rt--2020-04-03--AOC slammed for blaming coronavirus deaths on inequality… after championing shutdown that accelerate

AOC slammed for blaming coronavirus deaths on inequality… after championing shutdown that accelerated it

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has demanded minority-focused “ reparations ” for coronavirus , insisting “ inequality is a comorbidity ” exacerbating the deaths – after calling for shutdowns that impoverished millions .
The New York Democrat called for coronavirus relief to be “ drafted with a lens of reparations , ” insisting that deaths from the virus were “ disproportionately spiking in Black [ and ] Brown communities ” in a tweet on Friday .
Blaming “ the chronic toll of redlining , environmental racism , wealth gap , ” she smoothly conflated economic inequality – a problem in white and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , economic inequality has gone stratospheric in the last few weeks as relief packages shoved through Congress paid out trillions of dollars to financial institutions and large corporations .
Those same packages , which AOC voted for despite token opposition , promised individuals a paltry $ 1,200 check at some future date , and even the $ 350 billion earmarked for small businesses has proven distressingly difficult to obtain in the few hours since some lenders began taking applications on Friday .
The Democratic Party has been mostly united in calling for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the name of slowing the spread of coronavirus .
The result has been mass unemployment and a gigantic spike in poverty – not just among “ black and brown communities , ” but across the country .
While some areas have softened the blow by pausing evictions and postponing mortgage and rent payments , rent and mortgage amnesty has not been forthcoming .
Americans will owe several months ’ worth of payments whenever the moratorium is over .
In a country where two-thirds of the population do not have $ 600 to cover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizens live paycheck to paycheck , the ‘ wealth gap ’ does n't discriminate by skin color .
Urban areas , which typically have a higher concentration of racial minorities than suburbia or rural regions , have been hit especially hard by the virus , due to high population density .
For the same reason , they ’ ve been devastated economically , with high infection rates used to justify citywide lockdowns .
Low-income neighborhoods in AOC ’ s home New York City have indeed been especially devastated – according to a map @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Health on Wednesday .
However , racial data for coronavirus has not yet been published , a detail that has already outraged AOC ’ s fellow legislators , who demanded a racial breakdown of epidemic deaths in a letter sent to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar earlier this week .
Some suggested alternative “ comorbidities ” like Democratic governance and obesity .
Though a few on the right seemed to agree with the ‘ reparations ’ idea… as long as it was China cutting the checks .
Others suggested minority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone seemed to think the idea of reparations was ridiculous , however .
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Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has demanded minority-focused “reparations” for coronavirus, insisting “inequality is a comorbidity” exacerbating the deaths – after calling for shutdowns that impoverished millions.
The New York Democrat called for coronavirus relief to be “drafted with a lens of reparations,” insisting that deaths from the virus were “disproportionately spiking in Black [and] Brown communities” in a tweet on Friday.
Blaming “the chronic toll of redlining, environmental racism, wealth gap,” she smoothly conflated economic inequality – a problem in white and nonwhite communities alike – with racism.
COVID deaths are disproportionately spiking in Black + Brown communities.Why? Because the chronic toll of redlining, environmental racism, wealth gap, etc. ARE underlying health conditions.Inequality is a comorbidity. COVID relief should be drafted with a lens of reparations. — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) April 3, 2020
However, economic inequality has gone stratospheric in the last few weeks as relief packages shoved through Congress paid out trillions of dollars to financial institutions and large corporations.
Those same packages, which AOC voted for despite token opposition, promised individuals a paltry $1,200 check at some future date, and even the $350 billion earmarked for small businesses has proven distressingly difficult to obtain in the few hours since some lenders began taking applications on Friday.
Also on rt.com US jobless claims surge to record 10 MILLION amid coronavirus lockdown
The Democratic Party has been mostly united in calling for a total shutdown of the country in the name of slowing the spread of coronavirus. The result has been mass unemployment and a gigantic spike in poverty – not just among “black and brown communities,” but across the country.
While some areas have softened the blow by pausing evictions and postponing mortgage and rent payments, rent and mortgage amnesty has not been forthcoming. Americans will owe several months’ worth of payments whenever the moratorium is over. In a country where two-thirds of the population do not have $600 to cover an emergency expense and a fifth of citizens live paycheck to paycheck, the ‘wealth gap’ doesn't discriminate by skin color.
Urban areas, which typically have a higher concentration of racial minorities than suburbia or rural regions, have been hit especially hard by the virus, due to high population density. For the same reason, they’ve been devastated economically, with high infection rates used to justify citywide lockdowns.
The virus is currently hitting densely populated cities which have disproportionately high minority residents Vs. Rural areas. This is why infection rate may be higher. It’s the choice to live in densely populated cities. Rural areas are cheaper to live in. This isn’t racism. — Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) April 3, 2020
More likely it’s because they live in urban areas and take mass transit. — commonsense (@commonsense258) April 3, 2020
Low-income neighborhoods in AOC’s home New York City have indeed been especially devastated – according to a map released by the city’s Department of Health on Wednesday. However, racial data for coronavirus has not yet been published, a detail that has already outraged AOC’s fellow legislators, who demanded a racial breakdown of epidemic deaths in a letter sent to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar earlier this week.
The Democratic Socialist’s critics pounced, cracking jokes about “cognitive distancing.”
Some suggested alternative “comorbidities” like Democratic governance and obesity.
Wait, you mean Democrat-controlled communities aren’t receiving great care?I’m shockedBut go ahead and blame racism instead of your failing partyGood distraction... — Rogan O’Handley 🇺🇸 (@DC_Draino) April 3, 2020
Just pointing out the obvious... pic.twitter.com/eB9gkehUXU — Michael Galanopoulos (@MrGalanopoulos) April 3, 2020
COVID deaths are disproportionately killing men. Does that mean it's sexist? Do we deserve 'reparations'? #WuhanVirus — Greg F. Liberty or Death #AlitaArmy 🚻only (@straytski) April 3, 2020
Though a few on the right seemed to agree with the ‘reparations’ idea… as long as it was China cutting the checks.
@RepAOC@AOC the only lens of reparations for #CoronaVIrus is CHINA! Period. End of Discussion.You've never picked cotton, & my family never owned slaves!Name one black that has a relative who was a slave. I bet you can't find one. https://t.co/X1M9ysdwo1 — William Bighouse (@WilliamBighouse) April 3, 2020
Is the money for the reparations coming from China? — Dan IFBP Edmonds Text Trump To 88022 (@DanWantsFreedom) April 3, 2020
Others suggested minority communities themselves were to blame.
Not everyone seemed to think the idea of reparations was ridiculous, however.
I've also noticed that stores that mostly serve white customers are enforcing social distancing more than those in some black and brown communities. I have no idea why, it was just something I noticed while driving past grocery stores in different areas. — Alexandra MacArthur (@alexgoesthere) April 3, 2020
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rt--2020-04-03--Long-term customers shocked as Bank of America restricts coronavirus bailout loans to businesses who

Long-term customers shocked as Bank of America restricts coronavirus bailout loans to businesses who’ve borrowed before

