already on lockdown because of the coronavirus pandemic — to lock their doors and stay in their basements.
Several bodies were later found inside and outside one home in the small town of Portapique. Bodies were also found at other locations.
The assault began late Saturday, and authorities believe the shooter may have targeted his first victims but then began attacking randomly.
Several homes in the area were set on fire as well.
RCMP spokesman Daniel Brien confirmed that 16 people had been killed in addition to the suspect.
The dead officer was identified as Constable Heidi Stevenson, a mother of two and a 23-year veteran of the force.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Blessed are the Peacemakers. RIP Cst. Heidi Stevenson. pic.twitter.com/hcliyjvZSd — Cst. Marc Taraso (@CstTaraso9345) April 20, 2020
Another officer was also injured.
Police said Wortman was thought to live part-time in Portapique. Authorities said he wore a police uniform at one point and made his car look like a Royal Canadian Mounted Police cruiser.
Police first announced that they had arrested him at a gas station in Enfield, outside Halifax, but later said he had died. It was not clear how, and they did not explain further.
“This is one of the most senseless acts of violence in our province’s history,” said Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil.
Mass shootings are relatively rare in Canada. Before this weekend’s rampage, the country’s worst shooting came in 1989 when gunman Marc Lepine killed 14 women and himself at Montreal’s Ecole Polytechnique college.
“As a country, in moments like these, we come together to support one another. Together we will mourn with the families of the victims, and help them get through this difficult time,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a written news release.
While officials believe the attack did not begin as random, RCMP Chief Superintendent Chris Leather said many of the victims did not know the shooter.
“That fact that this individual had a uniform and a police car at his disposal certainly speaks to it not being a random act,” Leather said.
He added that police believe he acted alone.
At one point, there was an exchange of gunfire between the suspect and police, he said.
Cpl. Lisa Croteau, a spokeswoman with the provincial force, said police received a call about “a person with firearms” late Saturday night, and the investigation “evolved into an active shooting investigation.”
Christine Mills, a resident of the area, said it had been a frightening night for the small town, with armed officers patrolling the streets. In the morning, helicopters flew overhead searching for the suspect.
“It’s nerve-wracking because you don’t know if somebody has lost their mind and is going to beat in your front door,” she said.
Tom Taggart, a lawmaker who represents the Portapique area in the Municipality of Colchester, said the quiet community has been shaken.
“This is just an absolutely wonderful, peaceful quiet community and the idea that this could happen in our community is unbelievable,” Taggart said by phone from his home in nearby Bass River.
A Gabriel Wortman is listed as a denturist — a person who makes dentures — in the city of Dartmouth, near Halifax, according to the Denturist Society of Nova Scotia website. A suspect photo issued by the RCMP appears to be of the same person seen in video footage being interviewed about dentures by CTV Atlantic in 2014.
Who was Gabriel Wortman, the denturist behind the Nova Scotia mass shooting? https://t.co/pCDP0M3wXn — National Post (@nationalpost) April 20, 2020
Mills also said Wortman was known locally as someone who divided his time between a residence in Halifax and a residence in Portapique.
Taggart said he didn’t know Wortman well but spoke to him a few times when he telephoned about municipal issues.
Taggart described knowing Wortman’s “lovely big home” on Portapique Beach Road.
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--2020-04-20--New Research Suggests Massive Number of Americans Have Had Coronavirus with No Symptoms

A flood of new research suggests that far more people have had the coronavirus without any symptoms , fueling hope that it will turn out to be much less lethal than originally feared .
While that ’ s clearly good news , it also means it ’ s impossible to know who around you may be contagious , complicating decisions about returning to work , school and normal life .
In the last week , reports of silent infections have come from a homeless shelter in Boston , a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier , pregnant women at a New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 25 percent of infected people might not have symptoms .
The vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , Gen. John Hyten , thinks it may be as high as 60 percent to 70 percent among military personnel .
TRENDING : Cuomo Calls Trump Comments Bulls*** , But Turns Out Cuomo Created That Bull with Selective Editing None of these numbers can be fully trusted because they ’ re based on flawed and inadequate testing , said Dr. Michael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public Health .
