investmentwatchblog--2020-03-14--Unprecedented Decline: How Bad Will It Get?

Let ’ s start this article with some of the craziest stats from March 12th ’ s plunge .
This decline will go down in market history because it was the 5th biggest since 1926 .
The S & P 500 fell 9.51 % .
There were 3 worse declines in 1929 and one in 1987 where stocks fell 20.47 % .
Currently the limit to a daily decline is 20 % , so beating that would be impossible ; trading would be ended due to the circuit breaker .
The 2nd craziest stat is in the first 4 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ P 500 fell 16.5 % .
That would be the 4th worst quarterly decline in the past 40 years .
We had a terrible quarter cramped into 4 days .
Markets are trading fast .
You are seeing a year ’ s worth of moves in a couple weeks .
Less than 6 % of S & P 500 stocks were above their 200 day moving average which was the lowest since March 2009 .
Only one stock rose .
That ’ s the lowest number since November 2011 .
Occidental Petroleum rose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still down 72 % year to date .
The Dow fell 15.3 % in 2 days .
There have only been five 2 day periods with bigger declines .
72 % of NYSE stocks hit a 52 week low .
The only time since 1965 over 70 % hit a year low was on October 10th , 2008 .
The biotech sector ETF XBI fell 17 % in 2 days which is the most ever ( it started in 2006 ) .
The CRB commodity index fell 70 % from its 2008 high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The S & P energy sector fell 35 % in 5 days which was its worst 5 day period ever .
The sector ’ s total return index hit its March 9th , 2009 low .
This was the quickest bear market in the S & P 500 since 1933 when the index fell 20.9 % in 3 days .
Finally , the VIX was above 50 for a week for the first time since 2008 .
With all this selling , is it the time to buy ?
The chart above suggests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This chart shows a volatility adjusted oscillator since 2000 .
The market hit one of the 4 most oversold levels since February 2000 on Thursday .
Of the 3 other times it was this low , 2 readings nailed the bottom and one was close .
Recessions : How Bad Will It Get ?
The U.S. economy is very likely to go into a recession in 2020 .
You don ’ t need to be an economist to know that a wholesale economic shutdown isn ’ t good for growth .
The recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
January and February were great , but the 2nd half of March is about to be terrible .
The average bear market in a recession causes stocks to fall 37 % .
The table below lists how all the recessions since 1929 impacted GDP and the stock market .
The 2001 recession was unusual because it was extremely tiny , yet stocks fell 49.1 % because of the tech bubble .
If you ask us how bad the shutdown ’ s impact to the economy will be , we will respond by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be .
No one knows when COVID-19 will be contained or when there will be a cure .
No one even knows if the summer heat will limit its spread .
The only thing we know is the economy has had a wholescale shutdown in the past few days .
Those actions aren ’ t taken because governments and businesses think this will go away in a few days .
Anything is possible , but that ’ s not likely and therefore shouldn ’ t be the base case assumption .
Renaissance Macro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ topic of how bad a shutdown will be for the economy .
In short , it ’ s terrible .
If half the U.S. economy is shut down for 2 weeks it implies a 7.5 % annualized decline in GDP .
A one month decline leads to a 12.5 % annualized drop .
Unlike 2008 , this is a human crisis that has become a financial crisis .
2008 was a financial crisis that became a human crisis .
If the government didn ’ t get policy right in 2008 , we could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system .
Now , if the government doesn ’ t get policy right , lives could be at risk .
In that case , 2020 is way worse even if the stock market doesn ’ t fall as much as it did from 2007 to 2009 .
COVID-19 doesn ’ t care about the PE multiple of the S & P 500 .
When investors sell because they have no liquidity , they aren ’ t doing so because they think valuations are high .
That being said , considering how dire the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this correction makes a lot of sense .
The market didn ’ t get this wrong even though this has been a panic .
After the crisis ends , investors will care about valuations .
As you can see from the chart below , the S & P 500 ’ s forward PE ratio went from 18.9 to 13.9 which means it went from the cycle peak to the trough in December 2018 when stocks were cheap enough to inspire a year long rally ( primarily multiple expansion ) .
The problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earnings will be .
They are very likely to be down on the year .
However , you shouldn ’ t value stocks based on just one year .
If that was the case , a stock that loses money should be worthless .
OSAM Research used the normalized price to integrity equity ratio to plot historic returns .
As you can see , it predicts 10 year returns well .
At the peak , it predicted about 1 % returns per year for the next 10 .
As of March 10th , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because stocks were cheaper .
The decline since then probably means we could see annualized returns in the 6 % to 7 % range .
In the week celebrating the 11th anniversary of the bull market , stocks went out with a bang as they had the biggest crash since 1987 .
Liquidity dried up and stocks priced in a recession .
While it ’ s easy to say this decline has gone too far , if there is a recession , it really hasn ’ t .
However , long term investors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on next year ’ s earnings .
It makes sense to even buy stocks when the PE ratio gets high if you think that earnings are bottoming ( which is not the case now ) .
The illustration of the PE ratio doesn ’ t include the coming weakness in earnings .
When that occurs , stocks will look expensive , but at that point it might make sense to buy them .

by UPFINA
Let’s start this article with some of the craziest stats from March 12th’s plunge. This decline will go down in market history because it was the 5th biggest since 1926. The S&P 500 fell 9.51%. There were 3 worse declines in 1929 and one in 1987 where stocks fell 20.47%. Currently the limit to a daily decline is 20%, so beating that would be impossible; trading would be ended due to the circuit breaker. The 2nd craziest stat is in the first 4 days of the week, the S&P 500 fell 16.5%. That would be the 4th worst quarterly decline in the past 40 years. We had a terrible quarter cramped into 4 days. Markets are trading fast. You are seeing a year’s worth of moves in a couple weeks.
Less than 6% of S&P 500 stocks were above their 200 day moving average which was the lowest since March 2009. Only one stock rose. That’s the lowest number since November 2011. Occidental Petroleum rose 0.63%, but it’s still down 72% year to date. The Dow fell 15.3% in 2 days. There have only been five 2 day periods with bigger declines. 72% of NYSE stocks hit a 52 week low. The only time since 1965 over 70% hit a year low was on October 10th, 2008. The biotech sector ETF XBI fell 17% in 2 days which is the most ever (it started in 2006). The CRB commodity index fell 70% from its 2008 high to its lowest level since 1972. The S&P energy sector fell 35% in 5 days which was its worst 5 day period ever. The sector’s total return index hit its March 9th, 2009 low. This was the quickest bear market in the S&P 500 since 1933 when the index fell 20.9% in 3 days. Finally, the VIX was above 50 for a week for the first time since 2008.
Here is a tool I built that Ive posted a few times. Its a volatility adjusted oscillator. Uses price and volatility. We are at one of the 4 most oversold levels since February of 2000. Of the other 3 instances 2 nailed it and 1 came close. No holy grail but a good indicator pic.twitter.com/1iKABlyNBd — David Taggart-PDMacro.com (@DavidTaggart) March 13, 2020
With all this selling, is it the time to buy? The chart above suggests the market is near its bottom. This chart shows a volatility adjusted oscillator since 2000. The market hit one of the 4 most oversold levels since February 2000 on Thursday. Of the 3 other times it was this low, 2 readings nailed the bottom and one was close.
Recessions: How Bad Will It Get?
The U.S. economy is very likely to go into a recession in 2020. You don’t need to be an economist to know that a wholesale economic shutdown isn’t good for growth. The recent great economic data doesn’t matter. January and February were great, but the 2nd half of March is about to be terrible. The average bear market in a recession causes stocks to fall 37%. The table below lists how all the recessions since 1929 impacted GDP and the stock market. The 2001 recession was unusual because it was extremely tiny, yet stocks fell 49.1% because of the tech bubble.
“It’s time to start seriously preparing for the possibility of a recession for the first time in over a decade.” There are three tiers of bear markets that accompany recessions…t.co/LGXKez3NGS pic.twitter.com/zfPMoGlwNf — Downtown Josh Brown (@ReformedBroker) March 12, 2020
If you ask us how bad the shutdown’s impact to the economy will be, we will respond by asking you how long the shutdown will be. No one knows when COVID-19 will be contained or when there will be a cure. No one even knows if the summer heat will limit its spread. The only thing we know is the economy has had a wholescale shutdown in the past few days. Those actions aren’t taken because governments and businesses think this will go away in a few days. Anything is possible, but that’s not likely and therefore shouldn’t be the base case assumption.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Renaissance Macro provides us with great research on the topic of how bad a shutdown will be for the economy. In short, it’s terrible. If half the U.S. economy is shut down for 2 weeks it implies a 7.5% annualized decline in GDP. A one month decline leads to a 12.5% annualized drop.
The US economy is $20 trillion. That’s about $370bn per week. Assume a baseline for GDP. Say for two weeks, half the economy is shut down. This implies a 7.5% annualized drop. A one month shutdown, you get a 12.5% annualized drop. Delaying a fiscal response is getting expensive. pic.twitter.com/O7KuWPkgNe — RenMac: Renaissance Macro Research (@RenMacLLC) March 12, 2020
Unlike 2008, this is a human crisis that has become a financial crisis. 2008 was a financial crisis that became a human crisis. If the government didn’t get policy right in 2008, we could have been left with a broken financial system. Now, if the government doesn’t get policy right, lives could be at risk. In that case, 2020 is way worse even if the stock market doesn’t fall as much as it did from 2007 to 2009.
Valuations Are Cheaper
COVID-19 doesn’t care about the PE multiple of the S&P 500. When investors sell because they have no liquidity, they aren’t doing so because they think valuations are high. That being said, considering how dire the situation has gotten, the selling earlier in this correction makes a lot of sense. The market didn’t get this wrong even though this has been a panic.
After the crisis ends, investors will care about valuations. As you can see from the chart below, the S&P 500’s forward PE ratio went from 18.9 to 13.9 which means it went from the cycle peak to the trough in December 2018 when stocks were cheap enough to inspire a year long rally (primarily multiple expansion). The problem is investors don’t know what earnings will be. They are very likely to be down on the year. However, you shouldn’t value stocks based on just one year. If that was the case, a stock that loses money should be worthless.
One silver lining comes in the form of a valuation reset: the Forward P/E peaked at 18.9x on Feb 14th, and in less than a month has fallen to 13.9x. Granted estimates are going lower, but there's still a huge improvement. pic.twitter.com/uBTU80cy27 — Not Jim Cramer (@Not_Jim_Cramer) March 13, 2020
OSAM Research used the normalized price to integrity equity ratio to plot historic returns. As you can see, it predicts 10 year returns well. At the peak, it predicted about 1% returns per year for the next 10. As of March 10th, it predicted 5% returns per year because stocks were cheaper. The decline since then probably means we could see annualized returns in the 6% to 7% range.
Conclusion
In the week celebrating the 11th anniversary of the bull market, stocks went out with a bang as they had the biggest crash since 1987. Liquidity dried up and stocks priced in a recession. While it’s easy to say this decline has gone too far, if there is a recession, it really hasn’t. However, long term investors shouldn’t buy stocks based just on next year’s earnings. It makes sense to even buy stocks when the PE ratio gets high if you think that earnings are bottoming (which is not the case now). The illustration of the PE ratio doesn’t include the coming weakness in earnings. When that occurs, stocks will look expensive, but at that point it might make sense to buy them.


