westernjournal--2020-03-24--Hobby Lobby CEO’s Powerful Letter to All Employees: ‘God Is in Control’

If you ’ re like many people with email addresses , the onslaught of COVID-19 has resulted in many emails from companies that you may have forgotten you gave your contact information to .
Many organizations have scrambled to make their response to this new threat clear , whether in a bid to reassure customers or keep up with the Joneses ( or both ) .
While most restaurant dining rooms and many stores have been closed , there are some stores that might be considered “ non-essential ” that are keeping their doors open .
Many craft and art @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it ’ s easy to understand why they ’ d remain open — people stuck at home ?
For many , that means starting or completing projects .
There are several big art and craft supply stores that have made their policies clear while also keeping their stores open .
JOANN ’ s is staying open , but modifying its hours .
TRENDING : Biden Herded into Car After Nonsensical 'Sanders Is Joining Trump ' Statement “ As shared previously , we have been taking action to ensure we are protecting our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation , ” president and CEO Wade Miquelon wrote in an update on their website .
“ We continue to rely on the guidance of public health agencies , including the CDC and local , state and federal governments .
As such , we are taking proactive measures to protect all who visit and work in our stores.
” Michaels is also remaining open , according to a post on their website written by CEO Mark Cosby .
“ We are increasing the cleaning of cashier and framing counters , store classrooms , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bathrooms , breakrooms and other high-traffic and high-touch areas .
We have also developed dedicated communication channels to share information and preventative guidelines with our Team Members.
” Hobby Lobby has also decided to stay open for the time being — but it has gotten some flak online for that decision , which is ironic considering it isn ’ t the only arts and crafts store making that decision .
A letter to employees from founder David Green has been shared in Imgur , and the company ’ s characteristic Christian roots are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manager Tells Restaurant Owners Not To Worry About Rent : 'Pay Your Employees' “ This country has experienced several calamities and disruptions over the past century , ” the letter began .
“ From world wars and terrorist attacks , to financial crises and pandemics .
While the current COVID-19 virus has been added to that list , and is certainly concerning and disruptive , I have every confidence that we , as a country and Company , will sustain and thrive again soon .
My and Barbara ’ s confidence , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knowing that you are part of our Hobby Lobby family.
” “ In my family , Barbara is the prayer warrior .
Today , that title takes on such a different meaning than I ever imagined before because we are at war with this latest virus .
To quote the late Dr. Billy Graham , ‘ We are to pray in times of adversity , lest we become faithless and unbelieving .
We are to pray in times of prosperity , lest we become boastful and proud .
We are to pray in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fearful and doubting .
We are to pray in times of security , lest we become self-sufficient . '
” He shared that his prayer warrior wife had been given three words during her time of prayer : guide , guard and groom .
“ We serve a God who will Guide us through this storm , who will Guard us as we travel to places never seen before , and who , as a result of this experience , will Groom us to be better than we could have ever thought possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their endeavors as a company have been , and how they ’ ve been able to operate with much more financial security and provide better benefits and pay than many other , similar operations .
His closing was something that can be encouraging to many people , not just the employees he was writing to .
“ While we do not know for certain what the future holds , or how long this disruption will last , we can all rest in knowing that God is in control , ” he wrote .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing all they can to balance the need to keep the Company strong and the needs of the employees .
“ To help ensure our Company remains strong and prepared to prosper once again when this passes , we may all have to ‘ tighten our belts ’ over the near future .
We have always been the most successful Arts and Crafts retailer in the country , and , because of you , we will continue to be .
“ Our Statement of Purpose from the beginning of our company is as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : ‘ We believe that it is by God ’ s grace and provision that the Company has endured .
He has been faithful in the past , and we trust Him for our future . '
” “ Again , I can not adequately express how much I appreciate each one of you .
I ask that you all pray for our health and a return to normalcy very soon.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

If you’re like many people with email addresses, the onslaught of COVID-19 has resulted in many emails from companies that you may have forgotten you gave your contact information to. Many organizations have scrambled to make their response to this new threat clear, whether in a bid to reassure customers or keep up with the Joneses (or both).
While most restaurant dining rooms and many stores have been closed, there are some stores that might be considered “non-essential” that are keeping their doors open.
Many craft and art supply stores fall under that category, and it’s easy to understand why they’d remain open — people stuck at home? For many, that means starting or completing projects.
There are several big art and craft supply stores that have made their policies clear while also keeping their stores open.
JOANN’s is staying open, but modifying its hours.
“As shared previously, we have been taking action to ensure we are protecting our facilities, customers and teams across the nation,” president and CEO Wade Miquelon wrote in an update on their website.
“We continue to rely on the guidance of public health agencies, including the CDC and local, state and federal governments. As such, we are taking proactive measures to protect all who visit and work in our stores.”
Michaels is also remaining open, according to a post on their website written by CEO Mark Cosby.
“We are increasing the cleaning of cashier and framing counters, store classrooms, shopping cart handles, door handles, bathrooms, breakrooms and other high-traffic and high-touch areas. We have also developed dedicated communication channels to share information and preventative guidelines with our Team Members.”
Hobby Lobby, closed Sundays to allow employees time for family and worship. Open during a pandemic because our morals aren’t really all that great. pic.twitter.com/zA4pbCkPcB — Neil Saunders (@NeilRetail) March 20, 2020
Hobby Lobby has also decided to stay open for the time being — but it has gotten some flak online for that decision, which is ironic considering it isn’t the only arts and crafts store making that decision.
A letter to employees reportedly written by founder David Green has been shared in Imgur, and the company’s characteristic Christian roots are on full display.
“This country has experienced several calamities and disruptions over the past century,” the letter began. “From world wars and terrorist attacks, to financial crises and pandemics. While the current COVID-19 virus has been added to that list, and is certainly concerning and disruptive, I have every confidence that we, as a country and Company, will sustain and thrive again soon. My and Barbara’s confidence, and comfort, comes in large part from knowing that you are part of our Hobby Lobby family.”
“In my family, Barbara is the prayer warrior. Today, that title takes on such a different meaning than I ever imagined before because we are at war with this latest virus. To quote the late Dr. Billy Graham, ‘We are to pray in times of adversity, lest we become faithless and unbelieving. We are to pray in times of prosperity, lest we become boastful and proud. We are to pray in times of danger, lest we become fearful and doubting. We are to pray in times of security, lest we become self-sufficient.'”
He shared that his prayer warrior wife had been given three words during her time of prayer: guide, guard and groom. “We serve a God who will Guide us through this storm, who will Guard us as we travel to places never seen before, and who, as a result of this experience, will Groom us to be better than we could have ever thought possible before now.”
Green acknowledged how blessed their endeavors as a company have been, and how they’ve been able to operate with much more financial security and provide better benefits and pay than many other, similar operations.
His closing was something that can be encouraging to many people, not just the employees he was writing to.
“While we do not know for certain what the future holds, or how long this disruption will last, we can all rest in knowing that God is in control,” he wrote. “The Company’s leaders are doing all they can to balance the need to keep the Company strong and the needs of the employees.
“To help ensure our Company remains strong and prepared to prosper once again when this passes, we may all have to ‘tighten our belts’ over the near future. We have always been the most successful Arts and Crafts retailer in the country, and, because of you, we will continue to be.
“Our Statement of Purpose from the beginning of our company is as relevant today as it was in 1972: ‘We believe that it is by God’s grace and provision that the Company has endured. He has been faithful in the past, and we trust Him for our future.'”
“Again, I cannot adequately express how much I appreciate each one of you. I ask that you all pray for our health and a return to normalcy very soon.”
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westernjournal--2020-03-24--Hollywood Star Kirstie Alley Heaps Praise on Trump’s Coronavirus Response, Swats Aside Critics

