thestream--2020-03-18--Facial Recognition Technology + Cameras = Tracking Our Every Move

Security cameras popped up everywhere .
They tracked us .
But at least no one knew who we were .
Unless your mugshot was in a criminal database , you probably couldn ’ t be identified .
You were just that man in the denim jacket or the woman with the big hat .
But that has all changed now .
With facial recognition technology , almost anyone with access to the cameras can see where we are and who we ’ re with .
They can know what we ’ re doing and what we ’ ve done .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peter Thiel , co-founder of PayPal , was one of the first investors in the company behind it , Clearview AI .
He ’ s a libertarian , but he doesn ’ t seem too concerned about the freedom of the average person not to be spied on .
Facial Recognition Technology ( FRT ) has been around for about 20 years .
Only recently have people started using it to match faces to online photos .
Clearview AI has scraped millions of images from Facebook , YouTube and other sites to allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us champion truth , freedom , limited government and human dignity .
Support The Stream » Over 600 law enforcement agencies are now using the technology .
But some large cities , including San Francisco , have banned police from using the technology .
New Jersey has also banned its police force from using it .
Many of the companies whose images are being scraped say they have policies against it .
Facebook has demanded that Clearview stop using its pictures .
But so far there ’ s been no enforcement .
Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The company has compiled almost three billion photos .
Combine that with 50 million surveillance cameras in the U.S .
It becomes easy to identify us .
As soon as a camera captures our face , software can find out who we are .
It get worse .
Clearview can identify people who aren ’ t even looking at the camera .
It figures out who you are even if you ’ re wearing glasses or a hat or have blocked part of your face .
It ’ s identified suspected criminals by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t always work .
The company won ’ t say how often it creates a false match .
It has proven more faulty matching people of darker skin .
People can request to have their photos removed from Clearview .
However , it requires submitting a photo of yourself and a government issued ID .
How do we know that information won ’ t go into their database ?
The app may become available to the public , whether by Clearview or through some new competitor popping up .
This raises more privacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , someone — not just law enforcement — can take a photo of you .
They can instantly figure out who you are and find your personal details .
Marketing , gaming and networking are all areas that could start using the technology .
Manufacturers of body cameras are now adding FRT to their products .
Is this legal ?
Does FRT violate the First Amendment , Fourth Amendment and due process ?
Clearview hired Paul D. Clement , a United States solicitor general under President George W. Bush , to draft a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assuring them that the technology does not violate the Constitution .
Nor does it violate state biometric and privacy laws , he said .
Help us champion truth , freedom , limited government and human dignity .
Support The Stream » Rep. Jim Jordan ( R-Ohio ) has criticized the technology .
He pointed out on NPR that when the IRS had a lot of power , it went after people based on their political beliefs .
He said the government could use the technology to identify what types of rallies people attend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The government ’ s not allowed to walk into that rally and walk up to people and say , hey , show me your ID.
” But now they can use a camera to scan everyone ’ s face .
Jordan said that will have a chilling impact on free speech .
He praised San Francisco for banning police from using the technology .
The technology could also lead to supposedly identifying criminals based on facial features .
This practice , known as physiognomy , has long been considered pseudoscience .
But a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to revive it .
Two leading Chinese scientists claimed that machine learning techniques can predict the likelihood that a person is a convicted criminal with nearly 90 % accuracy using nothing but a driver ’ s license-style face photo .
Their argument ?
“ Criminal and non-criminal face images populate two quite distinctive manifolds .
The variation among criminal faces is significantly greater than that of the non-criminal faces.
” Oh .
Lawsuits against Clearview have started .
A class action suit was filed alleging violations of Illinois ’ biometric privacy law .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , since Facebook recently settled a lawsuit for $ 550 million over similar violations of privacy laws .
The Vermont Attorney General has sued Clearview seeking to ban the company from collecting information from state residents as well as preventing the company from selling the information .
There is little federal law governing the use of FRT .
The Privacy Act of 1974 regulates the FBI ’ s use of the technology .
While people have the right to privacy in their own homes , it doesn ’ t apply to public spaces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ v. United States in 1967 .
It remains to be seen how far state legislatures , Congress and the courts go to address this .
So far , for most of us , the most we can do is opt out of Clearview ’ s database .
Which may not mean much , if copycat companies do the same thing and don ’ t offer an opt out .
This isn ’ t going to be about catching criminals for most companies .
They want to be able to identify you and send @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t give up such a good way to get us to spend more .
Follow Rachel on Twitter at Rach_IC .
Follow The Stream at streamdotorg .
Send tips to rachel.alexander @ stream.org .

Security cameras popped up everywhere. They tracked us. But at least no one knew who we were. Unless your mugshot was in a criminal database, you probably couldn’t be identified. You were just that man in the denim jacket or the woman with the big hat.
But that has all changed now. With facial recognition technology, almost anyone with access to the cameras can see where we are and who we’re with. They can know what we’re doing and what we’ve done. Privacy? What’s that?
Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal, was one of the first investors in the company behind it, Clearview AI. He’s a libertarian, but he doesn’t seem too concerned about the freedom of the average person not to be spied on.
Clearview Won’t Stop
Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) has been around for about 20 years. Only recently have people started using it to match faces to online photos. Clearview AI has scraped millions of images from Facebook, YouTube and other sites to allow law enforcement to identify suspects.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Over 600 law enforcement agencies are now using the technology. But some large cities, including San Francisco, have banned police from using the technology. New Jersey has also banned its police force from using it. Many of the companies whose images are being scraped say they have policies against it.
Facebook has demanded that Clearview stop using its pictures. But so far there’s been no enforcement. Twitter says it specifically banned FRT scraping.
Three Billion Photos
The company has compiled almost three billion photos. Combine that with 50 million surveillance cameras in the U.S. It becomes easy to identify us. As soon as a camera captures our face, software can find out who we are.
It get worse. Clearview can identify people who aren’t even looking at the camera. It figures out who you are even if you’re wearing glasses or a hat or have blocked part of your face. It’s identified suspected criminals by their tattoos.
The technology doesn’t always work. The company won’t say how often it creates a false match. It has proven more faulty matching people of darker skin.
The app may become available to the public, whether by Clearview or through a new competitor that pops up.
People can request to have their photos removed from Clearview. However, it requires submitting a photo of yourself and a government issued ID. How do we know that information won’t go into their database?
The app may become available to the public, whether by Clearview or through some new competitor popping up. This raises more privacy concerns. Anywhere you go in public, someone — not just law enforcement — can take a photo of you. They can instantly figure out who you are and find your personal details. Marketing, gaming and networking are all areas that could start using the technology. Manufacturers of body cameras are now adding FRT to their products.
Constitutional Violations
Is this legal? Does FRT violate the First Amendment, Fourth Amendment and due process? Clearview hired Paul D. Clement, a United States solicitor general under President George W. Bush, to draft a memo to be given to potential customers assuring them that the technology does not violate the Constitution. Nor does it violate state biometric and privacy laws, he said.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) has criticized the technology. He pointed out on NPR that when the IRS had a lot of power, it went after people based on their political beliefs. He said the government could use the technology to identify what types of rallies people attend, such as pro-life rallies.
“The government’s not allowed to walk into that rally and walk up to people and say, hey, show me your ID.” But now they can use a camera to scan everyone’s face. Jordan said that will have a chilling impact on free speech. He praised San Francisco for banning police from using the technology.
Identifying Criminals Based on Facial Features
The technology could also lead to supposedly identifying criminals based on facial features. This practice, known as physiognomy, has long been considered pseudoscience. But a new study popped up in 2016 trying to revive it.
Two leading Chinese scientists claimed that machine learning techniques can predict the likelihood that a person is a convicted criminal with nearly 90% accuracy using nothing but a driver’s license-style face photo. Their argument? “Criminal and non-criminal face images populate two quite distinctive manifolds. The variation among criminal faces is significantly greater than that of the non-criminal faces.” Oh.
Lawsuits against Clearview have started.
Lawsuits against Clearview have started. A class action suit was filed alleging violations of Illinois’ biometric privacy law. It has a good chance of winning, since Facebook recently settled a lawsuit for $550 million over similar violations of privacy laws.
The Vermont Attorney General has sued Clearview seeking to ban the company from collecting information from state residents as well as preventing the company from selling the information.
Status of the Law
There is little federal law governing the use of FRT. The Privacy Act of 1974 regulates the FBI’s use of the technology. While people have the right to privacy in their own homes, it doesn’t apply to public spaces, the Supreme Court ruled in Katz v. United States in 1967.
It remains to be seen how far state legislatures, Congress and the courts go to address this. So far, for most of us, the most we can do is opt out of Clearview’s database. Which may not mean much, if copycat companies do the same thing and don’t offer an opt out. This isn’t going to be about catching criminals for most companies. They want to be able to identify you and send you targeted advertising. Most companies won’t give up such a good way to get us to spend more.
Follow Rachel on Twitter at Rach_IC. Follow The Stream at streamdotorg. Send tips to [email protected].


thestream--2020-03-18--Can Boomers Convince Their Grandchildren Not to Take the ‘Coronavirus Challenge’?

