westernjournal--2020-03-30--Trump Extends Social Distancing Guidelines, Sets Grim Death Tally Target: Under 100,000 Would Be ‘Go

Trump Extends Social Distancing Guidelines, Sets Grim Death Tally Target: Under 100,000 Would Be ‘Good’

A resolute President Donald Trump prepared the nation for the next phase of the coronavirus struggle Sunday .
The upbeat tone Trump often used in talking about the pandemic and his hopes that the nation could start moving away from restrictions by Easter was replaced with a grim projection that America ’ s fight against COVID-19 is far from over .
“ The modeling estimates that the peak in death rate is likely to hit in two weeks .
I will say it again .
The peak , the highest point of death rates , remember this , is likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president said in the coronavirus task force news briefing at the White House .
“ During this period , it ’ s very important that everyone strongly follow the guidelines .
Have to follow the guidelines .
… Therefore , we will be extending our guidelines to April 30 to slow the spread , ” he said .
Trump said his Easter goal was “ just an aspiration.
” TRENDING : Sex Assault Scandal Leaves Dems Turning on Biden En Masse : Here Are Some of the Most Brutal Comments “ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will be well on our way to recovery , ” he said , adding that “ a lot of great things will be happening.
” The president was about the toll from the economic calamity surrounding the pandemic .
“ You ’ re going to have mental depression for people , ” he said .
“ You ’ re going to have large numbers of suicides .
Take a look at what happens in a really horrible recession , or worse .
“ So you ’ re going to have tremendous suicides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re going to have more than anything else ?
Drug addiction .
You will see drugs being used like nobody has ever used them before .
And people are going to be dying all over the place from drug addiction.
” Speaking of the death toll from the virus itself , Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said it could be 100,000 to 200,000 , depending on the model used .
“ If we can hold that down , as we ’ re saying , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ horrible number — maybe even less , but to 100,000 … we all , together , have done a very good job , ” Trump said .
He pointed to studies that indicated the toll would be much higher if no action were taken .
“ Potentially 2.2 million people if we did nothing , ” Trump said .
“ If we didn ’ t do the distancing , if we didn ’ t do all of the things that we ’ re doing .
And when you hear those numbers , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of work we went through last week , with the $ 2.2 trillion , it no longer sounds like a lot , right ?
” Fauci called the president ’ s move to extend social distancing “ a wise and prudent decision.
” “ The idea that we may have these many cases played a role in our decision in trying to make sure that we don ’ t do something prematurely and pull back when we should be pushing , ” Fauci said , noting that Trump made the decision in collaboration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is aware of the toll the virus is taking on America .
“ I ’ ve been watching that for the last week on television , ” he said .
“ Body bags all over in hallways .
I ’ ve been watching them bring in trailer trucks — freezer trucks ; they ’ re freezer trucks — because they can ’ t handle the bodies there ’ s so many of them .
This is in my — essentially , in my community in Queens — Queens , New York .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve never seen before .
… “ I just want to end by saying that we ’ re all in this together , all of us .
I have never seen anything like it .
The unity , the esprit de corps , the spirit — I ’ ve never seen anything like it .
It ’ s a beautiful thing to watch .
“ Unfortunately , the enemy is death .
It ’ s death .
… But the level of competence , the level of caring , the level of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s brilliant .
… “ I ’ ve said it before and I ’ ll say it again : I am very proud to be your president.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A resolute President Donald Trump prepared the nation for the next phase of the coronavirus struggle Sunday.
The upbeat tone Trump often used in talking about the pandemic and his hopes that the nation could start moving away from restrictions by Easter was replaced with a grim projection that America’s fight against COVID-19 is far from over.
“The modeling estimates that the peak in death rate is likely to hit in two weeks. I will say it again. The peak, the highest point of death rates, remember this, is likely to hit in two weeks,” the president said in the coronavirus task force news briefing at the White House.
“During this period, it’s very important that everyone strongly follow the guidelines. Have to follow the guidelines. … Therefore, we will be extending our guidelines to April 30 to slow the spread,” he said.
Trump said his Easter goal was “just an aspiration.”
“We can expect that by June 1, we will be well on our way to recovery,” he said, adding that “a lot of great things will be happening.”
The president was about the toll from the economic calamity surrounding the pandemic.
“You’re going to have mental depression for people,” he said. “You’re going to have large numbers of suicides. Take a look at what happens in a really horrible recession, or worse.
Do you think the president's action was necessary? Yes No
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“So you’re going to have tremendous suicides, but you know what you’re going to have more than anything else? Drug addiction. You will see drugs being used like nobody has ever used them before. And people are going to be dying all over the place from drug addiction.”
Speaking of the death toll from the virus itself, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said it could be 100,000 to 200,000, depending on the model used.
“If we can hold that down, as we’re saying, to 100,000 — that’s a horrible number — maybe even less, but to 100,000 … we all, together, have done a very good job,” Trump said.
He pointed to studies that indicated the toll would be much higher if no action were taken.
“Potentially 2.2 million people if we did nothing,” Trump said. “If we didn’t do the distancing, if we didn’t do all of the things that we’re doing. And when you hear those numbers, you start to realize that with the kind of work we went through last week, with the $2.2 trillion, it no longer sounds like a lot, right?”
Fauci called the president’s move to extend social distancing “a wise and prudent decision.”
“The idea that we may have these many cases played a role in our decision in trying to make sure that we don’t do something prematurely and pull back when we should be pushing,” Fauci said, noting that Trump made the decision in collaboration with health experts.
The president said he is aware of the toll the virus is taking on America.
“I’ve been watching that for the last week on television,” he said. “Body bags all over in hallways. I’ve been watching them bring in trailer trucks — freezer trucks; they’re freezer trucks — because they can’t handle the bodies there’s so many of them. This is in my — essentially, in my community in Queens — Queens, New York. I’ve seen things that I’ve never seen before. …
“I just want to end by saying that we’re all in this together, all of us. I have never seen anything like it. The unity, the esprit de corps, the spirit — I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s a beautiful thing to watch.
“Unfortunately, the enemy is death. It’s death. … But the level of competence, the level of caring, the level of love, I just think it’s brilliant. …
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I am very proud to be your president.”
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westernjournal--2020-03-30--Coronavirus Takes Life of Songwriter of ‘I Love Rock and Roll’ Alan Merrill

Alan Merrill — who co-wrote the song “ I Love Rock and Roll ” that became a signature hit for fellow rocker Joan Jett — died Sunday in New York of complications from the coronavirus , his daughter said .
He was 69 .
Laura Merrill said on her Facebook page that he died in the morning .
“ I was given 2 minutes to say my goodbyes before I was rushed out .
He seemed peaceful and as I left there was still a glimmer of hope that he wouldn ’ t be a ticker on the right hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she wrote .
“ I walked 50 blocks home still with hope in my heart , ” Merrill said .
“ The city that I knew was empty .
I felt I was the only person here and perhaps in many ways I was .
TRENDING : Frmr Obamacare Chief Pushes Panic , Tells 360K People Hospital Is Out of Ventilators - It Wasn't “ By the time I got in the doors to my apartment I received the news that he was gone.
” Merrill said her father was in good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show of his about two weeks ago and had taken a photograph of him for his new album , Merrill said .
“ He played down the ‘ cold ’ he thought he had , ” she said .
“ I ’ ve made a million jokes about the ‘ Rona ’ and how it ’ ll “ getcha ” … boy do I feel stupid.
” Jett scored a major hit with “ I Love Rock and Roll ” in 1982 .
Alan Merrill wrote the song for his band The Arrows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her Twitter account , Jett wrote : “ I ’ ve just learned of the awful news that Alan Merrill has passed .
My thoughts and love go to his family , friends and music community as a whole.
” RELATED : Country Singer Joe Diffie Dies of Coronavirus Two Days After Announcing Diagnosis “ I can still remember watching the Arrows on TV in London and being blown away by the song that screamed hit to me.
” “ With deep gratitude and sadness , wishing him a safe journey to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York and grew up in Switzerland , Los Angeles and Japan before starting his music career in New York .
He recorded three albums with Rick Derringer in the early 1980s , and friends Steve Winwood and Mick Taylor were among those who contributed to his solo records .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Alan Merrill — who co-wrote the song “I Love Rock and Roll” that became a signature hit for fellow rocker Joan Jett — died Sunday in New York of complications from the coronavirus, his daughter said. He was 69.
Laura Merrill said on her Facebook page that he died in the morning.
“I was given 2 minutes to say my goodbyes before I was rushed out. He seemed peaceful and as I left there was still a glimmer of hope that he wouldn’t be a ticker on the right hand side of the CNN/Fox news screen,” she wrote.
“I walked 50 blocks home still with hope in my heart,” Merrill said. “The city that I knew was empty. I felt I was the only person here and perhaps in many ways I was.
“By the time I got in the doors to my apartment I received the news that he was gone.”
Merrill said her father was in good spirits recently. She went to a show of his about two weeks ago and had taken a photograph of him for his new album, Merrill said.
“He played down the ‘cold’ he thought he had,” she said. “I’ve made a million jokes about the ‘Rona’ and how it’ll “getcha”… boy do I feel stupid.”
Jett scored a major hit with “I Love Rock and Roll” in 1982. Alan Merrill wrote the song for his band The Arrows and recorded it in 1975.
On her Twitter account, Jett wrote: “I’ve just learned of the awful news that Alan Merrill has passed. My thoughts and love go to his family, friends and music community as a whole.”
“I can still remember watching the Arrows on TV in London and being blown away by the song that screamed hit to me.”
“With deep gratitude and sadness, wishing him a safe journey to the other side.”
Merrill was born in New York and grew up in Switzerland, Los Angeles and Japan before starting his music career in New York.
He recorded three albums with Rick Derringer in the early 1980s, and friends Steve Winwood and Mick Taylor were among those who contributed to his solo records.
Merrill’s bands included The Arrows, Vodka Collins and Runner.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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westernjournal--2020-03-29--As US Focuses on Outbreak, Barr’s DOJ Weighs In on Trans Athletes