Bank of America customers trying to apply for their piece of the $ 350 billion small business bailout were appalled to learn the bank was restricting loans to businesses who ’ d borrowed previously – despite claiming otherwise .
Outraged customers discovered on Friday that the massive financial institution is unilaterally denying loans through the Paycheck Protection Program – the small business bailout passed as part of last month ’ s coronavirus economic stimulus – to any business that hasn ’ t borrowed from Bank of America previously .
While the bank ’ s CEO Brian Moynihan told CNBC it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the policy posted on its website contradicted that claim , revealing that a prerequisite for applying to the scheme was a “ small business lending relationship , inclusive of credit card , ” that existed prior to February 15 .
Bank of America was the first of the ‘ big banks ’ to begin accepting applications – and , as of Friday morning , the only one , though the program ’ s website was supposed to go live at midnight on Thursday .
Social media was filled with outraged reports from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationship with the bank goes back years .
Some pointed out they were literally being punished for running a debt-free business and not requiring loans in the past .
Others chalked it up to a long-term pattern of “ greed and crookedness ” at the bank .
President Donald Trump seemed unaware of the issue , however , praising Bank of America on Twitter .
Moynihan also told CNBC that the bank had already received 10,000 loan applications within an hour of the website going live .
Small businesses shut out of Bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that by the time its competitors have their websites up and running – Wells Fargo has already acknowledged its own portal won ’ t be ready on Friday at all – the money will all be gone .
The widespread delays appear to be due to the Treasury waiting until hours before the program was scheduled to go live to deliver much-needed guidance to participating lenders on how to accept and process applications .
In the week leading up to the Paycheck Protection Program ’ s debut , banks warned that the terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that lenders vet all applicants and conduct terrorism and money-laundering screenings , would make it impossible to approve the expected volume of loans in the few months allotted as the application period .
While some institutions have threatened not to participate at all , others merely pushed for a guarantee from the Treasury Department and Small Business Administration , who are administering the loans , that they will not be held responsible for any applicants misrepresenting their qualifications .
The coronavirus crisis and related lockdowns keeping most of the American population indoors have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , forcing thousands of businesses to close their doors and leaving millions out of work .
In the last two weeks , nearly 10 million Americans have filed for unemployment , overwhelming states ’ benefits websites and exceeding the number who were laid off during the 2008 financial crisis .
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Bank of America customers trying to apply for their piece of the $350 billion small business bailout were appalled to learn the bank was restricting loans to businesses who’d borrowed previously – despite claiming otherwise.
Outraged customers discovered on Friday that the massive financial institution is unilaterally denying loans through the Paycheck Protection Program – the small business bailout passed as part of last month’s coronavirus economic stimulus – to any business that hasn’t borrowed from Bank of America previously.
While the bank’s CEO Brian Moynihan told CNBC it was merely prioritizing existing business loan customers, the policy posted on its website contradicted that claim, revealing that a prerequisite for applying to the scheme was a “small business lending relationship, inclusive of credit card,” that existed prior to February 15. Bank of America was the first of the ‘big banks’ to begin accepting applications – and, as of Friday morning, the only one, though the program’s website was supposed to go live at midnight on Thursday.
Social media was filled with outraged reports from customers, some of whom said their relationship with the bank goes back years.
Are you kidding me @BankofAmerica with this requirement of having a credit card to apply for the PPP? What type of scam is this. I have been a loyal customer for years with my business accounts. #bankofamerica#PPPloanpic.twitter.com/bppThanGSc — Melissa Perri (@lissijean) April 3, 2020
Extremely dissapointed in @BankofAmerica We have been a loyal small business customer for 10 years. However since I have not borrowed money from them we are not able to apply for #PPP Time for a new bank. @stevenmnuchin1@larry_kudlow@realDonaldTrump#BankOfAmerica — Bob Garrett (@R_Garrett) April 3, 2020
Some pointed out they were literally being punished for running a debt-free business and not requiring loans in the past.
THIS IS USELESS! They are only giving out PPP loans to businesses that ALREADY have private loans with them at #BankofAmerica - I have a cash flow positive +10 year small business, zero loans/debt and they're not letting me apply! How are we supposed to get this relief? #PPPloan — Nick Ponton (@nickponton) April 3, 2020
When my sister, who put her life savings up to open her own hair salon, called @BankofAmerica to ask why why she was being punished for saving up money to open her own business without any debt, the woman on the phone laughed and said, "because those are the rules." #PPPloanpic.twitter.com/n7gBVXgdw6 — Jon Farnsworth (@JonPypes) April 3, 2020
Others chalked it up to a long-term pattern of “greed and crookedness” at the bank.
I cancelled my #bankofamerica account a while back after they imposed their 'monthly maintenance fees' that punish you for being out of work by charging you money you don't have. Their greed and crookedness goes much deeper than that unconscionable act though. — 🏳🌈🃏110% Jokerfied Spacedad🃏🏳🌈 (@SuperSpacedad) April 3, 2020
Please remember the antics & crookedness of #bankofamerica during the LAST recession! We left them, will never have anything to do with them ever again. Cost of 1000s at a time we couldn't really afford it, trying to keep our house. Succeeded, WITHOUT THEM! — JimK is just JK (@peskypedaler) April 3, 2020
President Donald Trump seemed unaware of the issue, however, praising Bank of America on Twitter.
Great job being done by @BankofAmerica and many community banks throughout the country. Small businesses appreciate your work! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 3, 2020
Moynihan also told CNBC that the bank had already received 10,000 loan applications within an hour of the website going live. Small businesses shut out of Bank of America’s portal are concerned that by the time its competitors have their websites up and running – Wells Fargo has already acknowledged its own portal won’t be ready on Friday at all – the money will all be gone. The widespread delays appear to be due to the Treasury waiting until hours before the program was scheduled to go live to deliver much-needed guidance to participating lenders on how to accept and process applications.
In the week leading up to the Paycheck Protection Program’s debut, banks warned that the terms dictated by the Trump administration, requiring that lenders vet all applicants and conduct terrorism and money-laundering screenings, would make it impossible to approve the expected volume of loans in the few months allotted as the application period. While some institutions have threatened not to participate at all, others merely pushed for a guarantee from the Treasury Department and Small Business Administration, who are administering the loans, that they will not be held responsible for any applicants misrepresenting their qualifications.
Also on rt.com US small business bailout program may be doomed to flop before it starts, as banks balk at terms
The coronavirus crisis and related lockdowns keeping most of the American population indoors have utterly devastated the nation’s economy, forcing thousands of businesses to close their doors and leaving millions out of work. In the last two weeks, nearly 10 million Americans have filed for unemployment, overwhelming states’ benefits websites and exceeding the number who were laid off during the 2008 financial crisis.
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rt--2020-04-03--Carrier captain fired over coronavirus letter becomes latest Resistance icon

Videos of the crew of USS Theodore Roosevelt cheering their captain , relieved of command by the Navy amid a Covid-19 controversy , have become a surprise hit among the critics of President Donald Trump , who is getting the blame .
Hundreds of sailors gathered on the deck of the Roosevelt on Thursday night to bid farewell to Captain Brett Crozier , cheering him and chanting his name as he walked off the ship .
They showed no sign of concern that doing so might expose them to the coronavirus – which started the entire drama to begin with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quite like it , ” said Erik Slavin , writer for the military newspaper Stars and Stripes , sharing a Facebook video of Crozier ’ s sendoff from inside the Roosevelt ’ s hangar bay .
Another video shows Crozier walking the gangplank onto the pier , as the crew gathers above chanting his name and clapping .
It wasn ’ t just the crew of the Roosevelt that cheered Crozier on , however – their videos were quickly pressed into service by the gallery of Trump critics on social media , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the president they love to hate .
Rep. Ted Lieu ( D-California ) said he demanded an internal investigation into the firing of Crozier for “ blowing the whistle ” on coronavirus conditions on board the Roosevelt .
“ We punish people for speaking out like a dictatorship , ” complained Dr. Eugene Gu , who obsessively responds to every Trump tweet .
There were many , many other examples , from the rank-and-file Twitter # Resisters to well-known mainstream pundits , all saying the same thing .
One particular argument brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) – and many others – was that Trump allowed the firing of Crozier but stood up for Navy SEAL Chief Eddie Gallagher , who was accused of war crimes .
The Gallagher parallel was also invoked by OANN journalist Jack Posobiec , a Navy veteran who is usually pro-Trump but in this case seemed in Crozier ’ s corner .
Crozier ’ s name first became public knowledge last week , when he wrote an impassioned plea to the Navy to send his ship back to Guam and allow him to quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on board in conditions where ‘ social distancing ’ was impossible .
The letter was published by the San Francisco Chronicle .
The day before , the Pentagon had decided to stop reporting the details of Covid-19 infections in particular branches of service , commands and bases , citing operational security .
Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly agreed that while Crozier cared for the lives and well-being of his crew , instead of talking to his commanding admiral “ right down the passageway , ” the captain chose to send a letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of command , and to the general public , which ” made his sailors , their families , and many in the public believe that his letter was the only reason help from our larger Navy family was forthcoming , which was hardly the case.
” Asked about Crozier on Thursday , Trump disagreed that the captain ’ s firing was punishment for seeking to protect his crew .
The Roosevelt was recalled to Guam from its deployment in the South China Sea last week , and its crew is undergoing tests for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hotels on shore .
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Videos of the crew of USS Theodore Roosevelt cheering their captain, relieved of command by the Navy amid a Covid-19 controversy, have become a surprise hit among the critics of President Donald Trump, who is getting the blame.
Hundreds of sailors gathered on the deck of the Roosevelt on Thursday night to bid farewell to Captain Brett Crozier, cheering him and chanting his name as he walked off the ship. They showed no sign of concern that doing so might expose them to the coronavirus – which started the entire drama to begin with.
“I've never seen anything quite like it,” said Erik Slavin, writer for the military newspaper Stars and Stripes, sharing a Facebook video of Crozier’s sendoff from inside the Roosevelt’s hangar bay.
This appears to be a clip of Crozier's sendoff from his sailors. I've never seen anything quite like it. https://t.co/Vkki0piYX5 — Erik Slavin (@eslavin_stripes) April 3, 2020
Another video shows Crozier walking the gangplank onto the pier, as the crew gathers above chanting his name and clapping.
Watch this video of the send off of Captain Crozier, commander of the aircraft carrier USS Roosevelt who was fired yesterday for sounding the alarm to protect his sailors. Tells you everything you need to know about the type of #leader he is. pic.twitter.com/z9q3pTJpgZ — Amber Smith (@AmberSmithUSA) April 3, 2020
It wasn’t just the crew of the Roosevelt that cheered Crozier on, however – their videos were quickly pressed into service by the gallery of Trump critics on social media, who sought to blame Crozier’s sacking on the president they love to hate.
Rep. Ted Lieu (D-California) said he demanded an internal investigation into the firing of Crozier for “blowing the whistle” on coronavirus conditions on board the Roosevelt.
“We punish people for speaking out like a dictatorship,” complained Dr. Eugene Gu, who obsessively responds to every Trump tweet.
“Shameful” and “outrageous,” said anti-Trump CNN pundit Ana Navarro.
Outrageous. Navy Captain Crozier was relieved of his command of USS Roosevelt for blowing whistle on Coronavirus threat onboard. He put his sailors first, and Trump put his ass out. Shameful!Where is the outrage from all those “pro-military Republicans”? pic.twitter.com/ixRYxocOZc — Ana Navarro-Cárdenas (@ananavarro) April 3, 2020
There were many, many other examples, from the rank-and-file Twitter #Resisters to well-known mainstream pundits, all saying the same thing.
One particular argument brought up by Rep. Jackie Speier (D-California) – and many others – was that Trump allowed the firing of Crozier but stood up for Navy SEAL Chief Eddie Gallagher, who was accused of war crimes.
Mr. President, you weighed in when Edward Gallagher was convicted of killing a POW. Are you going to intervene now that Captain Brett Crozier has been fired because he was trying to save the lives of his sailors? https://t.co/IkIBuBecOG — Jackie Speier (@RepSpeier) April 3, 2020
The Gallagher parallel was also invoked by OANN journalist Jack Posobiec, a Navy veteran who is usually pro-Trump but in this case seemed in Crozier’s corner.
Crozier’s name first became public knowledge last week, when he wrote an impassioned plea to the Navy to send his ship back to Guam and allow him to quarantine the crew, as Covid-19 spread rapidly on board in conditions where ‘social distancing’ was impossible. The letter was published by the San Francisco Chronicle.
Also on rt.com Shooting the messenger? US Navy SACKS captain for ‘causing alarm’ with plea to save lives of Covid-19-stricken carrier crew
The day before, the Pentagon had decided to stop reporting the details of Covid-19 infections in particular branches of service, commands and bases, citing operational security.
Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly agreed that while Crozier cared for the lives and well-being of his crew, instead of talking to his commanding admiral “right down the passageway,” the captain chose to send a letter via unsecure email, outside the chain of command, and to the general public, which ”made his sailors, their families, and many in the public believe that his letter was the only reason help from our larger Navy family was forthcoming, which was hardly the case.”
Also on rt.com ‘Not even a little bit!’ Trump sees no witch-hunt in US Navy firing Covid-19 whistleblower captain
Asked about Crozier on Thursday, Trump disagreed that the captain’s firing was punishment for seeking to protect his crew.
The Roosevelt was recalled to Guam from its deployment in the South China Sea last week, and its crew is undergoing tests for the virus and will be quarantined in hotels on shore.
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rt--2020-04-03--Are NYC cops contributing to coronavirus epidemic by sending people to packed jails for violating so