The key to stopping the spread of the coronavirus in the U.S. rests in the hands of millennials , who appear to have a difficult time practicing social distancing , according to Fox News medical contributor Dr. Janette Nesheiwat .
“ When it comes down to our millennials who are very active , they want to be out there , they want to go shopping and to parties and to clubs , so they are really the ones who hold the key to curbing the trajectory of this wicked virus that is metastasizing through our nation and causing so much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tucker Carlson Tonight Monday .
But will frisky young people willing stay locked up to protect their elders ’ health ?
Actress Hillary Duff is worried .
Fox also reported : There ’ s a “ Coronavirus challenge ” video out on TicToc , too shocking to display here , showing a young woman intentionally exposing herself to germs in an airline bathroom .
It ’ s pretty clear to most of us that taking up this challenge is a bad idea .
But the “ influencer ” on Tik Tok who launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nor will many young people who see it , and decide it ’ s “ cool ” or “ edgy.
” The same things aren ’ t obvious to everyone .
Not anymore .
People are doing a lot of things that should be obviously a bad idea — like bringing performers from the sex industry , some of them sex offenders , to do “ Drag Queen Story Hour ” for impressionable kids .
Because , you know , its clear intent is to spread gender dysphoria .
That ’ s something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed was a disease .
Now it ’ s … what exactly ?
A lifestyle ?
An identity ?
A brave and radical challenge to the stale , patriarchal something-or-other ?
Does anyone have the nerve to say anything critical about a condition that goads girls to cut off their breasts ?
No ?
I only hear crickets .
The shrinks are hiding under their couches , afraid of the LGBT activists and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police .
Can we really be sure that “ Coronvirus Positivity ” won ’ t be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young , asymptomatic people won ’ t demand their “ right ” to swim in pools and work as line cooks , and brand disapproving doctors “ Coronaphobes ?
” Are you certain ?
Before giving your answer remember that the entire Democratic party establishment now supports legal infanticide and amending the Civil Rights Act to protect not just homosexuality but transgender “ identity.
” How exactly can the Boomers most likely to curl up and die as the outcome of Coronavirus Positivity argue with the woman in that video ?
Let ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t have the heart to look up her real name , so I ’ ll just call her “ Jezebel.
” Imagine she ’ s having an argument with her elderly grandma , “ Lilith.
” On Facebook , of course .
LILITH : I think you looked ridiculous , Jez .
Who licks a toilet ?
At any time , ever ?
For any reason ?
JEZEBEL : Okay , Boomer .
I remember you showing me pictures of you burning your bra on the National Mall .
Back in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LILITH : That was part of a demonstration , hon .
And it was NINEteen-seventy-five .
We were protesting for our right to control our bodies .
JEZEBEL : Oh yeah you mean ABORTION .
Yawn .
I heard how you almost knocked off Mom .
Glad you changed your mind .
I guess .
LILITH : I ’ m sorry you heard about that second-hand , instead of from me .
It ’ s something I shared with your mother during a very hard time in her life .
JEZEBEL : Yeah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ME .
And you were telling her she was free to make any choice , that you ’ d support her .
Thanks for having my back , grandma .
LILITH : Nevertheless , we ’ re talking about two very different things .
JEZEBEL : Are we ?
It ’ s my tongue .
My choice .
LILITH : Yes , dear .
Your tongue is yours .
You can choose to get it pierced , if you really wish .
JEZEBEL : Or how about I SPLIT it , identify as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman who did that in New Zealand… .
LILITH : I think that would be a very bad idea , Jez .
JEZEBEL : But it ’ s within my rights , isn ’ t it ?
Total autonomy , right ?
LILITH : Except where it interferes with the rights of others .
JEZEBEL : I didn ’ t steal that toilet .
I ’ m not forcing anyone else to lick it .
I ’ m not afraid of getting this stupid virus that ’ s making you old people close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know I ’ ll be fine .
Probably .
Or else , not … then POOF .
I ’ ll be gone .
So what ?
LILITH : It saddens me very much to hear you talk that way about your life .
You have infinite potential , Jez .
Remember all those awards you won at Sarah Lawrence .
… All the Social Security Money Could Fund Student Debt Forgiveness JEZEBEL : Those weren ’ t cheap , grandma .
I owe $ 125,000 for my Gender Studies degree .
And now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off thanks to your old-people quarantine .
Sure , I have potential .
As a vector !
LILITH : That ’ s what I ’ m saying .
That ’ s where you cross the line .
What you do with your body in these times could have lethal consequences for someone else ’ s body .
JEZEBEL : And that would be … wrong somehow ?
Remember AIDS , when it used to kill dancers and designers ?
I wrote a paper on that .
They wouldn ’ t close the bath @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years , even though they were spreading it .
Why ?
Because it would have been totally homophobic .
So why is it okay for you to be Coronaphobic ?
JEZEBEL : It is now .
BOOM !
I ’ m totally going to meme it .
You ’ ll hear it on Joe Rogan within a month , I promise .
LILITH : Please don ’ t .
Please … stop .
I can ’ t believe you ’ re willing to do this to us , the people who worked so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freedoms , and a social safety net , and rights and opportunities… .
JEZEBEL : You mean the Boomers ?
You don ’ t like the Boomer Remover ?
It will take care of the Social Security deficit , won ’ t it ?
Free up that money for student debt forgiveness , baby .
Maybe I ’ ll do a Coronavirus Story Hour over at the fancy “ assisted living ” dorm for old people where you live .
Will you show up , Grandma ?
I promise to read from The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ champion truth , freedom , limited government and human dignity .
Support The Stream » LILITH : I can ’ t imagine how you turned out so … callous .
JEZEBEL : You really can ’ t , can you ?
That ’ s what ’ s so sad , Grandma .
Well , I guess I ’ ll see you at the cremation .
Peace , out !