Actress Kirstie Alley broke from her Hollywood compatriots Monday and applauded President Donald Trump on Twitter for his administration ’ s response to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Suffering no shortage of social media scorn , Alley was unhindered in thanking the president directly for his composure , “ care ” and “ boundless energy ” in addressing both the ongoing national emergency and American morale in recent weeks .
“ Dear Mr. President , ” Alley wrote .
“ I wanted to thank you for [ your ] recent decorum , sincerity , & care towards us .
You ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manner needed & wanted for this country.
” “ I highly commend you for [ your ] boundless energy & willingness to solve problems .
Thank you.
” The statement received a deeply divided response from fans , many of whom applauded the actress on her willingness to speak freely in support of the president ’ s recent efforts to prevent increased stateside spread of coronavirus without greatly interfering with American daily life or further damaging the economy .
A vocal contingent , however , which included fellow figures in Hollywood , were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remarks , suggesting the Trump administration had in various ways bungled the national virus response and demanding to know “ what president ” the actress was seeing on television .
“ Are you out of your mind ?
” comedian John Melendez tweeted .
“ What press conferences are you watching ?
I watch the ones with lies , misinformation , & jabs at Mitt Romney , & others.
” “ Kirstie , I ’ m a fan , but you ’ re way off on this , ” he said .
Alley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , using the opportunity to have a bit of fun at the expense of those who were resentful of her remarks .
“ BlAh blAh blAh , ” Alley wrote back to Melendez , the first of several Monday tongue lashings issued by the actress .
RELATED : Kirstie Alley Blasts Term 'Democratic Socialist , ' Says It 's Nonsensical Like 'Gentle Nazi' “ You can tell a lot about people who belittle you for your views and beliefs , when [ you ] aren ’ t even TALKING TO THEM !
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I call these people CHIMERS ..they ALWAYS chime in when [ you ] are speaking to someone else.
” Hardly a bitter partisan , Alley has still managed to earn the ire of left-wing audiences on several occasions in recent years , publicly attacking Hollywood ’ s blacklisting of conservative artists and initially supporting then-candidate Donald Trump for president in 2015 .
The actress would later retract her endorsement , however , disappointed by vulgar and objectionable sexual remarks revealed by the “ Access Hollywood ” tape in October 2016 , just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Deadline , Alley rebuked an unwillingness to come together on both sides of the political aisle in 2019 , assuring her social media followers that , despite an increase in public political remarks and endorsements , she was not a “ devout ” Republican or Democrat — simply someone who approved of anyone seeking to make a positive change in the world .
Such seemed to be the rationale behind Alley ’ s Monday applause for the president .
“ I compliment people when they do well , ” the actress said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Actress Kirstie Alley broke from her Hollywood compatriots Monday and applauded President Donald Trump on Twitter for his administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Suffering no shortage of social media scorn, Alley was unhindered in thanking the president directly for his composure, “care” and “boundless energy” in addressing both the ongoing national emergency and American morale in recent weeks.
“Dear Mr. President,” Alley wrote. “I wanted to thank you for [your] recent decorum, sincerity, & care towards us. You’re taking charge & leading in a manner needed & wanted for this country.”
“I highly commend you for [your] boundless energy & willingness to solve problems. Thank you.”
Dear Mr. President, @realDonaldTrump
I wanted to thank you for ur recent decorum, sincerity, & care towards us. You’re taking charge & leading in a manner needed & wanted for this country. I highly commend you for ur boundless energy & willingness to solve problems. Thank you — Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) March 24, 2020
The statement received a deeply divided response from fans, many of whom applauded the actress on her willingness to speak freely in support of the president’s recent efforts to prevent increased stateside spread of coronavirus without greatly interfering with American daily life or further damaging the economy.
A vocal contingent, however, which included fellow figures in Hollywood, were less than thrilled with Alley’s remarks, suggesting the Trump administration had in various ways bungled the national virus response and demanding to know “what president” the actress was seeing on television.
Do you approve of the Trump administration's response to the COVID-19 pandemic? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 99% (964 Votes) No: 1% (8 Votes)
“Are you out of your mind?” comedian John Melendez tweeted. “What press conferences are you watching? I watch the ones with lies, misinformation, & jabs at Mitt Romney, & others.”
“Kirstie, I’m a fan, but you’re way off on this,” he said.
Alley, for her part, seemed unphased, using the opportunity to have a bit of fun at the expense of those who were resentful of her remarks.
“BlAh blAh blAh,” Alley wrote back to Melendez, the first of several Monday tongue lashings issued by the actress.
BlAh blAh blAh https://t.co/fgUATShNN8 — Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) March 24, 2020
“You can tell a lot about people who belittle you for your views and beliefs, when [you] aren’t even TALKING TO THEM!” she later wrote. “My bestie and I call these people CHIMERS ..they ALWAYS chime in when [you] are speaking to someone else.”
I compliment people when they do well … blah blah blah — Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) March 24, 2020
You can tell a lot about people who belittle you for your views and beliefs, when u aren’t even TALKING TO THEM! ???? My bestie and I call these people CHIMERS ..they ALWAYS chime in when u are speaking to someone else ? pic.twitter.com/RmrS64LM0J — Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) March 24, 2020
Hardly a bitter partisan, Alley has still managed to earn the ire of left-wing audiences on several occasions in recent years, publicly attacking Hollywood’s blacklisting of conservative artists and initially supporting then-candidate Donald Trump for president in 2015.
The actress would later retract her endorsement, however, disappointed by vulgar and objectionable sexual remarks revealed by the “Access Hollywood” tape in October 2016, just weeks before the presidential election.
According to Deadline, Alley rebuked an unwillingness to come together on both sides of the political aisle in 2019, assuring her social media followers that, despite an increase in public political remarks and endorsements, she was not a “devout” Republican or Democrat — simply someone who approved of anyone seeking to make a positive change in the world.
I refuse to be part of the Hollywood asshats who can’t see that “NOT working with Republicans” is as stupid and NASTY as “REFUSING to do business with gay people”..STOP ACTING above the FRAY ya damn hypocrites…WE are the same species! let’s help each OTHER ya damn yahoos ❤❤❤ — Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) September 7, 2019
Such seemed to be the rationale behind Alley’s Monday applause for the president.
“I compliment people when they do well,” the actress said plainly.
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westernjournal--2020-03-24--Dr. Fauci Calls Out Media for Trying To Drive a Wedge Between Him and Trump: ‘Not Helpful’

Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , said he wishes the media would stop “ pitting ” himself and President Donald Trump against each other .
In an interview with WMAL-FM ’ s “ Mornings on the Mall , ” host Vince Coglianese asked Fauci if he thinks the media are trying to emphasize the differences of opinion of the president and the leaders of the White House coronavirus task force .
“ That is really unfortunate , ” Fauci replied .
“ I would wish that would stop because we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to point out differences .
“ There really , fundamentally at the core when you look at things , there are not differences.
” He added that the president has listened to and taken the advice of Fauci and the other experts on the task force without overriding them .
“ The idea of just pitting one against the other is just not helpful .
I wish that would stop and we would look at the head at the challenge we have to pull together to get over this thing , ” Fauci @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fox News with Mark Levin , Fauci said Trump “ asks a lot of questions ” and heeds the scientific advice of the task force .
During a White House briefing on the coronavirus Saturday , a viral video showed Fauci ’ s reaction to a joke the president slipped into his briefing , which led to many people suggesting he was putting his hand over his face in shame .
The notion that there were some disagreements between Fauci and the president was also brought up in an interview with Science Magazine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cohen , asked Fauci about the task to help ensure Trump ’ s remarks about COVID-19 are accurate , and Fauci said it was a challenge .
RELATED : US Officials Accuse Iran of Covering Up Extent of Coronavirus Outbreak , Stealing Medical Funds “ I can ’ t jump in front of the microphone and push him down , ” Fauci said .
“ OK , he said it .
Let ’ s try and get it corrected for the next time.
” The New York Times reported Monday that White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Fauci has grown thin .
Trump has said that he and the doctors on his team do not agree on every point of discussion .
“ If it were up to the doctors , they may say , ‘ Let ’ s keep it shut down .
Let ’ s shut down the entire world , ' ” the president said at Monday ’ s news briefing .
He added that Fauci didn ’ t agree with his belief that the economy needs to be reopened soon .
“ He understands there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country , both in terms of lives and in terms of economics , ” Trump said .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said he wishes the media would stop “pitting” himself and President Donald Trump against each other.
In an interview with WMAL-FM’s “Mornings on the Mall,” host Vince Coglianese asked Fauci if he thinks the media are trying to emphasize the differences of opinion of the president and the leaders of the White House coronavirus task force.
“That is really unfortunate,” Fauci replied. “I would wish that would stop because we have a much bigger problem here than trying to point out differences.
“There really, fundamentally at the core when you look at things, there are not differences.”
He added that the president has listened to and taken the advice of Fauci and the other experts on the task force without overriding them.
“The idea of just pitting one against the other is just not helpful. I wish that would stop and we would look at the head at the challenge we have to pull together to get over this thing,” Fauci said.
In an interview Monday on Fox News with Mark Levin, Fauci said Trump “asks a lot of questions” and heeds the scientific advice of the task force.
During a White House briefing on the coronavirus Saturday, a viral video showed Fauci’s reaction to a joke the president slipped into his briefing, which led to many people suggesting he was putting his hand over his face in shame.
Fauci’s face says it all. pic.twitter.com/SUBpWN6H5D — Justin Fishel (@JustinFishelABC) March 20, 2020
The notion that there were some disagreements between Fauci and the president was also brought up in an interview with Science Magazine published Sunday.
The interviewer, Jon Cohen, asked Fauci about the task to help ensure Trump’s remarks about COVID-19 are accurate, and Fauci said it was a challenge.
“I can’t jump in front of the microphone and push him down,” Fauci said. “OK, he said it. Let’s try and get it corrected for the next time.”
The New York Times reported Monday that White House aides said the president’s patience with Fauci has grown thin.
Trump has said that he and the doctors on his team do not agree on every point of discussion.
Do you think the media is unfairly portraying Trump's reaction to the coronavirus? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 98% (2877 Votes) No: 2% (53 Votes)
“If it were up to the doctors, they may say, ‘Let’s keep it shut down. Let’s shut down the entire world,'” the president said at Monday’s news briefing.
He added that Fauci didn’t agree with his belief that the economy needs to be reopened soon.
“He understands there’s a tremendous cost to our country, both in terms of lives and in terms of economics,” Trump said.
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westernjournal--2020-03-24--Bob Ehrlich: Lessons Learned from Coronavirus