Are NYC cops contributing to coronavirus epidemic by sending people to packed jails for violating social distancing?

As Covid-19 lockdowns keep three-quarters of Americans indoors and see crime rates drop , New York police are arresting people for social distancing violations in a move that flies in the face of safety advisory and public policy .
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio has released hundreds of low-level offenders from city jails , including the notoriously overcrowded Rikers Island , citing the risk of uncontrollable coronavirus contagion .
New Yorkers are being told – constantly – to stay home and do their part to “ flatten the curve.
” But police don ’ t seem to have received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detain people for minor offenses – including violations of social distancing orders – without masks and gloves , even as crime plummets .
As more and more officers become infected themselves , intensifying “ coronavirus policing ” defeats the purpose of the measures the government has taken to stop the spread , packing low-priority “ offenders ” into jails that are nothing short of petri dishes .
Police claimed they arrested three people in Brooklyn last weekend for failing to maintain “ social distancing ” after chancing upon a gathering of about 25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One of those arrested disputed that narrative , telling the Intercept that she and her boyfriend were standing far from the group when they were roughly apprehended by unmasked , ungloved officers .
She claimed she was held in a cell with two dozen others for 36 hours , deprived of any sort of cleaning products beyond a squirt of hand sanitizer , highlighting the absurdity of arresting people for violating social distancing rules only to process them through a jail system that is sluggish and overcrowded .
A man running a speakeasy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drinking and gambling in defiance of the closure order for non-essential businesses was also arrested on Sunday .
However , Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced weeks ago that his office would not be prosecuting “ low-level offenses that don ’ t jeopardize public safety ” during the epidemic calling into question the wisdom of charging the speakeasy operator with “ illegal sale of alcohol ” and “ promoting gambling ” in addition to violating social distancing .
The NYPD can ’ t be completely faulted for its confusion over the new guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violators with fines of up to $ 500 earlier this week , and typically for such low-level offenses the next step up from fines would be arrests .
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo urged the NYPD to step up its enforcement earlier this week after crowds were seen amassing on Manhattan ’ s West Side Highway to watch the arrival of the hospital ship USNS Comfort , declaring that the force “ has to get more aggressive ” but without making clear whether he meant fines and summonses , or actually hauling violators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sharply amid the coronavirus crisis – perhaps unsurprisingly , given that so many people are sheltering indoors – with a 20 percent drop for the two weeks since New York declared its emergency , the NYPD reported Thursday .
But the virus is increasingly taking its toll among the NYPD ’ s own ranks : by Wednesday , 1,400 officers had tested positive for coronavirus , and 6,172 were out sick , over 12 percent of the force .
Given the lengthy incubation period of the virus , even officers who don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it on to the people they arrest , who then spread it through jails before potentially bringing it home to their families and coworkers .
New York is the epicenter of the coronavirus epidemic in the US , which is number one for infections anywhere in the world .
The city has recorded some 2,935 coronavirus-related deaths as of Friday , more than a quarter of the nation ’ s total .
However , New York is n't the only place to lock people up for violating social distancing - numerous states and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and some , including Maryland , have followed through .
Several countries , including Italy and the UK , have also threatened violators with jail time , though it 's not clear how many of them have actually imposed the penalty to date .
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As Covid-19 lockdowns keep three-quarters of Americans indoors and see crime rates drop, New York police are arresting people for social distancing violations in a move that flies in the face of safety advisory and public policy.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio has released hundreds of low-level offenders from city jails, including the notoriously overcrowded Rikers Island, citing the risk of uncontrollable coronavirus contagion. New Yorkers are being told – constantly – to stay home and do their part to “flatten the curve.”
But police don’t seem to have received that message, continuing to arrest and detain people for minor offenses – including violations of social distancing orders – without masks and gloves, even as crime plummets. As more and more officers become infected themselves, intensifying “coronavirus policing” defeats the purpose of the measures the government has taken to stop the spread, packing low-priority “offenders” into jails that are nothing short of petri dishes.
Also on rt.com New York state sees highest daily jump in Covid-19 deaths, from total of 2,373 to 2,935 – Governor Cuomo
Police claimed they arrested three people in Brooklyn last weekend for failing to maintain “social distancing” after chancing upon a gathering of about 25 people outdoors in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. One of those arrested disputed that narrative, telling the Intercept that she and her boyfriend were standing far from the group when they were roughly apprehended by unmasked, ungloved officers. She claimed she was held in a cell with two dozen others for 36 hours, deprived of any sort of cleaning products beyond a squirt of hand sanitizer, highlighting the absurdity of arresting people for violating social distancing rules only to process them through a jail system that is sluggish and overcrowded.
A man running a speakeasy in south Brooklyn where patrons were found drinking and gambling in defiance of the closure order for non-essential businesses was also arrested on Sunday. However, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced weeks ago that his office would not be prosecuting “low-level offenses that don’t jeopardize public safety” during the epidemic calling into question the wisdom of charging the speakeasy operator with “illegal sale of alcohol” and “promoting gambling” in addition to violating social distancing.
The NYPD can’t be completely faulted for its confusion over the new guidelines. De Blasio threatened repeat social distancing violators with fines of up to $500 earlier this week, and typically for such low-level offenses the next step up from fines would be arrests. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo urged the NYPD to step up its enforcement earlier this week after crowds were seen amassing on Manhattan’s West Side Highway to watch the arrival of the hospital ship USNS Comfort, declaring that the force “has to get more aggressive” but without making clear whether he meant fines and summonses, or actually hauling violators off to jail.
Also on rt.com New Yorkers need calm during coronavirus crisis, not the Empire State Building screaming death and despair
Crime has declined sharply amid the coronavirus crisis – perhaps unsurprisingly, given that so many people are sheltering indoors – with a 20 percent drop for the two weeks since New York declared its emergency, the NYPD reported Thursday.
But the virus is increasingly taking its toll among the NYPD’s own ranks: by Wednesday, 1,400 officers had tested positive for coronavirus, and 6,172 were out sick, over 12 percent of the force. Given the lengthy incubation period of the virus, even officers who don’t experience symptoms themselves may be passing it on to the people they arrest, who then spread it through jails before potentially bringing it home to their families and coworkers.
New York is the epicenter of the coronavirus epidemic in the US, which is number one for infections anywhere in the world. The city has recorded some 2,935 coronavirus-related deaths as of Friday, more than a quarter of the nation’s total.
However, New York isn't the only place to lock people up for violating social distancing - numerous states and municipalities have threatened to do the same, and some, including Maryland, have followed through. Several countries, including Italy and the UK, have also threatened violators with jail time, though it's not clear how many of them have actually imposed the penalty to date.
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rt--2020-04-03--New York state sees highest daily jump in Covid-19 deaths, from total of 2,373 to 2,935 – Governor C

New York state sees highest daily jump in Covid-19 deaths, from total of 2,373 to 2,935 – Governor Cuomo