Fox News reports:
The key to stopping the spread of the coronavirus in the U.S. rests in the hands of millennials, who appear to have a difficult time practicing social distancing, according to Fox News medical contributor Dr. Janette Nesheiwat. “When it comes down to our millennials who are very active, they want to be out there, they want to go shopping and to parties and to clubs, so they are really the ones who hold the key to curbing the trajectory of this wicked virus that is metastasizing through our nation and causing so much havoc and disruption,” Nesheiwat told Tucker Carlson Tonight Monday.
But will frisky young people willing stay locked up to protect their elders’ health? Actress Hillary Duff is worried. Fox also reported:
“To all you young millennial a–holes that keep going out partying: go home,” Duff, 32, said. She added, “Stop killing old people please.”
Let’s hope that millennials are listening.
There’s a “Coronavirus challenge” video out on TicToc, too shocking to display here, showing a young woman intentionally exposing herself to germs in an airline bathroom. It’s pretty clear to most of us that taking up this challenge is a bad idea. But the “influencer” on Tik Tok who launched it didn’t think so. Nor will many young people who see it, and decide it’s “cool” or “edgy.”
The same things aren’t obvious to everyone. Not anymore. People are doing a lot of things that should be obviously a bad idea — like bringing performers from the sex industry, some of them sex offenders, to do “Drag Queen Story Hour” for impressionable kids. Because, you know, its clear intent is to spread gender dysphoria. That’s something which till five minutes ago we all agreed was a disease.
Now it’s … what exactly? A lifestyle? An identity? A brave and radical challenge to the stale, patriarchal something-or-other? Does anyone have the nerve to say anything critical about a condition that goads girls to cut off their breasts? No? I only hear crickets. The shrinks are hiding under their couches, afraid of the LGBT activists and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Beware of Coronaphobia
Can we really be sure that “Coronvirus Positivity” won’t be the next fashionable social movement? That young, asymptomatic people won’t demand their “right” to swim in pools and work as line cooks, and brand disapproving doctors “Coronaphobes?”
Are you certain? Before giving your answer remember that the entire Democratic party establishment now supports legal infanticide and amending the Civil Rights Act to protect not just homosexuality but transgender “identity.”
How exactly can the Boomers most likely to curl up and die as the outcome of Coronavirus Positivity argue with the woman in that video? Let’s try it and see. I don’t have the heart to look up her real name, so I’ll just call her “Jezebel.” Imagine she’s having an argument with her elderly grandma, “Lilith.” On Facebook, of course.
Thanks for Defending “Choice,” Grandma
LILITH: I saw your Ticky-Tocky video, Jez.
JEZEBEL: Duh. It’s “Tik-Tok” grandma. Went totally viral. Don’t I look awesome?
LILITH: I think you looked ridiculous, Jez. Who licks a toilet? At any time, ever? For any reason?
JEZEBEL: Okay, Boomer. I remember you showing me pictures of you burning your bra on the National Mall. Back in what, the 1870s or something….
LILITH: That was part of a demonstration, hon. And it was NINEteen-seventy-five. We were protesting for our right to control our bodies.
JEZEBEL: Oh yeah you mean ABORTION. Yawn. I heard how you almost knocked off Mom. Glad you changed your mind. I guess.
LILITH: I’m sorry you heard about that second-hand, instead of from me. It’s something I shared with your mother during a very hard time in her life.
JEZEBEL: Yeah, when she got knocked up with ME. And you were telling her she was free to make any choice, that you’d support her. Thanks for having my back, grandma.
My Virus, My Choice
LILITH: Nevertheless, we’re talking about two very different things.
JEZEBEL: Are we? It’s my tongue. My choice.
LILITH: Yes, dear. Your tongue is yours. You can choose to get it pierced, if you really wish.
JEZEBEL: Or how about I SPLIT it, identify as a lizard? I saw this wild woman who did that in New Zealand….
LILITH: I think that would be a very bad idea, Jez.
JEZEBEL: But it’s within my rights, isn’t it? Total autonomy, right?
LILITH: Except where it interferes with the rights of others.
JEZEBEL: I didn’t steal that toilet. I’m not forcing anyone else to lick it. I’m not afraid of getting this stupid virus that’s making you old people close all the bars and clubs. I know I’ll be fine. Probably. Or else, not … then POOF. I’ll be gone. So what?
The shrinks are hiding under their couches, afraid of the LGBT activists and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
LILITH: It saddens me very much to hear you talk that way about your life. You have infinite potential, Jez. Remember all those awards you won at Sarah Lawrence. …
All the Social Security Money Could Fund Student Debt Forgiveness
JEZEBEL: Those weren’t cheap, grandma. I owe $125,000 for my Gender Studies degree. And now the Starbucks where I work laid me off thanks to your old-people quarantine. Sure, I have potential. As a vector!
LILITH: That’s what I’m saying. That’s where you cross the line. What you do with your body in these times could have lethal consequences for someone else’s body.
JEZEBEL: And that would be … wrong somehow? Remember AIDS, when it used to kill dancers and designers? I wrote a paper on that. They wouldn’t close the bath houses in San Francisco for like, years, even though they were spreading it. Why? Because it would have been totally homophobic. So why is it okay for you to be Coronaphobic?
LILITH: That’s not even a word, Jez.
JEZEBEL: It is now. BOOM! I’m totally going to meme it. You’ll hear it on Joe Rogan within a month, I promise.
LILITH: Please don’t. Please … stop. I can’t believe you’re willing to do this to us, the people who worked so hard to leave you all these personal freedoms, and a social safety net, and rights and opportunities….
JEZEBEL: You mean the Boomers? You don’t like the Boomer Remover? It will take care of the Social Security deficit, won’t it? Free up that money for student debt forgiveness, baby. Maybe I’ll do a Coronavirus Story Hour over at the fancy “assisted living” dorm for old people where you live. Will you show up, Grandma? I promise to read from The Handmaid’s Tale.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
LILITH: I can’t imagine how you turned out so … callous.
JEZEBEL: You really can’t, can you? That’s what’s so sad, Grandma. Well, I guess I’ll see you at the cremation. Peace, out!
John Zmirak is a Senior Editor of The Stream, and author of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Catholicism.


thestream--2020-03-18--‘Going Big’: White House Says COVID-19 Relief Checks on Way to Americans

To stimulate a flagging economy amid the coronavirus pandemic , President Donald Trump said Tuesday that his administration is “ going big ” by sending out checks directly to Americans .
During the daily briefing with the White House ’ s coronavirus task force , Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said more details are coming , but suggested the amount of money in the checks could be larger than previously reported .
“ The [ proposed ] payroll tax holiday would get people money over the next six to eight months .
We ’ re looking at sending checks to Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And what we ’ ve heard from hardworking Americans is many companies have shut down , whether it ’ s bars or restaurants .
Americans need cash now , and the president wants to get cash [ out ] now .
I mean now : in the next two weeks.
” The Trump administration seems to be abandoning the payroll tax cut that it has advocated since last week , because it would not infuse cash into the economy quickly enough when businesses are closing temporarily and the travel and hospitality industry face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if not their jobs .
Asked about $ 1,000 checks to each American , as Sen. Mitt Romney , R-Utah , has proposed , Mnuchin said : “ I think it ’ s clear , we don ’ t need to send people who make $ 1 million a year checks.
” Help us champion truth , freedom , limited government and human dignity .
Support The Stream » Trump , referring to coronavirus as “ this invisible enemy , ” said the goal is to get money to working Americans as quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people shouldn ’ t be getting checks for $ 1,000 , ” Trump said .
“ We ’ ll have a pretty good idea by the end of the day what we ’ re going to do.
” The president said there are four different ways to do it .
“ A payroll tax is one way , but it [ would ] come over a period of months , many months .
We want to do something much faster than that , ” Trump said .
When pressed on cost , Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready to talk details with congressional leaders , including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. “ We don ’ t want to talk about it , but it ’ s a substantial number .
We ’ re going big .
We could do it two ways .
We could keep going back every day or every week .
We ’ re going big , ” Trump said .
Trump said the economy needs “ a big infusion ” of cash as opposed to passing smaller measures .
“ We want to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is very strong , ” Trump said .
“ With this invisible enemy , we don ’ t want airlines going out of business .
We don ’ t want people losing their jobs and not having money to live when they were doing very well just four weeks ago.
” The airline industry is in a crisis that is worse than 9/11 , Mnuchin said of the effect of COVID-19 .
“ For the airline industry , they are almost ground to a halt , ” the treasury secretary said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although we don ’ t want people to travel unless it ’ s critical , we want to maintain the right to have domestic travel.
” As of Tuesday afternoon , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had reported 4,226 cases of COVID-19 across 49 states , with 75 deaths .
On another front , Trump announced that Medicare has made a historic expansion of the telehealth program to help seniors who need checkups stay at home .
“ Today we are announcing a dramatic expansion of our Medicare telehealth services , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can now visit any doctor by phone or video conference at no additional cost , including with commonly used services like FaceTime and Skype .
A historic breakthrough.
” Trump later responded to a question about whether pointing out that coronavirus came from China creates a stigma .
The president and other administration officials countered Chinese officials who have said the U.S. military started the virus .
“ I had to call it where it came from .
It did come from China .
So I think it ’ s a very accurate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I didn ’ t appreciate the fact that China said our military gave it to them .
Our military did not give it to anybody .
I think saying our military gave it to them creates a stigma .
”

To stimulate a flagging economy amid the coronavirus pandemic, President Donald Trump said Tuesday that his administration is “going big” by sending out checks directly to Americans.
During the daily briefing with the White House’s coronavirus task force, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said more details are coming, but suggested the amount of money in the checks could be larger than previously reported.
“The [proposed] payroll tax holiday would get people money over the next six to eight months. We’re looking at sending checks to Americans immediately,” Mnuchin said.
“And what we’ve heard from hardworking Americans is many companies have shut down, whether it’s bars or restaurants. Americans need cash now, and the president wants to get cash [out] now. I mean now: in the next two weeks.”
The Trump administration seems to be abandoning the payroll tax cut that it has advocated since last week, because it would not infuse cash into the economy quickly enough when businesses are closing temporarily and the travel and hospitality industry face hardship, leading to workers losing hours if not their jobs.
Asked about $1,000 checks to each American, as Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, has proposed, Mnuchin said: “I think it’s clear, we don’t need to send people who make $1 million a year checks.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Trump, referring to coronavirus as “this invisible enemy,” said the goal is to get money to working Americans as quickly as possible.
“Obviously, some people shouldn’t be getting checks for $1,000,” Trump said. “We’ll have a pretty good idea by the end of the day what we’re going to do.”
The president said there are four different ways to do it.
“A payroll tax is one way, but it [would] come over a period of months, many months. We want to do something much faster than that,” Trump said.
When pressed on cost, Trump responded that administration officials weren’t ready to talk details with congressional leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
“We don’t want to talk about it, but it’s a substantial number. We’re going big. We could do it two ways. We could keep going back every day or every week. We’re going big,” Trump said.
Trump said the economy needs “a big infusion” of cash as opposed to passing smaller measures.
“We want to go big, go solid. The country is very strong,” Trump said. “With this invisible enemy, we don’t want airlines going out of business. We don’t want people losing their jobs and not having money to live when they were doing very well just four weeks ago.”
The airline industry is in a crisis that is worse than 9/11, Mnuchin said of the effect of COVID-19.
“For the airline industry, they are almost ground to a halt,” the treasury secretary said. “The president wants to make sure that although we don’t want people to travel unless it’s critical, we want to maintain the right to have domestic travel.”
As of Tuesday afternoon, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had reported 4,226 cases of COVID-19 across 49 states, with 75 deaths.
On another front, Trump announced that Medicare has made a historic expansion of the telehealth program to help seniors who need checkups stay at home.
“Today we are announcing a dramatic expansion of our Medicare telehealth services,” Trump said. “Medicare patients can now visit any doctor by phone or video conference at no additional cost, including with commonly used services like FaceTime and Skype. A historic breakthrough.”
The president added:
This has not been done before. In addition, states have the authority to cover telehealth services for their Medicare patients. And by doing this the patient is not seeing the doctor per se, but they are seeing the doctor. So, there is no getting close. During this time, we will not enforce applicable HIPAA penalties so that doctors can greatly expand services for their patients using telehealth.
Trump later responded to a question about whether pointing out that coronavirus came from China creates a stigma. The president and other administration officials countered Chinese officials who have said the U.S. military started the virus.
“I had to call it where it came from. It did come from China. So I think it’s a very accurate term,” Trump said. “I didn’t appreciate the fact that China said our military gave it to them. Our military did not give it to anybody. I think saying our military gave it to them creates a stigma.”
Copyright 2020 The Daily Signal