As the full powers of the federal government are being deployed to stop the spread of the coronavirus , Attorney General William Barr is letting female athletes know he stands with them as they are forced to compete against “ transgender ” athletes on the field of sport in Connecticut .
Barr announced last week the U.S. Justice Department is now involved in a federal civil rights lawsuit , which seeks to block biologically male athletes in Connecticut from competing as girls .
The DOJ filed a legal document Tuesday in Hartford siding with the Alliance Defending Freedom — which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lawsuit to stop transgender athletes from competing in girls sports .
The Associated Press reported Barr signed a statement of interest Tuesday siding against a 7-year-old policy of the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference allowing biological males to compete against girls .
The DOJ document described transgender girls as “ biological males.
” TRENDING : Sex Assault Scandal Leaves Dems Turning on Biden En Masse : Here Are Some of the Most Brutal Comments “ Under CIAC ’ s interpretation of Title IX , however , schools may not account for the real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Instead , schools must have certain biological males — namely , those who publicly identify as female — compete against biological females , ” the DOJ stated .
“ In so doing , CIAC deprives those women of the single-sex athletic competitions that are one of the marquee accomplishments of Title IX , ” the statement added .
Forbes reported the CIAC policy was enacted to comply with state law requiring schools to prioritize gender identity of students over biological sex .
Proponents of the lawsuit say the current transgender policy puts many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teen boys are generally naturally stronger and faster than girls .
Forbes reported Connecticut high school track and field athletes Selina Soule , Chelsea Mitchell and Alanna Smith filed the lawsuit to ban transgender athletes from competing against them .
The girls state in their legal filing that they have been “ deprived of victories , state titles and scholarship opportunities because they were forced to compete with transgender athletes , ” Forbes reported .
The American Civil Liberties Union , which is representing transgender athletes Terry Miller and Andraya Yearwood in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for becoming involved in the lawsuit during the country ’ s coronavirus pandemic .
“ This is what the Attorney General is prioritizing while 12 people died last night from COVID-19 related complications at the hospital near my house , ” ACLU attorney Chase Strangio wrote on Twitter .
“ When we let the gov ’ t police our bodies like this , they will always leave ‘ undesirable ’ bodies to die.
” RELATED : US Makes Rare Move of Filing Criminal Charges Against a World Leader , Venezuela Pres .
Nicolas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school seniors who are just trying to enjoy their final track season of high school and who now have to contend with the federal government arguing against their right to equal educational opportunities , ” Strangio told the AP on Wednesday .
Strangio is described by Forbes as a “ trans man.
” The ACLU also criticized Barr on Twitter .
“ We have a message to lawmakers and others attacking trans students like Terry : STOP ATTACKING TRANS YOUTH , ” the group wrote .
The legal battle is being waged as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of efforts to of the coronavirus .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

As the full powers of the federal government are being deployed to stop the spread of the coronavirus, Attorney General William Barr is letting female athletes know he stands with them as they are forced to compete against “transgender” athletes on the field of sport in Connecticut.
Barr announced last week the U.S. Justice Department is now involved in a federal civil rights lawsuit, which seeks to block biologically male athletes in Connecticut from competing as girls.
The DOJ filed a legal document Tuesday in Hartford siding with the Alliance Defending Freedom — which is representing three high school girls in a lawsuit to stop transgender athletes from competing in girls sports.
The Associated Press reported Barr signed a statement of interest Tuesday siding against a 7-year-old policy of the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference allowing biological males to compete against girls.
The DOJ document described transgender girls as “biological males.”
“Under CIAC’s interpretation of Title IX, however, schools may not account for the real physiological differences between men and women. Instead, schools must have certain biological males — namely, those who publicly identify as female — compete against biological females,” the DOJ stated.
“In so doing, CIAC deprives those women of the single-sex athletic competitions that are one of the marquee accomplishments of Title IX,” the statement added.
Forbes reported the CIAC policy was enacted to comply with state law requiring schools to prioritize gender identity of students over biological sex.
Proponents of the lawsuit say the current transgender policy puts many girls at a physical disadvantage, as teen boys are generally naturally stronger and faster than girls.
Do you think Barr is sending a message that coronavirus crisis will not prevent the DOJ from seeking justice for all Americans? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 97% (915 Votes) No: 3% (25 Votes)
Forbes reported Connecticut high school track and field athletes Selina Soule, Chelsea Mitchell and Alanna Smith filed the lawsuit to ban transgender athletes from competing against them.
The girls state in their legal filing that they have been “deprived of victories, state titles and scholarship opportunities because they were forced to compete with transgender athletes,” Forbes reported.
The American Civil Liberties Union, which is representing transgender athletes Terry Miller and Andraya Yearwood in the lawsuit, criticized Barr and the DOJ for becoming involved in the lawsuit during the country’s coronavirus pandemic.
“This is what the Attorney General is prioritizing while 12 people died last night from COVID-19 related complications at the hospital near my house,” ACLU attorney Chase Strangio wrote on Twitter.
“When we let the gov’t police our bodies like this, they will always leave ‘undesirable’ bodies to die.”
This is what the Attorney General is prioritizing while 12 people died last night from COVID-19 related complications at the hospital near my house. When we let the gov’t police our bodies like this, they will always leave “undesirable” bodies to die. pic.twitter.com/VCKuN0STCQ — Chase Strangio (@chasestrangio) March 26, 2020
“Our clients are two high school seniors who are just trying to enjoy their final track season of high school and who now have to contend with the federal government arguing against their right to equal educational opportunities,” Strangio told the AP on Wednesday.
Strangio is described by Forbes as a “trans man.”
The ACLU also criticized Barr on Twitter.
“We have a message to lawmakers and others attacking trans students like Terry: STOP ATTACKING TRANS YOUTH,” the group wrote.
We have a message to lawmakers and others attacking trans students like Terry: STOP ATTACKING TRANS YOUTH. pic.twitter.com/9PXxCTADpl — ACLU (@ACLU) February 12, 2020
The legal battle is being waged as athletic competitions nationwide are suspended as part of efforts to of the coronavirus.
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westernjournal--2020-03-29--Mike Lindell Turns MyPillow Factory Floor into Mask Production Powerhouse

MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell battled addiction and won .
Now , he is taking that same can-do spirit to fighting the coronavirus .
Lindell , who has become known as an outspoken conservative , said Friday that his company has started making masks to protect America ’ s health care workers and citizens .
“ We started then to find out what we could make , ” he said Friday on the Fox News show “ America ’ s Newsroom.
” “ We worked with the administration .
They have a coalition to what kind of masks are need out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cotton and we found out different materials that they didn ’ t want — latex … and stuff .
So , finally , we got the final prototype three days ago , ” he said , according to Fox News .
Lindell said his workers spent three days refitting the company ’ s 200,000-square-foot factory into a mask-making enterprise .
TRENDING : Sex Assault Scandal Leaves Dems Turning on Biden En Masse : Here Are Some of the Most Brutal Comments The company turns out 10,000 masks a day and is ramping up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a day , “ And , we ’ re doing the shipping .
I ’ m shipping them out .
That ’ s what we do at MyPillow .
“ So , a lot of this just fell right in line with what we do .
And , I ’ ve also switched over other companies .
I want every other manufacturer — see what you can do out there , ” he said .
Lindell said making masks is neither quick nor easy .
“ We have to do them by hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 120 .
So , the bottleneck is just getting people , you know , to do it , ” he said .
“ So , the goal is [ to make ] as many as we can make .
And , I want to continue into the future — once this ends — we want , like the president says , we want our manufacturers here in the USA .
Especially , we ’ ve learned , our medical supplies .
We don ’ t want 90 percent coming in from overseas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here and we ’ re going to learn from this , ” he said .
Check out his appearance Saturday on Fox News ’ “ Cavuto Live.
” Lindell ’ s work came to the notice of the Rev .
Franklin Graham , who praised the company on his Facebook page .
“ I appreciate all those who are stepping up to the fight against the coronavirus .
We see a lot of great companies that are adapting their manufacturing to help meet the shortages of medical equipment and supplies .
I read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ switched their production to making ventilators .
Another one is Mike Lindell ’ s MyPillow manufacturing which is switching 75 % of their production to now be making cotton face masks for health care workers , ” Graham wrote .
“ CEO Mike Lindell said that about 90 % of their sewers will be working on the masks !
” “ Mike ’ s life is a testimony to the transforming power of Jesus Christ—he was a drug addict .
After he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior , God totally took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is an outspoken and bold Christian .
What a great testimony !
” Graham wrote .
“ I ’ m thankful for all of the companies and individuals across this country that are pulling together and doing their part in this battle , ” he wrote .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell battled addiction and won. Now, he is taking that same can-do spirit to fighting the coronavirus.
Lindell, who has become known as an outspoken conservative, said Friday that his company has started making masks to protect America’s health care workers and citizens.
“We started then to find out what we could make,” he said Friday on the Fox News show “America’s Newsroom.”
“We worked with the administration. They have a coalition to what kind of masks are need out there. Obviously, we specialize in cotton and we found out different materials that they didn’t want — latex … and stuff. So, finally, we got the final prototype three days ago,” he said, according to Fox News.
Lindell said his workers spent three days refitting the company’s 200,000-square-foot factory into a mask-making enterprise.
The company turns out 10,000 masks a day and is ramping up to hit a goal of 50,000 masks a day,
“And, we’re doing the shipping. I’m shipping them out. That’s what we do at MyPillow.
“So, a lot of this just fell right in line with what we do. And, I’ve also switched over other companies. I want every other manufacturer — see what you can do out there,” he said.
.@MyPillowUSA is proud to answer the Presidents call to action as we are producing much needed face masks to help protect our brave medical workers on the frontlines of this invisible war. It’s time for manufacturers across the USA to help @realdonaldtrump. #KeepAmericaSafe pic.twitter.com/jZEnuEap9N — MyPillow (@MyPillowUSA) March 26, 2020
MyPillow is excited to announce that we are now manufacturing face masks for hospitals across the country! pic.twitter.com/KcW4L7i9WC — MyPillow (@MyPillowUSA) March 24, 2020
MYPILLOW ANNOUNCES THEY ARE MANUFACTURING FACE MASKS FOR trump!https://t.co/gTo3rquukB — Colby News (@colbynews) March 26, 2020
Lindell said making masks is neither quick nor easy.
Are people like Mike Lindell vital to America's spirit? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (1948 Votes) No: 0% (5 Votes)
“We have to do them by hand. You can only make like 100 to 120. So, the bottleneck is just getting people, you know, to do it,” he said.
“So, the goal is [to make] as many as we can make. And, I want to continue into the future — once this ends — we want, like the president says, we want our manufacturers here in the USA. Especially, we’ve learned, our medical supplies. We don’t want 90 percent coming in from overseas. We want to make them right here and we’re going to learn from this,” he said.
Check out his appearance Saturday on Fox News’ “Cavuto Live.”
Lindell’s work came to the notice of the Rev. Franklin Graham, who praised the company on his Facebook page.
“I appreciate all those who are stepping up to the fight against the coronavirus. We see a lot of great companies that are adapting their manufacturing to help meet the shortages of medical equipment and supplies. I read that GM, Ford and Tesla had switched their production to making ventilators. Another one is Mike Lindell’s MyPillow manufacturing which is switching 75% of their production to now be making cotton face masks for health care workers,” Graham wrote. “CEO Mike Lindell said that about 90% of their sewers will be working on the masks!”
“Mike’s life is a testimony to the transforming power of Jesus Christ—he was a drug addict. After he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior, God totally took away his desire for drugs. Now he is an outspoken and bold Christian. What a great testimony!” Graham wrote.
“I’m thankful for all of the companies and individuals across this country that are pulling together and doing their part in this battle,” he wrote.
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westernjournal--2020-03-29--Indian Guru Wanted To Spread His Faith, Now He’s Dead of COVID-19 and over 14K Are Quarantined

One guru who returned to his native India after traveling to Italy and Germany is now being named as potentially responsible for hundreds of people testing positive for the coronavirus and thousands more under quarantine .
Baldev Singh , 70 , returned to India in early March .
Italy has the most coronavirus cases of any European country .
Germany has been second until recently overtaken by Spain .
Although Singh became ill and subsequently died , it was not known until after his death that he had the virus .
Singh landed in New Delhi , then drove to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Hola Mohalla in Anandpur Sahib .
The three-day festival , March 10-12 , attracted about 300,000 people a day , according to NBC News .
TRENDING : Sex Assault Scandal Leaves Dems Turning on Biden En Masse : Here Are Some of the Most Brutal Comments Singh died on March 18 from what was later known to be the coronavirus infection , NBC reported .
As a result , between 15,000 and 40,000 people in northern India are quarantined .
“ The first of these 15 villages was sealed on March 18 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 20,000 people in the sealed villages , ” said Gaurav Jain , a senior magistrate for the district of Banga , where Singh lived , according to Agence France-Presse , via Yahoo News .
“ There are medical teams on standby and regular monitoring , ” he said .
‘ So far , we have been able to trace 550 people who came into direct contact with him and the number is growing , ” the BBC quoted an official it did not name as saying .
“ We have sealed 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ India is currently under a 21-day nationwide stay-at-home lockdown .
India has had 973 confirmed coronavirus cases , according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center .
With a population of 1.3 billion people , there are fears that the highly contagious virus is present in larger numbers that have not been reported due to a lack of testing .
The nation has sought 38 million masks for its health care workers , according to the New York Post .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
@ @ @ @ @

One guru who returned to his native India after traveling to Italy and Germany is now being named as potentially responsible for hundreds of people testing positive for the coronavirus and thousands more under quarantine.
Baldev Singh, 70, returned to India in early March. Italy has the most coronavirus cases of any European country.
Germany has been second until recently overtaken by Spain.
Although Singh became ill and subsequently died, it was not known until after his death that he had the virus.
Singh landed in New Delhi, then drove to Punjab state and attended the Sikh festival of Hola Mohalla in Anandpur Sahib. The three-day festival, March 10-12, attracted about 300,000 people a day, according to NBC News.
Singh died on March 18 from what was later known to be the coronavirus infection, NBC reported.
As a result, between 15,000 and 40,000 people in northern India are quarantined.
Indian authorities in Punjab quarantine around 40,000 residents from 20 villages following Covid-19 outbreak linked to just one man https://t.co/Cp3jnzwkVd — BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) March 27, 2020
Do you think India will explode with coronavirus cases? 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: 95% (417 Votes) No: 5% (22 Votes)
“The first of these 15 villages was sealed on March 18, and we think there are 15,000 to 20,000 people in the sealed villages,” said Gaurav Jain, a senior magistrate for the district of Banga, where Singh lived, according to Agence France-Presse, via Yahoo News.
“There are medical teams on standby and regular monitoring,” he said.
‘So far, we have been able to trace 550 people who came into direct contact with him and the number is growing,” the BBC quoted an official it did not name as saying.
“We have sealed 15 villages around the area he stayed.”
India is currently under a 21-day nationwide stay-at-home lockdown.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave 1.3 billion people less than 4 hours’ notice before announcing a total lockdown in India. It’s the biggest and most severe action undertaken anywhere to stop the spread of the coronavirus.https://t.co/3ykF2a7ng3 — The New York Times (@nytimes) March 24, 2020
Typically buzzing with traffic, the Mumbai Bridge in India appears empty as the country imposed a curfew in an effort to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. https://t.co/UYglpNoakQ pic.twitter.com/0jyMOwPVVT — ABC News (@ABC) March 22, 2020
India has had 973 confirmed coronavirus cases, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.
With a population of 1.3 billion people, there are fears that the highly contagious virus is present in larger numbers that have not been reported due to a lack of testing.
The nation has sought 38 million masks for its health care workers, according to the New York Post.
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westernjournal--2020-03-29--Dick Morris to Donald Trump: Calm Down

Dick Morris to Donald Trump: Calm Down

It has been dizzying to follow the gyrations and lurches in President Trump ’ s anti-virus program in the past week .
• At first , he did what he should do : urge continued vigilance , expand testing , quarantine , ban foreign tourists , and rush to fill orders for ventilators , masks , gowns and such .
• Then impatience got the better of him .
Unable to bear the sight of his beautiful economy grinding to a halt , he prematurely spoke of re-opening shuttered businesses and returning to normal within a few weeks .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he backed off and decided the right thing to do was to re-open the country by region , acting where the virus was lightest while keeping the hot spots closed .
That led to fears of mass migration of infected New Yorkers flocking to the virgin countryside , bringing disease and contagion from the big city with them .
At the very least , it would have meant throngs of truckers at each state line and cumbersome inspection and testing reminiscent of the pre-European Union customs backups at the frontiers .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw Rhode Island sending troopers to go door-to-door Gestapo style to haul suspected New Yorkers to testing sites .
TRENDING : Sex Assault Scandal Leaves Dems Turning on Biden En Masse : Here Are Some of the Most Brutal Comments • He finished the chaotic week by floating the idea of a total quarantine of the New York area .
Howls by the three governors made him drop that hot potato fast .
You were doing just fine at the start of the week with firm policies of warning the public , prescribing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from coming to America , and stimulating the economy by protecting people from the economic fallout .
No need for the subsequent gyrations .
The public gets it that you are doing your best in a brand new situation for which there is no established playbook .
Your ratings are at an all-time high .
Further flips and flops undermine your credibility and make it look like you are floundering , grasping at straws .
We are in for the toughest month of the crisis .
The count of the sick , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dead will rise each hour .
Keep the ventilators , hospital beds , and other stuff coming .
Keep using the bully pulpit to explain how to stay safe .
Push , push , push for cures and vaccines .
Shorten all but safety testing .
But , above all , stay out of the way and let the doctors do their jobs .
When the smoke begins to clear in May and restrictions can be relaxed safely , the economy will come roaring back .
RELATED : Op-Ed : Do n't Look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Coronavirus Not a U-shaped recovery or even a V-shaped one , but a check-mark shaped one — short sudden down and long , long up .
And , to ward off Phase 2 , vaccines and cures .
You ’ ve got this one , sir .
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