Three questions to contemplate while you are taking a break from your daily telecommute : 1 .
Where have all the open border zealots gone now that our country is in virtual lockdown due to a worldwide contagion ?
2 .
Why a sudden case of media amnesia regarding Joe Biden ’ s claim that the president ’ s early travel restrictions on China constituted “ hysterical xenophobia ” ?
3 .
I wonder what Golden State Warriors Coach Steve Kerr ( “ Mr .
Moral Equivalence ” on China ) and superstar LeBron James ( “ Mr .
Misinformed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) now think of the Chinese government ’ s lies and distortions regarding the depth , siz , and origin of the COVID-19 virus ?
Rhetorical questions , yes , but nevertheless timely queries — and lessons — for an America that just may graduate from this pandemic with important , realpolitik lessons learned in dealing with challenges presented by America ’ s most formidable foe .
First , a background reminder for those who have been transfixed by the media ’ s relentless focus on Russia ( and Ukraine ) for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the presidency in large part due to deep heartland angst over questionable trade deals and the demise of America ’ s industrial base .
An important but generally ignored subtext was Mr. Trump ’ s telling inquiry as to why the most powerful nation on earth insisted on treating its fastest-growing competitor ( China ) as a third-world power ?
In the process , Chamber of Commerce Republicans and indulgent one-world progressives were exposed — to their great frustration .
You may take that last sentence as an understatement .
On the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s unabashed nationalism and ( feelings-be-damned ) tariff threats as proof of an uncomprehending mind , more interested in scoring cheap political points than understanding the complexities of free trade .
On the left , the celebrity casino owner was similarly dismissed as an intellectual lightweight and further condemned as a xenophobe and nativist to boot .
Both sides remained rather unimpressed , even dismissive of the pleas of flyover country laborers who still work with their hands .
Further to the point , the mainstream media and Russia-obsessed lefties never understood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our most serious opponent/economic competitor/situational ally — China — from the jump .
Recall the new president ’ s first major policy pronouncement : He would reappraise America ’ s “ One China Policy.
” Both party establishments blanched , and the left immediately assumed “ Trump Derangement Syndrome.
” A familiar refrain began : We told you he was crazy — he is going to start a war with the Chinese .
But buried beneath the short-lived , shot-across-the-bow initiative was a new president ’ s desire to secure China ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Xi Jinping to intervene with North Korea ’ s saber-rattling Kim Jong Un .
Shortly thereafter came a sustained Trump administration attack on America ’ s ever-spiraling , out-of-control trade deficit with China — a fact of life even conservative economists had minimized for years .
RELATED : E.W .
Jackson : Coronavirus Panic Could Be Worse Than the Pandemic China ’ s willingness to engage in currency manipulation and the wholesale theft of American intellectual property became battering rams in a protracted trade negotiation that achieved phase-one success in January but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phase-two negotiation later this year .
All of which brings us back to a dangerous flu strain that has its genesis in the Chinese city of Wuhan — an influenza outbreak that was negligently covered up and foisted on the world by an autocratic government that simply could not get ahead of its own lies .
A worldwide health crisis and many thousands of deaths is the unfortunate result .
At some point , of course , this too shall pass .
Once it is mostly over , here ’ s hoping the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ utilize his bully pulpit — similar to the way he postured China into engaging with North Korea and entering into a trade summit .
Specifically , there are two important takeaways from this brutal go-around with the Chinese politburo : 1 .
A timely reminder for a suddenly socialism-accepting America that no socialist or communist state can replicate the cleansing transparency of Western democracies — real looks behind the dictator ’ s curtain will always reveal the negligence , heavy-handedness and brutality ( How many critics of the Chinese government ’ s response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rule .
2 .
Perhaps it ’ s not so xenophobic or nationalistic to question why America ’ s essential medical supply chains remain captive to a hostile power that in recent days has openly threatened to leverage its pharmacological manufacturing advantage against the U.S. That the wannabe diplomats from the NBA may also learn a lesson here is without doubt .
I wonder if Messrs. Kerr and James now know there are over one million ethnic Turkic Muslims ( primarily Uyghurs ) imprisoned against their will in the Chinese gulag ?
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the answer to that one .
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 .

Three questions to contemplate while you are taking a break from your daily telecommute:
1. Where have all the open border zealots gone now that our country is in virtual lockdown due to a worldwide contagion?
2. Why a sudden case of media amnesia regarding Joe Biden’s claim that the president’s early travel restrictions on China constituted “hysterical xenophobia”?
3. I wonder what Golden State Warriors Coach Steve Kerr (“Mr. Moral Equivalence” on China) and superstar LeBron James (“Mr. Misinformed” about human rights in Hong Kong) now think of the Chinese government’s lies and distortions regarding the depth, siz, and origin of the COVID-19 virus?
Rhetorical questions, yes, but nevertheless timely queries — and lessons — for an America that just may graduate from this pandemic with important, realpolitik lessons learned in dealing with challenges presented by America’s most formidable foe.
First, a background reminder for those who have been transfixed by the media’s relentless focus on Russia (and Ukraine) for the past three years: Donald Trump won the presidency in large part due to deep heartland angst over questionable trade deals and the demise of America’s industrial base.
An important but generally ignored subtext was Mr. Trump’s telling inquiry as to why the most powerful nation on earth insisted on treating its fastest-growing competitor (China) as a third-world power? In the process, Chamber of Commerce Republicans and indulgent one-world progressives were exposed — to their great frustration.
You may take that last sentence as an understatement.
On the right, free-trade establishment types saw Mr. Trump’s unabashed nationalism and (feelings-be-damned) tariff threats as proof of an uncomprehending mind, more interested in scoring cheap political points than understanding the complexities of free trade.
Do you think America will have learned valuable lessons about China by the time the coronavirus crisis is over? 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: 88% (22 Votes) No: 12% (3 Votes)
On the left, the celebrity casino owner was similarly dismissed as an intellectual lightweight and further condemned as a xenophobe and nativist to boot. Both sides remained rather unimpressed, even dismissive of the pleas of flyover country laborers who still work with their hands.
Further to the point, the mainstream media and Russia-obsessed lefties never understood that Mr. Trump was primarily focused on our most serious opponent/economic competitor/situational ally — China — from the jump.
Recall the new president’s first major policy pronouncement: He would reappraise America’s “One China Policy.”
Both party establishments blanched, and the left immediately assumed “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” A familiar refrain began: We told you he was crazy — he is going to start a war with the Chinese. But buried beneath the short-lived, shot-across-the-bow initiative was a new president’s desire to secure China’s immediate attention. The president needed Chinese President Xi Jinping to intervene with North Korea’s saber-rattling Kim Jong Un.
Shortly thereafter came a sustained Trump administration attack on America’s ever-spiraling, out-of-control trade deficit with China — a fact of life even conservative economists had minimized for years.
Not so Mr. Trump.
China’s willingness to engage in currency manipulation and the wholesale theft of American intellectual property became battering rams in a protracted trade negotiation that achieved phase-one success in January but reserved more difficult issues for a forthcoming phase-two negotiation later this year.
All of which brings us back to a dangerous flu strain that has its genesis in the Chinese city of Wuhan — an influenza outbreak that was negligently covered up and foisted on the world by an autocratic government that simply could not get ahead of its own lies. A worldwide health crisis and many thousands of deaths is the unfortunate result.
At some point, of course, this too shall pass. Once it is mostly over, here’s hoping the president will take the opportunity to again utilize his bully pulpit — similar to the way he postured China into engaging with North Korea and entering into a trade summit.
Specifically, there are two important takeaways from this brutal go-around with the Chinese politburo:
1. A timely reminder for a suddenly socialism-accepting America that no socialist or communist state can replicate the cleansing transparency of Western democracies — real looks behind the dictator’s curtain will always reveal the negligence, heavy-handedness and brutality (How many critics of the Chinese government’s response have recently vanished?) of autocratic rule.
2. Perhaps it’s not so xenophobic or nationalistic to question why America’s essential medical supply chains remain captive to a hostile power that in recent days has openly threatened to leverage its pharmacological manufacturing advantage against the U.S.
That the wannabe diplomats from the NBA may also learn a lesson here is without doubt. I wonder if Messrs. Kerr and James now know there are over one million ethnic Turkic Muslims (primarily Uyghurs) imprisoned against their will in the Chinese gulag?
On second thought, I think I know the answer to that one.
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.
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* Email
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westernjournal--2020-03-24--California First Responders Surprise 9-Year-Old Boy After Birthday Party Canceled Due to COVID-19