thestream--2020-03-20--The Coronavirus, Faith, Fear and Wisdom

The Coronavirus, Faith, Fear and Wisdom

In my last article , I addressed the question of the government ’ s restrictions because of COVID-19 .
Should we resist them as an unlawful infringement of our rights ?
Or should we embrace them as an opportunity to love our neighbor ?
For people of faith , though , the restrictions raise another issue .
Christians Have Often Run to the Crisis Many of us wonder , “ Aren ’ t these restrictions based on fear ?
And isn ’ t faith the opposite of fear ?
We don ’ t run from the conflict and the crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be sure , during times of plague and pestilence , Christians have often served the sick and dying , even at the loss of their own lives .
As recounted by Glen Scrivener , summarizing the research of historian Rodney Stark : In AD 260 , while Marcus Aurelius was emperor , a plague struck ( some have thought it was smallpox ) .
Over a 15-year period , it killed a quarter to a third of the Roman Empire .
Stark estimates that at this time there were 45,000 Christians in existence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Despite their numbers , their response to this pandemic won admiration and a greater following .
Dionysius , bishop of Alexandria , reported : “ Most of our brother Christians showed unbounded love and loyalty , never sparing themselves and thinking only of one another .
Heedless of danger , they took charge of the sick , attending to their every need and ministering to them in Christ , and with them departed this life serenely happy ; for they were infected by others with the disease , drawing on themselves the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their pains .
Many , in nursing and curing others , transferred their death to themselves and died in their stead.
” That is an extraordinary demonstration of the love of Christ , and I have no doubt that many front-line caregivers today are Christians , willing to sacrifice their well-being for the well-being of others .
An Opportunity to Love My Neighbor At the same time , even if I am not concerned about my own health , I run the risk of becoming infected and carrying the virus to someone else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us gather together for a church service , unless we can guarantee that every person there has sufficient faith not to be infected , then our gathering presents a potential health hazard to others .
That ’ s why , again , I do not see this an infringement of our rights as much as an opportunity to love my neighbor .
The Prudent See Trouble and Take Cover There is also the question of wisdom , and the same God who gives faith also gives wisdom .
As it is written in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trouble and take cover , but the naïve keep going and pay the penalty ” ( my translation ) .
What ’ s interesting is that the Hebrew word translated here with “ take cover ” comes from the same root ( s-t-r ) that is found in Psalm 91:1 , speaking of God being our “ hiding place.
” And this is the psalm famous for its promise of protection during plague .
( See here for my Hebrew exposition of the psalm . )
Help us champion truth , freedom , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Stream » The same God who provides us a with a spiritual “ hiding place ” also provides us with a natural “ hiding place.
” It is not either-or .
It is both-and .
For me , personally , fear does not affect my ministry decisions .
If I am called by God to go into a dangerous area and preach , I will do it .
( For the record , I have done this very thing . )
At the same time , the Lord can warn us into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area precisely because it is dangerous .
( This happened to me before traveling to Liberia in 1989 during the civil war there .
In prayer , I felt the Lord say to me , “ Travel at your own risk , ” meaning , “ I ’ m not promising you protection.
” I did not make the trip , and my missionary friends there barely escaped with their own lives . )
It is obedience , not fear , that dictates our actions .
It is also wisdom that shows us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why , when we are driving on the highway and there are ice patches forming all over the road , we slow down .
That is wisdom , not fear .
That ’ s why , when there is a hurricane coming , we shutter up the windows .
That ’ s also why we lock our doors at night .
And why we don ’ t let our 5-year-old child wander around the neighborhood .
Let us , then , be people of wisdom , people of compassion , and people of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we will always have plenty of opportunities to exercise our faith .
We can do it now by sharing what we have with others .
By praying for God to intervene in the pandemic and asking Him to heal the sick and dying .
And by not giving place to our fears .
Faith and wisdom go hand in hand .
Dr. Michael Brown ( www.askdrbrown.org ) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program .
His latest book is Jezebel ’ s War With America : The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We Can Do to Turn the Tide .
Connect with him on Facebook , Twitter or YouTube .

In my last article, I addressed the question of the government’s restrictions because of COVID-19. Should we resist them as an unlawful infringement of our rights? Or should we embrace them as an opportunity to love our neighbor?
For people of faith, though, the restrictions raise another issue.
Christians Have Often Run to the Crisis
Many of us wonder, “Aren’t these restrictions based on fear? And isn’t faith the opposite of fear? We don’t run from the conflict and the crisis. We run to it.”
To be sure, during times of plague and pestilence, Christians have often served the sick and dying, even at the loss of their own lives.
As recounted by Glen Scrivener, summarizing the research of historian Rodney Stark:
In AD 260, while Marcus Aurelius was emperor, a plague struck (some have thought it was smallpox). Over a 15-year period, it killed a quarter to a third of the Roman Empire. Stark estimates that at this time there were 45,000 Christians in existence, just 0.08 percent of the empire. Despite their numbers, their response to this pandemic won admiration and a greater following. Dionysius, bishop of Alexandria, reported: “Most of our brother Christians showed unbounded love and loyalty, never sparing themselves and thinking only of one another. Heedless of danger, they took charge of the sick, attending to their every need and ministering to them in Christ, and with them departed this life serenely happy; for they were infected by others with the disease, drawing on themselves the sickness of their neighbors and cheerfully accepting their pains. Many, in nursing and curing others, transferred their death to themselves and died in their stead.”
That is an extraordinary demonstration of the love of Christ, and I have no doubt that many front-line caregivers today are Christians, willing to sacrifice their well-being for the well-being of others.
An Opportunity to Love My Neighbor
At the same time, even if I am not concerned about my own health, I run the risk of becoming infected and carrying the virus to someone else. And so, when hundreds of us gather together for a church service, unless we can guarantee that every person there has sufficient faith not to be infected, then our gathering presents a potential health hazard to others.
That’s why, again, I do not see this an infringement of our rights as much as an opportunity to love my neighbor.
The Prudent See Trouble and Take Cover
There is also the question of wisdom, and the same God who gives faith also gives wisdom. As it is written in Proverbs 22:3, “The prudent see trouble and take cover, but the naïve keep going and pay the penalty” (my translation).
What’s interesting is that the Hebrew word translated here with “take cover” comes from the same root (s-t-r) that is found in Psalm 91:1, speaking of God being our “hiding place.” And this is the psalm famous for its promise of protection during plague. (See here for my Hebrew exposition of the psalm.)
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
The same God who provides us a with a spiritual “hiding place” also provides us with a natural “hiding place.”
It is not either-or. It is both-and.
For me, personally, fear does not affect my ministry decisions. If I am called by God to go into a dangerous area and preach, I will do it. (For the record, I have done this very thing.)
At the same time, the Lord can warn us into advance not to go into a certain area precisely because it is dangerous. (This happened to me before traveling to Liberia in 1989 during the civil war there. In prayer, I felt the Lord say to me, “Travel at your own risk,” meaning, “I’m not promising you protection.” I did not make the trip, and my missionary friends there barely escaped with their own lives.)
Obedience, Faith and Wisdom
It is obedience, not fear, that dictates our actions. It is also wisdom that shows us what to do.
That’s why, when we are driving on the highway and there are ice patches forming all over the road, we slow down. That is wisdom, not fear.
That’s why, when there is a hurricane coming, we shutter up the windows.
That’s also why we lock our doors at night. And why we don’t let our 5-year-old child wander around the neighborhood.
It’s called wisdom.
Let us, then, be people of wisdom, people of compassion, and people of faith.
And you can rest assured that we will always have plenty of opportunities to exercise our faith.
We can do it now by sharing what we have with others. By praying for God to intervene in the pandemic and asking Him to heal the sick and dying. And by not giving place to our fears.
Faith and wisdom go hand in hand.
Dr. Michael Brown (www.askdrbrown.org) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program. His latest book is Jezebel’s War With America: The Plot to Destroy Our Country and What We Can Do to Turn the Tide. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.