Collectively , though , they suggest “ we have just been off the mark by huge , huge numbers ” for estimating total infections , he said .
Worldwide , more than 2.4 million infections and more than 166,000 deaths have been confirmed , according to Johns Hopkins .
The virus has caused nearly unprecedented economic and social harm since its existence was reported in early January .
Based on known cases , health officials have said the virus usually causes mild or moderate flu-like illness .
Now evidence is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have no symptoms at all .
Scientists in Iceland screened 6 percent of its population to see how many had previously undetected infections and found that about 0.7 percent tested positive .
So did 13 percent of a group at higher risk because of recent travel or exposure to someone sick .
Aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt , where one crew member died from the virus , “ the rough numbers are that 40 percent are symptomatic , ” said Vice Adm. Phillip Sawyer , deputy commander of naval operations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ develop symptoms later , he warned .
In New York , a hospital tested all pregnant women coming in to deliver over a two-week period .
Nearly 14 percent of those who arrived with no symptoms of coronavirus turned out to have it .
Of the 33 positive cases , 29 had no symptoms when tested , although some developed them later .
Previously , tests on passengers and crew from the Diamond Princess cruise ship found nearly half who tested positive had no symptoms at the time .
Researchers estimate that 18 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These studies used tests that look for bits of the virus from throat and nose swabs , which can miss cases .
Someone can test negative one day if there ’ s not much virus to detect and then positive the next .
Symptoms also might not appear when someone is tested but turn up later .
One Japanese study found more than half of those who had no symptoms when they tested positive later felt sick .
Better answers may come from newer tests that check blood for antibodies , substances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
But the accuracy of these , too , is still to be determined .
On Friday , researchers reported results from antibody tests on 3,300 people in California ’ s Santa Clara County : Between 1.5 percent and 2.8 percent have been infected , they said .
That would mean 48,000 to 81,000 cases in the county — more than 50 times the number that have been confirmed .
The work has not been formally published or reviewed , but some scientists were quick to question it .
Participants were recruited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many people likely to be positive who have had symptoms and want to know if the coronavirus was the reason .
Some neighborhoods also had way more participants than others , and “ hot spots ” within the county might have made infections seem more common than they are elsewhere .
Ships , maternity wards and single counties also don ’ t provide data that can be used to generalize about what ’ s happening elsewhere .
And many of the figures have come from snapshots , not research on wide populations over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be done “ in an unbiased approach ” on groups of people that are representative of the geographic , social , racial and other conditions , Mina said .
The CDC and other groups plan such studies , and they could guide public health advice on returning to normal life for people in certain areas .
If infections are more widespread than previously understood , it ’ s possible that more people have developed some level of immunity to the virus .
That could stifle the spread through what ’ s called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is still much to learn about whether mild illnesses confer immunity and how long it might last .
It will probably be months before enough reliable testing has been done to answer those questions and others , including how widespread infections have been and the virus ’ s true mortality rate , which has only been estimated so far .
“ If they ’ ve all seen the virus before , then maybe you can relax in that neighborhood ” and ease social distancing , Mina said .
“ We ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be ” on antibody testing to do that yet , he said .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A flood of new research suggests that far more people have had the coronavirus without any symptoms, fueling hope that it will turn out to be much less lethal than originally feared.
While that’s clearly good news, it also means it’s impossible to know who around you may be contagious, complicating decisions about returning to work, school and normal life.
In the last week, reports of silent infections have come from a homeless shelter in Boston, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, pregnant women at a New York hospital, several European countries and California.
The head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 25 percent of infected people might not have symptoms.
The vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. John Hyten, thinks it may be as high as 60 percent to 70 percent among military personnel.
None of these numbers can be fully trusted because they’re based on flawed and inadequate testing, said Dr. Michael Mina of Harvard’s School of Public Health.
Collectively, though, they suggest “we have just been off the mark by huge, huge numbers” for estimating total infections, he said.
Worldwide, more than 2.4 million infections and more than 166,000 deaths have been confirmed, according to Johns Hopkins. The virus has caused nearly unprecedented economic and social harm since its existence was reported in early January.
STEALTH CASES
Based on known cases, health officials have said the virus usually causes mild or moderate flu-like illness. Now evidence is growing that a substantial number of people may have no symptoms at all.