Another 562 people have died of the coronavirus in New York , as the state ’ s health crisis deepens .
Gov .
Andrew Cuomo declared people “ are going to die in the near term ” due to lack of beds and ventilators in hospitals .
The jump in deaths since Thursday brought New York ’ s total Covid-19 fatalities to just under 3,000 - just under half of the US ’ total of 6,558 .
“ New York is in crisis , help New York , ” Cuomo pleaded , calling on the federal government to deploy resources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
President Donald Trump has deployed a US Navy hospital ship to New York City , and the Army Corps of Engineers has already set up field hospitals in the city .
Even so , Cuomo said that his state is in dire straits .
“ Hospitals have now turned into effectively ICU hospitals for Covid-19 patients , ” he said .
Though Cuomo pleaded with both the federal government and neighboring states to deploy resources to New York , the governor has not yet issued a state-wide quarantine .
Cuomo rejected a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , claiming that such a plan would be “ counterproductive ” and “ un-American , ” before Trump abandoned the idea .
With the death toll rising , New York ’ s hospitals aren ’ t the only facilities running out of space .
Morgues in the Big Apple are nearing capacity , and the Federal Emergency Management Agency has ordered 85 refrigerated trucks and 100,000 body bags from the Pentagon to handle the demand , an ABC News report on Thursday revealed .
Confirmed cases of Covid-19 in New York jumped to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 92,000 a day earlier .
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Another 562 people have died of the coronavirus in New York, as the state’s health crisis deepens. Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared people “are going to die in the near term” due to lack of beds and ventilators in hospitals.
The jump in deaths since Thursday brought New York’s total Covid-19 fatalities to just under 3,000 - just under half of the US’ total of 6,558.
“New York is in crisis, help New York,” Cuomo pleaded, calling on the federal government to deploy resources from elsewhere to help the virus-stricken state.
President Donald Trump has deployed a US Navy hospital ship to New York City, and the Army Corps of Engineers has already set up field hospitals in the city. Even so, Cuomo said that his state is in dire straits.
“Hospitals have now turned into effectively ICU hospitals for Covid-19 patients,” he said.
Though Cuomo pleaded with both the federal government and neighboring states to deploy resources to New York, the governor has not yet issued a state-wide quarantine. Cuomo rejected a quarantine plan proposed by Trump last week, claiming that such a plan would be “counterproductive” and “un-American,” before Trump abandoned the idea.
Also on rt.com Why can’t even a pandemic lockdown stop Americans from being gunned down in mass shootings?
With the death toll rising, New York’s hospitals aren’t the only facilities running out of space. Morgues in the Big Apple are nearing capacity, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency has ordered 85 refrigerated trucks and 100,000 body bags from the Pentagon to handle the demand, an ABC News report on Thursday revealed.
Confirmed cases of Covid-19 in New York jumped to more than 100,000 on Friday too, from 92,000 a day earlier.
Also on rt.com Red states ‘slower to respond’ to Covid-19 as they listened to Trump, Axios founder claims…except blue states have been worst hit
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rt--2020-04-03--‘Not even a little bit!’ Trump sees no witch-hunt in US Navy firing Covid-19 whistleblower captain

US President Donald Trump rejected claims that a recently sacked Navy captain was unfairly persecuted for blowing the whistle on an inadequate response to a Covid-19 outbreak on the USS Theodore Roosevelt , calling for evacuation .
Asked whether the aircraft carrier commander , Captain Brett Cozier , was being “ punished ” for sending a letter directly to senior officials urging them to save the lives of his crewmen , the president was dismissive .
“ No , I don ’ t agree with that at all .
We ’ re going to wait for a little while… but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at all , ” Trump told reporters at a White House briefing on Thursday .
Crozier was relieved of his command by the Pentagon earlier on Thursday , with the Navy insisting his letter , leaked to the media , had caused unnecessary “ alarm.
” While the captain was correct to raise concerns , he was out of line for disregarding the standard military pecking order , the Navy argued , adding that Crozier sent the message over a non-secure email service .
The missive took up a grave tenor , pleading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s thousands of crewmen to disembark to Guam after more than 100 sailors tested positive for the lethal illness .
While the request was ultimately granted , at least partially , Crozier was nonetheless given the boot , a move the military said was in the “ best interest of the Navy and nation.
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US President Donald Trump rejected claims that a recently sacked Navy captain was unfairly persecuted for blowing the whistle on an inadequate response to a Covid-19 outbreak on the USS Theodore Roosevelt, calling for evacuation.
Asked whether the aircraft carrier commander, Captain Brett Cozier, was being “punished” for sending a letter directly to senior officials urging them to save the lives of his crewmen, the president was dismissive.
“No, I don’t agree with that at all. We’re going to wait for a little while… but I don’t agree with that at all,” Trump told reporters at a White House briefing on Thursday.
“No, I don’t think so at all,” President Trump says when asked if captain of aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, who is set to be relived of his duty, is being punished for trying to save the lives of the sailors in his command amid COVID-19 threat. https://t.co/wUSTWkBYvcpic.twitter.com/4IfUl7VKX5 — ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) April 2, 2020
Crozier was relieved of his command by the Pentagon earlier on Thursday, with the Navy insisting his letter, leaked to the media, had caused unnecessary “alarm.” While the captain was correct to raise concerns, he was out of line for disregarding the standard military pecking order, the Navy argued, adding that Crozier sent the message over a non-secure email service.
The missive took up a grave tenor, pleading with higher-ups to allow the warship’s thousands of crewmen to disembark to Guam after more than 100 sailors tested positive for the lethal illness. While the request was ultimately granted, at least partially, Crozier was nonetheless given the boot, a move the military said was in the “best interest of the Navy and nation.”
Also on rt.com Shooting the messenger? US Navy SACKS captain for ‘causing alarm’ with plea to save lives of Covid-19-stricken carrier crew
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rt--2020-04-03--New grim record: US becomes 1st country to report 1,000+ Covid-19 deaths in single day as global inf

New grim record: US becomes 1st country to report 1,000+ Covid-19 deaths in single day as global infections top 1 million

The United States has reached yet another dark milestone in the coronavirus pandemic , counting over 1,000 fatalities in the span of 24 hours and shattering the global record for daily deaths as worldwide cases soar past 1 million .
Surpassing both its own one-day record – broken every day this week – as well as that of Italy and Spain , the previous world leaders in daily fatalities , the US reported 1,169 new deaths on Thursday evening , according to Johns Hopkins University .
Already the top Covid-19 hotspot on Earth with nearly 250,000 cases , the surge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 states continue to accelerate , with New York at the top of the list .
The Empire State has reported 92,500 infections , largely clustered around New York City , where both hospitals and morgues are virtually overrun .
Though nearly 90 percent of the US population is now under lockdown orders – varying in severity and enforceability – a top expert on the White House Covid-19 task force , Dr. Anthony Fauci , argued the measures are chaotic and ineffective , insisting they should be coordinated nationwide .
“ If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this country , I just do n't understand why we 're not doing that , ” Fauci said during a town hall event hosted by CNN on Thursday , adding “ We really should be.
” The White House has also signaled that it would soon issue new federal guidelines for wearing face masks , which health authorities previously said would fail to protect the general public , though a number of cities have already recommended residents wear them , even if homemade .
Dr. Deborah Birx , coordinator for the Covid-19 task @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should not provide a “ false sense of security , ” as they don ’ t offer absolute protection , but will help slow down the spread of the virus .
The global disease toll topped 1 million cases earlier on Thursday and continued to climb by another 14,000 , most of them now split between Europe and the US , while deaths worldwide sit just shy of 53,000 .
Italy remains the top country for overall fatalities , however , with more than 13,000 , though as daily infection tallies begin to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearing the peak of its outbreak .
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The United States has reached yet another dark milestone in the coronavirus pandemic, counting over 1,000 fatalities in the span of 24 hours and shattering the global record for daily deaths as worldwide cases soar past 1 million.
Surpassing both its own one-day record – broken every day this week – as well as that of Italy and Spain, the previous world leaders in daily fatalities, the US reported 1,169 new deaths on Thursday evening, according to Johns Hopkins University.
#UPDATE US records 1,169 COVID-19 fatalities in the past 24 hours, the Johns Hopkins University tracker shows.It is the highest one-day death toll recorded in any country since the pandemic began📸 Medical staff move bodies to a refrigerated truck in Brooklyn, New York pic.twitter.com/KmrZpNH6sU — AFP news agency (@AFP) April 3, 2020
Already the top Covid-19 hotspot on Earth with nearly 250,000 cases, the surge in deaths comes as outbreaks across all 50 states continue to accelerate, with New York at the top of the list. The Empire State has reported 92,500 infections, largely clustered around New York City, where both hospitals and morgues are virtually overrun.
Though nearly 90 percent of the US population is now under lockdown orders – varying in severity and enforceability – a top expert on the White House Covid-19 task force, Dr. Anthony Fauci, argued the measures are chaotic and ineffective, insisting they should be coordinated nationwide.
“If you look at what's going on in this country, I just don't understand why we're not doing that,” Fauci said during a town hall event hosted by CNN on Thursday, adding “We really should be.”
The White House has also signaled that it would soon issue new federal guidelines for wearing face masks, which health authorities previously said would fail to protect the general public, though a number of cities have already recommended residents wear them, even if homemade. Dr. Deborah Birx, coordinator for the Covid-19 task force, warned that the face coverings should not provide a “false sense of security,” as they don’t offer absolute protection, but will help slow down the spread of the virus.
Also on rt.com Covid-19 cases reach 1 MILLION worldwide, 50,000 dead as pandemic continues to ravage the globe
The global disease toll topped 1 million cases earlier on Thursday and continued to climb by another 14,000, most of them now split between Europe and the US, while deaths worldwide sit just shy of 53,000. Italy remains the top country for overall fatalities, however, with more than 13,000, though as daily infection tallies begin to fall, the Mediterranean country may be nearing the peak of its outbreak.
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rt--2020-04-03--Amazon executives conspired to smear fired worker who led protest over Covid-19 safety conditions