thestream--2020-03-19--‘Army of Millennials’: Why We’re Key to Slowing the Pandemic and Saving Lives

Millennials , the world needs us right now .
Not just to lighten the mood on the web through quarantine TikToks , though we ’ re certainly experts at laughing through the pain .
We ’ re the key to slowing this pandemic .
The actions we take right now could save thousands of lives — maybe tens of thousands .
Millennials , those roughly ages of 20-40 , are the “ core group ” to help slow the spread of Covid-19 , said Dr. Deborah Birx on Tuesday .
Birx is the response coordinator for the White House Coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need the army of millennials out there doing everything that they can to protect themselves from getting infected because we know a lot of their cases will be mild or asymptomatic , ” she said .
Why protect ourselves if our cases will be “ mild or asymptomatic ?
” Because we might not realize we have it !
Meanwhile , we ’ re the ones most likely to frequent restaurants , bars , stores — places where a lot of people are gathered in close quarters — and we make up a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That means while we “ feel fine , ” we could spread a virus potentially fatal for others .
People like our parents , grandparents , and immunocompromised friends .
Plus , we ourselves are still at risk .
Maybe not as much as others , but data recently analyzed by the CDC shows that the danger to our generation was initially underestimated , or under-communicated .
The data show that Covid-19 may be hospitalizing those ages 20-44 at a “ significantly higher ” rate than the flu .
And while Covid-19 is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millennials , complications could result in a permanently damaged lung or other organ .
“ We can ’ t do this without the young people cooperating , ” said Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infections Diseases , during a White House press conference Tuesday .
“ Please cooperate with us.
” That ’ s why health experts , scientists , and government officials ask that we take such drastic measures .
On Monday , the White House issued guidelines asking people to avoid groups of 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel , eating in restaurants , and unnecessarily leaving one ’ s home .
The White House recommendations are based on a report from a group of scientists in the UK .
The report estimates that up to 2.2 million people in the U.S. could die if the spread of Covid-19 is not slowed .
That ’ s why they recommend a comprehensive approach .
This not only isolates the at-risk individuals , but requires sacrifices from us all .
Sacrifices like working remotely if possible , avoiding public places and large get-togethers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as possible .
It ’ s also important that we follow these recommendations now .
Last Friday The New York Times interviewed Britta and Nick Jewell , a father-daughter pair of infectious disease epidemiologists , about the “ exponential effect ” of Covid-19 , and mitigation efforts .
“ The magnitude of the outbreak creeps up on you , ” Nick Jewell explained ; “ it doesn ’ t look like things are growing very much , and then suddenly they are.
” “ Not overwhelming the health care system is certainly the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britta Jewell added .
“ Hopefully we can achieve this if we flatten the curve.
” We Were Made for This “ The millennials are incredibly good about getting information out in a clear way .
But more importantly , they are incredibly good about understanding how to protect one another , how to protect their parents and how to protect their grandparents , ” Birx said .
That ’ s true .
Who better than us , the first generation to grow up with the internet and social media , to spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Dragging millennials for being self-centered is a popular pastime , but research shows we regularly engage in activism on behalf of social issues we deem important .
Our values dictate our everyday decisions , like where we shop and work .
We ’ re innovative , passionate , and heavily influenced by each other .
It ’ s essential that we understand the severity of this pandemic , the danger it poses to vulnerable groups , and the importance of taking action now .
Then , we do what we do .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in compelling and innovative ways .
Do It for Them Even considering the now-confirmed increased risk to our own health , it ’ s still tempting to act as if we ’ re invincible .
After all , we ’ re young , we ’ re likely to recover , we have lives to live — so why live in fear , right ?
“ Don ’ t get the attitude , ‘ Well , I ’ m young , I ’ m invulnerable , ’ ” Fauci pleaded Tuesday .
“ You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loved ones at risk — particularly the ones who are elderly and the ones who have compromised conditions.
” Read Dr. Fauci ’ s words again .
When he talks about loved ones , who do you see ?
Is it your grandmother fighting cancer ?
Your buddy who carries an inhaler at all times because he has asthma ?
Your niece who learned at age 5 that she has Type 1 diabetes ?
Your dad who battles high blood pressure ?
Your friend who ’ s pregnant ?
These are some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffering complications , needing intensive care , and possibly dying .
It ’ s not living in fear to make sacrifices for their sake .
It ’ s the right thing to do .
Liberty McArtor , former staff writer of The Stream , is a freelance writer in the great state of Texas , where she lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex with her husband and son .
Follow her on Twitter @ LibertyMcArtor , or learn more about her at LibertyMcArtor.com .

Millennials, the world needs us right now. Not just to lighten the mood on the web through quarantine TikToks, though we’re certainly experts at laughing through the pain. We’re the key to slowing this pandemic. The actions we take right now could save thousands of lives — maybe tens of thousands.
Millennials, those roughly ages of 20-40, are the “core group” to help slow the spread of COVID-19, said Dr. Deborah Birx on Tuesday. Birx is the response coordinator for the White House Coronavirus Task Force.
“Right now we need the army of millennials out there doing everything that they can to protect themselves from getting infected because we know a lot of their cases will be mild or asymptomatic,” she said.
Needed: An ‘Army of Millennials’
Why protect ourselves if our cases will be “mild or asymptomatic?” Because we might not realize we have it!
Meanwhile, we’re the ones most likely to frequent restaurants, bars, stores — places where a lot of people are gathered in close quarters — and we make up a significant percentage of cities’ populations. That means while we “feel fine,” we could spread a virus potentially fatal for others. People like our parents, grandparents, and immunocompromised friends.
Plus, we ourselves are still at risk. Maybe not as much as others, but data recently analyzed by the CDC shows that the danger to our generation was initially underestimated, or under-communicated. The data show that COVID-19 may be hospitalizing those ages 20-44 at a “significantly higher” rate than the flu. And while COVID-19 is still less likely to be fatal for millennials, complications could result in a permanently damaged lung or other organ.
“We can’t do this without the young people cooperating,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infections Diseases, during a White House press conference Tuesday. “Please cooperate with us.”
That’s why health experts, scientists, and government officials ask that we take such drastic measures. On Monday, the White House issued guidelines asking people to avoid groups of 10 or more, as well as discretionary travel, eating in restaurants, and unnecessarily leaving one’s home.
Exponential Threat
The White House recommendations are based on a report from a group of scientists in the UK. The report estimates that up to 2.2 million people in the U.S. could die if the spread of COVID-19 is not slowed.
That’s why they recommend a comprehensive approach. This not only isolates the at-risk individuals, but requires sacrifices from us all. Sacrifices like working remotely if possible, avoiding public places and large get-togethers — basically, staying home as much as possible.
“We can’t do this without the young people cooperating,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci. “Please cooperate with us.”
It’s also important that we follow these recommendations now. Last Friday The New York Times interviewed Britta and Nick Jewell, a father-daughter pair of infectious disease epidemiologists, about the “exponential effect” of COVID-19, and mitigation efforts.
“The magnitude of the outbreak creeps up on you,” Nick Jewell explained; “it doesn’t look like things are growing very much, and then suddenly they are.”
“Not overwhelming the health care system is certainly the most pressing issue right now,” Britta Jewell added. “Hopefully we can achieve this if we flatten the curve.”
We Were Made for This
“The millennials are incredibly good about getting information out in a clear way. But more importantly, they are incredibly good about understanding how to protect one another, how to protect their parents and how to protect their grandparents,” Birx said.
That’s true. Who better than us, the first generation to grow up with the internet and social media, to spread vital information that could literally save lives?
Dragging millennials for being self-centered is a popular pastime, but research shows we regularly engage in activism on behalf of social issues we deem important. Our values dictate our everyday decisions, like where we shop and work. We’re innovative, passionate, and heavily influenced by each other.
It’s essential that we understand the severity of this pandemic, the danger it poses to vulnerable groups, and the importance of taking action now. Then, we do what we do. We communicate that information to the world in compelling and innovative ways.
Do It for Them
Even considering the now-confirmed increased risk to our own health, it’s still tempting to act as if we’re invincible. After all, we’re young, we’re likely to recover, we have lives to live — so why live in fear, right?
“Don’t get the attitude, ‘Well, I’m young, I’m invulnerable,’” Fauci pleaded Tuesday. “You don’t want to put your loved ones at risk — particularly the ones who are elderly and the ones who have compromised conditions.”
Read Dr. Fauci’s words again. When he talks about loved ones, who do you see? Is it your grandmother fighting cancer? Your buddy who carries an inhaler at all times because he has asthma? Your niece who learned at age 5 that she has Type 1 diabetes? Your dad who battles high blood pressure? Your friend who’s pregnant? These are some of the people at the highest risk of suffering complications, needing intensive care, and possibly dying.
It’s not living in fear to make sacrifices for their sake. It’s the right thing to do.
Liberty McArtor, former staff writer of The Stream, is a freelance writer in the great state of Texas, where she lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex with her husband and son. Follow her on Twitter @LibertyMcArtor, or learn more about her at LibertyMcArtor.com.