Scientists in Iceland screened 6 percent of its population to see how many had previously undetected infections and found that about 0.7 percent tested positive. So did 13 percent of a group at higher risk because of recent travel or exposure to someone sick.
Aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, where one crew member died from the virus, “the rough numbers are that 40 percent are symptomatic,” said Vice Adm. Phillip Sawyer, deputy commander of naval operations. The ratio may change if more develop symptoms later, he warned.
In New York, a hospital tested all pregnant women coming in to deliver over a two-week period. Nearly 14 percent of those who arrived with no symptoms of coronavirus turned out to have it. Of the 33 positive cases, 29 had no symptoms when tested, although some developed them later.
Previously, tests on passengers and crew from the Diamond Princess cruise ship found nearly half who tested positive had no symptoms at the time. Researchers estimate that 18 percent of infected people never developed any.
FLAWED METHODS
These studies used tests that look for bits of the virus from throat and nose swabs, which can miss cases. Someone can test negative one day if there’s not much virus to detect and then positive the next.
Symptoms also might not appear when someone is tested but turn up later. One Japanese study found more than half of those who had no symptoms when they tested positive later felt sick.
Better answers may come from newer tests that check blood for antibodies, substances the immune system makes to fight the virus. But the accuracy of these, too, is still to be determined.
On Friday, researchers reported results from antibody tests on 3,300 people in California’s Santa Clara County: Between 1.5 percent and 2.8 percent have been infected, they said. That would mean 48,000 to 81,000 cases in the county — more than 50 times the number that have been confirmed.
The work has not been formally published or reviewed, but some scientists were quick to question it.
Participants were recruited through Facebook ads, which would attract many people likely to be positive who have had symptoms and want to know if the coronavirus was the reason.
Some neighborhoods also had way more participants than others, and “hot spots” within the county might have made infections seem more common than they are elsewhere.
Ships, maternity wards and single counties also don’t provide data that can be used to generalize about what’s happening elsewhere. And many of the figures have come from snapshots, not research on wide populations over time.
NEXT STEPS
Antibody testing in particular needs to be done “in an unbiased approach” on groups of people that are representative of the geographic, social, racial and other conditions, Mina said.
The CDC and other groups plan such studies, and they could guide public health advice on returning to normal life for people in certain areas.
If infections are more widespread than previously understood, it’s possible that more people have developed some level of immunity to the virus. That could stifle the spread through what’s called herd immunity, but scientists caution that there is still much to learn about whether mild illnesses confer immunity and how long it might last.
It will probably be months before enough reliable testing has been done to answer those questions and others, including how widespread infections have been and the virus’s true mortality rate, which has only been estimated so far.
“If they’ve all seen the virus before, then maybe you can relax in that neighborhood” and ease social distancing, Mina said. “We’re not anywhere close where we need to be” on antibody testing to do that yet, he said.
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--2020-04-22--Texas Governor Issues New Guidance for In-Person Church Services To Resume

Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton released new guidance on Tuesday regarding in-person religious services in the state .
Last month , Abbott issued an executive order listing religious services as among the “ essential services ” that can remain open during the Lone Star State ’ s shutdown .
The governor ’ s order , in fact , specifically added religious services to the list created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
“ If religious services can not be conducted from home or through remote services , they should be conducted consistent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the CDC by practicing good hygiene , environmental cleanliness , and sanitation , and by implementing social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 , ” Abbott ’ s March 31 order read .
In their updated guidance issued Tuesday , Abbott and Paxton noted it is their responsibility as top state government officials to ensure that Texans ’ right to worship — as guaranteed by the First Amendment , as well as Texas ’ constitution and laws — is not infringed .
TRENDING : Every American Needs To See Trump 's 'Nancy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't Care Less About Us In balancing that right during a public health crisis , they called for houses of worship to continue to “ conduct as many activities as possible remotely ” and to “ follow federal guidelines when providing services in person.
” When conducting services in person , the government leaders offered several suggestions .
“ Encourage all attendees who are 65 and above to stay home and watch the services online , or provide a ‘ senior service ’ exclusively for attendees 65 and above to attend in person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , congregations should “ [ a ] sk all attendees who have an underlying at-risk health condition to stay home and watch the services online.