Amazon ’ s top lawyer crafted a strategy to scapegoat the man who organized a protest at a New York warehouse , calling the African-American ex-employee ‘ not smart , or articulate.
’ President Obama ’ s ex-spokesman helped carry it out .
Chris Smalls was fired on Monday , after he led up to 50 of his colleagues at a Staten Island warehouse to walk out in protest over what they described as unsafe working conditions at the mammoth facility , including the lack of protective gear for the workers .
A number of political and media figures , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( I-Vermont ) , condemned the firing .
Amazon General Counsel David Zapolsky ’ s strategy to deal with the fallout was to propose “ strongly laying out the case for why the organizer ’ s conduct was immoral , unacceptable , and arguably illegal , in detail , and only then follow with our usual talking points about worker safety , ” according to the notes from a daily meeting of the company ’ s top executives – including CEO Jeff Bezos – obtained by Vice on Thursday .
“ He ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and the press focusing on him will put Amazon “ in a much stronger PR position , ” Zapolsky argued .
Two executives – Senior VP of operations Dave Clark and senior VP of global corporate affairs Jay Carney – then pushed back on Sanders ’ tweets using Zapolsky ’ s talking points , both blaming Smalls for “ purposely violated social distancing rules.
” That admission came from the Washington Post , the daily newspaper owned by Bezos , which framed the situation as being pretty much entirely Zapolsky ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all it could to protect its workforce , and hiring even more people to deliver much-needed products to millions of Americans under lockdown due to Covid-19 restrictions .
The entire episode also had a political undertone .
As journalist Jeremy Scahill of the Intercept pointed out , Zapolsky is a fundraiser for Joe Biden , Barack Obama ’ s former vice president and the current favorite of the Democratic establishment to win the 2020 presidential nomination .
Carney was Obama ’ s spokesman from 2011 to 2014 , and Biden ’ s prior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Biden had described Obama as “ the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean , ” touching off a firestorm of accusations that such descriptions were thinly veiled racism .
“ Racial coding ” is how journalist Malaika Jabali also described Zapolsky ’ s notes , adding that “ many warehouse workers are [ people of color ] .
This is a class AND race fight.
” Contrary to Zapolsky ’ s claims , Smalls did not appear to have any trouble expressing his views to RT , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ People are scared to work ” in the 5,000-person facility , he told RT on Wednesday , adding that Amazon refused to disinfect the warehouse even after as many as a dozen people tested positive for the coronavirus .
He also pledged to keep fighting , going directly to Governor Andrew Cuomo if need be .
“ I let my emotions draft my words and get the better of me , ” Zapolsky told Vice after he was asked to explain his notes .
He then went right back to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was “ frustrated and upset that an Amazon employee would endanger the health and safety of other Amazonians by repeatedly returning to the premises after having been warned to quarantine himself ” after exposure to the coronavirus .
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Amazon’s top lawyer crafted a strategy to scapegoat the man who organized a protest at a New York warehouse, calling the African-American ex-employee ‘not smart, or articulate.’ President Obama’s ex-spokesman helped carry it out.
Chris Smalls was fired on Monday, after he led up to 50 of his colleagues at a Staten Island warehouse to walk out in protest over what they described as unsafe working conditions at the mammoth facility, including the lack of protective gear for the workers. A number of political and media figures, including Democrat presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), condemned the firing.
Amazon General Counsel David Zapolsky’s strategy to deal with the fallout was to propose “strongly laying out the case for why the organizer’s conduct was immoral, unacceptable, and arguably illegal, in detail, and only then follow with our usual talking points about worker safety,” according to the notes from a daily meeting of the company’s top executives – including CEO Jeff Bezos – obtained by Vice on Thursday.
Make him the most interesting part of the story, and if possible make him the face of the entire union/organizing movement.
“He’s not smart, or articulate,” and the press focusing on him will put Amazon “in a much stronger PR position,” Zapolsky argued.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked notes from an internal Amazon meeting reveal that company executives discussed a plan to smear Christian Smalls, a warehouse employee who was fired after he led an employee walkout at a Staten Island distribution warehouse. https://t.co/HgimBi1JFD — VICE News (@vicenews) April 2, 2020
Two executives – Senior VP of operations Dave Clark and senior VP of global corporate affairs Jay Carney – then pushed back on Sanders’ tweets using Zapolsky’s talking points, both blaming Smalls for “purposely violated social distancing rules.”
That admission came from the Washington Post, the daily newspaper owned by Bezos, which framed the situation as being pretty much entirely Zapolsky’s brainchild while maintaining that Amazon was doing all it could to protect its workforce, and hiring even more people to deliver much-needed products to millions of Americans under lockdown due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Amazon’s top legal executive suggested the company’s senior leaders fend off workplace safety criticism by trying to turn the focus on an activist warehouse worker it had fired just days earlier https://t.co/3HgKOBSTrZ — The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) April 2, 2020
The entire episode also had a political undertone. As journalist Jeremy Scahill of the Intercept pointed out, Zapolsky is a fundraiser for Joe Biden, Barack Obama’s former vice president and the current favorite of the Democratic establishment to win the 2020 presidential nomination. Carney was Obama’s spokesman from 2011 to 2014, and Biden’s prior to that.
Way back in 2007, Biden had described Obama as “the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean,” touching off a firestorm of accusations that such descriptions were thinly veiled racism.
“Racial coding” is how journalist Malaika Jabali also described Zapolsky’s notes, adding that “many warehouse workers are [people of color]. This is a class AND race fight.”
Contrary to Zapolsky’s claims, Smalls did not appear to have any trouble expressing his views to RT, or penning a Guardian op-ed after his firing.
Also on rt.com ‘We will go to the governor’s door’: Fired Amazon walkout leader vows BIGGER protest if Covid-19 safety demands not met
“People are scared to work” in the 5,000-person facility, he told RT on Wednesday, adding that Amazon refused to disinfect the warehouse even after as many as a dozen people tested positive for the coronavirus. He also pledged to keep fighting, going directly to Governor Andrew Cuomo if need be.
“I let my emotions draft my words and get the better of me,” Zapolsky told Vice after he was asked to explain his notes. He then went right back to the original talking points blaming Smalls, saying he was “frustrated and upset that an Amazon employee would endanger the health and safety of other Amazonians by repeatedly returning to the premises after having been warned to quarantine himself” after exposure to the coronavirus.
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rt--2020-04-03--‘Missing in action’: Trump savages Schumer in scathing letter after criticism of Covid-19 response

US President Donald Trump penned a blistering letter slamming Senator Chuck Schumer ( D-New York ) as “ missing in action ” during the Covid-19 pandemic , firing back after the lawmaker attacked the federal response to the crisis .
“ Thank you for your Democrat public relations letter and incorrect sound bites , which are wrong in every way , ” the missive begins , responding to the Senate minority leader ’ s appeal earlier on Thursday for the appointment of a coronavirus “ czar ” amid what he called a “ federal leadership void.
” Had Schumer “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ridiculous impeachment hoax… New York would not have been so completely unprepared ” to deal with the outbreak – which has infected more than 92,000 and killed over 2,300 in the state – Trump continued .
Besides looking to score public relations points in the press , the lawmaker has been “ missing in action ” in the fight against the virus .
Inviting Schumer to call with any questions he might have , the letter concludes on an even harsher note : “ I ’ ve known you for many years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senator you are ... until I became president.
” The withering response was hailed by the president ’ s supporters as the “ best letter ever , ” some even putting it on par with Abraham Lincoln ’ s Gettysburg Address .
Critics , however , slammed Trump for shifting blame for a slow response to the virus , arguing the letter was nothing more than a presidential “ temper tantrum ” and a show of immaturity .
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US President Donald Trump penned a blistering letter slamming Senator Chuck Schumer (D-New York) as “missing in action” during the Covid-19 pandemic, firing back after the lawmaker attacked the federal response to the crisis.
“Thank you for your Democrat public relations letter and incorrect sound bites, which are wrong in every way,” the missive begins, responding to the Senate minority leader’s appeal earlier on Thursday for the appointment of a coronavirus “czar” amid what he called a “federal leadership void.”
President Trump is a SAVAGEHe wrote this letter to @SenSchumer and called him out on all of the lies he has told and finished it off with: “No wonder AOC and others are thinking about running against you in the primary. If they did, they would likely win.”Amazing. pic.twitter.com/A5SFZY4QBv — Benny (@bennyjohnson) April 2, 2020
Had Schumer “spent less time on [the] ridiculous impeachment hoax… New York would not have been so completely unprepared” to deal with the outbreak – which has infected more than 92,000 and killed over 2,300 in the state – Trump continued. Besides looking to score public relations points in the press, the lawmaker has been “missing in action” in the fight against the virus.
No wonder [New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez] and others are thinking about running against you in the primary. If they did, they would likely win.
Inviting Schumer to call with any questions he might have, the letter concludes on an even harsher note: “I’ve known you for many years, but I never knew how bad a senator you are... until I became president.”
The withering response was hailed by the president’s supporters as the “best letter ever,” some even putting it on par with Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
Best letter ever https://t.co/7zB9w7SKLz — Save See’s Candy Cernovich (@Cernovich) April 2, 2020
This is better than the Gettysburg Address. https://t.co/aiDCrMYGBu — Michael Knowles (@michaeljknowles) April 2, 2020
This is probably the most epic letter any president has ever sent to a lawmaker.Good for @realDonaldTrump. https://t.co/xD1tSxW2q1 — Richard Baris (@Peoples_Pundit) April 2, 2020
Critics, however, slammed Trump for shifting blame for a slow response to the virus, arguing the letter was nothing more than a presidential “temper tantrum” and a show of immaturity.
Blame shifting — Corrine Anderson-Ket (@KetCorrine) April 2, 2020
Our president is a 5year old🤣🤡 — jbru25 (@jbru251) April 2, 2020
This letter was written by a child having a temper tantrum. It’s an absolute disgrace. 😳 — Jules Morgan (@glamelegance) April 2, 2020
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rt--2020-04-02--Are people in the South more at risk from Covid-19 or is this just more fear-mongering?