It has been dizzying to follow the gyrations and lurches in President Trump’s anti-virus program in the past week.
At first, he did what he should do: urge continued vigilance, expand testing, quarantine, ban foreign tourists, and rush to fill orders for ventilators, masks, gowns and such.
Then impatience got the better of him. Unable to bear the sight of his beautiful economy grinding to a halt, he prematurely spoke of re-opening shuttered businesses and returning to normal within a few weeks.
When the public health community raised hell, he backed off and decided the right thing to do was to re-open the country by region, acting where the virus was lightest while keeping the hot spots closed. That led to fears of mass migration of infected New Yorkers flocking to the virgin countryside, bringing disease and contagion from the big city with them. At the very least, it would have meant throngs of truckers at each state line and cumbersome inspection and testing reminiscent of the pre-European Union customs backups at the frontiers.
Then, he backed away when he saw Rhode Island sending troopers to go door-to-door Gestapo style to haul suspected New Yorkers to testing sites.
He finished the chaotic week by floating the idea of a total quarantine of the New York area. Howls by the three governors made him drop that hot potato fast.
Calm down, Mr. President.
You were doing just fine at the start of the week with firm policies of warning the public, prescribing voluntary safety measures, cutting off foreigners from coming to America, and stimulating the economy by protecting people from the economic fallout. No need for the subsequent gyrations.
The public gets it that you are doing your best in a brand new situation for which there is no established playbook.
Do you think President Trump has done a good job handling the coronavirus pandemic so far? 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: 98% (1578 Votes) No: 2% (29 Votes)
Your ratings are at an all-time high. Further flips and flops undermine your credibility and make it look like you are floundering, grasping at straws.
We are in for the toughest month of the crisis. The count of the sick, the hospitalized, and, unfortunately, the dead will rise each hour.
Keep the ventilators, hospital beds, and other stuff coming. Keep using the bully pulpit to explain how to stay safe. Push, push, push for cures and vaccines. Shorten all but safety testing.
But, above all, stay out of the way and let the doctors do their jobs.
When the smoke begins to clear in May and restrictions can be relaxed safely, the economy will come roaring back.
Not a U-shaped recovery or even a V-shaped one, but a check-mark shaped one — short sudden down and long, long up.
And, to ward off Phase 2, vaccines and cures.
You’ve got this one, sir.
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website. If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal, you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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westernjournal--2020-03-29--Couple Cancels Wedding Over COVID-19 Concerns, Friends Show Up To Celebrate Anyway

Hearts from across the world are going out to people who have spent months planning their weddings , only to find out that they have to cancel or postpone them because of the coronavirus pandemic .
One Canadian couple , Joshua and Anastasija Davis , expected their wedding to suffer the same fate ; however , they were pleasantly surprised Sunday after a small living-room ceremony with immediate family members .
Their closest friends and family had gathered together in the streets to celebrate the love between the two , giving them a wedding day they will never forget .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ magical and so special .
We could not stop crying as it meant the world to us having them all there , ” Anastasija told The Western Journal .
“ We are still so speechless.
” TRENDING : Frmr Obamacare Chief Pushes Panic , Tells 360K People Hospital Is Out of Ventilators - It Wasn't Anastasija and Josh spent five-and-a-half months planning their wedding , which was originally scheduled to be celebrated on April 3 with 135 guests .
They had spent the previous months dreaming about their special day and their 11-day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know their wedding day would be even more magical than they had dreamed .
After the coronavirus outbreak began to prove that it wasn ’ t going anywhere for quite some time , guests began canceling their RSVP ’ s .
Josh ’ s brother and his wife , who were supposed to help with the wedding decorations , were trapped in Europe due to the travel ban .
Because of all of the hiccups , the couple decided they needed to plan a smaller wedding with fewer than 50 guests .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Josh grew concerned about the potential health risk to their wedding guests , no matter how many or few might show up .
They decided it was not worth subjecting the people they love to such potential .
“ We had made the hardest decision of our live to cancel april 3 wedding , message all of our friends and just get married on Sunday ( march 22 , 2020 ) in the living room with the immediate family that we have been in contact with for the last little while – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Anastasija told The Western Journal in an email .
Anastaija added that the decision process tried their faith in ways they never expected .
“ When everything – absolutely everything ; all your plans , money , decisions and etc just slowly fall apart into million pieces it becomes hard to trust God , ” she wrote .
“ It becomes hard to realize that God is still at work and that there will be a breakthrough .
RELATED : Christian Artist Installs Sinks in Downtown Atlanta So Homeless People Can Wash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of this we had still continued to trust in God , we continued to pray for a miracle , for guidance , wisdom and peace.
” After their small ceremony on Sunday , she and Josh left the living room to take wedding photos at another location .
Their friends , however , had something better in mind for them .
As their car turned the corner , all of their loved ones began cheering and honking their horns at them in celebration of their big day .
Their friends lined the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ balloons and posters , one reading : “ Nothing stops love .
Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Davis !
” The newlyweds even had their “ first dance ” as husband and wife watched by those most special to them , which was something they had deemed impossible in this time of isolation .
Anastasija told The Western Journal that they were “ shocked ” and “ amazed ” at their friends ’ and family ’ s grand gesture .
“ We are so grateful for this .
Words cant describe how special our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote on Facebook .
“ We had planned for one wedding , yet God had planned another one for us and we could only say that what He has planned for us turned out to be a million times better than what we had planned or wanted.
” Anastasija told The Western Journal that their surprise wedding day was a direct answer to their prayers .
“ A wedding that would be shared across the world and give people hope and joy and that is exactly what we want to do , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ credit goes to us as we havent planned anything of this , but that is why we know that God was in control of it all from day one .
“ His plans for us had become better than what we have imagined or asked for , ” she added , citing Ephesians 3:20 .
She also said that although she and Josh had originally discussed postponing the reception so that they could celebrate with their friends and family , they decided that their surprise wedding was so special that they wouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything else .
“ After having all of our friends join us on our day – it made it absolutely perfect and we would not be wanting to “ re-do ” our wedding in any way.
” The Western Journal ’ s Kayla Kunkel also contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Hearts from across the world are going out to people who have spent months planning their weddings, only to find out that they have to cancel or postpone them because of the coronavirus pandemic.
One Canadian couple, Joshua and Anastasija Davis, expected their wedding to suffer the same fate; however, they were pleasantly surprised Sunday after a small living-room ceremony with immediate family members.
Their closest friends and family had gathered together in the streets to celebrate the love between the two, giving them a wedding day they will never forget.
“It was unreal. It was magical and so special. We could not stop crying as it meant the world to us having them all there,” Anastasija told The Western Journal. “We are still so speechless.”
Anastasija and Josh spent five-and-a-half months planning their wedding, which was originally scheduled to be celebrated on April 3 with 135 guests.
They had spent the previous months dreaming about their special day and their 11-day Caribbean cruise honeymoon.
Little did they know their wedding day would be even more magical than they had dreamed.
After the coronavirus outbreak began to prove that it wasn’t going anywhere for quite some time, guests began canceling their RSVP’s. Anastaija’s brother and his wife, who were supposed to help with the wedding decorations, were trapped in Europe due to the travel ban.
Do you think we'll be back to celebrating weddings normally soon? 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: 69% (153 Votes) No: 31% (68 Votes)
Because of all of the hiccups, the couple decided they needed to plan a smaller wedding with fewer than 50 guests.
As the outbreak began to worsen, Anastasija and Josh grew concerned about the potential health risk to their wedding guests, no matter how many or few might show up. They decided it was not worth subjecting the people they love to such potential.
“We had made the hardest decision of our live to cancel april 3 wedding, message all of our friends and just get married on Sunday (march 22, 2020) in the living room with the immediate family that we have been in contact with for the last little while – as that would prevent the risk,” Anastasija told The Western Journal in an email.
Anastaija added that the decision process tried their faith in ways they never expected.
“When everything – absolutely everything; all your plans, money, decisions and etc just slowly fall apart into million pieces it becomes hard to trust God,” she wrote. “It becomes hard to realize that God is still at work and that there will be a breakthrough.
“In the midst of all of this we had still continued to trust in God, we continued to pray for a miracle, for guidance, wisdom and peace.”
After their small ceremony on Sunday, she and Josh left the living room to take wedding photos at another location.
Their friends, however, had something better in mind for them.
As their car turned the corner, all of their loved ones began cheering and honking their horns at them in celebration of their big day.
Their friends lined the street in cars decorated with ribbons, balloons and posters, one reading: “Nothing stops love. Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Davis!”
[jwplayer pPP1eGN9]
The newlyweds even had their “first dance” as husband and wife watched by those most special to them, which was something they had deemed impossible in this time of isolation.
Anastasija told The Western Journal that they were “shocked” and “amazed” at their friends’ and family’s grand gesture.
“We are so grateful for this. Words cant describe how special our wedding was,” the bride later wrote on Facebook. “We had planned for one wedding, yet God had planned another one for us and we could only say that what He has planned for us turned out to be a million times better than what we had planned or wanted.”
Anastasija told The Western Journal that their surprise wedding day was a direct answer to their prayers.
“A wedding that would be shared across the world and give people hope and joy and that is exactly what we want to do,” she said. “None of this credit goes to us as we havent planned anything of this, but that is why we know that God was in control of it all from day one.
“His plans for us had become better than what we have imagined or asked for,” she added, citing Ephesians 3:20.
She also said that although she and Josh had originally discussed postponing the reception so that they could celebrate with their friends and family, they decided that their surprise wedding was so special that they wouldn’t want to replace that moment with anything else.
“After having all of our friends join us on our day – it made it absolutely perfect and we would not be wanting to “re-do” our wedding in any way.”
The Western Journal’s Kayla Kunkel also contributed to this report.
CORRECTION, April 4, 2020: When originally published, this article incorrectly stated that Josh’s brother had been stuck in Europe because of travel restrictions, when it was in fact Anastasija’s brother who was unable to travel. We have corrected our statement and apologize for the error.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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westernjournal--2020-03-29--KrisAnne Hall: Shelter in Place Orders Are Acts of Tyranny, Not Democracy