” The guidance also called for ushers and greeters to wear gloves and masks and for churches to keep child care closed , “ unless the house of worship can comply with CDC guidelines for child care facilities.
” Additionally , attendees should “ sanitize their hands and put on a mask before entering the building ” and engage in social distancing by family units .
If necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times to make it possible to follow the government ’ s guidelines .
RELATED : Zuckerberg : Organizing Anti-Lockdown Protests on Facebook is 'Harmful Misinformation and We Take That Down' Finally , seats and frequently touched surfaces should be sanitized between services .
Kelly Shackelford , president and chief legal counsel with the religious liberty group First Liberty Institute , praised the move by Texas to allow its residents to worship together again in person .
“ We are pleased Texas no longer prohibits in-person religious services .
This clear guidance shows respect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long as churches , synagogues , and other houses of worship follow it , provides that they may resume in person meetings prudently , ” Shackelford said in a statement provided to The Western Journal .
On Sunday , Abbott shared the importance of his Christian faith via video during an online service for Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano , led by Pastor Jack Graham .
The Republican governor made clear that when he speaks about faith as an element of recovery , he knows what he is talking about from personal experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffered an injury that left him partially paralyzed from the waist down .
“ As you might imagine , when you face something like that , it tests your faith , ” Abbott said .
“ Why would God allow something like this to happen ?
“ But , very importantly , I found in the aftermath of that , as I continued to reach out to God , I found God reaching right back out to me , and my relationship with God and Jesus Christ grew even closer after the accident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on and become governor of the great state of Texas.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton released new guidance on Tuesday regarding in-person religious services in the state.
Last month, Abbott issued an executive order listing religious services as among the “essential services” that can remain open during the Lone Star State’s shutdown.
The governor’s order, in fact, specifically added religious services to the list created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“If religious services cannot be conducted from home or through remote services, they should be conducted consistent with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC by practicing good hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and sanitation, and by implementing social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Abbott’s March 31 order read.
In their updated guidance issued Tuesday, Abbott and Paxton noted it is their responsibility as top state government officials to ensure that Texans’ right to worship — as guaranteed by the First Amendment, as well as Texas’ constitution and laws — is not infringed.
In balancing that right during a public health crisis, they called for houses of worship to continue to “conduct as many activities as possible remotely” and to “follow federal guidelines when providing services in person.”
This updated guidance provides clear direction for houses of worship to protect the health and safety of their congregations as they continue to hold religious services, exercise religious liberty and serve their faith communities. https://t.co/dfdijkiK4b — Texas Attorney General (@TXAG) April 21, 2020
When conducting services in person, the government leaders offered several suggestions.
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“Encourage all attendees who are 65 and above to stay home and watch the services online, or provide a ‘senior service’ exclusively for attendees 65 and above to attend in person,” the guidance read.
Further, congregations should “[a]sk all attendees who have an underlying at-risk health condition to stay home and watch the services online.”
The guidance also called for ushers and greeters to wear gloves and masks and for churches to keep child care closed, “unless the house of worship can comply with CDC guidelines for child care facilities.”
Additionally, attendees should “sanitize their hands and put on a mask before entering the building” and engage in social distancing by family units.
If necessary, church leaders should add more service times to make it possible to follow the government’s guidelines.
Finally, seats and frequently touched surfaces should be sanitized between services.
Kelly Shackelford, president and chief legal counsel with the religious liberty group First Liberty Institute, praised the move by Texas to allow its residents to worship together again in person.
“We are pleased Texas no longer prohibits in-person religious services. This clear guidance shows respect for religious liberty, and, as long as churches, synagogues, and other houses of worship follow it, provides that they may resume in person meetings prudently,” Shackelford said in a statement provided to The Western Journal.
On Sunday, Abbott shared the importance of his Christian faith via video during an online service for Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, led by Pastor Jack Graham.
The Republican governor made clear that when he speaks about faith as an element of recovery, he knows what he is talking about from personal experience.
At the age of 26, he suffered an injury that left him partially paralyzed from the waist down.
“As you might imagine, when you face something like that, it tests your faith,” Abbott said. “Why would God allow something like this to happen?