thestream--2020-03-19--‘Take Care of Ourselves and Each Other’: Actor Matthew McConaughey’s Inspirational Message on Facebo

‘Take Care of Ourselves and Each Other’: Actor Matthew McConaughey’s Inspirational Message on Facebook

“ This virus , this time , might be the one time that brings us all together and unifies us like we have not been in a long time , ” award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey posted on his Facebook page Tuesday .
He urged viewers to “ take care of ourselves and each other.
” McConaughey explained that we ’ re all more dependent on each other now than ever before .
“ We have an enemy in coronavirus that is faceless , that is raceless , sexless , nondenominational and bipartisan — and it ’ s an enemy that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We want to beat and we ’ re going to beat him.
” He added that there ’ s a “ green light on the other side of this red light that we ’ re in right now.
” That green light is going to be built on the values that we can enact right now .
“ Values of fairness , kindness , accountability , resilience , respect , courage .
“ Let ’ s see if we can make some lemonade out of this lemon that we ’ re in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ light into a green light .
Just keep living.
” While he was raised as a Christian , McConaughey ’ s quick rise to fame in the 1990s pulled him away from the church for a time .
But then he met Camila Alves , a Brazilian model .
Alves is a devout Catholic .
McConaughey told Alves before they married , “ Let ’ s go make a covenant , with you , me and God.
” Help us champion truth , freedom , limited government and human dignity .
Support The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with his favorite verse , Matthew 6:22 : “ The eye is the lamp of the body ; so then if your eye is clear , your whole body will be full of light.
” That verse is what inspired McConaughey to name his son Levi .
McConaughey told Good Morning America that when his son was born , he and his wife thought of naming him Matthew Jr .
They instead named him Levi .
“ Levi ’ s another name for Matthew in the Bible , ” McConaughey said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boy when he ’ s born .
You ’ re not thinking about the name , right ?
An hour later , the doctor comes up and he hands you that card to fill out : ‘ Blank was born at 6:22 p.m. ’ So we went , ‘ It ’ s Levi.
” ’ In 2014 , McConaughey won Best Actor for his role in Dallas Buyers Club .
He thanked God in his acceptance speech .
“ First off I want to thank God because He ’ s the one I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ graced my life with opportunities which I know are not of my hand or any other human kind.
” God could answer all his questions and “ has a hand in all of this miracle we call life , which I believe is a miracle.
” Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream .
You can follow her @ NancyFlory3 , and follow The Stream @ Streamdotorg .

“This virus, this time, might be the one time that brings us all together and unifies us like we have not been in a long time,” award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey posted on his Facebook page Tuesday. He urged viewers to “take care of ourselves and each other.”
McConaughey explained that we’re all more dependent on each other now than ever before. “We have an enemy in coronavirus that is faceless, that is raceless, sexless, nondenominational and bipartisan — and it’s an enemy that we all agree we want to beat. We want to beat and we’re going to beat him.”
He added that there’s a “green light on the other side of this red light that we’re in right now.” That green light is going to be built on the values that we can enact right now. “Values of fairness, kindness, accountability, resilience, respect, courage.
“Let’s see if we can make some lemonade out of this lemon that we’re in the middle of. Turn a red light into a green light. Just keep living.”
Returning to the Church
While he was raised as a Christian, McConaughey’s quick rise to fame in the 1990s pulled him away from the church for a time. But then he met Camila Alves, a Brazilian model. Alves is a devout Catholic. McConaughey told Alves before they married, “Let’s go make a covenant, with you, me and God.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
His wedding band is inscribed with his favorite verse, Matthew 6:22: “The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light.” That verse is what inspired McConaughey to name his son Levi.
McConaughey told Good Morning America that when his son was born, he and his wife thought of naming him Matthew Jr. They instead named him Levi. “Levi’s another name for Matthew in the Bible,” McConaughey said. “We find out he’s a boy when he’s born. You’re not thinking about the name, right? An hour later, the doctor comes up and he hands you that card to fill out: ‘Blank was born at 6:22 p.m.’ So we went, ‘It’s Levi.”’
Graced With Opportunities
In 2014, McConaughey won Best Actor for his role in Dallas Buyers Club. He thanked God in his acceptance speech. “First off I want to thank God because He’s the one I look up to. He’s graced my life with opportunities which I know are not of my hand or any other human kind.” God could answer all his questions and “has a hand in all of this miracle we call life, which I believe is a miracle.”
Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream. You can follow her @NancyFlory3, and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-03-19--Should We Fast for the Poor During the Coronavirus Crisis?

Millions of us are suddenly aware of people who are struggling due to the coronavirus-inspired economic shutdown .
Especially hard hit : small family businesses , service workers and hourly workers , and people who were already on the edge .
And that ’ s just in the U.S .
Imagine being in a country that is already poor !
What can the rest of us do to help ?
Since I recently wrote a book on fasting , some folks have asked me if it ’ s a good idea to fast for the poor and less fortunate during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ natural that Christians would connect fasting and charity .
After all , in Matthew 6 , Jesus speaks of praying , fasting , and giving alms .
He warns his listeners to do these things quietly and humbly , rather than showing off to anyone within eye- or earshot .
That ’ s why Christians have historically treated prayer , fasting , and almsgiving are part of a package .
So , can we help the less fortunate by fasting ?
Well , yes .
But the details are complicated .
Eating Less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t imagine that just by fasting you will free up food for the poor .
There ’ s a classic Seinfeld episode in which Jerry has a date with a Miss America contestant , and Kramer assumes the role of escort .
During their awkward dinner , Kramer asks Jerry ’ s date , “ If you were Miss America , what would you do to make the world a better place ?
The woman answers earnestly , “ As Miss America , I would try and bring an end to world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meal a week , there would be enough to feed the whole world !
” At first blush , this makes sense .
Food is what economists call a rival good .
If I eat a banana , you can ’ t also eat the same banana .
So , if I forgo eating a banana , that will leave it for someone else .
Seinfeld ’ s date is just scaling up this idea : There ’ s only so much food on the planet at any time .
If millions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Canada , forgo one meal per week , then that will leave those uneaten meals for the poor , either here or elsewhere .
Unfortunately , it ’ s not so simple .
That ’ s because food isn ’ t a fixed resource , like air in the atmosphere .
It ’ s not even like the nuts and berries that ancient hunter gathers might find in the forest .
These days , almost all of the food we eat , we first produce .
If demand for food goes down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for that same food will go down .
Rather than causing the food to magically appear , in say , Rwanda , less food will be produced .
In other words , just because you eat less doesn ’ t mean a Rwandan will have more to eat .
How to Really Help But there are still ways to fast for others .
First , if you ’ re praying for others right now , add fasting to your prayer .
In Scripture and the Christian tradition , fasting has always been treated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The coronavirus happens to have hit the U.S. and other countries during Lent , when millions of us are already fasting .
Don ’ t leave this powerful spiritual arrow trapped in your quiver .
Use it to amplify your prayer for the poor .
Second , you can use the money you save by fasting to help others .
For instance , let ’ s say ( following the early church ) that you fast on Wednesdays and Fridays .
By doing this , you are foregoing consumption .
Figure out how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on those days .
But rather than holding on to the money , you can spend it without consuming .
Not everyone needs to do the same thing .
Perhaps you know of an hourly service worker who has had most of her hours cut .
Giving her a much higher tip than usual could help her pull through .
Or maybe you can save up the money you would normally spend to boost tips later .
John Zmirak , who uses Uber to get around rather than driving ( thank God ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tips once things return to normal .
You could also boost your giving to a charity you trust that cares for the poor and needy in emergency situations .
The parent of The Stream , Life Outreach International , provides food and water for the poor through its Mission Feeding and Water for LIFE programs .
Either of these can help channel your money to people who need it the most .
Whatever you do , don ’ t just follow your heart .
We ’ re supposed to love the Lord with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Don ’ t imagine that just because you don ’ t eat , that will leave more for someone else .
If you fast for others , do it intentionally .
Jay Richards , Ph.D. , is the Executive Editor of The Stream , a Research Assistant Professor in the Busch School of Business at The Catholic University of America , and a Senior Fellow at the Discovery Institute .
Follow him on Twitter .