Sirens could be heard as firefighters and police officers in Riverside , California , arrived at young Browen Bell ’ s house for an unforgettable birthday surprise .
On March 19 , California ’ s stay-at-home order forced Browen ’ s parents to call off his long-awaited birthday party , no doubt leaving the soon-to-be 9-year-old very disappointed .
However , thanks to generous community support , the young man will not soon forget how first responders came to his rescue , sending out police cruisers and two big red engines solely in his honor .
When the fire trucks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fire Station 3 arrived , the 9-year-old was a little timid .
But after a little coaxing , Browen came out from his hiding spot behind a tree and listened with amazement as firefighters sang “ Happy Birthday ” over the intercom .
Not long after , officers from the City of Riverside Police Department made their way to the Bell home to continue Browen ’ s birthday celebration .
“ We couldn ’ t let our friends at the @ rivcafire have all the attention , ” the department tweeted , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s house to wish him a happy birthday after his party had to be canceled .
Thanks for giving us a break from all this seriousness for a little fun , buddy .
Happy Birthday !
” The first responders even got out of their vehicles to talk with the birthday boy and a few of his neighborhood friends .
Sadly , Browen is one of many children whose birthday celebrations have been affected by the worldwide coronavirus pandemic .
And with more and more states issuing stay-at-home mandates , future parties are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told E !
News her daughter “ had big plans for her 12th birthday.
” RELATED : Delivery Man Calls Homeowner a 'Life Saver ' After Finding Toilet Paper and Sanitizer Left on Porch “ These plans included the traditional big family dinner and a shopping trip with friends at the [ Mall of America ] , while also getting to assert a bit of independence there since she invited their moms to keep me company.
” “ As everything started shutting down , Emily got sad and just kept saying , ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ' ” her mother shared .
But like Browen ’ s story , Emily ’ s also had a happy ending .
As she and her parents stood on their front porch , a parade of cars drove by , honking and wishing Emily a happy birthday .
“ When it was over , she looked at me a bit teary and said that her ‘ heart was full ’ and that it was ‘ the best birthday ever , ' ” her mom said .
Jocelyn , 8 , was also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , until “ a parade of people [ wished ] her a happy birthday outside her home.
” “ She was so happy and said , ‘ I can ’ t believe all these people I don ’ t know wanted me to have a great day , ' ” her mom told E !
News .
Thanks to the Facebook group “ Birthday Parade , ” complete strangers came together to honor Jocelyn on her special day .
According to the page history , Facebook user Mia Bryant created the group on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No birthday boy or girl should feel disappointed on their special day .
We can come together as a community to bring joy in this time of isolation !
Help me share this group to get the word out !
” With over 600 members already , people are touching the lives of so many during this crisis , simply by driving by and wishing them a happy birthday .
“ WOW !
What an amazing response this page has gotten !
” one member posted .
“ Now let ’ s all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many parades happen as possible !
Not everyone will be able to go to each event , but the more we work together , the more happy birthdays for the kiddos.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Sirens could be heard as firefighters and police officers in Riverside, California, arrived at young Browen Bell’s house for an unforgettable birthday surprise.
On March 19, California’s stay-at-home order forced Browen’s parents to call off his long-awaited birthday party, no doubt leaving the soon-to-be 9-year-old very disappointed.
However, thanks to generous community support, the young man will not soon forget how first responders came to his rescue, sending out police cruisers and two big red engines solely in his honor.
When the fire trucks from the City of Riverside’s Fire Station 3 arrived, the 9-year-old was a little timid. But after a little coaxing, Browen came out from his hiding spot behind a tree and listened with amazement as firefighters sang “Happy Birthday” over the intercom.
When the State COVID order cancels your 9th birthday party we got you covered. Happy Birthday Browen Bell from your firefighters at Riverside City Fire Station 3. When things get back to normal come by the station. pic.twitter.com/e4nWsjFIOn — City of Riverside Fire Department (@rivcafire) March 21, 2020
Not long after, officers from the City of Riverside Police Department made their way to the Bell home to continue Browen’s birthday celebration.
“We couldn’t let our friends at the @rivcafire have all the attention,” the department tweeted, “so we also stopped by Browen’s house to wish him a happy birthday after his party had to be canceled. Thanks for giving us a break from all this seriousness for a little fun, buddy. Happy Birthday!”
We couldn’t let our friends at the @rivcafire have all the attention, so we also stopped by Browen’s house to wish him a happy birthday after his party had to be canceled. Thanks for giving us a break from all this seriousness for a little fun, buddy. Happy Birthday! pic.twitter.com/6ciol8XhQZ — City of Riverside Police Department (@RiversidePolice) March 21, 2020
The first responders even got out of their vehicles to talk with the birthday boy and a few of his neighborhood friends.
Sadly, Browen is one of many children whose birthday celebrations have been affected by the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.
And with more and more states issuing stay-at-home mandates, future parties are sure to be affected.
One mom told E! News her daughter “had big plans for her 12th birthday.”
“These plans included the traditional big family dinner and a shopping trip with friends at the [Mall of America], while also getting to assert a bit of independence there since she invited their moms to keep me company.”
“As everything started shutting down, Emily got sad and just kept saying, ‘Let’s just cancel my birthday,'” her mother shared.
But like Browen’s story, Emily’s also had a happy ending.
As she and her parents stood on their front porch, a parade of cars drove by, honking and wishing Emily a happy birthday.
“When it was over, she looked at me a bit teary and said that her ‘heart was full’ and that it was ‘the best birthday ever,'” her mom said.
Jocelyn, 8, was also crushed after her party plans got canceled, until “a parade of people [wished] her a happy birthday outside her home.”
“She was so happy and said, ‘I can’t believe all these people I don’t know wanted me to have a great day,'” her mom told E! News.
Thanks to the Facebook group “Birthday Parade,” complete strangers came together to honor Jocelyn on her special day.
According to the page history, Facebook user Mia Bryant created the group on March 20 with the description, “No birthday boy or girl should feel disappointed on their special day. We can come together as a community to bring joy in this time of isolation! Help me share this group to get the word out!”
With over 600 members already, people are touching the lives of so many during this crisis, simply by driving by and wishing them a happy birthday.
“WOW! What an amazing response this page has gotten!” one member posted. “Now let’s all work together to try and make as many parades happen as possible! Not everyone will be able to go to each event, but the more we work together, the more happy birthdays for the kiddos.”
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westernjournal--2020-03-24--Pelosi Warns Republicans Not To Include ‘Poison Pills’ in Coronavirus Legislation