investmentwatchblog--2020-03-14--Icahn reveals his biggest short position amid market turmoil: Commercial real estate

• Billionaire investor Carl Icahn told CNBC he expects the U.S. commercial real estate market will crumble .
• He @ @ @ @ @ commercial mortgage bond market , and it ’ s his “ biggest position by far.
@ @ @ @ @ housing market bubble of 2008 has “ happened all over again.
” I guess wework @ @ @ @ @ after all .
Demand for co-working space is going to plummet .

www.cnbc.com/2020/03/13/icahn-reveals-his-biggest-short-position-amid-market-turmoil-commercial-real-estate.html
Billionaire investor Carl Icahn told CNBC he expects the U.S. commercial real estate market will crumble.
He said he is shorting the commercial mortgage bond market, and it’s his “biggest position by far.”
He said the housing market bubble of 2008 has “happened all over again.”
I guess wework never really stood a chance after all. Demand for co-working space is going to plummet.
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AC


investmentwatchblog--2020-03-14--How worried should we be about a corporate debt ‘bomb’ exploding?

There is currently near record amounts of corporate debt that was fueled by extremely long lasting low interest rates .
@ @ @ @ @ to the virus outbreak , but especially sounds prescient now : If there is a @ @ @ @ @ the virus , does this exponentially get worse if companies start defaulting on their debt @ @ @ @ @ your opinion ?

by BillionDollaWhale
There is currently near record amounts of corporate debt that was fueled by extremely long lasting low interest rates. This article was written prior to the virus outbreak, but especially sounds prescient now:
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www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/corporate-debt-nears-a-record-10-trillion-and-borrowing-binge-poses-new-risks/2019/11/29/1f86ba3e-114b-11ea-bf62-eadd5d11f559_story.html
If there is a severe economic contraction due to the virus, does this exponentially get worse if companies start defaulting on their debt? Is this worrisome in your opinion?


investmentwatchblog--2020-03-14--NARRATIVES ARE DROPPING LIKE CNN RATINGS…

Hell freezes over .
Gov .
Cuomo publicly praises President Trump and the Vice President for corona response ART OF @ @ @ @ @ Pelosi agree on coronavirus bill .

Hell freezes over. Gov. Cuomo publicly praises President Trump and the Vice President for corona response
Gov. Andrew Cuomo on New York's drive-through coronavirus mobile testing center: "I want to thank the Vice President and especially the President who facilitated this and moved quickly." pic.twitter.com/jEeCsA6WeF — Francis Brennan (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@FrancisBrennan) March 13, 2020
ART OF THE DEAL: Trump, Pelosi agree on coronavirus bill.
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AMERICA’S PAPER OF RECORD: CNN’s Ratings Collapse As Coronavirus Fears Empty American Airports.
h/t GR


investmentwatchblog--2020-03-14--Charles Nenner – No Way to Avoid Coming Depression

Does it get worse before it get ’ s better ?
Nenner says , “ I think we are heading @ @ @ @ @ we go into a recession at a 6 % GDP .
Now , we have @ @ @ @ @ GDP .
Usually , the Fed Funds are 6 % , 7 % or 8 @ @ @ @ @ almost zero .
What are they going to do when we get a recession ?
@ @ @ @ @ negative GDP .
You get very fast a negative interest rate and it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ has been going on for many , many nice years and all the Fed presidents @ @ @ @ @ go .
They did not want to have a depression in their lifetime like the @ @ @ @ @ they kept it going and now there is no way out anymore.
” So , @ @ @ @ @ depression ?
Nenner says , “ Yep , and it is going to be very @ @ @

Does it get worse before it get’s better? Nenner says, “I think we are heading for a depression. Usually we go into a recession at a 6% GDP. Now, we have 1.5% to 2% GDP. Usually, the Fed Funds are 6%, 7% or 8%. Now they are almost zero. What are they going to do when we get a recession? You get very fast a negative GDP. You get very fast a negative interest rate and it’s a big mess. This has been going on for many, many nice years and all the Fed presidents had tricks and let it go. They did not want to have a depression in their lifetime like the 1930’s. So they kept it going and now there is no way out anymore.”
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So, there is no avoiding a depression? Nenner says, “Yep, and it is going to be very bad.”


investmentwatchblog--2020-03-14--Joe Biden Gets Confused Again – Has No Idea When He Would be President, ‘Two Years, Another Year… No

Joe Biden Gets Confused Again – Has No Idea When He Would be President, ‘Two Years, Another Year… November, Or Actually January

Joe Biden has no idea when he would be president : “ But even I can ’ t do that @ @ @ @ @ another year , between now and November .
Or actually January .
”

Trump War Room – Text EMPOWER to 88022
@TrumpWarRoom
Joe Biden has no idea when he would be president:
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“But even I can’t do that for another two year, another year, between now and November. Or actually January.”
Joe Biden has no idea when he would be president: "But even I can't do that for another two year, another year, between now and November. Or actually January." pic.twitter.com/UO1EbpElRe — Trump War Room – Text EMPOWER to 88022 (@TrumpWarRoom) March 14, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-03-14--Congress Fails to Reform FISA & Patriot Act — Tulsi Gabbard

Unfortunately Congress just passed a bill allowing continuation of intel/law enforcement agencies to infringe on your civil liberties .
Patriot @ @ @ @ @ Act ( FISA ) needed real reforms to prevent these constitutional abuses .
Congress failed @ @ @ @ @ American people deserve robust debate and discussion in order to craft new laws that provide @ @ @ @ @ tools that respect our constitutional rights and freedoms .
I ’ ll be introducing legislation @ @ @ @ @ .

Unfortunately Congress just passed a bill allowing continuation of intel/law enforcement agencies to infringe on your civil liberties. Patriot Act & Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) needed real reforms to prevent these constitutional abuses. Congress failed to do this.
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The American people deserve robust debate and discussion in order to craft new laws that provide us with necessary national security tools that respect our constitutional rights and freedoms. I’ll be introducing legislation that will do just that.


investmentwatchblog--2020-03-14--Democrats: You Don’t Have To Fall In Love, You Just Have To Fall In Line.

“ The Biden 2020 campaign isn ’ t about following its nominal leader , or even listening to him ; it ’ s about the party pushing him over the line collectively… ” “ … and about making plans to give him the necessary support once he ’ s in office , as Booker ’ s endorsing statement alluded to in references to ‘ winning races up and down the ballot ’ and thinking of a presidential victory as the ‘ floor ’ rather than the ‘ ceiling ’ of Democratic Party potential .
Biden ’ s sudden viability coincided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bullock ’ s announcement that , after fending off months of entreaties to enter his state ’ s Senate race , he will go ahead and attempt to flip the seat , while Arizona and Maine flip-aspirants Mark Kelly and Sara Gideon have also expressed a preference for running down ballot of Biden rather than Sanders .
Progressives eulogizing Elizabeth Warren ’ s presidential campaign have emphasized the prominent role that she can still play , going forward , in the Senate….
” From “ Joe Biden Has Cured Democrats of Their Belief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this without everyone else ’ s help ” ( Slate ) .
BIDEN ’ S A PLACE HOLDER .
I never hear anyone , in real life , express admiration or hope in Biden .
He ’ s just a tool to displace Pres .
Trump .
Keep an eye on the VP choice .