“But, very importantly, I found in the aftermath of that, as I continued to reach out to God, I found God reaching right back out to me, and my relationship with God and Jesus Christ grew even closer after the accident. And it empowered me to go on and become governor of the great state of Texas.”
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westernjournal--2020-04-22--Vanessa Bryant Receives Flowers on What Would’ve Been Her 19th Wedding Anniversary with Kobe

Since Jan. 26 , the Bryant family hasn ’ t been the same .
Losing Kobe and Gianna was shocking for family , friends and fans — but it ’ s the family that feels their absence most deeply .
Kobe was at a point in his life where he had been wildly successful , and was looking forward to enjoying time with his family after working hard to get to where he was .
“ All he wanted was to spend time with our girls and me to make up for lost time , ” Vanessa Bryant posted on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be there for every single milestone and special moment in our girls lives.
” “ He only got to enjoy 3 years and 9 months of retirement .
We had 2 more daughters , he won an Oscar , he opened Granity studios , he became a 5x best selling author and coached Gianna ’ s basketball team in that time .
She worked hard and gave her all 7 days a week just like her daddy.
” “ I wish I could go back to that morning , every day .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 1/26 .
Life truly isn ’ t fair .
This is just senseless.
” TRENDING : Every American Needs To See Trump 's 'Nancy Antoinette ' Pelosi Ad - She Could n't Care Less About Us Vanessa has had to weather many reminders of her loss , including significant dates that would have been spent with her husband and daughter .
“ To my forever Valentine , I love you so much , ” she posted on Valentine ’ s Day .
“ Missing you so much on your favorite holiday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you and Gigi in heaven .
Happy Valentine ’ s Day , my babies .
With all my love , your boo-boo.
” Kobe and Vanessa were married on April 18 , 2001 , after they met during a music video two years prior when he was just 20 and she was in high school , according to ET Online .
“ We celebrate 12 years of marriage today , ” Kobe shared on Instagram in 2013 .
“ This pic is the day I asked @ ladyvb24 for her number 11/28/99.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been my love and best friend .
20 and 17 yrs old when we met , we have actually grown up together .
A true honor and a blessing .
Ti Amo Queen Mamba.
” In a video Vanessa shared on Instagram on their anniversary this year , Kobe spoke of her during an interview .
“ You know , it ’ s hard to pinpoint what exactly makes a person the one for you , but you just know !
” he said .
“ I mean , love is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explain it , and I don ’ t understand it , but all I know is , you know , she caught my heart .
And I just knew that she was the one.
” RELATED : Elderly Couple Holds Wedding Over Zoom So Friends and Family Can 'Attend' She also shared a photo of them from happier days .
“ My king , my heart , my best friend , ” she wrote .
“ Happy 19th wedding anniversary baby .
I miss you so much .
I wish you were here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I love you.
” On the day of their anniversary , Vanessa got a beautiful reminder of their love .
“ Anniversary flowers from my Kobe , ” she shared on Saturday .
“ Thank you for my red roses @ nataliabryant # GiannaBryant # BiankaBryant # CapriBryant @ jeffleatham Thank you for my beautiful pink floral bouquet @ catmcdonnell7 @ paugasol So thoughtful of all of you.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Since Jan. 26, the Bryant family hasn’t been the same. Losing Kobe and Gianna was shocking for family, friends and fans — but it’s the family that feels their absence most deeply.
Kobe was at a point in his life where he had been wildly successful, and was looking forward to enjoying time with his family after working hard to get to where he was.
“All he wanted was to spend time with our girls and me to make up for lost time,” Vanessa Bryant posted on April 13. “He wanted to be there for every single milestone and special moment in our girls lives.”
“He only got to enjoy 3 years and 9 months of retirement. We had 2 more daughters, he won an Oscar, he opened Granity studios, he became a 5x best selling author and coached Gianna’s basketball team in that time. She worked hard and gave her all 7 days a week just like her daddy.”
“I wish I could go back to that morning, every day. I wish they had a normal local game on 1/26. Life truly isn’t fair. This is just senseless.”
Vanessa has had to weather many reminders of her loss, including significant dates that would have been spent with her husband and daughter.