New media reports suggest younger people are contracting the coronavirus in southern US states at a higher rate , and greater travel puts the region more at risk , but they ignore long-standing realities .
“ More young people in the South seem to be dying from Covid-19 , ” The Atlantic announced in their latest report on the pandemic , compiled through their own Covid Tracking Project .
In Louisiana , people in the age range of 40-59 account for 22 percent of the 310 deaths — out of 9,150 cases — in the state , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up nearly 20 percent of the 163 deaths — out of 5,348 cases — in Georgia .
It also notes that those age ranges are in the single digit ranges when it comes to death from the virus in states such as Washington and Colorado , which has a total of 80 deaths and 3,342 cases .
“ The outbreaks currently expanding in the American South are unique – and mainly because of how many people in their working prime are dying , ” Atlantic ’ s Vann Newkirk writes .
Most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Spain have mainly belonged to the elderly — people under 70 make up only 12 percent of the deaths in Spain , for instance .
Newkirk cited an analysis from the Kaiser Family Foundation , which used CDC guidelines about the coronavirus to identify people most at risk – people over 60 , as well as those under that age who suffer from heart disease , cancer , lung disease , or diabetes .
The analysis concludes that in the southern US states of Arkansas , Alabama , Kentucky , Tennessee , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make up around a quarter of the at-risk population , which is higher than in other states .
While that data is unique compared to the rest of the US , it should not be surprising .
Southern states have long been listed as the unhealthiest in the nation because heart disease and obesity rates are higher , creating more risk for younger people facing the coronavirus .
According to America ’ s Health Rankings , which rates the health of US states every year , Arkansas , Louisiana , and Mississippi are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of obesity , cardiovascular deaths and diabetes .
Younger southerners are more at risk from the coronavirus because of all of these factors , just as they have been from seasonal flu .
In the 2018 annual report , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) said that the most deaths from the flu were from states like Tennessee , Alabama and Mississippi .
Meanwhile , the New York Times published a report on Thursday suggesting that the South was particularly at risk from the coronavirus .
The “ study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be much worse in the South based on people traveling longer distances , even with stay-at-home guidelines now in place – accompanied by an ominous-looking map .
“ In a word ...
The South , ” tweeted Michael Barbaro , host of the Times podcast The Daily .
He received plenty of flak for ignoring the realities of the region to seemingly take a low political blow at 'red states . '
The map ignores the basic reality of population density , many of the critics pointed out .
This is something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visiting MSNBC ’ s ‘ Morning Joe ’ on Thursday , where he suggested the Republican-voting “ red states ” in the South were responding slower to the virus for political reasons .
The reality is less population density means there are simply fewer cases , because the virus does not spread as quickly as in places like New York City .
Lack of population density accounts for people traveling longer distances in the South , but it does not present more danger because traveling more than two miles in , say , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so in New York .
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New media reports suggest younger people are contracting the coronavirus in southern US states at a higher rate, and greater travel puts the region more at risk, but they ignore long-standing realities.
“More young people in the South seem to be dying from Covid-19,” The Atlantic announced in their latest report on the pandemic, compiled through their own Covid Tracking Project.
In Louisiana, people in the age range of 40-59 account for 22 percent of the 310 deaths — out of 9,150 cases — in the state, according to the report. That same age range makes up nearly 20 percent of the 163 deaths — out of 5,348 cases — in Georgia. It also notes that those age ranges are in the single digit ranges when it comes to death from the virus in states such as Washington and Colorado, which has a total of 80 deaths and 3,342 cases.
“The outbreaks currently expanding in the American South are unique – and mainly because of how many people in their working prime are dying,” Atlantic’s Vann Newkirk writes. Most of the deaths in hard-hit countries like China and Spain have mainly belonged to the elderly — people under 70 make up only 12 percent of the deaths in Spain, for instance.
Also on rt.com Less than one third of Americans would rush to get coronavirus vaccine – poll
Newkirk cited an analysis from the Kaiser Family Foundation, which used CDC guidelines about the coronavirus to identify people most at risk – people over 60, as well as those under that age who suffer from heart disease, cancer, lung disease, or diabetes.
The analysis concludes that in the southern US states of Arkansas, Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi, younger people make up around a quarter of the at-risk population, which is higher than in other states.
While that data is unique compared to the rest of the US, it should not be surprising. Southern states have long been listed as the unhealthiest in the nation because heart disease and obesity rates are higher, creating more risk for younger people facing the coronavirus.
Also on rt.com University of Pittsburgh touts flu-like vaccine against Covid-19, says it works on mice
According to America’s Health Rankings, which rates the health of US states every year, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi are the least healthy, with high levels of obesity, cardiovascular deaths and diabetes.
Younger southerners are more at risk from the coronavirus because of all of these factors, just as they have been from seasonal flu. In the 2018 annual report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that the most deaths from the flu were from states like Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi.
Meanwhile, the New York Times published a report on Thursday suggesting that the South was particularly at risk from the coronavirus. The “study” claimed the spread of the coronavirus could be much worse in the South based on people traveling longer distances, even with stay-at-home guidelines now in place – accompanied by an ominous-looking map.
“In a word ...The South,” tweeted Michael Barbaro, host of the Times podcast The Daily. He received plenty of flak for ignoring the realities of the region to seemingly take a low political blow at 'red states.'
A lot of misinterpretation of my (not well-enough contextualized) tweet on this so taking it down.Will let the map speak for itself, with link to article for greater context:https://t.co/Ak78wdp2umpic.twitter.com/ZsHLyPaJlh — Michael Barbaro (@mikiebarb) April 2, 2020
The map ignores the basic reality of population density, many of the critics pointed out. This is something Axios co-founder Jim VanderHei also ignored when visiting MSNBC’s ‘Morning Joe’ on Thursday, where he suggested the Republican-voting “red states” in the South were responding slower to the virus for political reasons. The reality is less population density means there are simply fewer cases, because the virus does not spread as quickly as in places like New York City.
Lack of population density accounts for people traveling longer distances in the South, but it does not present more danger because traveling more than two miles in, say, Mississippi, is completely different from doing so in New York.
I grew up in a cattle farm in one of those red counties. When I was a kid, the closest grocery store was 5 miles away.Now the closest to the farm is 4 miles away. — Nate Madden (@NateOnTheHill) April 2, 2020
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rt--2020-04-02--US small business bailout program may be doomed to flop before it starts, as banks balk at terms