The current application of state and local authority to mandate the closure of businesses and require the people to restrict their activities to a list of government-approved venues under the threat of force and punishment is antithetical to everything America was built upon .
These orders are arbitrary , completely lacking in due process , and rife with unbridled discretion .
Arbitrariness is the quality of being “ determined by chance , whim , or impulse , and not by necessity , reason , or principle.
” A shelter-in-place order that requires places of worship to close , where a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than a few hours once a week , but then claims that Walmart and liquor stores , where a limitless number of people come and go — every day , all day — may remain open , is completely arbitrary .
Where is the science , where is the reason that says that people sitting in a church are more susceptible to a virus than those who go to Walmart or the liquor store ?
The answer is simple : It doesn ’ t exist .
TRENDING : Sex Assault Scandal Leaves Dems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Are Some of the Most Brutal Comments The decision to close the church , a shoe store or private vacation rental property , but not Walmart , is based upon a whim and an impulse , not facts or reason .
By legal standard a government ’ s actions are arbitrary and capricious when they are founded upon unreasonable grounds or made without proper consideration of circumstances , deny due process and prejudice substantial rights .
Therefore , the government ’ s exercise of authority in these shelter-in-place orders to pick and choose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not is by definition arbitrary and capricious .
A government ’ s arbitrary determination on which businesses can stay open and which ones can not is tantamount to a regulatory taking .
But there is no warrant issued for the seizure of this property , no mechanism for the business owner to challenge the government ’ s arbitrary determination to close their business .
When the government threatens a business owner or forcibly demands that a business close , the business owner is being effectively deprived of the economic value of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that property .
Whenever a government takes private property for public purpose , both state and U.S. Constitutions require that business receive proper due process consideration followed by just compensation equaling a fair market value for that property .
These shelter-in-place orders neither secure due process nor do they even mention reimbursement of fair market value .
Every constitution of every state in the union , as well as the U.S. Constitution , acknowledge freedom of religion and peaceably assembly as fundamental rights .
Many state constitutions , as well as the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inalienable rights ” or “ natural rights ” meaning they do not come as permissions from governments , but pre-exist all law and government .
These rights are not the products of governments .
To the contrary , governments exist for the sole purpose of securing these rights for the individual .
Inherent in the securing of these rights is the prohibition against government defining the parameters of these rights .
When the government can arbitrarily decide that the only “ legal ” assembly is one of 10 people or fewer , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assemble , but a permission granted under certain limited and confining terms .
One of the most essential reasons for the right to peaceably assemble is the power the assembly brings in the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances .
RELATED : E.W .
Jackson : Coronavirus Panic Could Be Worse Than the Pandemic It is a truly despotic government that can create unjust and unconstitutional activity and then also posses the power to set the limits and parameters upon which the people can protest those laws .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right to freedom of religion .
When a government can tell a body of people when , where , and how many can “ legally ” meet in their church , that government is defining religion — and that is antithetical to everything that America is founded upon .
What is even worse , these shelter-in-place orders not only do all of that , but many have also determined that the definition of freedom of religion can be relegated and confined to an internet broadcast and all those who are unable to meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to worship and threatened by force of government to have no assembly whatsoever .
Finally , these shelter-in-place orders often establish that failure to comply with the order will result in civil or criminal penalties .
Yet these orders do not define the elements of their newly invented crime , the evidence necessary to prove violation of the order , or the affirmative defenses available to the accused .
In their attempts to “ ensure enforcement ” of their orders , those governments have established those terms with a complete disregard for due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights of the people to be considered innocent until proven guilty .
As these orders stand , it is up to the individual officer to make the determination of what is proper evidence of compliance and what is insufficient evidence that equates to a violation .
American courts call that “ unbridled discretion ” — and for decades have held that to be fundamentally unjust .
What makes all of this so very tragic is that America ’ s founders pledged their lives , fortunes and sacred honor to throw off the very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
James Otis Jr. , a lawyer whom our founders termed the “ midwife to liberty , ” brought a valiant legal battle against the laws of Parliament that attempted to legally authorize what our governors , county commissioners , city councils and mayors are doing today .
He referred to these laws as “ the worst instrument of arbitrary power , the most destructive of English liberty and the fundamental principles of law , that ever was found in an English law-book.
” In an America that once declared independence from kings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ succumbed to king-like authority under the wiles of fear and necessity .
William Pitt the Younger would likely remind us that “ necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom .
It is the argument of tyrants .
It is the creed of slaves.
” Let ’ s be clear : I am not asserting that the individual should not choose a behavior that respects the most prudent measures available to ensure the best health and welfare of themselves and their neighbors .
But when a government uses threat and force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people are ignored and due process denied under the pretense of necessity , the people are not safe , the welfare of the people is not respected and the body of the people are in danger of becoming enslaved by the very government they ’ ve elected to secure their rights .
Samuel Adams said , “ No people will tamely surrender their Liberties , nor can any be easily subdued , when knowledge is diffused and virtue is preserved.
” It is time we educate ourselves and our children on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of tolerating the authoritarian government we are being subjected to .
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The current application of state and local authority to mandate the closure of businesses and require the people to restrict their activities to a list of government-approved venues under the threat of force and punishment is antithetical to everything America was built upon.
These orders are arbitrary, completely lacking in due process, and rife with unbridled discretion.
Arbitrariness is the quality of being “determined by chance, whim, or impulse, and not by necessity, reason, or principle.” A shelter-in-place order that requires places of worship to close, where a finite number of people attend for less than a few hours once a week, but then claims that Walmart and liquor stores, where a limitless number of people come and go — every day, all day — may remain open, is completely arbitrary.
Where is the science, where is the reason that says that people sitting in a church are more susceptible to a virus than those who go to Walmart or the liquor store?
The answer is simple: It doesn’t exist.
The decision to close the church, a shoe store or private vacation rental property, but not Walmart, is based upon a whim and an impulse, not facts or reason. By legal standard a government’s actions are arbitrary and capricious when they are founded upon unreasonable grounds or made without proper consideration of circumstances, deny due process and prejudice substantial rights.
Therefore, the government’s exercise of authority in these shelter-in-place orders to pick and choose which businesses can stay open and which cannot is by definition arbitrary and capricious.
A government’s arbitrary determination on which businesses can stay open and which ones cannot is tantamount to a regulatory taking. But there is no warrant issued for the seizure of this property, no mechanism for the business owner to challenge the government’s arbitrary determination to close their business.
When the government threatens a business owner or forcibly demands that a business close, the business owner is being effectively deprived of the economic value of its property and the principal private use of that property. Whenever a government takes private property for public purpose, both state and U.S. Constitutions require that business receive proper due process consideration followed by just compensation equaling a fair market value for that property.
Do you think shelter-in-place orders are threatening American freedom? 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: 59% (177 Votes) No: 41% (121 Votes)
These shelter-in-place orders neither secure due process nor do they even mention reimbursement of fair market value.
Every constitution of every state in the union, as well as the U.S. Constitution, acknowledge freedom of religion and peaceably assembly as fundamental rights. Many state constitutions, as well as the U.S. Constitution, describe these rights as “inalienable rights” or “natural rights” meaning they do not come as permissions from governments, but pre-exist all law and government.
These rights are not the products of governments. To the contrary, governments exist for the sole purpose of securing these rights for the individual. Inherent in the securing of these rights is the prohibition against government defining the parameters of these rights.
When the government can arbitrarily decide that the only “legal” assembly is one of 10 people or fewer, there is no longer a right to peaceably assemble, but a permission granted under certain limited and confining terms.
One of the most essential reasons for the right to peaceably assemble is the power the assembly brings in the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
It is a truly despotic government that can create unjust and unconstitutional activity and then also posses the power to set the limits and parameters upon which the people can protest those laws. The very same can be said about the right to freedom of religion.
When a government can tell a body of people when, where, and how many can “legally” meet in their church, that government is defining religion — and that is antithetical to everything that America is founded upon.
What is even worse, these shelter-in-place orders not only do all of that, but many have also determined that the definition of freedom of religion can be relegated and confined to an internet broadcast and all those who are unable to meet this order are simply denied their right to worship and threatened by force of government to have no assembly whatsoever.
Finally, these shelter-in-place orders often establish that failure to comply with the order will result in civil or criminal penalties. Yet these orders do not define the elements of their newly invented crime, the evidence necessary to prove violation of the order, or the affirmative defenses available to the accused.
In their attempts to “ensure enforcement” of their orders, those governments have established those terms with a complete disregard for due process, evidentiary rules, and the rights of the people to be considered innocent until proven guilty. As these orders stand, it is up to the individual officer to make the determination of what is proper evidence of compliance and what is insufficient evidence that equates to a violation. American courts call that “unbridled discretion” — and for decades have held that to be fundamentally unjust.
What makes all of this so very tragic is that America’s founders pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor to throw off the very artifices of government we are experiencing today.
James Otis Jr., a lawyer whom our founders termed the “midwife to liberty,” brought a valiant legal battle against the laws of Parliament that attempted to legally authorize what our governors, county commissioners, city councils and mayors are doing today. He referred to these laws as “the worst instrument of arbitrary power, the most destructive of English liberty and the fundamental principles of law, that ever was found in an English law-book.”
In an America that once declared independence from kings forever, we have all too quickly succumbed to king-like authority under the wiles of fear and necessity.
William Pitt the Younger would likely remind us that “necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants. It is the creed of slaves.”
Let’s be clear: I am not asserting that the individual should not choose a behavior that respects the most prudent measures available to ensure the best health and welfare of themselves and their neighbors. But when a government uses threat and force to compel behavior and the rights of the people are ignored and due process denied under the pretense of necessity, the people are not safe, the welfare of the people is not respected and the body of the people are in danger of becoming enslaved by the very government they’ve elected to secure their rights.
Samuel Adams said, “No people will tamely surrender their Liberties, nor can any be easily subdued, when knowledge is diffused and virtue is preserved.”
It is time we educate ourselves and our children on the constitutional republic we legally have, instead of tolerating the authoritarian government we are being subjected to.
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website. If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal, you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-03-29--Country Singer Joe Diffie Dies of Coronavirus Two Days After Announcing Diagnosis