“To my forever Valentine, I love you so much,” she posted on Valentine’s Day. “Missing you so much on your favorite holiday. Te amo per sempre. Kisses to you and Gigi in heaven. Happy Valentine’s Day, my babies. With all my love, your boo-boo.”
Kobe and Vanessa were married on April 18, 2001, after they met during a music video two years prior when he was just 20 and she was in high school, according to ET Online.
“We celebrate 12 years of marriage today,” Kobe shared on Instagram in 2013. “This pic is the day I asked @ladyvb24 for her number 11/28/99.”
“Thru the ups and downs she has been my love and best friend. 20 and 17 yrs old when we met, we have actually grown up together. A true honor and a blessing. Ti Amo Queen Mamba.”
In a video Vanessa shared on Instagram on their anniversary this year, Kobe spoke of her during an interview.
“You know, it’s hard to pinpoint what exactly makes a person the one for you, but you just know!” he said. “I mean, love is a funny thing. I can’t explain it, and I don’t understand it, but all I know is, you know, she caught my heart. And I just knew that she was the one.”
She also shared a photo of them from happier days.
“My king, my heart, my best friend,” she wrote. “Happy 19th wedding anniversary baby. I miss you so much. I wish you were here to hold me in your arms. I love you.”
On the day of their anniversary, Vanessa got a beautiful reminder of their love.
“Anniversary flowers from my Kobe,” she shared on Saturday. “Thank you for my red roses @nataliabryant #GiannaBryant #BiankaBryant #CapriBryant @jeffleatham Thank you for my beautiful pink floral bouquet @catmcdonnell7 @paugasol So thoughtful of all of you.”
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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westernjournal--2020-04-21--Heroic Factory Workers Finally Clock Out After 28-Day Shift of Producing Vital Health Care Materials

American laborers sacrificing to work a nearly month-long shift were finally able to clock out Monday .
Braskem America in Delaware County , Pennsylvania , has been in operation round-the-clock for at least 28 days , manufacturing raw materials needed for the production of N95 masks , hospital gowns and sanitary wipes put in short supply by the ongoing pandemic .
Of course , a manufacturing effort of that magnitude requires manpower and , according to WPVI-TV , 40 Braskem staff members have shouldered the responsibility , volunteering to live at the facility for four weeks straight in order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams , the laborers traded off working 12-hour shifts — eating , sleeping and breaking together on-site .
Their only connections to the outside world were television news broadcasts and drive-by “ visits ” from family and friends .
TRENDING : Every American Needs To See Trump 's 'Nancy Antoinette ' Pelosi Ad - She Could n't Care Less About Us With the work taxing and the hours long , operations shift supervisor Joe Boyce told WPVI his staff were understandably relieved when clock-out came on Monday morning and they were able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s been a glow in everyone ’ s eyes , ” Boyce said .
The effort and sacrifice were well-invested , however , with the team of laborers unanimously agreeing the 28-day shift had been a worthwhile act of service .
“ We ’ re truly honored to be able to give back and support people we will never meet in some way , ” Boyce said .
“ All the first responders , all the people on the frontlines , we thank you , ” he added .
“ That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do.
” In fact , with many businesses closed by government mandate and Pennsylvania ’ s stay-at-home order extended by Democratic Gov .
Tom Wolf this week until May 8 , Boyce suggested the opportunity had been something of a blessing .
He explained that the workers at Braskem were able to have some normal human interaction during their month on the job .
RELATED : US Sees Lowest Coronavirus Death Tally in Two Weeks “ We ’ ve almost been the lucky ones , I ’ ll say for the last 28 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stand six feet from somebody .
I haven ’ t had to put a mask on , ” he said .
Pennsylvania state Sen. Tom Killion praised Braskem America staff on Twitter , calling their efforts “ a great example of the spirit of our community !
” The Alliance for American Manufacturing also took note of company ’ s hard work in bolstering the U.S. virus response , tweeting a virtual round of applause .
All 40 employees have been given a week off before they are expected to return to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to WPVI .
They will also all reportedly receive a raise .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

American laborers sacrificing to work a nearly month-long shift were finally able to clock out Monday.