Millions of us are suddenly aware of people who are struggling due to the coronavirus-inspired economic shutdown. Especially hard hit: small family businesses, service workers and hourly workers, and people who were already on the edge.
And that’s just in the U.S. Imagine being in a country that is already poor! What can the rest of us do to help?
Since I recently wrote a book on fasting, some folks have asked me if it’s a good idea to fast for the poor and less fortunate during the current crisis.
It’s natural that Christians would connect fasting and charity. After all, in Matthew 6, Jesus speaks of praying, fasting, and giving alms. He warns his listeners to do these things quietly and humbly, rather than showing off to anyone within eye- or earshot. That’s why Christians have historically treated prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are part of a package.
So, can we help the less fortunate by fasting? Well, yes. But the details are complicated.
Eating Less So Others Will Have More?
Don’t imagine that just by fasting you will free up food for the poor.
There’s a classic Seinfeld episode in which Jerry has a date with a Miss America contestant, and Kramer assumes the role of escort.
During their awkward dinner, Kramer asks Jerry’s date, “If you were Miss America, what would you do to make the world a better place? The woman answers earnestly, “As Miss America, I would try and bring an end to world hunger. If every person sacrificed one meal a week, there would be enough to feed the whole world!”
At first blush, this makes sense. Food is what economists call a rival good. If I eat a banana, you can’t also eat the same banana. So, if I forgo eating a banana, that will leave it for someone else.
Seinfeld’s date is just scaling up this idea: There’s only so much food on the planet at any time. If millions of us in, say, the U.S. and Canada, forgo one meal per week, then that will leave those uneaten meals for the poor, either here or elsewhere.
Unfortunately, it’s not so simple. That’s because food isn’t a fixed resource, like air in the atmosphere. It’s not even like the nuts and berries that ancient hunter gathers might find in the forest. These days, almost all of the food we eat, we first produce. If demand for food goes down in the U.S., then the price for that same food will go down. Rather than causing the food to magically appear, in say, Rwanda, less food will be produced. In other words, just because you eat less doesn’t mean a Rwandan will have more to eat.
How to Really Help
But there are still ways to fast for others. First, if you’re praying for others right now, add fasting to your prayer. In Scripture and the Christian tradition, fasting has always been treated as a sort of prayer power-up. The coronavirus happens to have hit the U.S. and other countries during Lent, when millions of us are already fasting. Don’t leave this powerful spiritual arrow trapped in your quiver. Use it to amplify your prayer for the poor.
Second, you can use the money you save by fasting to help others. For instance, let’s say (following the early church) that you fast on Wednesdays and Fridays. By doing this, you are foregoing consumption. Figure out how much you would normally spend on food on those days. But rather than holding on to the money, you can spend it without consuming.
Not everyone needs to do the same thing. Perhaps you know of an hourly service worker who has had most of her hours cut. Giving her a much higher tip than usual could help her pull through.
Or maybe you can save up the money you would normally spend to boost tips later. John Zmirak, who uses Uber to get around rather than driving (thank God), is planning to give some windfall tips once things return to normal.
I'm saving TONS of money on Ubers and restaurant tabs. And I'm keeping a tally of it, which I intend to distribute as massive tips when all this is over. — John Zmirak (@JZmirak) March 15, 2020
You could also boost your giving to a charity you trust that cares for the poor and needy in emergency situations. The parent of The Stream, Life Outreach International, provides food and water for the poor through its Mission Feeding and Water for LIFE programs. Either of these can help channel your money to people who need it the most.
Whatever you do, don’t just follow your heart. We’re supposed to love the Lord with all hearts, souls, and minds. Don’t imagine that just because you don’t eat, that will leave more for someone else. If you fast for others, do it intentionally.
Jay Richards, Ph.D., is the Executive Editor of The Stream, a Research Assistant Professor in the Busch School of Business at The Catholic University of America, and a Senior Fellow at the Discovery Institute. Follow him on Twitter.


thestream--2020-03-19--More In Demand Than Ever, Local Food Banks Face Shortages of Food, Manpower

“ We are extremely concerned , ” said Anna Kurian , spokesperson for North Texas Food Bank .
“ There are actually 800,000 food-insecure people across north Texas .
When a disaster happens , people turn to food banks for support.
” As most U.S. states close schools and hospitals prepare for the worst , the global coronavirus crisis has drastically changed daily life .
Measures are intended to maximize social distancing to prevent spread of COVID-19 .
For people facing homelessness , receiving the most basic necessity of food has become more difficult .
From coast to coast , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close over the past week .
Yet churches are also responding to food shortages .
Pastor Scott Sauls of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville , Tenn. related how their local outreaches will continue during the crisis .
“ We are moving towards the most vulnerable to love and help them , ” said Sauls in a phone interview .
“ Christ gives us the ability to live in faith , rather than fear and self-preservation.
” North Texas Food Bank works with a network of over 200 partner agencies in 13 counties .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ grocery stores , linked with other factors , has affected food banks .
“ A decline in retail donations has been coupled with a decline in volunteers , especially among the elderly , ” said Kurian .
“ When there isn ’ t as much food on the shelves , obviously there won ’ t be as much food to donate.
” Her statement reflected on national trends , as Kurian clarified that their network has not yet seen retail donations decline .
“ The fact is that people desperately need food , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people out of work , ” she added .
Current evidence indicates people age 60 face the highest risks from COVID-19 .
“ It ’ s even scarier for our older population , who may not be going out to the store , ” she said .
“ They may not know how to order groceries online .
This factors into our mission of feeding people.
” At their Plano headquarters , school and corporate groups scheduled to volunteer have had to cancel shifts .
She noted declines in the stock market could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Financial donations are critical to our mission , ” said Kurian .
“ We really aren ’ t sure how market uncertainties will impact our bottom line.
” Several states away , Second Harvest of Middle Tennessee serves 46 local counties including across the Nashville area .
During the current crisis , their network has mobilized to provide meals for students in need even while schools are closed .
For years , members of Christ Presbyterian Church have volunteered at the nonprofit group .
“ Second Harvest is doing best-practices work when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sauls .
“ We support them , and we ’ re directing people to their outreach network.
” Having served his church for eight years , Sauls laments how their worship services have had to move to online-only for the time being .
“ The inability to be together is difficult , ” he said .
“ A huge part of the purpose of what we do is to gather people , serve people , and be in people ’ s lives.
” In the Dallas area and beyond , congregations facing this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
“ A lot of churches aren ’ t meeting right now , but they want to get involved and help , ” said Kurian .
She continued : “ We ’ ve fielded constant calls from church groups asking , What are your needs ?
They ’ ve come through with volunteers , canned food donations , and donations of funds.
” Author of several books , Sauls gave perspective on past crises from church history .
During the post-New Testament era , plagues inflicted Rome and thousands were left in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Christ tended to them .
“ In times like this , when everything is in crisis , the church has shined the most , ” he said .
“ When everybody is running away from the need , the church of Jesus Christ has run toward the need.
” While working hand in hand with Second Harvest , the church has other strategies to help those most in need .
Members are active on the Nextdoor online platform , watching for specific ways to help neighbors .
Sauls also mentioned another approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ church has purchased thousands of dollars worth of grocery cards , ” he said .
“ We ’ ve put them in the hands of people who have relational connection to those most vulnerable to the potential effects of COVID-19 , like the elderly and those who are immunocompromised.
” Coordination during crisis has proven critical .
Over the past decade , the Mass Care Task Force brought together several major north Texas aid and relief agencies .
“ This group was formed after Hurricane Katrina because there was duplication of services trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kurian .
“ Then when Hurricane Harvey hit , we activated to meet the need .
We ’ re well versed on responding during times of disaster to help people.
” She highlights another aspect of their resiliency .
“ During trying times , we have always seen communities of faith work to meet the needs that are out there , ” she said .
Help us champion truth , freedom , limited government and human dignity .
Support The Stream » With the focus on local needs , some aid workers maintain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Absolutely , a church needs to make sure they ’ re healthy and taking care of the home front , ” said Ralph Done , director of missions at The Stream ‘ s parent organization LIFE Outreach International .
He continues : “ In the six African nations where we are most involved , their communities are 100 percent desperate for food and clean water .
The needs in these places have a level of desperation beyond what we see here , even during this coronavirus scare.
” For Sauls , he hopes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions and attitudes during this crisis .
“ This season is a great opportunity for Christians to live outwardly in hope , ” he said .
“ No matter what this world and its trials throw at us , nothing can change the future .
It has been sealed by what Christ has done in the past.
” A graduate of the University of Colorado , Josh M. Shepherd covers culture , faith , and public policy issues for media outlets including The Stream and The Federalist .
Find him on Twitter and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our complete coverage of the coronavirus crisis , and sign up to receive top stories every week .