“The Biden 2020 campaign isn’t about following its nominal leader, or even listening to him; it’s about the party pushing him over the line collectively…”
“… and about making plans to give him the necessary support once he’s in office, as Booker’s endorsing statement alluded to in references to ‘winning races up and down the ballot’ and thinking of a presidential victory as the ‘floor’ rather than the ‘ceiling’ of Democratic Party potential. Biden’s sudden viability coincided with popular Democratic Montana Gov. Steve Bullock’s announcement that, after fending off months of entreaties to enter his state’s Senate race, he will go ahead and attempt to flip the seat, while Arizona and Maine flip-aspirants Mark Kelly and Sara Gideon have also expressed a preference for running down ballot of Biden rather than Sanders. Progressives eulogizing Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign have emphasized the prominent role that she can still play, going forward, in the Senate….”
From “Joe Biden Has Cured Democrats of Their Belief in a Savior President/Joe does NOT have this without everyone else’s help” (Slate).
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BIDEN’S A PLACE HOLDER. I never hear anyone, in real life, express admiration or hope in Biden. He’s just a tool to displace Pres. Trump. Keep an eye on the VP choice.
Jon


investmentwatchblog--2020-03-14--REINFECTION POSSIBLE! Japan and China multiple cases!

If you ’ re reinfected before you recover , the mortality might be much , much higher .
This is not good .
Japan is reporting its first case of a person becoming reinfected with the coronavirus after showing signs they had fully recovered , according to Reuters .
Osaka ’ s prefectural government confirmed Wednesday a woman working as a tour bus guide tested positive for coronavirus for the second time after developing a sore throat and chest pain .
The woman , who is said to be in her 40s , first tested positive in late January and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 after showing signs of recovery .
Reuters reports Health Minister Katsunobu Kato said the government would need to monitor the condition of others who were infected and later discharged as health experts investigate testing positive for COVID-19 after an initial recovery .
As much remains unknown about the virus , cases of reinfection have health experts worried that the illness could remain dormant after an apparent recovery .
“ Once you have the infection , it could remain dormant with minimal symptoms , ” Philip Tierno Jr. , professor of microbiology and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reuters .
“ And then you can get an exacerbation if it finds its way into the lungs , ” he said .

This is pretty bad.
If you’re reinfected before you recover, the mortality might be much, much higher.
This is not good.
Japan is reporting its first case of a person becoming reinfected with the coronavirus after showing signs they had fully recovered, according to Reuters.
Osaka’s prefectural government confirmed Wednesday a woman working as a tour bus guide tested positive for coronavirus for the second time after developing a sore throat and chest pain. The woman, who is said to be in her 40s, first tested positive in late January and was discharged from the hospital on Feb. 1 after showing signs of recovery.
Reuters reports Health Minister Katsunobu Kato said the government would need to monitor the condition of others who were infected and later discharged as health experts investigate testing positive for COVID-19 after an initial recovery.
As much remains unknown about the virus, cases of reinfection have health experts worried that the illness could remain dormant after an apparent recovery.
“Once you have the infection, it could remain dormant with minimal symptoms,” Philip Tierno Jr., professor of microbiology and pathology at New York University, told Reuters.
“And then you can get an exacerbation if it finds its way into the lungs,” he said.


investmentwatchblog--2020-03-14--Biggest One Day Gain EVER! Dow pops 1,985 points as Trump’s national emergency enlists Google, Walma

Biggest One Day Gain EVER! Dow pops 1,985 points as Trump’s national emergency enlists Google, Walmart in coronavirus fight

U.S. equity markets soared in the final hour of trading as President Trump declared a national emergency over the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ s biggest companies in the fight .
A HISTORICAL LOOK AT THE DOW ’ S @ @ @ @ @ Industrial Average surged by over 1,985 points or 9.3 percent .
The S & P @ @ @ @ @ rallied over 9 percent .
Google , Walmart , Target , CVS and others will @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak and helping with procedures and testing .
The major averages rebounded from a @ @ @ @ @ steepest since the Black Monday crash of 1987 .
All three lost at least 9.5 @ @ @ @ @ cancelations and postponement of large social gatherings and sporting events aimed at slowing the spread @ @ @ @ @

Watch the latest video at foxnews.com
U.S. equity markets soared in the final hour of trading as President Trump declared a national emergency over the coronavirus and enlisted the nation’s biggest companies in the fight.
A HISTORICAL LOOK AT THE DOW’S BIGGEST SWINGS
The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged by over 1,985 points or 9.3 percent. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite also rallied over 9 percent.
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Ticker Security Last Change Change % I:DJI DOW JONES AVERAGES 23185.62 +1,985.00 +9.36% SP500 S&P 500 2711.02 +230.38 +9.29% I:COMP NASDAQ COMPOSITE INDEX 7874.87539 +673.07 +9.35%
Google, Walmart, Target, CVS and others will assist health officials in combating the outbreak and helping with procedures and testing.
Ticker Security Last Change Change % GOOGL ALPHABET INC. 1,214.27 +102.72 +9.24% WMT WALMART INC. 114.10 +10.05 +9.66% TGT TARGET CORP. 101.02 +8.40 +9.07% CVS CVS HEALTH CORPORATION 59.64 +5.04 +9.23%
The major averages rebounded from a Thursday selloff that was their steepest since the Black Monday crash of 1987. All three lost at least 9.5 percent amid an avalanche of cancelations and postponement of large social gatherings and sporting events aimed at slowing the spread of the new coronavirus.
www.foxbusiness.com/markets/us-stocks-march-13-2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-03-14--Another Chairman of a major corporation steps down at the strangest time.

Bill Gates warned about how unprepared we are against an pandemic , then conducted a joint study and simulation with @ @ @ @ @ Health Security about the vulnerabilities of a pandemic a few months before the corona virus @ @ @ @ @ will be millions dead from the corona if unchecked and now will be supplying tests @ @ @ @ @ And now during the panic of Covid-19 , he decides to step down as Chairman @ @ @

by lboog423
Bill Gates warned about how unprepared we are against an pandemic, then conducted a joint study and simulation with the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security about the vulnerabilities of a pandemic a few months before the corona virus outbreak.
He warned there will be millions dead from the corona if unchecked and now will be supplying tests , starting with Seatle.
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And now during the panic of Covid-19, he decides to step down as Chairman of Microsoft.
Problem. Reaction. Solution


investmentwatchblog--2020-03-14--FedEx just emailed me: Safety Above All During COVID-19 (about touching packages?)

We recognize the trust you place in us when we deliver to your doorstep , shipping dock or place of business .
That ’ s why I want to share an update on the actions we are taking at FedEx to keep you – and our team members – safe amidst the COVID-19 outbreak .
“ Safety Above All ” is something we take incredibly seriously at FedEx .
We are listening to recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) and the World Health Organization ( WHO ) as we strive to help protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are giving our team members facts about COVID-19 and reminding them to follow simple , but effective steps to keep them safe such as frequent handwashing .
We are disinfecting our facilities and equipment as appropriate .
And as always , we are encouraging our team members to take any signs of illness seriously and seek medical attention as needed .
In light of the COVID-19 outbreak , you may have wondered , “ Is that package safe to touch ?
” The WHO has answered that question for us .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is safe to handle a package , even if it comes from a place where the virus has been reported .
( here ’ s a link to the 2nd half of the email , couldn ’ t grab the entire thing , so : Here ’ s the link that was in the email .
It goes to the WHO website corona FAQ : www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses ?
From the link , this info seems to contradict the FDX assertion that ‘ packages are safe ’ .
If Packages are safe , then wouldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in packaging tape ?
How long does the virus survive on surfaces ?
It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces , but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses .
Studies suggest that coronaviruses ( including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus ) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days .
This may vary under different conditions ( e.g .
type of surface , temperature or humidity of the environment ) .
If you think a surface may be infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kill the virus and protect yourself and others .
Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water .
Avoid touching your eyes , mouth , or nose .
Disclaimer : This is a guest post and it doesn ’ t represent the views of IWB .

We recognize the trust you place in us when we deliver to your doorstep, shipping dock or place of business.
That’s why I want to share an update on the actions we are taking at FedEx to keep you – and our team members – safe amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.
“Safety Above All” is something we take incredibly seriously at FedEx. We are listening to recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as we strive to help protect our customers and our team members.
We are giving our team members facts about COVID-19 and reminding them to follow simple, but effective steps to keep them safe such as frequent handwashing. We are disinfecting our facilities and equipment as appropriate. And as always, we are encouraging our team members to take any signs of illness seriously and seek medical attention as needed.
In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, you may have wondered, “Is that package safe to touch?” The WHO has answered that question for us. They’ve made it clear that it is safe to handle a package, even if it comes from a place where the virus has been reported.
(here’s a link to the 2nd half of the email, couldn’t grab the entire thing, so:
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Here’s the link that was in the email. It goes to the WHO website corona FAQ:
www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses?
From the link, this info seems to contradict the FDX assertion that ‘packages are safe’ . If Packages are safe, then wouldn’t we all just wrap ourselves in packaging tape?
How long does the virus survive on surfaces?
It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment).
If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.
h/t DeploraVision
Disclaimer: This is a guest post and it doesn’t represent the views of IWB.


investmentwatchblog--2020-03-14--Why new diseases keep appearing in China?