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday called for Senate Republicans not to include any “ poison pills ” in the third phase of coronavirus relief legislation .
The warning came a day after the speaker received harsh criticism from many GOP senators for including Green New Deal initiatives , labor union reforms , early-voting law changes and other provisions that they said had no relationship to responding to the coronavirus outbreak in her proposed House legislation .
Pelosi sounded hopeful a deal could be reached despite major differences between Senate and House proposed bills .
“ I think there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done in the next few hours , ” Pelosi told CNBC ’ s Jim Cramer in a phone interview on “ Squawk on the Street.
” However , the speaker added that Republicans must not include “ poison pills ” in their legislation — i.e.
, items they know Democrats could not back .
TRENDING : Biden Herded into Car After Nonsensical 'Sanders Is Joining Trump ' Statement “ If it has poison pills in it — and they know certain things are poison pills — then they don ’ t want unanimous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement , ” Pelosi said .
She accused Senate Republicans of trying to help “ corporate America , ” but said Democrats are “ about the workers.
” She referred to a $ 500 billion “ slush fund ” that would be overseen by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to help distressed businesses weather the coronavirus outbreak storm .
The speaker said “ big progress ” had been made in negotiations to ensure such a fund would have proper congressional oversight .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell accused House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus relief legislation to add Green New Deal initiatives .
He said the House plan calls for new emission standards for airlines , as well as tax credits for use of solar and wind energy .
“ Are you kidding me ?
” the Kentucky Republican said with anger in his voice .
“ This is the moment to debate new regulations that have nothing whatsoever to do with this crisis ?
” McConnell continued , “ Democrats won ’ t let us fund hospitals or save small businesses unless they get to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RELATED : Trump Blasts Democrats for Blocking Coronavirus Bill , Vows To Stonewall Their 'Ideological Demands' “ They are holding up legislation that will literally keep people on the payroll because Democrat special interest friends want to squeeze these employers while they ’ re vulnerable , ” he said .
Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas also unloaded on Democrats for seeking to include many unrelated items in coronavirus legislation .
“ Never let a good crisis go to waste , ” he said , quoting a famous line from former Obama White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2008 financial market meltdown .
“ What the hell do the emissions standards on airplanes have to do with thousands of people dying and millions of people out of work in the Coronavirus epidemic ?
” Cruz asked .
“ They ’ re willing to extort a crisis to advance their political agenda , ” he added .
Cruz also hit Democrats for trying to include mandates for “ corporate board diversity.
” Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee , like McConnell , accused Democrats of including Green New Deal proposals , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting law requirements , in their coronavirus legislation .
“ This has nothing to do with the small business owner figuring out if they are going to lay people off or they ’ re going to be able to meet payroll , ” she said .
“ New emission standards for the airlines .
Let me tell you something : Wanting to make the airline industry carbon neutral by 2025 , let ’ s have the debate another day , ” Blackburn added .
“ Right now keeping the planes flying is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Common sense would go a long way in these discussions.
” House Majority Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina said last week during a Democratic caucus conference call , “ This is a tremendous opportunity to restructure things to fit our vision , ” a source on the call told The Hill .
President Donald Trump tweeted on Monday that he will not approve of Democrats ’ last-minute ideological demands .
“ This is not about the ridiculous Green New Deal , ” he added in another tweet .
“ It is about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TO WORK !
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday called for Senate Republicans not to include any “poison pills” in the third phase of coronavirus relief legislation.
The warning came a day after the speaker received harsh criticism from many GOP senators for including Green New Deal initiatives, labor union reforms, early-voting law changes and other provisions that they said had no relationship to responding to the coronavirus outbreak in her proposed House legislation.
Pelosi sounded hopeful a deal could be reached despite major differences between Senate and House proposed bills.
“I think there is real optimism that we could get something done in the next few hours,” Pelosi told CNBC’s Jim Cramer in a phone interview on “Squawk on the Street.”
However, the speaker added that Republicans must not include “poison pills” in their legislation — i.e., items they know Democrats could not back.
“If it has poison pills in it — and they know certain things are poison pills — then they don’t want unanimous consent, they just want an ideological statement,” Pelosi said.
She accused Senate Republicans of trying to help “corporate America,” but said Democrats are “about the workers.”
She referred to a $500 billion “slush fund” that would be overseen by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to help distressed businesses weather the coronavirus outbreak storm.
Do you think Democrats are engaging in good faith negotiations? Yes No
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The speaker said “big progress” had been made in negotiations to ensure such a fund would have proper congressional oversight.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell accused House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Monday of holding up the third phase of coronavirus relief legislation to add Green New Deal initiatives.
He said the House plan calls for new emission standards for airlines, as well as tax credits for use of solar and wind energy.
“Are you kidding me?” the Kentucky Republican said with anger in his voice. “This is the moment to debate new regulations that have nothing whatsoever to do with this crisis?”
McConnell continued, “Democrats won’t let us fund hospitals or save small businesses unless they get to dust off the Green New Deal.”
“They are holding up legislation that will literally keep people on the payroll because Democrat special interest friends want to squeeze these employers while they’re vulnerable,” he said.
Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas also unloaded on Democrats for seeking to include many unrelated items in coronavirus legislation.
“Never let a good crisis go to waste,” he said, quoting a famous line from former Obama White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel during the 2008 financial market meltdown.
“What the hell do the emissions standards on airplanes have to do with thousands of people dying and millions of people out of work in the Coronavirus epidemic?” Cruz asked.
Sen. @tedcruz UNLOADS on Dems from the Senate floor: “What the hell do the emissions standards on airplanes have to do with thousands of people dying and millions of people out of work in the Coronavirus epidemic?” pic.twitter.com/zXiQjJRpRA — Caleb Hull (@CalebJHull) March 23, 2020
“They’re willing to extort a crisis to advance their political agenda,” he added.
Cruz also hit Democrats for trying to include mandates for “corporate board diversity.”
Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, like McConnell, accused Democrats of including Green New Deal proposals, as well as new labor union provisions and new voting law requirements, in their coronavirus legislation.
Nancy Pelosi is prioritizing the Green New Deal over rescue aid for American families and small businesses. Pelosi tanked bipartisan negotiations to push solar and wind tax credits. What in the world does that have to do with COVID-19?! pic.twitter.com/QBcv1Yxixm — Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) March 24, 2020
“This has nothing to do with the small business owner figuring out if they are going to lay people off or they’re going to be able to meet payroll,” she said.
“New emission standards for the airlines. Let me tell you something: Wanting to make the airline industry carbon neutral by 2025, let’s have the debate another day,” Blackburn added.
“Right now keeping the planes flying is the issue,” she added. “Common sense would go a long way in these discussions.”
House Majority Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina said last week during a Democratic caucus conference call, “This is a tremendous opportunity to restructure things to fit our vision,” a source on the call told The Hill.
President Donald Trump tweeted on Monday that he will not approve of Democrats’ last-minute ideological demands.
This is not about the ridiculous Green New Deal. It is about putting our great workers and companies BACK TO WORK! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 24, 2020
“This is not about the ridiculous Green New Deal,” he added in another tweet. “It is about putting our great workers and companies BACK TO WORK!”
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westernjournal--2020-03-24--Ford To Begin Making Respirators Using F-150 Truck Parts

Ford is joining the private sector ’ s fight against the coronavirus by working with mask and ventilator manufacturers to begin producing personal protective equipment for health care workers .
The auto company announced Tuesday it would begin a collaboration with 3M to produce a powered air-purifying respirator mask for health workers and others who are at risk of coming into contact with the virus .
The new PAPR mask will be fabricated using parts from both Ford and 3M .
Air will be drawn in through a tube connected to a pump with a filter and circulated by fans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of F-150 pickups .
Ford also will use its vast production potential to help 3M increase production of its N95 masks , CNN reported .
The automaker will also work with GE Healthcare to help ramp up production of ventilators , but the company did not announce in what capacity it would work with GE .
TRENDING : Biden Herded into Car After Nonsensical 'Sanders Is Joining Trump ' Statement “ Working with 3M and GE , we have empowered our teams of engineers and designers to be scrappy and creative to quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment , ” Ford CEO Jim Hackett said .
“ We ’ ve been in regular dialogue with federal , state and local officials to understand the areas of greatest needs , ” Hackett added .
Ford executive chairman Bill Ford told Fox News on Tuesday , “ We are going like hell , yes we are.
” “ We ’ re testing face shields this week in Detroit-area hospitals to make sure they work and then we can ramp up pretty quickly , ” he said .
CNN reported Ford will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks for respirators once it gains approval to do so .
The company could initially produce 1,000 of the disposable masks per month with plans to increase production over time .
Ford is not the only automaker joining the effort to help combat COVID-19 .
President Donald Trump announced Sunday that General Motors and Tesla had been approved to produce ventilators .
“ Ford , General Motors and Tesla are being given the go ahead to make ventilators and other metal products , FAST !
” he tweeted .
RELATED : Property Manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rent : 'Pay Your Employees' “ Go for it auto execs , lets see how good you are ?
” Trump added .
General Motors announced it would help ventilator manufacturer Ventec increase its production by allowing the company to use its manufacturing and logistics expertise and infrastructure .
“ GM and Ventec Life Systems , in cooperation with StopTheSpread.org , the nation ’ s coordinated private sector response to the COVID-19 , are collaborating to enable Ventec to increase production of its respiratory care products to support the growing fight against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
“ Ventec will leverage GM ’ s logistics , purchasing and manufacturing expertise to build more of their critically important ventilators .
To support these efforts , StopTheSpread.org will continue to unite business leaders across the country to collect resources to complement and support government efforts , ” the company added .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Ford is joining the private sector’s fight against the coronavirus by working with mask and ventilator manufacturers to begin producing personal protective equipment for health care workers.
The auto company announced Tuesday it would begin a collaboration with 3M to produce a powered air-purifying respirator mask for health workers and others who are at risk of coming into contact with the virus.
The new PAPR mask will be fabricated using parts from both Ford and 3M. Air will be drawn in through a tube connected to a pump with a filter and circulated by fans that are used in the ventilated seats of F-150 pickups.
Ford also will use its vast production potential to help 3M increase production of its N95 masks, CNN reported.
The automaker will also work with GE Healthcare to help ramp up production of ventilators, but the company did not announce in what capacity it would work with GE.
“Working with 3M and GE, we have empowered our teams of engineers and designers to be scrappy and creative to quickly help scale up production of this vital equipment,” Ford CEO Jim Hackett said.
“We’ve been in regular dialogue with federal, state and local officials to understand the areas of greatest needs,” Hackett added.
Ford executive chairman Bill Ford told Fox News on Tuesday, “We are going like hell, yes we are.”
“We’re testing face shields this week in Detroit-area hospitals to make sure they work and then we can ramp up pretty quickly,” he said.
Do you approve of how the country's private sector is reacting to the coronavirus outbreak? 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% (33 Votes) No: 0% (0 Votes)
CNN reported Ford will be using its 3-D printers to fabricate disposable masks for respirators once it gains approval to do so.
The company could initially produce 1,000 of the disposable masks per month with plans to increase production over time.
Ford is not the only automaker joining the effort to help combat COVID-19.
President Donald Trump announced Sunday that General Motors and Tesla had been approved to produce ventilators.
“Ford, General Motors and Tesla are being given the go ahead to make ventilators and other metal products, FAST!” he tweeted.
“Go for it auto execs, lets see how good you are?” Trump added.
Ford, General Motors and Tesla are being given the go ahead to make ventilators and other metal products, FAST! @fema Go for it auto execs, lets see how good you are? @RepMarkMeadows @GOPLeader @senatemajldr — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 22, 2020
General Motors announced it would help ventilator manufacturer Ventec increase its production by allowing the company to use its manufacturing and logistics expertise and infrastructure.
“GM and Ventec Life Systems, in cooperation with StopTheSpread.org, the nation’s coordinated private sector response to the COVID-19, are collaborating to enable Ventec to increase production of its respiratory care products to support the growing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” GM said in a statement.
“Ventec will leverage GM’s logistics, purchasing and manufacturing expertise to build more of their critically important ventilators. To support these efforts, StopTheSpread.org will continue to unite business leaders across the country to collect resources to complement and support government efforts,” the company added.
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westernjournal--2020-03-24--Man with COVID Who Said Goodbye to Family Says Malaria Drug Had Effect in 1 Hour, Saved His Life