“We are extremely concerned,” said Anna Kurian, spokesperson for North Texas Food Bank. “There are actually 800,000 food-insecure people across north Texas. When a disaster happens, people turn to food banks for support.”
As most U.S. states close schools and hospitals prepare for the worst, the global coronavirus crisis has drastically changed daily life. Measures are intended to maximize social distancing to prevent spread of COVID-19.
For people facing homelessness, receiving the most basic necessity of food has become more difficult. From coast to coast, many smaller food pantries have had to close over the past week.
Yet churches are also responding to food shortages. Pastor Scott Sauls of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tenn. related how their local outreaches will continue during the crisis.
“We are moving towards the most vulnerable to love and help them,” said Sauls in a phone interview. “Christ gives us the ability to live in faith, rather than fear and self-preservation.”
Declines in Grocery Donations and Volunteers
North Texas Food Bank works with a network of over 200 partner agencies in 13 counties. Kurian highlights how the recent run on grocery stores, linked with other factors, has affected food banks.
“A decline in retail donations has been coupled with a decline in volunteers, especially among the elderly,” said Kurian. “When there isn’t as much food on the shelves, obviously there won’t be as much food to donate.”
Her statement reflected on national trends, as Kurian clarified that their network has not yet seen retail donations decline. “The fact is that people desperately need food, and that need has only grown with people out of work,” she added.
Current evidence indicates people age 60 and over face the highest risks from COVID-19.
“It’s even scarier for our older population, who may not be going out to the store,” she said. “They may not know how to order groceries online. This factors into our mission of feeding people.”
At their Plano headquarters, school and corporate groups scheduled to volunteer have had to cancel shifts. She noted declines in the stock market could also affect critical aid work.
“Financial donations are critical to our mission,” said Kurian. “We really aren’t sure how market uncertainties will impact our bottom line.”
Several states away, Second Harvest of Middle Tennessee serves 46 local counties including across the Nashville area. During the current crisis, their network has mobilized to provide meals for students in need even while schools are closed.
For years, members of Christ Presbyterian Church have volunteered at the nonprofit group.
“Second Harvest is doing best-practices work when it comes to food provision,” said Sauls. “We support them, and we’re directing people to their outreach network.”
‘Run Toward the Need’
Having served his church for eight years, Sauls laments how their worship services have had to move to online-only for the time being.
“The inability to be together is difficult,” he said. “A huge part of the purpose of what we do is to gather people, serve people, and be in people’s lives.”
In the Dallas area and beyond, congregations facing this situation have been making the most of it. “A lot of churches aren’t meeting right now, but they want to get involved and help,” said Kurian.
She continued: “We’ve fielded constant calls from church groups asking, What are your needs? They’ve come through with volunteers, canned food donations, and donations of funds.”
Author of several books, Sauls gave perspective on past crises from church history.
During the post-New Testament era, plagues inflicted Rome and thousands were left in the streets to die. Yet believers in Christ tended to them.
“In times like this, when everything is in crisis, the church has shined the most,” he said. “When everybody is running away from the need, the church of Jesus Christ has run toward the need.”
While working hand in hand with Second Harvest, the church has other strategies to help those most in need. Members are active on the Nextdoor online platform, watching for specific ways to help neighbors. Sauls also mentioned another approach to fight food insecurity.
“Our church has purchased thousands of dollars worth of grocery cards,” he said. “We’ve put them in the hands of people who have relational connection to those most vulnerable to the potential effects of COVID-19, like the elderly and those who are immunocompromised.”
Hope During Trying Times
Coordination during crisis has proven critical. Over the past decade, the Mass Care Task Force brought together several major north Texas aid and relief agencies.
“This group was formed after Hurricane Katrina because there was duplication of services trying to help that population,” said Kurian. “Then when Hurricane Harvey hit, we activated to meet the need. We’re well versed on responding during times of disaster to help people.”
She highlights another aspect of their resiliency. “During trying times, we have always seen communities of faith work to meet the needs that are out there,” she said.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
With the focus on local needs, some aid workers maintain the importance of overseas relief. “Absolutely, a church needs to make sure they’re healthy and taking care of the home front,” said Ralph Done, director of missions at The Stream‘s parent organization LIFE Outreach International.
He continues: “In the six African nations where we are most involved, their communities are 100 percent desperate for food and clean water. The needs in these places have a level of desperation beyond what we see here, even during this coronavirus scare.”
For Sauls, he hopes believers consider their public witness in both actions and attitudes during this crisis.
“This season is a great opportunity for Christians to live outwardly in hope,” he said. “No matter what this world and its trials throw at us, nothing can change the future. It has been sealed by what Christ has done in the past.”
A graduate of the University of Colorado, Josh M. Shepherd covers culture, faith, and public policy issues for media outlets including The Stream and The Federalist. Find him on Twitter and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.
Explore our complete coverage of the coronavirus crisis, and sign up to receive top stories every week.
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thestream--2020-03-19--‘Let God Quarterback This’: Reverend Tells Tucker How People Can Cope With Virus Chaos

Reverend Billy Cerveny appeared on Fox News ’ Tucker Carlson Tonight Wednesday to reassure Americans of all stripes that everything will be okay despite the coronavirus pandemic .
“ I would also say , too , as Christians and non-Christians alike , we think , how do we move forward in this ?
” Cerveny said , referring to how people who are not Christians can cope .
“ What is a practical way that we do it ?
One of the ways I would say is we let God quarterback this.
” Cerveny is the pastor and executive director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He is also a member of the Daily Caller News Foundation ’ s board of directors .
Cerveny offered words of advice to people who are struggling with how to help those who are most at-risk of contracting the virus .
“ We stay at home , so we don ’ t help spread this , ” he said .
“ We be aware of our elderly neighbors , people that are less fortunate around us , or people that have HIV , people who have lung disease , for whom this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ask , how do we step in and care for them ?
” Help us champion truth , freedom , limited government and human dignity .
Support The Stream » Cerveny added : “ And you know , you know we have never been more different .
If we proceed with love , if we proceed in caring for each other well , we can be a country marked by love and grace.
” Medical experts believe that they may be getting a handle on some aspects of the virus .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re not going on a lot of data yet , ” Dr. Peter Hotez , the dean for the National School of Tropical Medicine at the Baylor School of Medicine , said Wednesday of early research of a malaria drug developed in the 1940s but could be used to help people afflicted with coronavirus .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ @ @

Reverend Billy Cerveny appeared on Fox News’ Tucker Carlson Tonight Wednesday to reassure Americans of all stripes that everything will be okay despite the coronavirus pandemic.
“I would also say, too, as Christians and non-Christians alike, we think, how do we move forward in this?” Cerveny said, referring to how people who are not Christians can cope. “What is a practical way that we do it? One of the ways I would say is we let God quarterback this.”
Cerveny is the pastor and executive director at Redbird, a Nashville-based nonprofit ministry. He is also a member of the Daily Caller News Foundation’s board of directors.
Cerveny offered words of advice to people who are struggling with how to help those who are most at-risk of contracting the virus.
“We stay at home, so we don’t help spread this,” he said. “We be aware of our elderly neighbors, people that are less fortunate around us, or people that have HIV, people who have lung disease, for whom this virus will be devastating, and we ask, how do we step in and care for them?”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Cerveny added: “And you know, you know we have never been more different. If we proceed with love, if we proceed in caring for each other well, we can be a country marked by love and grace.”
Medical experts believe that they may be getting a handle on some aspects of the virus.
“It has a lot of potential, though we’re not going on a lot of data yet,” Dr. Peter Hotez, the dean for the National School of Tropical Medicine at the Baylor School of Medicine, said Wednesday of early research of a malaria drug developed in the 1940s but could be used to help people afflicted with coronavirus.
Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].