And why COVID-19 was bound to happen .

And why COVID-19 was bound to happen.
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The Trojan Virus.

I ’ ve been trying to figure out why all of this Mass Hysteria has been going on , with what is little more than a new strain of flu on par with H1N1 or SARS .
It makes no sense at all , until you start thinking like the Deep/World State and what the outcome will be when this is all over .
The preferred tool of the Deep/World State is the Hegelian Dialectic , so I will use it to outline what I believe is their plan .
Almost all major events in history employ the Hegelian Dialectic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or take advantage of one already in place in order to get the desired Reaction of public outcry whereby the public demands a Solution which as been predetermined from the beginning .
Problem ; We lost the United States election in 2016 , and now a Populist outsider is going against our wishes .
We have failed to bring him down with Russia , We have failed to Impeach him , Our press and media have failed to turn opinion against him and now he grows stronger and his rallies grow larger .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ passes more of his agenda our plans will be pushed back at least a decade .
Reaction ; Use a rather normal , but new , flu outbreak .
Hype it to all extremes on all of our news outlets .
Activate our deep assets online to push the narrative on forums , social media platforms and comment sections .
Breathlessly report EVERY new infection and death to numb and scare the masses .
Personalize it to make everyone feel it will effect them .
Blame the President for any misstep either real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring down the markets and economy .
Solution ; Implement restrictions on public gatherings .
Required vaccinations , along with proof of vaccination that must be carried along with your government issued ID .
Quarantine zones and checkpoints between zones .
Must get government authorization to travel between zones .
No air travel unless authorized and approved by the government .
Censorship of the internet to prevent false stories about the virus .
Outcome ; Loss of personal freedom to travel .
No more will you be able to gas up the SUV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your papers and checkpoints .
No more Trump rallies with tens of thousands of attendees .
President Trump getting hammered nightly on the news with each report of another death , or another fall in the stock market .
Joe Biden not having to stumble and fumble in front of crowds , everything with be scripted on his way to the Democrat nomination .
Control of the internet under the guise of stopping conspiracies about the virus .
Enjoy the show , because that is what this is .
Disclaimer : This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t represent the views of IWB .

by Copperhead
I’ve been trying to figure out why all of this Mass Hysteria has been going on, with what is little more than a new strain of flu on par with H1N1 or SARS. It makes no sense at all, until you start thinking like the Deep/World State and what the outcome will be when this is all over. The preferred tool of the Deep/World State is the Hegelian Dialectic, so I will use it to outline what I believe is their plan.
Almost all major events in history employ the Hegelian Dialectic of:
Problem – manufacture a crisis or take advantage of one already in place in order to get the desired
Reaction of public outcry whereby the public demands a
Solution which as been predetermined from the beginning.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Problem;
We lost the United States election in 2016, and now a Populist outsider is going against our wishes. We have failed to bring him down with Russia, We have failed to Impeach him, Our press and media have failed to turn opinion against him and now he grows stronger and his rallies grow larger. If he wins a 2nd term and passes more of his agenda our plans will be pushed back at least a decade.
Reaction;
Use a rather normal, but new, flu outbreak. Hype it to all extremes on all of our news outlets. Activate our deep assets online to push the narrative on forums, social media platforms and comment sections. Breathlessly report EVERY new infection and death to numb and scare the masses. Personalize it to make everyone feel it will effect them. Blame the President for any misstep either real or imagined.
Use the scare to bring down the markets and economy.
Solution;
Implement restrictions on public gatherings. Required vaccinations, along with proof of vaccination that must be carried along with your government issued ID. Quarantine zones and checkpoints between zones. Must get government authorization to travel between zones. No air travel unless authorized and approved by the government. Censorship of the internet to prevent false stories about the virus.
Outcome;
Loss of personal freedom to travel. No more will you be able to gas up the SUV and drive anywhere in the USA without your papers and checkpoints. No more Trump rallies with tens of thousands of attendees. President Trump getting hammered nightly on the news with each report of another death, or another fall in the stock market. Joe Biden not having to stumble and fumble in front of crowds, everything with be scripted on his way to the Democrat nomination. Control of the internet under the guise of stopping conspiracies about the virus.
Enjoy the show, because that is what this is.
Disclaimer: This is a guest post and it doesn’t represent the views of IWB.


investmentwatchblog--2020-03-14--NATIONAL GUARD to BE DEPLOYED in U.S.

NATIONAL GUARD to BE DEPLOYED in U.S.

National Guard activated to combat coronavirus spread in six states , more to follow Dylan Gresik Meanwhile , the National @ @ @ @ @ 1,000 troops in six states — Florida , Iowa , Louisiana , New York , @ @ @ @ @ by the end of the day Friday

National Guard activated to combat coronavirus spread in six states, more to follow
Dylan Gresik
Meanwhile, the National Guard said it would deploy 1,000 troops in six states — Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, New York, Rhode Island and Washington — by the end of the day Friday
www.militarytimes.com/news/coronavirus/2020/03/13/national-guard-activated-to-combat-coronavirus-spread-in-six-states-more-to-follow/
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www.foxnews.com/
NG


investmentwatchblog--2020-03-14--Not Just For Italy. Socialism Kills — Both Varieties, National And International — Fast Or Slow, Sof

Not Just For Italy. Socialism Kills — Both Varieties, National And International — Fast Or Slow, Soft Or Hard, But It Always Kills

Makes me think of what Heinlein said , from memory : “ Stupidity is the only capital crime .
The punishment is always death .
There is no appeal.
” Italy ’ s in dire need of help .
Its health care system is collapsing .
The coronavirus has put the whole country in quarantine .
There are now 15,000 cases , along with 1,018 deaths , the last 24 hours bringing in 188 more .
The casualty count is the highest outside China .
And it ’ s spreading fast .
Until a few days ago , the problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it has spread throughout the whole country .
Anyone with a heart can feel pity and an urge to help them .
They need help , bad .
But don ’ t go asking the European Union .
Turns out this open-borders globalist set-up is stiffing the Italians in their hour of need : First , the EU created the problem by failing to shut down their borders with China , enabling its spread into Italy in the first place .
While President Trump was acting swiftly to protect America from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying there was no crisis and calling Trump a xenophobe .
Now , with Italy hit hard based on that hate-Trump ‘ logic ’ , its medical system is overwhelmed .
Its doctors and nurses are exhausted .
There ’ s not enough equipment , there ’ s not enough supplies , and the patients keep coming .
The Italians are appealing for help with masks , surgical equipment , doctors , anything that will enable them to get through it and save human lives — and the EU is not giving it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( hat tip : Instapundit ) has a must-read column on how the EU is leaving Italy to fend for itself in its hour of need .
Maurizio Massari , Italy ’ s permanent representative to the European Union , wrote an opinion piece for Politico Europe Tuesday evening publicly shaming fellow EU states for their failure to help , and once again asking them to come together .
Instead , European countries are banning the exportation of face masks and other medical equipment needed to deal with the crisis .
Germany ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , argued that this was necessary : “ The market is such at present that masks are not going where [ they ’ re most ] urgently needed , it ’ s where people pay most money for them.
” This is absurd .
First of all , if Germany ’ s government is really so worried about masks not getting where they ’ re needed ( as opposed to covering its own backside ) , they can donate masks to the Italians , can ’ t they ?
This complaint about profiteering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fearful selfishness .
Why is that a problem ?
Because the European Union is supposed to be all about lovey-doviness , nations giving of their surplus to help others in the name of the greater good .
Everybody sharing , the whole greater than the sum of its parts .
Helping the poor out , putting people first ( remember how Angela Merkel ‘ volunteered ’ the rest of Europe to take in some of the migrant masses she herself invited in ?
— I invite , you pay ? )
But so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the pond .
And it may be perfectly understandable for Germany to want to protect its own national interest in a time of crisis , but it runs counter to the entire concept of the EU that we ’ ve been hearing so much about during the debate over Brexit .
Member states are supposed to benefit by putting aside their own selfish needs .
French President Emmanuel Macron has [ called ] for an even more united post-Brexit EU .
What happened to that ?
Right now , his government is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I haven ’ t seen anything about them ending up in Italy .
And as Freddoso notes , all the Italians are getting is empty EU words , nothing more .
So much for all that ‘ sharing.
’ Everyone ’ s a conservative about things they know best .
The hard reality here is that nations act in their own self-interest whether they say so or not .
That so much propaganda to the contrary has been mouthed by the European Union in the name of preserving its stateless bureaucracy , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a sad story .
Up until now , the Italians had to have been confident their association with the EU would help them .
Turns out that is a load of hooey , it hasn ’ t .
That ’ s reason enough to leave the EU as if the restive nation didn ’ t already have enough such reason .
Open borders for disease , closed borders for help with disease , what a bargain .
One hopes the Italians will get wise to this and finally pull the plug .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s being discredited , though .
Globalism of this EU sort , as it turns out , is absolutely lethal when combined with local socialism .
Italy has socialized medicine , the kind Bernie Sanders seeks to push on America , leaving the country way less prepared to handle the pandemic than countries with free market health care systems .