A Florida man says he took a chance at the brink of death and it saved his life .
After being diagnosed with pneumonia and COVID-19 , Rio Giardinieri , a 52-year-old manufacturing executive , said he went through living hell , according to KTTV .
Giardinieri said the illness threw his body into a tailspin with nine days of searing back pain .
For a week , he said he was isolated in the ICU , where , though placed on oxygen , he could still hardly breathe .
Last Friday night , he said found himself on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave him the grim news that there was nothing more they could do .
Giardinieri set to calling friends and family , telling them he would not make it .
Hardest of all , he said his goodbyes to his wife and their three children .
TRENDING : Biden Herded into Car After Nonsensical 'Sanders Is Joining Trump ' Statement And then a friend forwarded him an article about an old and well-known anti-malarial drug — hydroxychloroquine — that saw promising results in a study in France .
Giardinieri said he then contacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave me all the reasons why I would probably not want to try it because there are no trials , there ’ s no testing , it was not something that was approved , ” Giardinieri explained .
But after explaining that he didn ’ t have much time left , Giardinieri said the doctor approved the drug for him and a nurse administered it 30 minutes later .
Just an hour after being placed on the medication by IV , he said his body reacted strongly , and by morning , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has since been issued several more doses and doctors hope to release him once the illness has left his system and he can no longer infect others .
“ To me , there was no doubt in mind that I wouldn ’ t make it until morning , ” Giardinieri said .
“ So to me the drug saved my life.
” So should these supposed “ wonder ” drugs or combinations thereof be issued to the general public to fight COVID-19 ?
In short , it ’ s complicated .
Matthew Herper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favored by President Donald Trump and the medical team around him .
RELATED : Lifelong Democrat Voter Says 'That Streak Will End in Nov. ' After Pelosi Stunt on COVID Relief Bill “ In an emergency , like the exploding pandemic of the coronavirus that causes Covid-19 , ” Herper asked , “ how much data should doctors require before they use a medicine ?
” “ [ A French ] study doesn ’ t show that patients lived longer or were more likely to recover , but instead shows that the amount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much faster in the patients who took hydroxychloroquine and even faster in the six patients who took the combination of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin , ” Herper wrote .
“ That result is encouraging , but for patients who are not gravely ill , it doesn ’ t tell how to weigh the side effects of hydroxychloroquine against the potential benefits.
” Obviously , no healer wants to prescribe cures that will make already suffering patients sicker .
For patients that are on death ’ s door , it could make sense to offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that have not been fully vetted as cures for COVID-19 .
But it also makes sense for doctors to give patients with moderate symptoms the choice to take the drug and become part of a voluntary force to more quickly determine patient outcomes .
If this fight against the virus really is a war , a battlefield mindset could be better suited than a boardroom one .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A Florida man says he took a chance at the brink of death and it saved his life.
After being diagnosed with pneumonia and COVID-19, Rio Giardinieri, a 52-year-old manufacturing executive, said he went through living hell, according to KTTV.
Giardinieri said the illness threw his body into a tailspin with nine days of searing back pain. For a week, he said he was isolated in the ICU, where, though placed on oxygen, he could still hardly breathe.
Last Friday night, he said found himself on his deathbed and out of options when doctors gave him the grim news that there was nothing more they could do.
Giardinieri set to calling friends and family, telling them he would not make it. Hardest of all, he said his goodbyes to his wife and their three children.
And then a friend forwarded him an article about an old and well-known anti-malarial drug — hydroxychloroquine — that saw promising results in a study in France.
Giardinieri said he then contacted an infectious disease doctor.
“He gave me all the reasons why I would probably not want to try it because there are no trials, there’s no testing, it was not something that was approved,” Giardinieri explained.
But after explaining that he didn’t have much time left, Giardinieri said the doctor approved the drug for him and a nurse administered it 30 minutes later.
Should doctors ask patients if they want to try anti-malarial drugs to fight COVID-19? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 99% (729 Votes) No: 1% (10 Votes)
Just an hour after being placed on the medication by IV, he said his body reacted strongly, and by morning, he had no symptoms.
Giardinieri said he has since been issued several more doses and doctors hope to release him once the illness has left his system and he can no longer infect others.
“To me, there was no doubt in mind that I wouldn’t make it until morning,” Giardinieri said. “So to me the drug saved my life.”
So should these supposed “wonder” drugs or combinations thereof be issued to the general public to fight COVID-19? In short, it’s complicated.
Matthew Herper writing for STAT breaks down the responses favored by President Donald Trump and the medical team around him.
“In an emergency, like the exploding pandemic of the coronavirus that causes Covid-19,” Herper asked, “how much data should doctors require before they use a medicine?”
“[A French] study doesn’t show that patients lived longer or were more likely to recover, but instead shows that the amount of virus in the blood was reduced much faster in the patients who took hydroxychloroquine and even faster in the six patients who took the combination of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin,” Herper wrote.
“That result is encouraging, but for patients who are not gravely ill, it doesn’t tell how to weigh the side effects of hydroxychloroquine against the potential benefits.”
Obviously, no healer wants to prescribe cures that will make already suffering patients sicker.
For patients that are on death’s door, it could make sense to offer them the option of using these drugs that have not been fully vetted as cures for COVID-19.
But it also makes sense for doctors to give patients with moderate symptoms the choice to take the drug and become part of a voluntary force to more quickly determine patient outcomes.
If this fight against the virus really is a war, a battlefield mindset could be better suited than a boardroom one.
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--2020-03-24--CDC Report Finds Coronavirus Can Survive on Surfaces for at Least 17 Days

The coronavirus can survive on surfaces for at least 17 days , according to a study released Monday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
The new data came from a study of the COVID-19 outbreaks on the Diamond Princess ship off the coast of Japan and the Grand Princess ship off the coast of California .
Passengers and crew members on both ships were quarantined on board after previously asymptomatic guests tested positive for the coronavirus once they landed onshore .
Researchers found traces of SARS-CoV-2 , the virus that causes COVID-19 , “ on a variety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and asymptomatic infected passengers up to 17 days after cabins were vacated on the Diamond Princess but before disinfection procedures had been conducted.
” The data couldn ’ t confirm if the virus was transmitted from the contaminated surfaces , and the CDC called for further studies of the transmission of the disease aboard cruise ships .
TRENDING : Biden Herded into Car After Nonsensical 'Sanders Is Joining Trump ' Statement “ COVID-19 on cruise ships poses a risk for rapid spread of disease , causing outbreaks in a vulnerable population , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the CDC wrote .
Previous research from the National Institutes of Health , CDC , UCLA and Princeton University had found that the coronavirus can live for up to three days on plastic and stainless steel , with the amount of the virus left on the surfaces decreasing over time .
Despite the longer survival time of COVID-19 on surfaces , the CDC still says the virus is mainly spread from person to person .
“ It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then touching their own mouth , nose , or possibly their eyes , but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads , ” the federal agency says .
At the time of the Diamond Princess outbreak in February , it was the largest cluster of confirmed COVID-19 cases outside of mainland China .
The Diamond Princess and Grand Princess had 800 total COVID-19 cases , including 10 fatalities .
“ Public health responses to COVID-19 outbreaks on cruise ships were aimed at limiting transmission among passengers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other communities , and assuring the safety of travelers and responders , ” the CDC wrote .
At the time of the outbreaks on the Diamond Princess and Grand Princess , authorities implemented aggressive efforts to contain transmission on board in order to prevent the virus from being spread when passengers were able to disembark .
Passengers on the Diamond Princess were quarantined in their cabins for 14 days before they disembarked .
RELATED : US Officials Accuse Iran of Covering Up Extent of Coronavirus Outbreak , Stealing Medical Funds After several days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ docked in Oakland , passengers on the Grand Princess were transported to federal quarantine facilities to complete a 14-day quarantine period .
As of Tuesday morning , there have been more than 398,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus worldwide , according to Johns Hopkins .
Of these cases , there have been 103,334 recoveries and 17,454 fatalities .
In the United States , there have been 46,805 cases and 593 fatalities .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The coronavirus can survive on surfaces for at least 17 days, according to a study released Monday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The new data came from a study of the COVID-19 outbreaks on the Diamond Princess ship off the coast of Japan and the Grand Princess ship off the coast of California.
Passengers and crew members on both ships were quarantined on board after previously asymptomatic guests tested positive for the coronavirus once they landed onshore.
Researchers found traces of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, “on a variety of surfaces in cabins of both symptomatic and asymptomatic infected passengers up to 17 days after cabins were vacated on the Diamond Princess but before disinfection procedures had been conducted.”
The data couldn’t confirm if the virus was transmitted from the contaminated surfaces, and the CDC called for further studies of the transmission of the disease aboard cruise ships.
“COVID-19 on cruise ships poses a risk for rapid spread of disease, causing outbreaks in a vulnerable population, and aggressive efforts are required to contain spread,” the CDC wrote.
Previous research from the National Institutes of Health, CDC, UCLA and Princeton University had found that the coronavirus can live for up to three days on plastic and stainless steel, with the amount of the virus left on the surfaces decreasing over time.
Despite the longer survival time of COVID-19 on surfaces, the CDC still says the virus is mainly spread from person to person.
“It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads,” the federal agency says.
Are you surprised by how long the coronavirus can live on surfaces? Yes No
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At the time of the Diamond Princess outbreak in February, it was the largest cluster of confirmed COVID-19 cases outside of mainland China.
The Diamond Princess and Grand Princess had 800 total COVID-19 cases, including 10 fatalities.
“Public health responses to COVID-19 outbreaks on cruise ships were aimed at limiting transmission among passengers and crew, preventing exportation of COVID-19 to other communities, and assuring the safety of travelers and responders,” the CDC wrote.
At the time of the outbreaks on the Diamond Princess and Grand Princess, authorities implemented aggressive efforts to contain transmission on board in order to prevent the virus from being spread when passengers were able to disembark.
Passengers on the Diamond Princess were quarantined in their cabins for 14 days before they disembarked.
After several days quarantined on the ship while it was docked in Oakland, passengers on the Grand Princess were transported to federal quarantine facilities to complete a 14-day quarantine period.
As of Tuesday morning, there have been more than 398,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins.
Of these cases, there have been 103,334 recoveries and 17,454 fatalities.
In the United States, there have been 46,805 cases and 593 fatalities.
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westernjournal--2020-03-24--Facebook Announces ‘Emergency Reserve’ of 720,000 Masks Have Been Donated