Country singer Joe Diffie has died after testing positive for COVID-19 .
He was 61 .
The singer had a string of hits in the 1990s with chart-topping ballads and honky-tonk singles like “ Home ” and “ Pickup Man.
” Diffie on Friday announced he had contracted the coronavirus , becoming the first country star to go public with such a diagnosis .
Diffie ’ s publicist Scott Adkins said the singer died Sunday due to complications from the virus .
TRENDING : Sex Assault Scandal Leaves Dems Turning on Biden En Masse : Here Are Some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legend Joe Diffie passed away today , Sunday , March 29 , from complications of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) , ” a statement on the singer ’ s Facebook page read .
“ His family respects their privacy at this time.
” Diffie , a native of Tulsa , Oklahoma , was a member of the Grand Ole Opry for more than 25 years .
His hits included “ Honky Tonk Attitude , ” “ Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox ( If I Die ) , ” “ Bigger Than the Beatles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( In Empty Pockets ) .
” His mid-90s albums “ Honkey Tonk Attitude ” and “ Third Rock From the Sun ” went platinum .
Eighteen of Diffie ’ s singles landed in the top 10 , with five going No .
1 .
In his 2013 single “ 1994 , ” Jason Aldean name-checked the ’ 90s country mainstay .
RELATED : Coronavirus Takes Life of Songwriter of ' I Love Rock and Roll ' Alan Merrill Diffie is survived by his wife , Tara Terpening Diffie , and five children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with his family during this difficult time .
CORRECTION , March 29 , 2020 : This post originally misstated the name of Joe Diffie ’ s wife , Tara .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Country singer Joe Diffie has died after testing positive for COVID-19. He was 61.
The singer had a string of hits in the 1990s with chart-topping ballads and honky-tonk singles like “Home” and “Pickup Man.”
Diffie on Friday announced he had contracted the coronavirus, becoming the first country star to go public with such a diagnosis.
Diffie’s publicist Scott Adkins said the singer died Sunday due to complications from the virus.
“GRAMMY-winning country music legend Joe Diffie passed away today, Sunday, March 29, from complications of coronavirus (COVID-19),” a statement on the singer’s Facebook page read.
“His family requests privacy at this time.”
Diffie, a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was a member of the Grand Ole Opry for more than 25 years.
His hits included “Honky Tonk Attitude,” “Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox (If I Die),” “Bigger Than the Beatles” and “If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets).”
His mid-90s albums “Honkey Tonk Attitude” and “Third Rock From the Sun” went platinum.
Eighteen of Diffie’s singles landed in the top 10, with five going No. 1. In his 2013 single “1994,” Jason Aldean name-checked the ’90s country mainstay.
Diffie is survived by his wife, Tara Terpening Diffie, and five children from four marriages.
Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.
CORRECTION, March 29, 2020: This post originally misstated the name of Joe Diffie’s wife, Tara.
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.
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--2020-03-29--As Leftists Demand America Stay Closed for Months, Suicide Calls Skyrocket

One of the saddest pieces of news to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic , other than the mounting death toll caused by the virus itself , is the increasing number of reports about suicide in the United States .
If there ever was a clear sign of a diseased culture lacking a proper view of the things of this world , the alarming statistics highlighted below confirm it .
According to KATU-TV in Portland , Oregon , Gov .
Kate Brown ’ s stay-at-home order amid the coronavirus outbreak is having “ a big impact ” on people ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that during a news conference on Tuesday , Portland Police Chief Jami Resch said calls for threats or attempts of suicide are up 41 percent over this time last year and are 23 percent higher from the 10 days prior to the state of emergency the city declared .
“ We do know that people are struggling , and we want to get out as many resources to folks as possible by encouraging you to contact friends and family , whether it ’ s by phone , text , video chat .
Check @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are resources available , ” Resch said .
TRENDING : Sex Assault Scandal Leaves Dems Turning on Biden En Masse : Here Are Some of the Most Brutal Comments Valley News Live , an NBC affiliate in Fargo , North Dakota , reported that FirstLink , a local company that answers the National Suicide Prevention Hotline , said calls have “ gone up 300 % nationally.
” Moreover , the Courier-Journal in Louisville , Kentucky , reported that the state ’ s suicide prevention call centers are experiencing a 20 percent increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an ugly side effect of the nationwide lockdown , one that some on the left are saying will need to continue for many more months .
Thankfully , President Donald Trump has not been ignorant of these unnerving statistics .
During his virtual town hall Tuesday on Fox News earlier this week , the president argued that if people are not able to go back to work soon there will be “ suicides by the thousands.
” “ We have to put the country to work , ” Trump said at a news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anxiety and depression , and you have suicides over things like this , when you have terrible economies.
” There ’ s a good deal of truth in what the president is saying .
USA Today essentially confirmed his point in a report published Monday on why suicide rates are higher during a pandemic .
RELATED : AP ’ s Dishonest Trump ‘ Fact Check ’ Gets Slammed by Former Dem “ Experts caution there is no single cause of suicide .
But getting laid off , losing a safe place to live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the kinds of adversity that can elevate suicide risk , ” reporter Alia Dastagir wrote .
While I don ’ t deny that any of what the president and USA Today are saying is true , I have to wonder just what the increase in suicides says about the spiritual well-being of our nation right now .
I mean , work is not everything .
Material well-being is not everything .
This world is passing away .
Our Lord , in the Gospel of Matthew , says , “ Do not fear those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kill the soul .
Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
” This isn ’ t to be flippant about the very real crisis millions of Americans are being confronted with right now .
Businesses that people have operated their entire lives are going under .
And rising unemployment means many of the essentials needed for survival and a good , quality life can ’ t be purchased .
But man is not saved by bread alone , and the love of money is the root of all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s get the economy up and running again .
It might well prevent Americans from having these terrible thoughts .
But there are two things we should keep in mind as we move forward : One , work isn ’ t the answer to everything .
God is .
And two , people should only go back to their jobs when it ’ s safe to do so .
Many Republican lawmakers agree with me on that .
If the increase in suicide rates during the coronavirus outbreak reveals anything , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need of God , of Jesus Christ , and of a country that lives out the Gospel command to love your neighbor as yourself .
Now is indeed the time to reach out to those who are anxious about what ’ s going to happen and to convince them to put their trust in Jesus Christ .
As Proverbs 3:5 states , “ Trust in the Lord with all your heart , and do not lean on your own understanding.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism @ @ @ @ @ @

One of the saddest pieces of news to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic, other than the mounting death toll caused by the virus itself, is the increasing number of reports about suicide in the United States.
If there ever was a clear sign of a diseased culture lacking a proper view of the things of this world, the alarming statistics highlighted below confirm it.
According to KATU-TV in Portland, Oregon, Gov. Kate Brown’s stay-at-home order amid the coronavirus outbreak is having “a big impact” on people’s mental health.
The outlet reports that during a news conference on Tuesday, Portland Police Chief Jami Resch said calls for threats or attempts of suicide are up 41 percent over this time last year and are 23 percent higher from the 10 days prior to the state of emergency the city declared.
“We do know that people are struggling, and we want to get out as many resources to folks as possible by encouraging you to contact friends and family, whether it’s by phone, text, video chat. Check in with each other, know that there are resources available,” Resch said.
Valley News Live, an NBC affiliate in Fargo, North Dakota, reported that FirstLink, a local company that answers the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, said calls have “gone up 300% nationally.”
“Let’s not forget each other just checking in and make sure that we’re all doing okay,” said Cindy Miller, FirstLink Executive Director.https://t.co/OvjkXoGQcz — Valley News Live (@ValleyNewsLive) March 24, 2020
Moreover, the Courier-Journal in Louisville, Kentucky, reported that the state’s suicide prevention call centers are experiencing a 20 percent increase in regular volume.
Do you believe Americans should go back to work right now? Yes No
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It’s an ugly side effect of the nationwide lockdown, one that some on the left are saying will need to continue for many more months.
Thankfully, President Donald Trump has not been ignorant of these unnerving statistics.
During his virtual town hall Tuesday on Fox News earlier this week, the president argued that if people are not able to go back to work soon there will be “suicides by the thousands.”
“We have to put the country to work,” Trump said at a news briefing Tuesday. “People get tremendous anxiety and depression, and you have suicides over things like this, when you have terrible economies.”
There’s a good deal of truth in what the president is saying. USA Today essentially confirmed his point in a report published Monday on why suicide rates are higher during a pandemic.
“Experts caution there is no single cause of suicide. But getting laid off, losing a safe place to live and taking on new family responsibilities are the kinds of adversity that can elevate suicide risk,” reporter Alia Dastagir wrote.
‘Isolation is a big trigger’: Feelings of suicide are amplified amid a pandemic#coronavirushttps://t.co/17UGldFwIG — USA TODAY Health (@USATODAYhealth) March 24, 2020
While I don’t deny that any of what the president and USA Today are saying is true, I have to wonder just what the increase in suicides says about the spiritual well-being of our nation right now.
I mean, work is not everything. Material well-being is not everything. This world is passing away. Our Lord, in the Gospel of Matthew, says, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
This isn’t to be flippant about the very real crisis millions of Americans are being confronted with right now. Businesses that people have operated their entire lives are going under. And rising unemployment means many of the essentials needed for survival and a good, quality life can’t be purchased.
But man is not saved by bread alone, and the love of money is the root of all evil.
So, sure, let’s get the economy up and running again. It might well prevent Americans from having these terrible thoughts.
But there are two things we should keep in mind as we move forward: One, work isn’t the answer to everything. God is. And two, people should only go back to their jobs when it’s safe to do so. Many Republican lawmakers agree with me on that.
This is the stark truth: we have to arrest the spread of the China virus to get the economy back on its feet & get life back to something like normal. https://t.co/KNUTXNIpnL — Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) March 24, 2020
There will be no normally functioning economy if our hospitals are overwhelmed and thousands of Americans of all ages, including our doctors and nurses, lay dying because we have failed to do what’s necessary to stop the virus. https://t.co/AchwfXtuLi — Liz Cheney (@Liz_Cheney) March 24, 2020
If the increase in suicide rates during the coronavirus outbreak reveals anything, it’s that Americans are in desperate need of God, of Jesus Christ, and of a country that lives out the Gospel command to love your neighbor as yourself.
Now is indeed the time to reach out to those who are anxious about what’s going to happen and to convince them to put their trust in Jesus Christ.
As Proverbs 3:5 states, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”
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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--2020-03-29--Samaritan’s Purse Convoy Arrives in NYC, Now Deploying Field Hospital in Central Park

The evangelical Christian group Samaritan ’ s Purse has brought its faith and an emergency field hospital into the heart of New York City , where the coronavirus is ravaging the population like nowhere else in the country .
New York City has had 30,765 confirmed coronavirus cases as of Sunday , according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center .
The city ’ s total amounts to more than half of the 53,520 confirmed cases in New York state .
As of Sunday , 678 people in New York City had died from the virus .
The Rev .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ convoy carrying the field hospital ’ s supplies arrived in New York City on Sunday after leaving the organization ’ s headquarters in Boone , North Carolina , on Saturday .
TRENDING : Sex Assault Scandal Leaves Dems Turning on Biden En Masse : Here Are Some of the Most Brutal Comments Former Fox News host Greta Van Sustern , now host of Gray TV ’ s “ Full Court Press , ” posted images of the group setting up in Central Park , though she might have been a little optimistic about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post , Graham estimated it would be 48 hours before the facility is operational .
In a Facebook announcing the New York mission , Graham said ministering to the city ’ s ill is a continuation of his group ’ s charitable work .
“ Samaritan ’ s Purse has been asked to help in New York as the state and their medical infrastructure has been overwhelmed by the coronavirus .
This morning six tractor trailers left our office in NC with a 68-bed emergency field hospital , medical supplies , and equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our doctors left last night and is there now with a larger medical team to follow .
Dr. Elliott Tenpenny said , ‘ It ’ s important that we help because this is what we ’ re called to do as Christians .
We help those who are in the ditch of life.
’ Please pray as we respond in Jesus ’ Name , ” Graham wrote The field hospital is setting up in Central Park ’ s East Meadow , according to a news release on the Samaritan ’ s Purse website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was prepared especially for this response to provide much needed support and to help save lives during the coronavirus pandemic , ” the group stated on its website .
“ People are dying from the coronavirus , hospitals are out of beds , and the medical staff are overwhelmed , ” Graham said in the release .
“ This is what Samaritan ’ s Purse does—we respond in the middle of crises to help people in Jesus ’ Name .
Please pray for our teams and for everyone around the world affected by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Luther Harrison , vice president for North American Ministries , prayed with the staff who left , the release said .
“ Lord , our name is on the side of these trucks , but more importantly , Your Name is on the side of these trucks .
We commit ourselves and our mission to You , ” he prayed .
Samaritan ’ s Purse is also caring for coronavirus-stricken patients in Italy , where a 68-bed Emergency Field Hospital has been set up in Cremona , near Milan .
“ Our U.S @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team , medical ministries—the whole organization—has come together for this response at the two epicenters of the disease , ” Harrison said .
“ This is what it means to be the Body of Christ .
We ’ re all coming together to represent the Lord , and every role is important .
This whole team is committed to doing all they can to help people in Jesus ’ Name.
” Many praised the group for its efforts .
Elsewhere on his Facebook page , Graham , who has had very public differences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andrew Cuomo , posted a message of reassurance for those who are frightened .
“ If you are fearful and anxious during these uncertain times with the coronavirus dominating every headline , I urge you to turn to the Word of God and search for His promises .
Here are some Scriptures that I hope will strengthen and encourage you today , ” he posted .
The verses he posted were : “ So do not fear , for I am with you ; do not be dismayed , for I am your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help you ; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
” ( Isaiah 41:10 ) ; “ When I am afraid , I put my trust in you.
” ( Psalm 56:3 ) ; “ Have I not commanded you ?
Be strong and courageous .
Do not be afraid ; do not be discouraged , for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
” ( Joshua 1:9 ) ; “ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
” ( 1 Peter 5:7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not given us a spirit of fear , but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
” ( 2 Timothy 1:7 ) We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The evangelical Christian group Samaritan’s Purse has brought its faith and an emergency field hospital into the heart of New York City, where the coronavirus is ravaging the population like nowhere else in the country.
New York City has had 30,765 confirmed coronavirus cases as of Sunday, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. The city’s total amounts to more than half of the 53,520 confirmed cases in New York state. As of Sunday, 678 people in New York City had died from the virus.
The Rev. Franklin Graham announced on Twitter that a convoy carrying the field hospital’s supplies arrived in New York City on Sunday after leaving the organization’s headquarters in Boone, North Carolina, on Saturday.
The coronavirus has overwhelmed the medical facilities in New York. @SamaritansPurse has just deployed there with an Emergency Field Hospital that is being set up in Central Park. We want the people that we help to know that God has not forgotten them and that He loves them. pic.twitter.com/f7hjeI6ogf — Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) March 29, 2020
Former Fox News host Greta Van Sustern, now host of Gray TV’s “Full Court Press,” posted images of the group setting up in Central Park, though she might have been a little optimistic about the timeline. In a separate Twitter post, Graham estimated it would be 48 hours before the facility is operational.
Check out pics – @SamaritansPurse is assembling 68 bed field hospital in Central Park / NYC …will be finished in 24 hours @Franklin_Graham pic.twitter.com/K0i5KcH21A — Greta Van Susteren (@greta) March 29, 2020
In a Facebook announcing the New York mission, Graham said ministering to the city’s ill is a continuation of his group’s charitable work.
Will you pray for these medical workers? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (273 Votes) No: 0% (1 Votes)
“Samaritan’s Purse has been asked to help in New York as the state and their medical infrastructure has been overwhelmed by the coronavirus. This morning six tractor trailers left our office in NC with a 68-bed emergency field hospital, medical supplies, and equipment. An advance team including one of our doctors left last night and is there now with a larger medical team to follow. Dr. Elliott Tenpenny said, ‘It’s important that we help because this is what we’re called to do as Christians. We help those who are in the ditch of life.’ Please pray as we respond in Jesus’ Name,” Graham wrote
The field hospital is setting up in Central Park’s East Meadow, according to a news release on the Samaritan’s Purse website.
“Our 68-bed respiratory care unit was prepared especially for this response to provide much needed support and to help save lives during the coronavirus pandemic,” the group stated on its website.
“People are dying from the coronavirus, hospitals are out of beds, and the medical staff are overwhelmed,” Graham said in the release.
“This is what Samaritan’s Purse does—we respond in the middle of crises to help people in Jesus’ Name. Please pray for our teams and for everyone around the world affected by the virus,” he said.
Luther Harrison, vice president for North American Ministries, prayed with the staff who left, the release said.
“Lord, our name is on the side of these trucks, but more importantly, Your Name is on the side of these trucks. We commit ourselves and our mission to You,” he prayed.
Samaritan’s Purse is also caring for coronavirus-stricken patients in Italy, where a 68-bed Emergency Field Hospital has been set up in Cremona, near Milan.
“Our U.S. Disaster Relief team, international relief team, medical ministries—the whole organization—has come together for this response at the two epicenters of the disease,” Harrison said. “This is what it means to be the Body of Christ. We’re all coming together to represent the Lord, and every role is important. This whole team is committed to doing all they can to help people in Jesus’ Name.”
Many praised the group for its efforts.
We’ve passed these trucks numerous times on Hwy 77 and Hwy 421.
It puts a smile on our faces and warms our hearts to know that God is using y’all to do His work Godspeed ??
God bless ?
Thank y’all ????? — Stephanie???????? (@real_Stephanie) March 28, 2020
Take note NY Times! These are courageous, compassionate evangelicals on their way to help your city! Let’s see if you will thank them (blessings) or find something else to blame them for (curses). I pray you choose blessing! — Kerry Spitzer (@bettycspitz) March 28, 2020
Elsewhere on his Facebook page, Graham, who has had very public differences with New York’s Gov. Andrew Cuomo, posted a message of reassurance for those who are frightened.
“If you are fearful and anxious during these uncertain times with the coronavirus dominating every headline, I urge you to turn to the Word of God and search for His promises. Here are some Scriptures that I hope will strengthen and encourage you today,” he posted.
The verses he posted were: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10); “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3); “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9); “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7); and “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-03-29--Age 87 Marine Who Survived COVID-19 Credits His Service for Instilling Toughness