Braskem America in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, has been in operation round-the-clock for at least 28 days, manufacturing raw materials needed for the production of N95 masks, hospital gowns and sanitary wipes put in short supply by the ongoing pandemic.
Of course, a manufacturing effort of that magnitude requires manpower and, according to WPVI-TV, 40 Braskem staff members have shouldered the responsibility, volunteering to live at the facility for four weeks straight in order to keep production moving.
Split into two teams, the laborers traded off working 12-hour shifts — eating, sleeping and breaking together on-site.
Their only connections to the outside world were television news broadcasts and drive-by “visits” from family and friends.
With the work taxing and the hours long, operations shift supervisor Joe Boyce told WPVI his staff were understandably relieved when clock-out came on Monday morning and they were able to return to their families.
“There’s been a glow in everyone’s eyes,” Boyce said.
The effort and sacrifice were well-invested, however, with the team of laborers unanimously agreeing the 28-day shift had been a worthwhile act of service.
Do you think American capitalism has been instrumental in the fight against the coronavirus? 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% (3211 Votes) No: 1% (41 Votes)
“We’re truly honored to be able to give back and support people we will never meet in some way,” Boyce said.
“All the first responders, all the people on the frontlines, we thank you,” he added. “That’s what makes our job easy to do.”
In fact, with many businesses closed by government mandate and Pennsylvania’s stay-at-home order extended by Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf this week until May 8, Boyce suggested the opportunity had been something of a blessing.
He explained that the workers at Braskem were able to have some normal human interaction during their month on the job.
“We’ve almost been the lucky ones, I’ll say for the last 28 days because I haven’t had to stand six feet from somebody. I haven’t had to put a mask on,” he said.
??? “More than 40 employees volunteered to spend 28 days at the Braskem America plant in Marcus Hook, near Philadelphia, to make polypropylene — a raw material needed to make N95 masks, medical gowns and other protective gear.” https://t.co/PGlHnBe4uf — AAM (@KeepitMadeinUSA) April 21, 2020
More than 40 employees at #Braskem in Marcus Hook #Delco volunteered to stay four full weeks to make polypropylene, the material needed for N95 masks, medical gowns and other #PPE. Such a great example of the spirit of our community! https://t.co/lAsUoj8i5X — Senator Tom Killion (@SenKillion) April 21, 2020
Pennsylvania state Sen. Tom Killion praised Braskem America staff on Twitter, calling their efforts “a great example of the spirit of our community!”
The Alliance for American Manufacturing also took note of company’s hard work in bolstering the U.S. virus response, tweeting a virtual round of applause.
All 40 employees have been given a week off before they are expected to return to the facility to work their normal hours, according to WPVI.
They will also all reportedly receive a raise.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-04-21--Celebrate the Good: More Than 600,000 People Have Reportedly Recovered from Coronavirus

Much of the fear we face regarding COVID-19 has to do with just how little we really know about it , how invisible it is and how it forces people to play a horrible waiting game .
When cases first started popping up in the states , there weren ’ t enough tests available to really get a good idea of the scope of the spread , and even now many places won ’ t test potential patients who are only presenting mild symptoms .
China has updated its numbers , now stating that it has confirmed 83,853 cases of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 77,779 recoveries , according to data from Johns Hopkins .
There are still some staggering numbers being reported .
Over 2.5 million cases have been confirmed worldwide , and the most have been reported by the United States at 820,104 on Tuesday afternoon .
That ’ s a terrifying number — but it ’ s out of over 4 million people who have been tested .
And while over 14,500 have died in New York City alone , over 75,000 have recovered in the United States as a whole .
TRENDING : Every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Antoinette ' Pelosi Ad - She Could n't Care Less About Us Worldwide , though there have been 176,323 deaths , there have been 679,748 recoveries so far — certainly an encouraging number , and hopefully it will be reflected in the patients still battling the virus .
Those who have been released with an all-clear from the hospitals are certainly celebrating .
Nurses , doctors , family members and friends are all relieved when a patient gets to go home .
Take Baptist Health South Florida for example .
On April 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a longtime married couple being wheeled out of the hospital together , both having beaten the virus .