Makes me think of what Heinlein said, from memory: “Stupidity is the only capital crime. The punishment is always death. There is no appeal.”
For Italy, multilateral globalism, plus socialism, equals death.
Italy’s in dire need of help.
Its health care system is collapsing. The coronavirus has put the whole country in quarantine. There are now 15,000 cases, along with 1,018 deaths, the last 24 hours bringing in 188 more. The casualty count is the highest outside China. And it’s spreading fast. Until a few days ago, the problem was concentrated in the north. Now, it has spread throughout the whole country.
Anyone with a heart can feel pity and an urge to help them. They need help, bad.
But don’t go asking the European Union.
Turns out this open-borders globalist set-up is stiffing the Italians in their hour of need:
First, the EU created the problem by failing to shut down their borders with China, enabling its spread into Italy in the first place. While President Trump was acting swiftly to protect America from the lethal virus, the European Union was saying there was no crisis and calling Trump a xenophobe.
Now, with Italy hit hard based on that hate-Trump ‘logic’, its medical system is overwhelmed. Its doctors and nurses are exhausted. There’s not enough equipment, there’s not enough supplies, and the patients keep coming. The Italians are appealing for help with masks, surgical equipment, doctors, anything that will enable them to get through it and save human lives — and the EU is not giving it.
David Freddoso of the Washington Examiner (hat tip: Instapundit) has a must-read column on how the EU is leaving Italy to fend for itself in its hour of need.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Maurizio Massari, Italy’s permanent representative to the European Union, wrote an opinion piece for Politico Europe Tuesday evening publicly shaming fellow EU states for their failure to help, and once again asking them to come together. Instead, European countries are banning the exportation of face masks and other medical equipment needed to deal with the crisis. Germany’s health minister, quoted by Politico, argued that this was necessary: “The market is such at present that masks are not going where [they’re most] urgently needed, it’s where people pay most money for them.” This is absurd. First of all, if Germany’s government is really so worried about masks not getting where they’re needed (as opposed to covering its own backside), they can donate masks to the Italians, can’t they? This complaint about profiteering is really just cover for their own fearful selfishness.
Why is that a problem? Because the European Union is supposed to be all about lovey-doviness, nations giving of their surplus to help others in the name of the greater good. Everybody sharing, the whole greater than the sum of its parts. Helping the poor out, putting people first (remember how Angela Merkel ‘volunteered’ the rest of Europe to take in some of the migrant masses she herself invited in? — I invite, you pay?) But so much more virtuous than that cowboy regime across the pond.
Freddoso continues:
And it may be perfectly understandable for Germany to want to protect its own national interest in a time of crisis, but it runs counter to the entire concept of the EU that we’ve been hearing so much about during the debate over Brexit. Member states are supposed to benefit by putting aside their own selfish needs. French President Emmanuel Macron has [called] for an even more united post-Brexit EU. What happened to that? Right now, his government is seizing control of masks throughout France. I haven’t seen anything about them ending up in Italy.
And as Freddoso notes, all the Italians are getting is empty EU words, nothing more. So much for all that ‘sharing.’
Everyone’s a conservative about things they know best.
The hard reality here is that nations act in their own self-interest whether they say so or not. That so much propaganda to the contrary has been mouthed by the European Union in the name of preserving its stateless bureaucracy, and is often believed by local citizens, is a sad story. Up until now, the Italians had to have been confident their association with the EU would help them. Turns out that is a load of hooey, it hasn’t. That’s reason enough to leave the EU as if the restive nation didn’t already have enough such reason. Open borders for disease, closed borders for help with disease, what a bargain. One hopes the Italians will get wise to this and finally pull the plug.
That’s not the only thing that’s being discredited, though.
Globalism of this EU sort, as it turns out, is absolutely lethal when combined with local socialism.
Italy has socialized medicine, the kind Bernie Sanders seeks to push on America, leaving the country way less prepared to handle the pandemic than countries with free market health care systems.
Confirmed cases vs. Critical care beds pic.twitter.com/UFQQBWPEqq — Shahin Vallée (@Shahinvallee) March 14, 2020
h/t GR


investmentwatchblog--2020-03-14--THE DESIRE NAMED STREETCAR: California bullet train project employees told to ‘shut up’ about projec

THE DESIRE NAMED STREETCAR: California bullet train project employees told to ‘shut up’ about project woes: report.

Employees at the lead consulting firm for the struggling California bullet train project were told to “ shut up ” and threatened with termination if they talked about the costly infrastructure project , according to a report this week .
“ I was told to shut up and not say anything , ” Mark Styles , who worked for WSP , told the Los Angeles Times .
“ I was told that I didn ’ t understand the political arena the project was in .
I told them I am not going to shut up .
This is my job.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ dozen current and former senior officials , who said the culture that threatened to punish or terminate employees who didn ’ t promote the company line explains why the project has gone on for more than 10 years despite warnings about its risks and money issues .
“ If I was to give a talk at a construction conference , I would say they were not following generally accepted project management principles , ” project controls coordinator Todd Bilstein told the outlet , adding that failures included estimating costs , scheduling construction and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news was discouraged , ” he added .
“ I just couldn ’ t continue to work there .
I don ’ t work that way .
American professionals don ’ t work that way.
” A spokeswoman for WSP told the LA Times : “ We always work carefully with our client to evaluate the demands of each project and to prepare realistic and transparent recommendations regarding schedule and budget .
”

Watch the latest video at foxnews.com
via foxnews
Employees at the lead consulting firm for the struggling California bullet train project were told to “shut up” and threatened with termination if they talked about the costly infrastructure project, according to a report this week.
“I was told to shut up and not say anything,” Mark Styles, who worked for WSP, told the Los Angeles Times. “I was told that I didn’t understand the political arena the project was in. I told them I am not going to shut up. This is my job.”
The Times spoke to a half dozen current and former senior officials, who said the culture that threatened to punish or terminate employees who didn’t promote the company line explains why the project has gone on for more than 10 years despite warnings about its risks and money issues.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
“If I was to give a talk at a construction conference, I would say they were not following generally accepted project management principles,” project controls coordinator Todd Bilstein told the outlet, adding that failures included estimating costs, scheduling construction and managing change orders.
“Revealing bad news was discouraged,” he added. “I just couldn’t continue to work there. I don’t work that way. American professionals don’t work that way.”
A spokeswoman for WSP told the LA Times: “We always work carefully with our client to evaluate the demands of each project and to prepare realistic and transparent recommendations regarding schedule and budget.”


investmentwatchblog--2020-03-14--Ask yourself why the media called it the Wuhan virus until the moment the Chinese government began t

Plus , assumes facts not in evidence : Flashback : During all the Russia hacking hype , China is rising @ @ @ @ @ ’ s role in the 2016 election dominates the news , China ’ s spying @ @ @ @ @ borders is too little noticed .
( Bumped ) .

AGENTS OF INFLUENCE:
Ask yourself why the media called it the Wuhan virus until the moment the Chinese government began their big propaganda push, then it instantly became racist. Our media is much, much worse than just biased. — The Partyman (@PartymanRandy) March 13, 2020
Related:
here is yet another NYT columnist repeating the Chinese propaganda line. Please stop doing this. pic.twitter.com/HbXGHyr7DL — PoliMath (@politicalmath) March 13, 2020
Also:
REMINDER: We should be hammering the hell out of China for their culpability in creating this pandemic, to say nothing of their disgusting attempts to push untruthful propaganda to deflect blame. t.co/9LFXeUc3jf — Mark Hemingway (@Heminator) March 13, 2020
And:
I dunno I guess I just kind of find it unseemly for a US outlet to be running interference for the Chinese Communist Party, using talking pts promoted by the Chinese Communist Party, about a global pandemic supercharged by the totalitarian practices of the Chinese Communist Party t.co/ZIkdZ5OfzC — Omri Ceren (@omriceren) March 13, 2020
Plus, assumes facts not in evidence:
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"I know I'm acting as an unpaid propaganda agent for China but I'm doing it anyway" t.co/GcBWOMoptU — Take precautions against the Wuhan virus (@jtLOL) March 13, 2020
And, harsh but fair:
NYT's latest dispatch from Walter Duranty. pic.twitter.com/LFyi56KKKB — David Freddoso (@freddoso) March 13, 2020
Finally:
The 3 largest and mass available retailers of the middle class and poor people in the country have announced they will make testing kits available at their stores and pharmacies and @Chrislhayes is throwing a hissy fit over it. Now ask yourselves. why. — Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) March 13, 2020
Flashback: During all the Russia hacking hype, China is rising in influence: While Russia’s role in the 2016 election dominates the news, China’s spying and alarming influence within our borders is too little noticed. (Bumped).
h/t GR


investmentwatchblog--2020-03-14--COVID-19 Epicenter Has Shifted To Europe, Says WHO….U.S. Economic Outlook Under Coronavirus Hinges o

COVID-19 Epicenter Has Shifted To Europe, Says WHO….U.S. Economic Outlook Under Coronavirus Hinges on Layoff Decisions

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE : COVID-19 Epicenter Has Shifted To Europe , Says WHO .
The head of the World Health Organization @ @ @ @ @ Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , is calling Europe the new “ epicenter ” of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ all countries use aggressive measures , mobilize members of their communities and encourage “ social @ @ @ @ @ recognized as a nonpharmaceutical infection control strategy .
“ Europe has now become the epicenter @ @ @ @ @ more reported cases and deaths than the rest of the world combined , apart from @ @ @ @ @ , adding that “ More cases are now being reported every day than were reported @ @ @ @ @ of the epidemic.
” Unlike the epicenter of an earthquake that is permanently located after @ @ @ @ @ novel coronavirus is more of a wave that began in a Wuhan wet market and @ @ @ @ @ of the wave has passed China and is now in several Middle East and European @ @