Franklin Eller is the kind of man who ’ s a great breath of fresh air at a time many of us aren ’ t breathing much fresh air .
Eller is an 87-year-old retired Marine who is one of the oldest known survivors of the COVID-19 pandemic .
He ’ s also going viral because of the fact that he ’ s talking about how the “ Corps trains us to deal with adversity.
” According to WXIA-TV , the San Diego resident was released from Mayaguez Medical Center in Puerto Rico on Tuesday .
Eller was diagnosed after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 has bred : a cruise ship .
“ I ’ m feeling great .
And I was very fortunate to find myself laying here at the Mayaguez Medical Center , ” Eller told CBS News ’ David Begnaud earlier in the week .
TRENDING : Sex Assault Scandal Leaves Dems Turning on Biden En Masse : Here Are Some of the Most Brutal Comments “ As you may know , I was evacuated from a ship ; we were on a cruise in the Caribbean .
And I was feeling pretty lousy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So I kinda let it go , and it kept getting worse and worse , and I had trouble breathing and I couldn ’ t walk very far .
So finally on the third day , my wife convinced me to go down to the medical center .
I checked in there ; they saw I was in pretty bad shape , they did all the tests they could do ; they didn ’ t have any of the virus tests.
” Then Eller saw the X-rays .
“ Both lungs were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
Eller — who served in the Marines for 25 years , including two tours of Vietnam — was evacuated from the ship by helicopter and admitted to Mayaguez Medical Center .
“ I have to say that I saw his chest X-ray from the cruise , and from that moment I knew that we were not dealing with a common pneumonia process .
So that ’ s why we treated this patient from day one as a possible COVID-19 patient , ” Dr. Monica Egozcue told Begnaud .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the findings on X-rays are called infiltrates , ” she said .
“ So his infiltrates on the chest X-ray were more central , what we call perihilar .
That ’ s not usual in pneumonia .
Pneumonia usually affects a certain part of the lungs either the upper zone or the lower one .
Infiltrates were located in the central part of the lungs , which is not common in the pneumonia process .
“ So at that moment we had high suspicion plus his white blood cells were elevated , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found in these types of patients .
… He was treated always like a COVID-19 case.
” RELATED : CBS Used Fake COVID Video : 'NY Hospital ' Footage Was From Italy 's Hardest-Hit City Eller survived , part of which he attributed to his time in the service .
“ I really owe my recovery to four things , ” he said .
“ First of all , the Marine Corps trains us Marines to deal with adversity .
They teach us to adapt , overcome and continue the mission .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do every time I ’ ve encountered an adverse condition in my life , and with two tours in Vietnam plus other national emergencies that the Marines responded to , I feel that I can speak on the subject of adversity .
“ The second one is my wife and my family back in San Diego in Humboldt County , California , for their love and support .
“ Of course , we could not have done it without the hospital ’ s outstanding efforts .
“ And finally , the grace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have here.
” Eller is in the group most at risk here : He ’ s 87 with multiple health conditions .
“ I have emphysema , I have heart disease , I have a leaky heart valve in one lung , I have peripheral neuropathy and I have an irregular heartbeat , ” he said .
And yet , he hung on .
This man exudes an energy .
He ’ s given to his country and now he ’ s giving us all hope in the midst of the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him up , we can ’ t say that he didn ’ t bring some mettle of his own to the equation — and that was from the grace of God .
Our hats are off to you , Mr. Eller .
Here ’ s hoping for a lot more time for you .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Franklin Eller is the kind of man who’s a great breath of fresh air at a time many of us aren’t breathing much fresh air.
Eller is an 87-year-old retired Marine who is one of the oldest known survivors of the COVID-19 pandemic. He’s also going viral because of the fact that he’s talking about how the “Corps trains us to deal with adversity.”
According to WXIA-TV, the San Diego resident was released from Mayaguez Medical Center in Puerto Rico on Tuesday.
Eller was diagnosed after being in one of the environments where COVID-19 has bred: a cruise ship.
“I’m feeling great. And I was very fortunate to find myself laying here at the Mayaguez Medical Center,” Eller told CBS News’ David Begnaud earlier in the week.
“As you may know, I was evacuated from a ship; we were on a cruise in the Caribbean. And I was feeling pretty lousy about six days into a 14-day cruise. So I kinda let it go, and it kept getting worse and worse, and I had trouble breathing and I couldn’t walk very far. So finally on the third day, my wife convinced me to go down to the medical center. I checked in there; they saw I was in pretty bad shape, they did all the tests they could do; they didn’t have any of the virus tests.”
Then Eller saw the X-rays.
“Both lungs were just practically black and filled with infection,” he said.
Eller — who served in the Marines for 25 years, including two tours of Vietnam — was evacuated from the ship by helicopter and admitted to Mayaguez Medical Center.
“I have to say that I saw his chest X-ray from the cruise, and from that moment I knew that we were not dealing with a common pneumonia process. So that’s why we treated this patient from day one as a possible COVID-19 patient,” Dr. Monica Egozcue told Begnaud.
“When a patient has pneumonia, the findings on X-rays are called infiltrates,” she said. “So his infiltrates on the chest X-ray were more central, what we call perihilar. That’s not usual in pneumonia. Pneumonia usually affects a certain part of the lungs either the upper zone or the lower one. Infiltrates were located in the central part of the lungs, which is not common in the pneumonia process.
“So at that moment we had high suspicion plus his white blood cells were elevated, however, he had lymphodemia, which is found in these types of patients. … He was treated always like a COVID-19 case.”
Eller survived, part of which he attributed to his time in the service.
“I really owe my recovery to four things,” he said.
“First of all, the Marine Corps trains us Marines to deal with adversity. They teach us to adapt, overcome and continue the mission. That’s what I’ve tried to do every time I’ve encountered an adverse condition in my life, and with two tours in Vietnam plus other national emergencies that the Marines responded to, I feel that I can speak on the subject of adversity.
“The second one is my wife and my family back in San Diego in Humboldt County, California, for their love and support.
“Of course, we could not have done it without the hospital’s outstanding efforts.
“And finally, the grace of God. That’s what I have here.”
God bless you, Franklin Eller.
Eller is in the group most at risk here: He’s 87 with multiple health conditions. “I have emphysema, I have heart disease, I have a leaky heart valve in one lung, I have peripheral neuropathy and I have an irregular heartbeat,” he said.
And yet, he hung on.
This man exudes an energy. He’s given to his country and now he’s giving us all hope in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. Even if the service toughened him up, we can’t say that he didn’t bring some mettle of his own to the equation — and that was from the grace of God.
Our hats are off to you, Mr. Eller. Here’s hoping for a lot more time for you.
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