A $ 350 billion small business bailout , a vital fiscal lifeline for millions of enterprises facing certain doom at the hands of coronavirus-inspired lockdowns , may be dead on arrival due to fears of banks doing the lending .
Thousands of banks expected to participate in the Trump administration ’ s coronavirus stimulus loan program for small businesses are getting cold feet at the eleventh hour , representatives from those banks told a handful of media outlets on Thursday .
If they pull out , the entire future of the program is uncertain – and with it the future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employ half the country ’ s workforce and are facing utter economic devastation if the lifeline promised by their government doesn ’ t arrive soon .
With applications for the loans due to open at midnight on Friday , time is running out for the Paycheck Protection Program to pull itself together .
The $ 350 billion segment of the $ 2 trillion coronavirus fiscal stimulus package signed into law last month was designed to give the small and medium-sized enterprises a nice low-interest ( 0.5 percent ) loan to tide them through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as much as 2.5 times their average monthly payroll and won ’ t even have to pay back the money if they use it to keep their business running .
As it might be expected with such tempting terms – especially in a panicked climate where 6.6 million Americans have found themselves out of work in the last few weeks – demand is anticipated to far outstrip supply .
Industry experts predict a “ feeding frenzy , ” CNBC warned on Thursday , painting a nightmarish scenario in which millions of profit-starved businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ first come , first served ” loans as soon as its ( virtual ) doors open – creating an Obamacare-esque debacle that could snarl distribution of the aid for months .
The threat of technical difficulties isn ’ t what ’ s causing the banks to balk at the starting line , however .
Large and small lenders are reportedly fighting with each other and with the Treasury Department and Small Business Administration , which is administering the loans , over what exactly the final terms will be , each seeking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Small banks want a higher interest rate because they can ’ t make much off 0.5 percent .
Banks large and small want signed guarantees – from both loan applicants and regulators alike – that they won ’ t be held responsible if applicants lie about their qualifications to secure loans under false pretenses .
Guidelines released by the administration on Tuesday place the responsibility on the banks to verify that applicants meet the program ’ s requirements .
But the banks have argued they ’ ll be under a massive time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 30 – and that it simply won ’ t be feasible to rubber-stamp their approval on companies they ’ ve never even looked at before .
“ Banks are working to get money out the door as quickly as possible , ” a spokesman for industry group the Consumer Bankers Association told Politico , explaining they simply don ’ t want to be subjected to “ unlimited potential liability for things that they can not control.
” Add in the time required to satisfy anti-money-laundering and terrorist-financing laws , and the situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade group pleaded with the Treasury and SBA in a letter sent Wednesday .
The letter ’ s core premise – that ’ s a nice small business loan program you ’ ve got there , would be a shame if we couldn ’ t participate because of some inconvenient provision – may not have been intended as a threat , but given the urgency of distributing the funds to businesses already inches away from death , it could easily be interpreted as one .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced Thursday evening that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one percent , and that bankers would `` never '' have a better chance to make a 50-point profit on government-guaranteed loans .
Mnuchin said he was sure that all banks will participate in the program , but implementing it would take some time .
It ’ s not that the banks don ’ t have good reason to be cautious .
The crash of 2008 was in part caused by armies of so-called robo-signers working for banks who blindly approved mortgage after mortgage for applicants that had no chance of paying them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as complex financial instruments whose value was as inflated as they were rotten to the core .
This time around , the financial industry is hoping to avoid a repeat of the aftermath of the housing market crash that saw institutions wracked with billions of dollars in fines and lawsuits .
Still , small businesses are unlikely to see the big banks ’ foot-dragging as admirable prudence – not when those same banks fell all over themselves to get 2008 ’ s TARP bailout passed as soon as possible after the market collapse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program ’ s workability .
Unlike the Wall Street bailout , the effects of a bailout of the dying US small businesses will be immediately felt by millions of stressed-out Americans and might even reorient the economy toward recovery – that is , if the bankers don ’ t make a mess of it .
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A $350 billion small business bailout, a vital fiscal lifeline for millions of enterprises facing certain doom at the hands of coronavirus-inspired lockdowns, may be dead on arrival due to fears of banks doing the lending.
Thousands of banks expected to participate in the Trump administration’s coronavirus stimulus loan program for small businesses are getting cold feet at the eleventh hour, representatives from those banks told a handful of media outlets on Thursday. If they pull out, the entire future of the program is uncertain – and with it the future of millions of American small businesses that employ half the country’s workforce and are facing utter economic devastation if the lifeline promised by their government doesn’t arrive soon.
With applications for the loans due to open at midnight on Friday, time is running out for the Paycheck Protection Program to pull itself together. The $350 billion segment of the $2 trillion coronavirus fiscal stimulus package signed into law last month was designed to give the small and medium-sized enterprises a nice low-interest (0.5 percent) loan to tide them through the crisis. Applicants can ask for as much as 2.5 times their average monthly payroll and won’t even have to pay back the money if they use it to keep their business running.
Also on rt.com Wall Street stocks seesaw in choppy trading on disastrous US unemployment data
As it might be expected with such tempting terms – especially in a panicked climate where 6.6 million Americans have found themselves out of work in the last few weeks – demand is anticipated to far outstrip supply.
Industry experts predict a “feeding frenzy,” CNBC warned on Thursday, painting a nightmarish scenario in which millions of profit-starved businesses overload the application website clamoring for the “first come, first served” loans as soon as its (virtual) doors open – creating an Obamacare-esque debacle that could snarl distribution of the aid for months.
The threat of technical difficulties isn’t what’s causing the banks to balk at the starting line, however. Large and small lenders are reportedly fighting with each other and with the Treasury Department and Small Business Administration, which is administering the loans, over what exactly the final terms will be, each seeking to insulate themselves from risk and maximize profitability.
Small banks want a higher interest rate because they can’t make much off 0.5 percent. Banks large and small want signed guarantees – from both loan applicants and regulators alike – that they won’t be held responsible if applicants lie about their qualifications to secure loans under false pretenses.
Guidelines released by the administration on Tuesday place the responsibility on the banks to verify that applicants meet the program’s requirements. But the banks have argued they’ll be under a massive time crunch – applications are only open until June 30 – and that it simply won’t be feasible to rubber-stamp their approval on companies they’ve never even looked at before.
“Banks are working to get money out the door as quickly as possible,” a spokesman for industry group the Consumer Bankers Association told Politico, explaining they simply don’t want to be subjected to “unlimited potential liability for things that they cannot control.”
Add in the time required to satisfy anti-money-laundering and terrorist-financing laws, and the situation is totally unworkable, another banking industry trade group pleaded with the Treasury and SBA in a letter sent Wednesday.
The letter’s core premise – that’s a nice small business loan program you’ve got there, would be a shame if we couldn’t participate because of some inconvenient provision – may not have been intended as a threat, but given the urgency of distributing the funds to businesses already inches away from death, it could easily be interpreted as one.
Also on rt.com America’s rich work from home & whine while poor lose jobs or get exposed to coronavirus – poll
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced Thursday evening that the interest rate would go up to one percent, and that bankers would "never" have a better chance to make a 50-point profit on government-guaranteed loans. Mnuchin said he was sure that all banks will participate in the program, but implementing it would take some time.
It’s not that the banks don’t have good reason to be cautious. The crash of 2008 was in part caused by armies of so-called robo-signers working for banks who blindly approved mortgage after mortgage for applicants that had no chance of paying them off in order to bundle those mortgages as complex financial instruments whose value was as inflated as they were rotten to the core. This time around, the financial industry is hoping to avoid a repeat of the aftermath of the housing market crash that saw institutions wracked with billions of dollars in fines and lawsuits.
Still, small businesses are unlikely to see the big banks’ foot-dragging as admirable prudence – not when those same banks fell all over themselves to get 2008’s TARP bailout passed as soon as possible after the market collapse without a care for regulations or the program’s workability.
Unlike the Wall Street bailout, the effects of a bailout of the dying US small businesses will be immediately felt by millions of stressed-out Americans and might even reorient the economy toward recovery – that is, if the bankers don’t make a mess of it.
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rt--2020-04-02--Shooting the messenger? US Navy SACKS captain for ‘causing alarm’ with plea to save lives of Covid-1

Shooting the messenger? US Navy SACKS captain for ‘causing alarm’ with plea to save lives of Covid-19-stricken carrier crew

The commander of USS Theodore Roosevelt hit by Covid-19 has been relieved of duty , with the military stating he was “ overwhelmed ” by the crisis , after writing a letter pleading for infected sailors to be evacuated .
The head officer aboard the carrier , Captain Brett Crozier , was removed from his post , the Navy said in a statement , taking him to task for “ causing alarm ” with a letter sent directly to senior officials as scores of sailors on the aircraft carrier contracted the lethal coronavirus , skipping several rungs on the chain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter urgently requested an immediate evacuation of the ship to “ prevent tragic outcomes , ” striking a dire tone after more than 100 sailors became infected and the Roosevelt was forced to dock in Guam .
Though Crozier 's request was ultimately granted earlier on Thursday , the military insists his sacking was in the “ best interest of the Navy and nation.
” Thousands of the ship ’ s crew members have now been allowed to disembark to hotels on the island to avoid further illness , but the Navy questioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ absolutely correct ” to raise concerns , but took issue with “ the way in which he did it.
” “ I have no doubt in my mind Captain Crozier did what he thought was best for the health and safety ” of his crew , said acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly , adding “ unfortunately , it did the opposite , ” potentially emboldening “ adversaries ” into taking advantage of the Roosevelt ’ s vulnerable state .
The Navy faced fierce criticism after Crozier ’ s firing , some insisting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” while others suggested he would have faced less retaliation had he violated the laws of war “ instead of trying to save his sailors.
” Others noted the captain knew what would happen if he sent the letter but still hailed his “ sacrifice , ” however a handful were less sympathetic , arguing Crozier “ deserved ” to be sacked for breaking the chain of command .
Not long after the captain ’ s letter was sent , appearing prominently in a flurry of press reports , the Pentagon locked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to share data beyond “ aggregated numbers ” as it could reveal weak points in US forces .
The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on the US military , forcing the Pentagon to recall 20,000 troops from NATO ’ s massive Defender Europe 2020 drill , set to be the alliance ’ s largest exercise in 25 years .
Outbreaks have been reported on at least four Navy warships – including the Roosevelt – while airbases across the US have gone on high alert after airmen contracted the illness .
In hopes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the military has also halted all major troop movements worldwide , excluding only the withdrawal from Afghanistan .
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The commander of USS Theodore Roosevelt hit by Covid-19 has been relieved of duty, with the military stating he was “overwhelmed” by the crisis, after writing a letter pleading for infected sailors to be evacuated.
The head officer aboard the carrier, Captain Brett Crozier, was removed from his post, the Navy said in a statement, taking him to task for “causing alarm” with a letter sent directly to senior officials as scores of sailors on the aircraft carrier contracted the lethal coronavirus, skipping several rungs on the chain of command.
Also on rt.com Thousands of quarantined sailors from USS Theodore Roosevelt to be temporarily housed in Guam hotels
The captain’s letter urgently requested an immediate evacuation of the ship to “prevent tragic outcomes,” striking a dire tone after more than 100 sailors became infected and the Roosevelt was forced to dock in Guam.
We are not at war. Sailors do not need to die. If we do not act now, we are failing to properly take care of our most trusted asset.
Though Crozier's request was ultimately granted earlier on Thursday, the military insists his sacking was in the “best interest of the Navy and nation.”
Thousands of the ship’s crew members have now been allowed to disembark to hotels on the island to avoid further illness, but the Navy questioned Crozier's judgement, stating he was “absolutely correct” to raise concerns, but took issue with “the way in which he did it.”
Also on rt.com Run for the hills! Pentagon sends teams into MOUNTAIN BUNKERS as pandemic preparations go into full swing
“I have no doubt in my mind Captain Crozier did what he thought was best for the health and safety” of his crew, said acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly, adding “unfortunately, it did the opposite,” potentially emboldening “adversaries” into taking advantage of the Roosevelt’s vulnerable state.
The Navy faced fierce criticism after Crozier’s firing, some insisting he was “punished for his integrity,” while others suggested he would have faced less retaliation had he violated the laws of war “instead of trying to save his sailors.”
As a veteran said to me just now, if Capt. Crozier had committed a war crime instead of trying to save his sailors, his command would be assured. https://t.co/6sRYkLVZPD — Spencer Ackerman (@attackerman) April 2, 2020
Others noted the captain knew what would happen if he sent the letter but still hailed his “sacrifice,” however a handful were less sympathetic, arguing Crozier “deserved” to be sacked for breaking the chain of command.
"The fact that he wrote the letter to his chain of command to express his concerns would absolutely not result in any time of retaliation."-- Navy Secretary Thomas Modly, literally yesterdayThis is absurd. Capt. Brett Crozier is being punished for his integrity. https://t.co/thpdIEgEbQ — Charlotte Clymer 🏳🌈 (@cmclymer) April 2, 2020
Not long after the captain’s letter was sent, appearing prominently in a flurry of press reports, the Pentagon locked down information regarding infected soldiers, refusing to share data beyond “aggregated numbers” as it could reveal weak points in US forces.
The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on the US military, forcing the Pentagon to recall 20,000 troops from NATO’s massive Defender Europe 2020 drill, set to be the alliance’s largest exercise in 25 years. Outbreaks have been reported on at least four Navy warships – including the Roosevelt – while airbases across the US have gone on high alert after airmen contracted the illness. In hopes of stemming the spread of the disease, the military has also halted all major troop movements worldwide, excluding only the withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Also on rt.com Coronavirus cancels major military drills, gives Europe reprieve from NATO warmongering
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rt--2020-01-07--Americans approve of Trump’s assassination of Soleimani... even though 60% had never heard of him –