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: COVID-19 Epicenter Has Shifted To Europe, Says WHO.
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, is calling Europe the new “epicenter” of the coronavirus pandemic. He urged that all countries use aggressive measures, mobilize members of their communities and encourage “social distancing” that is now recognized as a nonpharmaceutical infection control strategy.
“Europe has now become the epicenter of the pandemic, with more reported cases and deaths than the rest of the world combined, apart from China,” he said, adding that “More cases are now being reported every day than were reported in China at the height of the epidemic.”
Unlike the epicenter of an earthquake that is permanently located after a strong temblor, the novel coronavirus is more of a wave that began in a Wuhan wet market and radiated outward. The crest of the wave has passed China and is now in several Middle East and European locales.


investmentwatchblog--2020-03-14--Statement by the Department of Defense on Domestic Travel Restrictions

Today , the Deputy Secretary of Defense David L. Norquist approved new travel restrictions for service members , DoD civilians , and their families assigned to DoD installations , facilities and surrounding areas within the United States and its territories .
This restriction will halt all domestic travel , including Permanent Change of Station , and Temporary Duty .
This restriction will also pause civilian hiring at DoD installations and components for persons who do not reside within the hiring entity ’ s local comminuting area .
Additionally , service members will be authorized local leave only , following Service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 16 and continues through May 11 .
Similar to other travel guidance regarding COVID-19 , travel exceptions may be granted for compelling cases where the travel is mission-essential , for humanitarian reasons , or warranted due to extreme hardship .
Approval authority for these exceptions belongs to the Combatant Commander , the Service Secretaries , the Chief Management Officer , or the Director of the Joint Staff , but may be delegated .
The Department will continue to issue additional guidance with regard to the COVID-19 as conditions warrant .
Our goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread so our military force remains effective and ready .
For more information on the CDC travel restrictions , visit We encourage all DOD personnel to visit information on staying healthy during the outbreak .
The Department will issue follow-on guidance on this directive prior to implementation .

Today, the Deputy Secretary of Defense David L. Norquist approved new travel restrictions for service members, DoD civilians, and their families assigned to DoD installations, facilities and surrounding areas within the United States and its territories. This restriction will halt all domestic travel, including Permanent Change of Station, and Temporary Duty. This restriction will also pause civilian hiring at DoD installations and components for persons who do not reside within the hiring entity’s local comminuting area.
Additionally, service members will be authorized local leave only, following Service guidelines. This new guidance is effective March 16 and continues through May 11.
Similar to other travel guidance regarding COVID-19, travel exceptions may be granted for compelling cases where the travel is mission-essential, for humanitarian reasons, or warranted due to extreme hardship. Approval authority for these exceptions belongs to the Combatant Commander, the Service Secretaries, the Chief Management Officer, or the Director of the Joint Staff, but may be delegated.
The Department will continue to issue additional guidance with regard to the COVID-19 as conditions warrant. Our goal is to remain ahead of the virus spread so our military force remains effective and ready.
For more information on the CDC travel restrictions, visit
wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
We encourage all DOD personnel to visit
www.defense.gov/Explore/Spotlight/Coronavirus/for/
information on staying healthy during the outbreak.
The Department will issue follow-on guidance on this directive prior to implementation.
www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2112213/statement-by-the-department-of-defense-on-domestic-travel-restrictions/
h/t CrsCrpr


investmentwatchblog--2020-03-14--Tucker: Regular life is all but suspended

VIDEO : Tucker : Regular life is all but suspended VIDEO : Tucker Carlson : “ What happens if the @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus ?
”

VIDEO: Tucker: Regular life is all but suspended
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VIDEO: Tucker Carlson: “What happens if the homeless population gets infected with coronavirus?”


investmentwatchblog--2020-03-14--So, the wife and I had just decided to keep our daughter home next week when…

We get a call from the school district that they are closing for the next week .
The week after @ @ @ @ @ , no school for two weeks .
They will offer some online learning .
I @ @ @ @ @ would have been the right decision .
I live in the High Desert in Southern @ @ @ @ @ has had no cases yet officially .

by Builder
We get a call from the school district that they are closing for the next week.
The week after is Spring Break.
So, no school for two weeks.
They will offer some online learning.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Fine with me.
I feel confident now that it would have been the right decision.
I live in the High Desert in Southern California.
San Bernardino County has had no cases yet officially.


investmentwatchblog--2020-03-14--Chris Vermeulen: WHERE’S THE BOTTOM? – CYCLES PAINT A CLEAR PICTURE

by Chris Vermeulen of The Technical Traders Has the selloff ended ?
When will it end ?
What will the bottom look like and am I at risk of taking further losses ?
What should I do ?
Do you want to take a guess at how many of our friends and family members are calling us over the past week or so asking these questions ?
Personally , I get bombarded with dozens of emails every day from friends and other family members asking “ where ’ s the bottom ?
What should I do ?
” .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the structure of the markets and what is really happening .
Price always attempts to seek out new price highs or new price lows .
In this case , we are seeking out new price lows with a downside price rotation .
Price structure , which is normally discussed in Elliot Wave structures is the process of setting up new higher high or lower low waves as price rotates in a defined wave structure .
Keep in mind the broader wave structure that is currently unfolding .
Over the past 16+ months , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rotation in 2018 was a Wave 4 downside price rotation of a Wave C upside price structure .
If our analysis is correct , the last rally we just experienced ( ending near February 1 , 2020 ) was the end of a Wave 5 upside price move that completed the Wave C upside price structure .
This would indicate a very real possibility that the current downside price trend is a Wave 4 downside price move .
Be sure to opt-in to our free market trend signals newsletter before closing this page @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next special report !
For readers that are not familiar with the Elliot Wave process/structure , each major wave ( 1 through 5 or A through C ) can consist of various types of minor wave structures ( as you can see from the middle chart in the example above .
The major wave 1 could consist of a 5 wave minor wave structure ( as shown ) .
The major wave 2 could consist of a 3 wave minor wave structure ( as shown ) or even a downside 5 wave structure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these minor wave structure could consist of even smaller price wave structures .
These types of price rotations often populate in 1 , 3 , 5 , 7 , 9 , 13 and 21 wave structures .
Unlocking the major wave count and minor wave count can help us unlock swing trading and day trading opportunities .
So , to put into context what we are attempting to convey to you is that we believe the peak in early February 2020 was the end of a major wave 3 and the start of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ downside ) .
Because the upside price wave 3 originated after the 2009-10 price bottom , we believe true support in the markets is likely the midpoint of the 2018 price rotation range or near the low price levels of 2018 .
These price levels represent a very clear support level and low price target level that continues to follow the price structure rules of Fibonacci and Elliot Wave .
If the 2018 lows are breached and the markets continue to push lower , then we fall back to the 2016 price lows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chart highlights the two lower MAGENTA lines that we believe represent clear price support for the Dow Jones ( 24,000 & 21,450 ) .
At this point , the YM has already moved below the 24,000 level and closed trading on Monday , March 9 , near 23,900 .
Although this price level has breached the 24,000 level , we do not consider “ support ” a hard level ( like concrete ) .
It is like water in many cases and it matters what price does when it reaches this level .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it will begin to bottom out and potentially trade sideways before attempting to move higher .
If not , the price may stall near this 24,000 level before breaking down to the 21,450 level ( or lower ) .
We do believe the INDU/YM will put in a bottom before the ES and NQ do .
Thus , we believe support will be found in the INDU/YM well before support is found in the other major US stock market indexes .
This SPY Weekly chart highlights the same setup with the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The first level of support for SPY is $ 261~ $ 262 .
We believe this midpoint of 2018 high to the low trading range will offer a fairly strong support level for the SPY to attempt to set up a price bottom .
Below that , the $ 234 level ( the lower range of the 2018 trading year ) would provide very clear support for the SPY .
The same type of price theory and expectations are at play on this chart as with the YM chart above .
The YM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support , yet the SPY is still $ 12 away from this first support level .
This would suggest the YM may begin to set up some type of price support while the SPY may continue to trail a bit lower over time .
If this first level of support does not hold , then we would be looking for the 2018 price low levels ( near $ 234 ) to become the next target for support .
Ultimately , the price must either continue to attempt to break previous low price points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ price lows ” or , at some point , it will fail to break past lows and that is where it will find support .
The midpoint , often called the “ belt line ” ( a Japanese Candlestick term ) is used by technicians for two reasons : first , it represents 50 % of a defined price range and , second , Japanese Candlestick theory teaches us the BeltLine is “ the center of control ” or price .
Once price breaks this level , then further trending may continue .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the three MAGENTA lines drawn on it .
The top line is the 2018 price peak level .
The middle line is the midpoint of the 2018 trading range .
The lower line is the bottom of the 2018 trading range .
The NQ has been the high-flying sector in the US stock market for many months .
You can see the massive rally that took place near the end of 2019 pushing the NQ up to nearly 10,000 before the recent correction .
Compared to the YM and SPY charts , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much stronger than the others .
This is why we believe the downside price move in the NQ could also be far greater in scope than the YM or SPY .
If the NQ falls to our midpoint level ( near 6795 ) , the NQ must call another -1100 points to reach this level .
Whereas the YM has already reached this critical price level and the SPY is only about $ 12 away from that same level .
Therefore , the NQ , in our opinion , could continue to trend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Q2 before finding any real support .
The low price range of 2018 puts final support for the NQ near 5,832 .
From current levels , if price falls to this support level , it would total an additional -2066 point decline ( -26.11 % ) .
It would also represent a massive -40 % selloff from the peak set in February 2020 ( near 9763 ) .