While the world is seemingly crippled by the fight against the deadly coronavirus , word of vital supply shortages are part of the daily news cycle .
As their first line of defense , one of most important supplies for medical personnel are respirator masks .
With the pandemic reaching virtually every corner of the globe , these special masks are already in short supply as the virus continues to spread .
While pundits and politicians waste time finger-pointing about who is to blame , Facebook mogul Mark Zuckerberg is getting things done by donating the company ’ s own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers urgently need more protective gear , ” Zuckerberg , who founded the social media giant and serves as its CEO , posted to his Facebook account Sunday .
“ To help , Facebook donated our emergency reserve of 720,000 masks that we had bought in case the wildfires continued .
We ’ re also working on sourcing millions of more to donate .
I hope you ’ re all staying healthy and safe !
” TRENDING : Biden Herded into Car After Nonsensical 'Sanders Is Joining Trump ' Statement While the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the fight against the coronavirus , this is yet another example of the private sector doing what the government can not .
Despite the billionaire-bashing you may have heard throughout the 2020 Democratic primary race , it ’ s clear that in a crisis , wealthy men like Zuckerberg come in pretty handy .
Facebook isn ’ t the only company providing assistance during the pandemic — the companies that manufacture important medical supplies are also increasing production .
As Mike Rowe , former host of the television series “ Dirty Jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted this week , General Motors has already announced it is ramping up production of ventilators , while 3M is churning out more respirators .
Rowe championed these as examples of capitalism ’ s crucial role in solving problems .
“ We have these big conversations about what direction the country is headed and what direction the country ought to be headed , ” Rowe said Monday on the Fox News morning program “ Fox & Friends.
” “ This is a chance , unlike anything I ’ ve ever seen , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the government simply can ’ t do.
” Without government mandates , companies such as Olive Garden , Walmart and Starbucks , among many others , have modified their sick leave and other policies to protect their hourly workers out of their own till , ABC News reported .
Private companies are also innovating to help where they can .
RELATED : Lib Writer Tries To Debunk Daily Caller Fact Check - But Agreed When Snopes Came to Same Conclusion Hand sanitizer quickly disappeared from grocery store shelves as news of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ void for vulnerable people such as cancer patients , local distilleries including Eight Oaks Farm Distillery in New Tripoli , Pennsylvania , turned to making sanitizer themselves using their high-octane spirits .
“ We are in a national emergency , ” the distillery ’ s founder , Chad Butters , told The Associated Press .
“ What ’ s the right thing to do ?
The right thing to do is support this community by providing something that is in desperate need.
” Grocery chains and other stores that sell essentials are voluntarily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and senior citizens .
They are doing so not because of a government mandate , but rather as a way of helping vulnerable Americans get what they need safely .
This is the essence of the American spirit — that we are all in this together and that everyone helps where he or she can .
It is the spirit of Frank Capra films that liberals dismiss as a myth , but which has always carried America through times of trial .
We ’ re seeing private citizens , industry and the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they did in World War II .
That spirit defeated the Nazis , and it will prevail against the coronavirus as well .
Under modern America ’ s veneer of selfishness and consumerism , a heart of charity and love of neighbor still beats .
We will get through this pandemic as we always have — with God , love of country and good old American grit .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

While the world is seemingly crippled by the fight against the deadly coronavirus, word of vital supply shortages are part of the daily news cycle.
As their first line of defense, one of most important supplies for medical personnel are respirator masks. With the pandemic reaching virtually every corner of the globe, these special masks are already in short supply as the virus continues to spread.
While pundits and politicians waste time finger-pointing about who is to blame, Facebook mogul Mark Zuckerberg is getting things done by donating the company’s own reserve of face masks.
“Health workers urgently need more protective gear,” Zuckerberg, who founded the social media giant and serves as its CEO, posted to his Facebook account Sunday. “To help, Facebook donated our emergency reserve of 720,000 masks that we had bought in case the wildfires continued. We’re also working on sourcing millions of more to donate. I hope you’re all staying healthy and safe!”
While the government is playing an active and important role in the fight against the coronavirus, this is yet another example of the private sector doing what the government cannot.
Despite the billionaire-bashing you may have heard throughout the 2020 Democratic primary race, it’s clear that in a crisis, wealthy men like Zuckerberg come in pretty handy.
Facebook isn’t the only company providing assistance during the pandemic — the companies that manufacture important medical supplies are also increasing production.
As Mike Rowe, former host of the television series “Dirty Jobs” and champion of hard work, noted this week, General Motors has already announced it is ramping up production of ventilators, while 3M is churning out more respirators.
Do you think the private sector is just as important as the government in the fight against coronavirus? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (458 Votes) No: 0% (1 Votes)
Rowe championed these as examples of capitalism’s crucial role in solving problems.
“We have these big conversations about what direction the country is headed and what direction the country ought to be headed,” Rowe said Monday on the Fox News morning program “Fox & Friends.”
“This is a chance, unlike anything I’ve ever seen, for corporate America to step up and do what the government simply can’t do.”
Without government mandates, companies such as Olive Garden, Walmart and Starbucks, among many others, have modified their sick leave and other policies to protect their hourly workers out of their own till, ABC News reported.
Private companies are also innovating to help where they can.
Hand sanitizer quickly disappeared from grocery store shelves as news of the pandemic spread.
To temporarily fill the void for vulnerable people such as cancer patients, local distilleries including Eight Oaks Farm Distillery in New Tripoli, Pennsylvania, turned to making sanitizer themselves using their high-octane spirits.
“We are in a national emergency,” the distillery’s founder, Chad Butters, told The Associated Press. “What’s the right thing to do? The right thing to do is support this community by providing something that is in desperate need.”
Grocery chains and other stores that sell essentials are voluntarily adding special shopping times for the disabled and senior citizens. They are doing so not because of a government mandate, but rather as a way of helping vulnerable Americans get what they need safely.
This is the essence of the American spirit — that we are all in this together and that everyone helps where he or she can. It is the spirit of Frank Capra films that liberals dismiss as a myth, but which has always carried America through times of trial.
We’re seeing private citizens, industry and the government work together for a common cause just as they did in World War II. That spirit defeated the Nazis, and it will prevail against the coronavirus as well.
Under modern America’s veneer of selfishness and consumerism, a heart of charity and love of neighbor still beats. We will get through this pandemic as we always have — with God, love of country and good old American grit.
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--2020-03-24--WHO’s COVID Fatality Rate May Be 27 Times Too High, According to Prof’s Analysis of Cruise Ship Data