“ Hospital staff members cheer as a couple leaves the hospital after beating # COVID19 , ” BHSF shared on Instagram .
“ Married for 45 years , Doriela and Carlos both tested positive and were admitted to the hospital on the same day .
After a long stay , hand-in-hand they celebrated being discharged with their care team at West Kendall Baptist Hospital.
” On the back of their respective wheelchairs were pieces of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Discharged , ” in a cute nod to the message often scrawled on newlyweds ’ cars .
“ In more good news : see one family surprise their ‘ Abu Pepe ’ as he was discharged from Baptist Hospital after beating # COVID19 , ” the hospital shared on April 15 .
“ Eternally grateful to @ baptisthealthsf for giving us more time with my dad , ” one family member commented on the post .
“ You saved his life which has brought us joy and an immense about of gratitude .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
!
!
!
We will continue to pray for this outcome to be for many more families in the same difficult situation .
With utmost gratitude , the Diaz Family.
” RELATED : Céline Dion and Andrea Bocelli Reunited for Incredible Star-Studded 'The Prayer ' Performance “ Thanks for all that was done for our dad , ” wrote another family member .
“ We are fortunate he is one of the ones that got to come back home.
” One mom even beat all the odds , giving birth to her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as she fought COVID-19 .
There was great celebration when she was moved from the ICU to the floor , and then again when she finally recovered and was able to hold her daughter for the first time .
In light of all the scary information and misinformation going around , it ’ s good to keep an eye on the successes in this battle .
We ’ re not done yet , but this encouraging news will help us get there .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Much of the fear we face regarding COVID-19 has to do with just how little we really know about it, how invisible it is and how it forces people to play a horrible waiting game.
When cases first started popping up in the states, there weren’t enough tests available to really get a good idea of the scope of the spread, and even now many places won’t test potential patients who are only presenting mild symptoms.
China has updated its numbers, now stating that it has confirmed 83,853 cases of the coronavirus and experienced 4,636 deaths and 77,779 recoveries, according to data from Johns Hopkins.
There are still some staggering numbers being reported. Over 2.5 million cases have been confirmed worldwide, and the most have been reported by the United States at 820,104 on Tuesday afternoon.
That’s a terrifying number — but it’s out of over 4 million people who have been tested. And while over 14,500 have died in New York City alone, over 75,000 have recovered in the United States as a whole.
Worldwide, though there have been 176,323 deaths, there have been 679,748 recoveries so far — certainly an encouraging number, and hopefully it will be reflected in the patients still battling the virus.
Those who have been released with an all-clear from the hospitals are certainly celebrating. Nurses, doctors, family members and friends are all relieved when a patient gets to go home.
Take Baptist Health South Florida for example. On April 10, the hospital shared a video of a longtime married couple being wheeled out of the hospital together, both having beaten the virus.
“Hospital staff members cheer as a couple leaves the hospital after beating #COVID19,” BHSF shared on Instagram. “Married for 45 years, Doriela and Carlos both tested positive and were admitted to the hospital on the same day. After a long stay, hand-in-hand they celebrated being discharged with their care team at West Kendall Baptist Hospital.”
On the back of their respective wheelchairs were pieces of paper reading “Just” and “Discharged,” in a cute nod to the message often scrawled on newlyweds’ cars.
“In more good news: see one family surprise their ‘Abu Pepe’ as he was discharged from Baptist Hospital after beating #COVID19,” the hospital shared on April 15.
“Eternally grateful to @baptisthealthsf for giving us more time with my dad,” one family member commented on the post. “You saved his life which has brought us joy and an immense about of gratitude. Abu Pepe is back home!!!!!! We will continue to pray for this outcome to be for many more families in the same difficult situation. With utmost gratitude, the Diaz Family.”
“Thanks for all that was done for our dad,” wrote another family member. “We are fortunate he is one of the ones that got to come back home.”
One mom even beat all the odds, giving birth to her baby while in a medically induced coma as she fought COVID-19. There was great celebration when she was moved from the ICU to the floor, and then again when she finally recovered and was able to hold her daughter for the first time.
In light of all the scary information and misinformation going around, it’s good to keep an eye on the successes in this battle.
We’re not done yet, but this encouraging news will help us get there.
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.