by Chris Vermeulen of The Technical Traders
Has the selloff ended? When will it end? What will the bottom look like and am I at risk of taking further losses? What should I do?
Do you want to take a guess at how many of our friends and family members are calling us over the past week or so asking these questions? Personally, I get bombarded with dozens of emails every day from friends and other family members asking “where’s the bottom? What should I do?”.
This post is going to help you understand the structure of the markets and what is really happening. Price always attempts to seek out new price highs or new price lows. In this case, we are seeking out new price lows with a downside price rotation. Price structure, which is normally discussed in Elliot Wave structures is the process of setting up new higher high or lower low waves as price rotates in a defined wave structure. Keep in mind the broader wave structure that is currently unfolding.
Over the past 16+ months, we’ve suggested that the price rotation in 2018 was a Wave 4 downside price rotation of a Wave C upside price structure. If our analysis is correct, the last rally we just experienced (ending near February 1, 2020) was the end of a Wave 5 upside price move that completed the Wave C upside price structure. This would indicate a very real possibility that the current downside price trend is a Wave 4 downside price move.
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For readers that are not familiar with the Elliot Wave process/structure, each major wave (1 through 5 or A through C) can consist of various types of minor wave structures (as you can see from the middle chart in the example above. The major wave 1 could consist of a 5 wave minor wave structure (as shown). The major wave 2 could consist of a 3 wave minor wave structure (as shown) or even a downside 5 wave structure.
Going even further, each of these minor wave structure could consist of even smaller price wave structures. These types of price rotations often populate in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 13 and 21 wave structures. Unlocking the major wave count and minor wave count can help us unlock swing trading and day trading opportunities.
So, to put into context what we are attempting to convey to you is that we believe the peak in early February 2020 was the end of a major wave 3 and the start of a major wave 4 (to the downside). Because the upside price wave 3 originated after the 2009-10 price bottom, we believe true support in the markets is likely the midpoint of the 2018 price rotation range or near the low price levels of 2018. These price levels represent a very clear support level and low price target level that continues to follow the price structure rules of Fibonacci and Elliot Wave. If the 2018 lows are breached and the markets continue to push lower, then we fall back to the 2016 price lows and midpoint level.
WEEKLY YM CHART – DOW JONES
This Weekly YM chart highlights the two lower MAGENTA lines that we believe represent clear price support for the Dow Jones (24,000 & 21,450). At this point, the YM has already moved below the 24,000 level and closed trading on Monday, March 9, near 23,900. Although this price level has breached the 24,000 level, we do not consider “support” a hard level (like concrete). It is like water in many cases and it matters what price does when it reaches this level. If price finds support near this level, it will begin to bottom out and potentially trade sideways before attempting to move higher. If not, the price may stall near this 24,000 level before breaking down to the 21,450 level (or lower).
We do believe the INDU/YM will put in a bottom before the ES and NQ do. Thus, we believe support will be found in the INDU/YM well before support is found in the other major US stock market indexes.
SPY WEEKLY CHART – S&P 500
This SPY Weekly chart highlights the same setup with the two MAGENTA lines we’ve drawn. The first level of support for SPY is $261~$262. We believe this midpoint of 2018 high to the low trading range will offer a fairly strong support level for the SPY to attempt to set up a price bottom. Below that, the $234 level (the lower range of the 2018 trading year) would provide very clear support for the SPY.
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The same type of price theory and expectations are at play on this chart as with the YM chart above. The YM has already reached our first level of support, yet the SPY is still $12 away from this first support level. This would suggest the YM may begin to set up some type of price support while the SPY may continue to trail a bit lower over time.
If this first level of support does not hold, then we would be looking for the 2018 price low levels (near $234) to become the next target for support. Ultimately, the price must either continue to attempt to break previous low price points as it attempts to establish “new price lows” or, at some point, it will fail to break past lows and that is where it will find support. The midpoint, often called the “belt line” (a Japanese Candlestick term) is used by technicians for two reasons: first, it represents 50% of a defined price range and, second, Japanese Candlestick theory teaches us the BeltLine is “the center of control” or price. Once price breaks this level, then further trending may continue.
NQ WEEKLY CHART – NASDAQ
Lastly, this NQ Weekly chart with the three MAGENTA lines drawn on it. The top line is the 2018 price peak level. The middle line is the midpoint of the 2018 trading range. The lower line is the bottom of the 2018 trading range.
The NQ has been the high-flying sector in the US stock market for many months. You can see the massive rally that took place near the end of 2019 pushing the NQ up to nearly 10,000 before the recent correction. Compared to the YM and SPY charts, it is easy to see the NQ rallied much stronger than the others. This is why we believe the downside price move in the NQ could also be far greater in scope than the YM or SPY.
If the NQ falls to our midpoint level (near 6795), the NQ must call another -1100 points to reach this level. Whereas the YM has already reached this critical price level and the SPY is only about $12 away from that same level. Therefore, the NQ, in our opinion, could continue to trend broadly lower throughout Q1 and possibly into Q2 before finding any real support.
The low price range of 2018 puts final support for the NQ near 5,832. From current levels, if price falls to this support level, it would total an additional -2066 point decline (-26.11%). It would also represent a massive -40% selloff from the peak set in February 2020 (near 9763).
Where’s the bottom? What’s next? Our advice would be NOT to chase this selloff and NOT to attempt to bottom pick this move. We believe the Covid-19 virus event will last well past April/May 2020 and we believe both Q1 and Q2 results will be far below expectations. Therefore, we don’t believe any real bottom will setup before May, June or July of 2020 – after Q2 earnings are announced and contingent on the virus event subsiding and earnings starting to recover. Otherwise, we could be “searching for a bottom” for quite a while yet. Still, massive price rotations are taking place in the major markets and various sectors. If you are a skilled trader and are able to manage risk properly, you should be able to identify multiple opportunities over the next 90+ days for incredible trades. We know we certainly are finding them. As a technical analysis and trader since 1997, I have been through a few bull/bear market cycles. I believe I have a good pulse on the market and timing key turning points for short-term swing traders. Visit my ETF Wealth Building Newsletter and if you like what I offer, and ride my coattails as I navigate these financial markets and build wealth while others lose nearly everything they own during the next financial crisis. Chris Vermeulen
www.TheTechnicalTraders.com


investmentwatchblog--2020-03-14--Student Loan Interest Waived, Going to Buy Oil

Trump to buy oil for strategic reserve to aid energy industry : ‘ We ’ re going to fill it ’ • President Donald Trump on Friday said he ’ s directed the U.S. Department of Energy to purchase crude oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve .
• The move was made in an effort to assist U.S. energy producers , which have been battered this week amid an oil price war between OPEC and Russia .
• “ We ’ re going to fill [ the strategic reserve ] right up to the top , saving the American taxpayer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our oil industry , ” Trump said .
Trump to waive interest on federal student loans ‘ until further notice ’ It ’ s unclear if the Trump administration could take the action or if it would require legislation in Congress .
President Donald Trump on Friday said that he would eliminate the interest on federal student loans “ until further notice ” as part of a package of emergency executive actions designed to address the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic .
“ To help our students and their families , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loans held by federal government agencies and that will be until further notice , ” Trump said during a Rose Garden address where he declared a national emergency .
“ That ’ s a big thing for a lot of students that are left in the middle right now .
Many of those schools have been closed.
” The unprecedented move will provide relief to the more than 42 million Americans who owe more than $ 1.5 trillion in outstanding federal student loans .