What if we ’ re wrong about COVID-19 ?
We ’ ve been wrong before in underestimating it .
If we ’ re wrong in overestimating it , would that make any difference ?
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo has generally acquitted himself well during the outbreak , but this one line of explanation for his virtual shutdown of his state drew a bit of attention : “ This is about saving lives and if everything we do saves just one life , I ’ ll be happy.
” If this was all about saving just one life , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Costing millions of jobs ?
Bankrupting scores of businesses ?
We know , of course , this isn ’ t about one life .
TRENDING : Biden Herded into Car After Nonsensical 'Sanders Is Joining Trump ' Statement However , we don ’ t know how many lives we ’ re saving .
We also don ’ t know what the fatality rate of COVID-19 is yet — and one Stanford University School of Medicine professor says we might have that last part massively wrong .
In a piece published last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a professor of medicine and of epidemiology and population health , argued that data collected from the Diamond Princess cruise ship could mean the World Health Organization ’ s predicted COVID-19 fatality rate is way off base .
“ The current coronavirus disease , Covid-19 , has been called a once-in-a-century pandemic .
But it may also be a once-in-a-century evidence fiasco , ” he wrote .
He noted that short-term lockdown measures might be tolerable to people , but that long-term ones would be difficult to swallow .
This is especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s a debate over how reliable the data we have actually is .
“ The data collected so far on how many people are infected and how the epidemic is evolving are utterly unreliable .
Given the limited testing to date , some deaths and probably the vast majority of infections due to SARS-CoV-2 are being missed , ” Ioannidis wrote .
“ We don ’ t know if we are failing to capture infections by a factor of three or 300 .
Three months after the outbreak emerged , most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ability to test a large number of people and no countries have reliable data on the prevalence of the virus in a representative random sample of the general population.
” “ This evidence fiasco creates tremendous uncertainty about the risk of dying from Covid-19 .
Reported case fatality rates , like the official 3.4 % rate from the World Health Organization , cause horror — and are meaningless .
Patients who have been tested for SARS-CoV-2 are disproportionately those with severe symptoms and bad outcomes .
As most health systems have limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worsen in the near future.
” That 3.4 percent figure comes from remarks by the WHO ’ s director-general on March 3 , when he said the coronavirus “ causes more severe disease than seasonal influenza .
RELATED : Lifelong Democrat Voter Says 'That Streak Will End in Nov. ' After Pelosi Stunt on COVID Relief Bill “ While many people globally have built up immunity to seasonal flu strains , COVID-19 is a new virus to which no one has immunity .
That means more people are susceptible to infection , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said .
“ Globally , about 3.4 percent of reported COVID-19 cases have died .
By comparison , seasonal flu generally kills far fewer than 1 percent of those infected.
” However , Ioannidis pointed out that “ [ t ] he one situation where an entire , closed population was tested was the Diamond Princess cruise ship and its quarantine passengers .
“ The case fatality rate there was 1.0 % , but this was a largely elderly population , in which the death rate from Covid-19 is much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Projecting the Diamond Princess mortality rate onto the age structure of the U.S. population , the death rate among people infected with Covid-19 would be 0.125 % .
But since this estimate is based on extremely thin data — there were just seven deaths among the 700 infected passengers and crew — the real death rate could stretch from five times lower ( 0.025 % ) to five times higher ( 0.625 % ) , ” Ioannidis continued .
“ It is also possible that some of the passengers who were infected might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have different frequencies of chronic diseases — a risk factor for worse outcomes with SARS-CoV-2 infection — than the general population .
Adding these extra sources of uncertainty , reasonable estimates for the case fatality ratio in the general U.S. population vary from 0.05 % to 1 % .
” That ’ s obviously a huge range — and it ’ s not close to 3.4 percent .
Now , granted , the Diamond Princess was a unique situation .
It ’ s impossible to extrapolate that to an entire population .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data is when it comes to COVID-19 , the Diamond Princess data is not something we should ignore .
Now , none of this is to say you shouldn ’ t take the coronavirus seriously .
You should .
If images of spring breakers partying it up on the Floridian littoral weren ’ t enough to raise your blood pressure , you were either one of these misguided youths or you ’ ve simply lost all faith in humanity at this point .
Stay inside as much as possible .
Wash your hands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , if you ’ re one of the people for whom the exclamation “ science !
” is a frequent peroration , you should probably be more concerned about whether the global death rate for COVID-19 is closest to Italy ’ s ( more than 9 percent as of Tuesday , according to Johns Hopkins University ) , the United States ’ ( under 1 percent ) or the Diamond Princess ’ .
And yet , these people seem to take their cues from the media in terms of dealing with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great news for the media — and yet , I haven ’ t seen him discussing it on CNN .
After all , given the Diamond Princess data , the mortality rate that the WHO predicted could be 27 times too high .
Even going five times higher than Ioannidis ’ 0.125 percent figure only gives us 0.625 percent , which would make the WHO ’ s predictions five times too high .
This doesn ’ t mean the WHO isn ’ t right , but it ’ s an encouraging piece of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubly important when you realize the interruption to daily life that the coronavirus is causing .
“ One can only hope that , much like in 1918 , life will continue , ” Ioannidis wrote .
“ Conversely , with lockdowns of months , if not years , life largely stops , short-term and long-term consequences are entirely unknown , and billions , not just millions , of lives may be eventually at stake .
“ If we decide to jump off the cliff , we need some data to inform us about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chances of landing somewhere safe , ” he concluded .
One only hopes we get it .
We can ’ t all afford to be Gov .
Cuomos forever , after all .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

What if we’re wrong about COVID-19?
We’ve been wrong before in underestimating it. If we’re wrong in overestimating it, would that make any difference?
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has generally acquitted himself well during the outbreak, but this one line of explanation for his virtual shutdown of his state drew a bit of attention: “This is about saving lives and if everything we do saves just one life, I’ll be happy.”
If this was all about saving just one life, would that justify tanking the stock market? Costing millions of jobs? Bankrupting scores of businesses?
We know, of course, this isn’t about one life.
However, we don’t know how many lives we’re saving.
We also don’t know what the fatality rate of COVID-19 is yet — and one Stanford University School of Medicine professor says we might have that last part massively wrong.
In a piece published last week in STAT, John P.A. Ioannidis, a professor of medicine and of epidemiology and population health, argued that data collected from the Diamond Princess cruise ship could mean the World Health Organization’s predicted COVID-19 fatality rate is way off base.
“The current coronavirus disease, Covid-19, has been called a once-in-a-century pandemic. But it may also be a once-in-a-century evidence fiasco,” he wrote.
Do you think the media is overreacting to the coronavirus? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 96% (1082 Votes) No: 4% (41 Votes)
He noted that short-term lockdown measures might be tolerable to people, but that long-term ones would be difficult to swallow. This is especially true when you consider the fact that there’s a debate over how reliable the data we have actually is.
“The data collected so far on how many people are infected and how the epidemic is evolving are utterly unreliable. Given the limited testing to date, some deaths and probably the vast majority of infections due to SARS-CoV-2 are being missed,” Ioannidis wrote.
“We don’t know if we are failing to capture infections by a factor of three or 300. Three months after the outbreak emerged, most countries, including the U.S., lack the ability to test a large number of people and no countries have reliable data on the prevalence of the virus in a representative random sample of the general population.”
“This evidence fiasco creates tremendous uncertainty about the risk of dying from Covid-19. Reported case fatality rates, like the official 3.4% rate from the World Health Organization, cause horror — and are meaningless. Patients who have been tested for SARS-CoV-2 are disproportionately those with severe symptoms and bad outcomes. As most health systems have limited testing capacity, selection bias may even worsen in the near future.”
That 3.4 percent figure comes from remarks by the WHO’s director-general on March 3, when he said the coronavirus “causes more severe disease than seasonal influenza.
“While many people globally have built up immunity to seasonal flu strains, COVID-19 is a new virus to which no one has immunity. That means more people are susceptible to infection, and some will suffer severe disease,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
“Globally, about 3.4 percent of reported COVID-19 cases have died. By comparison, seasonal flu generally kills far fewer than 1 percent of those infected.”
However, Ioannidis pointed out that “[t]he one situation where an entire, closed population was tested was the Diamond Princess cruise ship and its quarantine passengers.
“The case fatality rate there was 1.0%, but this was a largely elderly population, in which the death rate from Covid-19 is much higher,” he added.
“Projecting the Diamond Princess mortality rate onto the age structure of the U.S. population, the death rate among people infected with Covid-19 would be 0.125%. But since this estimate is based on extremely thin data — there were just seven deaths among the 700 infected passengers and crew — the real death rate could stretch from five times lower (0.025%) to five times higher (0.625%),” Ioannidis continued.
“It is also possible that some of the passengers who were infected might die later, and that tourists may have different frequencies of chronic diseases — a risk factor for worse outcomes with SARS-CoV-2 infection — than the general population. Adding these extra sources of uncertainty, reasonable estimates for the case fatality ratio in the general U.S. population vary from 0.05% to 1%.”
That’s obviously a huge range — and it’s not close to 3.4 percent.
Now, granted, the Diamond Princess was a unique situation. It’s impossible to extrapolate that to an entire population.
However, given how unreliable much of the data is when it comes to COVID-19, the Diamond Princess data is not something we should ignore.
Now, none of this is to say you shouldn’t take the coronavirus seriously. You should.
If images of spring breakers partying it up on the Floridian littoral weren’t enough to raise your blood pressure, you were either one of these misguided youths or you’ve simply lost all faith in humanity at this point.
Stay inside as much as possible. Wash your hands. Pay attention to the authorities.
However, if you’re one of the people for whom the exclamation “science!” is a frequent peroration, you should probably be more concerned about whether the global death rate for COVID-19 is closest to Italy’s (more than 9 percent as of Tuesday, according to Johns Hopkins University), the United States’ (under 1 percent) or the Diamond Princess’.
And yet, these people seem to take their cues from the media in terms of dealing with the coronavirus. Ioannidis’ analysis should be great news for the media — and yet, I haven’t seen him discussing it on CNN.
These numbers have huge implications.
After all, given the Diamond Princess data, the mortality rate that the WHO predicted could be 27 times too high. Even going five times higher than Ioannidis’ 0.125 percent figure only gives us 0.625 percent, which would make the WHO’s predictions five times too high.
This doesn’t mean the WHO isn’t right, but it’s an encouraging piece of news nonetheless.
Getting this right is doubly important when you realize the interruption to daily life that the coronavirus is causing.
“One can only hope that, much like in 1918, life will continue,” Ioannidis wrote.
“Conversely, with lockdowns of months, if not years, life largely stops, short-term and long-term consequences are entirely unknown, and billions, not just millions, of lives may be eventually at stake.
“If we decide to jump off the cliff, we need some data to inform us about the rationale of such an action and the chances of landing somewhere safe,” he concluded.
One only hopes we get it.
We can’t all afford to be Gov. Cuomos forever, after all.
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.