Trump to buy oil for strategic reserve to aid energy industry: ‘We’re going to fill it’
President Donald Trump on Friday said he’s directed the U.S. Department of Energy to purchase crude oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
The move was made in an effort to assist U.S. energy producers, which have been battered this week amid an oil price war between OPEC and Russia.
“We’re going to fill [the strategic reserve] right up to the top, saving the American taxpayer billions and billions of dollars, helping our oil industry,” Trump said.
Trump to waive interest on federal student loans ‘until further notice’
It’s unclear if the Trump administration could take the action or if it would require legislation in Congress.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
President Donald Trump on Friday said that he would eliminate the interest on federal student loans “until further notice” as part of a package of emergency executive actions designed to address the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
“To help our students and their families, I’ve waived interest on all student loans held by federal government agencies and that will be until further notice,” Trump said during a Rose Garden address where he declared a national emergency. “That’s a big thing for a lot of students that are left in the middle right now. Many of those schools have been closed.”
The unprecedented move will provide relief to the more than 42 million Americans who owe more than $1.5 trillion in outstanding federal student loans.


investmentwatchblog--2020-03-14--Medical Expert: “There Are Probably 25 To 50 People Who Have The Virus For Every One Person Who Is C

Medical Expert: “There Are Probably 25 To 50 People Who Have The Virus For Every One Person Who Is Confirmed”

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to explode all over the globe , and authorities are warning that it is going to continue to get worse .
The number of confirmed cases outside of China roughly tripled once again this week , and if this outbreak continues to escalate at this pace there will be more than a million confirmed cases in less than a month .
But as bad as the official numbers are , the truth is that there are a whole lot more people walking around out there that have caught the virus but have not been tested .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johns Hopkins University named Marty Makary believes that there are “ probably 25 to 50 people who have the virus for every one person who is confirmed ” … “ Don ’ t believe the numbers when you see , even on our Johns Hopkins website , that 1,600 Americans have the virus , ” he said .
“ No , that means 1,600 got the test , tested positive .
There are probably 25 to 50 people who have the virus for every one person who is confirmed.
” He added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and half a million cases right now walking around in the United States.
” If he is correct , and considering how easily this virus spreads from person to person , it isn ’ t going to be too long before this virus is everywhere .
Other health experts are also warning that the number of Americans that have become infected is already extremely high .
As I pointed out yesterday , Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton is convinced that the number of victims in her state is now above 100,000… @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so far could just be the tip of the iceberg .
According to the New York Times , the CDC is projecting that up to 214 million Americans could eventually become infected… Can you imagine how overwhelmed our healthcare system will be if that actually happens ?
According to an analysis that was just conducted by USA Today , we could soon see 17 seriously ill coronavirus patients competing for each open hospital bed… And we still have no idea how long this pandemic will last .
Many officials are hoping that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months , but what if lasts for three full years like the Spanish Flu pandemic did ?
At this point , the entire western world is literally in the process of shutting down as fear of the coronavirus spreads like wildfire .
Many people are going to be deathly afraid to go out in public for the foreseeable future because this virus is so easy to catch .
It could be on the next surface that you touch , it could be on the next hand that you shake , and there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it in during the next breath that you take .
Considering how many people our national leaders interact with on a daily basis , they are particularly vulnerable .
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ’ s wife has already tested positive for the virus , and Trudeau himself has gone into voluntary self-quarantine .
Here in the United States , President Trump says that he will “ most likely ” get tested soon after being exposed to someone that had the virus .
The following comes from ABC News… In addition , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home for now after meeting with an Australian official that has tested positive… Things are really starting to get crazy out there .
When COVID-19 originally starting sweeping across China , most Americans weren ’ t really too concerned about it , but now a brand new survey has found that about two-thirds of all Americans are worried about catching the virus… Two-thirds of Americans are concerned that they or someone they know will be infected with the novel coronavirus , but in a country with a growing partisan divide , political tribalism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes to anxiety over the disease , according to a new ABC News/Ipsos poll released Friday .
Although unease over the coronavirus is high , it also strongly breaks along partisan lines .
Among Democrats , 83 % are concerned about getting coronavirus , including 47 % who are very concerned , and among Republicans , 56 % are concerned , including only 15 % who are very concerned .
Only 17 % of Democrats are not concerned while a larger 44 % of Republicans are not concerned .
Now that President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency , hopefully that partisan divide will start to diminish .
This virus should not be treated like a political issue .
This is the biggest public health crisis of our time , and we all need to be taking it very seriously .
Of course some Americans are responding to this pandemic by completely “ freaking out ” … But so far there are only about 2,000 confirmed cases in the U.S. and less than 100 people have died .
If this virus is causing this much fear now , what will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or even millions ) of people start dying ?
Let us continue to hope that this pandemic will eventually start to subside , but so far it has just continued to escalate week after week .
If something is not done to dramatically slow this virus down in the United States , soon the level of fear will be absolutely unprecedented .

by Michael Snyder
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to explode all over the globe, and authorities are warning that it is going to continue to get worse. The number of confirmed cases outside of China roughly tripled once again this week, and if this outbreak continues to escalate at this pace there will be more than a million confirmed cases in less than a month. But as bad as the official numbers are, the truth is that there are a whole lot more people walking around out there that have caught the virus but have not been tested. In fact, a medical professor at Johns Hopkins University named Marty Makary believes that there are “probably 25 to 50 people who have the virus for every one person who is confirmed”…
“Don’t believe the numbers when you see, even on our Johns Hopkins website, that 1,600 Americans have the virus,” he said. “No, that means 1,600 got the test, tested positive. There are probably 25 to 50 people who have the virus for every one person who is confirmed.” He added: “I think we have between 50,000 and half a million cases right now walking around in the United States.”
If he is correct, and considering how easily this virus spreads from person to person, it isn’t going to be too long before this virus is everywhere.
Other health experts are also warning that the number of Americans that have become infected is already extremely high. As I pointed out yesterday, Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton is convinced that the number of victims in her state is now above 100,000…
Ohio health officials announced Thursday that the state has five known cases of the coronavirus, but one expert said that the number is likely much higher and estimated 100,000 undiagnosed cases. Dr. Amy Acton, the director of the state’s health department, told reporters that the virus is “among us, but we can’t see it yet,” WBRB reported.
But of course what we have seen so far could just be the tip of the iceberg.
According to the New York Times, the CDC is projecting that up to 214 million Americans could eventually become infected…
Between 160 million and 214 million people in the United States could be infected over the course of the epidemic, according to one projection. That could last months or even over a year, with infections concentrated in shorter periods, staggered across time in different communities, experts said. As many as 200,000 to 1.7 million people could die.
Can you imagine how overwhelmed our healthcare system will be if that actually happens?
According to an analysis that was just conducted by USA Today, we could soon see 17 seriously ill coronavirus patients competing for each open hospital bed…
A USA TODAY analysis shows that if the nation sees a major spike, there could be almost six seriously ill patients for every existing hospital bed. That analysis, based on data from the American Hospital Association, U.S. Census, CDC and World Health Organization, is conservative. For example, it assumes all 790,000 beds will be empty. Since two thirds are not, the reality could be far worse: about 17 people competing for each open bed.
And we still have no idea how long this pandemic will last.
Many officials are hoping that it will be over in a matter of months, but what if lasts for three full years like the Spanish Flu pandemic did?
At this point, the entire western world is literally in the process of shutting down as fear of the coronavirus spreads like wildfire. Many people are going to be deathly afraid to go out in public for the foreseeable future because this virus is so easy to catch.
It could be on the next surface that you touch, it could be on the next hand that you shake, and there is even the possibility that you could breathe it in during the next breath that you take.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Considering how many people our national leaders interact with on a daily basis, they are particularly vulnerable. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s wife has already tested positive for the virus, and Trudeau himself has gone into voluntary self-quarantine.
Here in the United States, President Trump says that he will “most likely” get tested soon after being exposed to someone that had the virus. The following comes from ABC News…
He also said he “most likely” will get tested himself, although he said he had no symptoms. “I think I will be,” he said. “Fairly soon, we’re working on that, we’re working out a schedule,” he responded to a reporter’s question, saying not because of any exposure he might have had, “but because I think I will do it anyway.” He had been photographed last weekend standing next to a Brazilian official who tested positive.
In addition, we just learned that Ivanka Trump is staying home for now after meeting with an Australian official that has tested positive…
Ivanka Trump self-isolated at home on Friday, not going into the White House, after she was photographed with Australian Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton days before he tested positive for coronavirus. The White House said Dutton was ‘asymptomatic’ during his interaction with the first daughter and Ivanka Trump, who serves as an adviser to President Donald Trump, is showing no symptoms, doesn’t need to self-quarantine and stayed home out of an abundance of caution.
Things are really starting to get crazy out there.
When COVID-19 originally starting sweeping across China, most Americans weren’t really too concerned about it, but now a brand new survey has found that about two-thirds of all Americans are worried about catching the virus…
Two-thirds of Americans are concerned that they or someone they know will be infected with the novel coronavirus, but in a country with a growing partisan divide, political tribalism is having a large impact when it comes to anxiety over the disease, according to a new ABC News/Ipsos poll released Friday. Although unease over the coronavirus is high, it also strongly breaks along partisan lines. Among Democrats, 83% are concerned about getting coronavirus, including 47% who are very concerned, and among Republicans, 56% are concerned, including only 15% who are very concerned. Only 17% of Democrats are not concerned while a larger 44% of Republicans are not concerned.
Now that President Trump has officially declared a state of national emergency, hopefully that partisan divide will start to diminish.
This virus should not be treated like a political issue. This is the biggest public health crisis of our time, and we all need to be taking it very seriously.
Of course some Americans are responding to this pandemic by completely “freaking out”…
A panic-buying fever swept through the Big Apple Thursday, as mobs of freaked-out New Yorkers frantically scoured store shelves for any remaining supplies amid spreading coronavirus fears. “We’re freaking out about it,” Monica Gang, 27, said as she braved the crowds at Trader Joe’s in Manhattan. “We came in here looking for rice, and there is no rice left. Rice crumbs are the only thing left. We don’t even know what to stock up on.”
But so far there are only about 2,000 confirmed cases in the U.S. and less than 100 people have died.
If this virus is causing this much fear now, what will our society look like if thousands (or even millions) of people start dying?
Let us continue to hope that this pandemic will eventually start to subside, but so far it has just continued to escalate week after week.
If something is not done to dramatically slow this virus down in the United States, soon the level of fear will be absolutely unprecedented.