Americans approve of Trump’s assassination of Soleimani... even though 60% had never heard of him – poll

A new poll has found that Americans doubt Donald Trump has a clear Iran policy , but nonetheless they support the decision to kill Qassem Soleimani – who , remarkably , had been an unknown entity for the majority of respondents .
Forty-three percent of Americans said they approved of the US drone strike that killed the Iranian commander last week in Baghdad , while 38 % disapproved and 19 % said they were unsure , according to the results of a HuffPost/YouGov survey .
The somewhat shaky support for the controversial strike appears at odds with Americans ’ views @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dealing with Tehran .
A mere 32 % believe that the US president has a clear Iran policy , while 47 % said Washington ’ s approach toward the Islamic Republic lacks cohesion .
And while almost half the country backs Soleimani ’ s assassination , 60 % of Americans conceded that they had never heard of the Quds Force commander before last week .
An additional 14 % said they weren ’ t sure if they had known about him before the strike .
The survey was conducted between January 3 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,000 US adults .
The poll has a margin of error of 3.4 percent .
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A new poll has found that Americans doubt Donald Trump has a clear Iran policy, but nonetheless they support the decision to kill Qassem Soleimani – who, remarkably, had been an unknown entity for the majority of respondents.
Forty-three percent of Americans said they approved of the US drone strike that killed the Iranian commander last week in Baghdad, while 38% disapproved and 19% said they were unsure, according to the results of a HuffPost/YouGov survey.
The somewhat shaky support for the controversial strike appears at odds with Americans’ views on Trump’s broader strategy for dealing with Tehran. A mere 32% believe that the US president has a clear Iran policy, while 47% said Washington’s approach toward the Islamic Republic lacks cohesion.
Also on rt.com Burial of slain Iranian general Soleimani delayed due to huge crowds, STAMPEDE kills 50 – state media
And while almost half the country backs Soleimani’s assassination, 60% of Americans conceded that they had never heard of the Quds Force commander before last week. An additional 14% said they weren’t sure if they had known about him before the strike.
The survey was conducted between January 3 and January 5 among a sample size of 1,000 US adults. The poll has a margin of error of 3.4 percent.
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rt--2020-01-07--US deploys 6 B-52 strategic bombers to Indian Ocean base amid drastic spike in tensions with Iran –

US deploys 6 B-52 strategic bombers to Indian Ocean base amid drastic spike in tensions with Iran – report

The US Air Force is sending six B-52 Stratofortress long-range bombers to Diego Garcia , a secretive military outpost in the Indian Ocean , as tension soars in the wake of a US assassination strike on a top Iranian general .
The bombers will be “ available for operations against Iran if ordered , ” CNN ’ s Barbara Starr reported Monday , citing an unnamed US official , though the reporter noted the new deployment “ does not signal that operations have been ordered.
” The deployment also appears to have been corroborated by military aviation watchers , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ departed from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana .
The six bombers will follow nearly 4,000 US troops deployed to the region since last week , sent as hostilities with Iran reached new heights .
Following a heated demonstration at the American Embassy in Baghdad which Washington portrayed as an “ Iranian attack , ” the US launched a kill strike on the commander of Iran ’ s elite Quds Force , Qassem Soleimani , as he arrived to Baghdad for a meeting , also taking out several allied Iraqi militia leaders along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the general was involved in plots to attack American forces , Tehran insists the assassination – of a top official on a diplomatic trip , no less – was an act of “ international terrorism ” and has vowed to retaliate .
Monday ’ s B-52 deployment is not the only one in recent months , with four more of the long-range heavy bombers sent to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar last May , also for the purpose of countering the so-called “ Iranian threat.
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The US Air Force is sending six B-52 Stratofortress long-range bombers to Diego Garcia, a secretive military outpost in the Indian Ocean, as tension soars in the wake of a US assassination strike on a top Iranian general.
The bombers will be “available for operations against Iran if ordered,” CNN’s Barbara Starr reported Monday, citing an unnamed US official, though the reporter noted the new deployment “does not signal that operations have been ordered.”
Pentagon to begin sending 6 B-52s to Diego Garcia: US official. B-52s will be available for operations against Iran if ordered, the official said. But the deployment does not signal that operations have been ordered. #Iran#Solemani — Barbara Starr (@barbarastarrcnn) January 6, 2020
The deployment also appears to have been corroborated by military aviation watchers, who tracked at least two bombers as they departed from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana.
JAN 06: USAF B-52Hs MYTEE51 & 52 departed Barksdale AFB for Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean due to #Iran tensions. pic.twitter.com/2PgkMMnAXw — Aircraft Spots (@AircraftSpots) January 7, 2020
The six bombers will follow nearly 4,000 US troops deployed to the region since last week, sent as hostilities with Iran reached new heights. Following a heated demonstration at the American Embassy in Baghdad which Washington portrayed as an “Iranian attack,” the US launched a kill strike on the commander of Iran’s elite Quds Force, Qassem Soleimani, as he arrived to Baghdad for a meeting, also taking out several allied Iraqi militia leaders along with him.
Also on rt.com 3,000 more US troops headed to Middle East after Baghdad strike that killed Soleimani
While the US maintains the general was involved in plots to attack American forces, Tehran insists the assassination – of a top official on a diplomatic trip, no less – was an act of “international terrorism” and has vowed to retaliate.
Monday’s B-52 deployment is not the only one in recent months, with four more of the long-range heavy bombers sent to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar last May, also for the purpose of countering the so-called “Iranian threat.”
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rt--2020-01-06--‘Innocent mistake’? CNBC replaces Andrew Yang and Tulsi Gabbard with generic Asian man, white senato

‘Innocent mistake’? CNBC replaces Andrew Yang and Tulsi Gabbard with generic Asian man, white senator

CNBC has poured gasoline on the theory MSM is deliberately marginalizing certain 2020 Democratic candidates , swapping photos of businessman Andrew Yang and Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard with bizarre substitutes .
The candidates got an unwitting makeover during the network ’ s Squawk Box program on Monday , as the show was covering fourth-quarter fundraising totals .
Yang ’ s face was replaced with a similarly-named Asian businessman , founding partner of Redpoint Ventures Geoff Yang .
Gabbard was replaced , even more confusingly , by New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand – once a primary candidate herself , until she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One could chalk both up to chance mistakes – Geoff and Andrew Yang have the same last name , so perhaps their headshots are sequential in the network ’ s files ?
Gabbard and Gillibrand were sequential in the alphabetical list of candidates , perhaps they forgot to remove the blonde , decidedly un-Gabbard-like congresswoman when she called it quits six months ago ?
But the fact that both candidates , each with a decidedly anti-establishment bent , have been noticeably shafted by mainstream media in the past led their supporters to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ innocent mistake ” hypothesis .
“ This has to be intentional malice , ” one user observed .
“ They ’ re so used to not covering them .
Maybe none of their staff knew what they look like , ” deadpanned one user .
Some called the switcheroo racist .
“ Imagine if it had been [ Cory ] Booker ’ s face with another black man .
The left would be enraged.
” Others took matters into their own hands .
Between the # YangMediaBlackout – the outsider candidate has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results , and other visual aids even when polling significantly higher than others shown – and the Groundhog Day-like attacks on Gabbard for meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad in 2017 , it ’ s easy to see how both candidates ’ supporters might accuse mainstream media of wearing its bias on its sleeve .
The network eventually apologized for the mistake and quickly fixed the graphic , but not before several people had suggested the Yang campaign take legal action against them .
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CNBC has poured gasoline on the theory MSM is deliberately marginalizing certain 2020 Democratic candidates, swapping photos of businessman Andrew Yang and Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard with bizarre substitutes.
The candidates got an unwitting makeover during the network’s Squawk Box program on Monday, as the show was covering fourth-quarter fundraising totals. Yang’s face was replaced with a similarly-named Asian businessman, founding partner of Redpoint Ventures Geoff Yang. Gabbard was replaced, even more confusingly, by New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand – once a primary candidate herself, until she dropped out of the race in August.
This actually just happened. This is not fake. Click the link to confirm for yourself. CNBC screwed up the photos for both @AndrewYang and @TulsiGabbard in their reporting of Q4 fundraising totals.Source: https://t.co/a5zUItpS0H#YangMediaBlackout#YangGang#TulsiGabbardpic.twitter.com/b91mvSmvCH — Scott Santens🧢 (@scottsantens) January 6, 2020
One could chalk both up to chance mistakes – Geoff and Andrew Yang have the same last name, so perhaps their headshots are sequential in the network’s files? Gabbard and Gillibrand were sequential in the alphabetical list of candidates, perhaps they forgot to remove the blonde, decidedly un-Gabbard-like congresswoman when she called it quits six months ago? But the fact that both candidates, each with a decidedly anti-establishment bent, have been noticeably shafted by mainstream media in the past led their supporters to cry foul.
Also on rt.com Hard truth to spit out: Yang tells Dems to stop obsessing over impeachment & deal with issues that helped Trump get elected
Hardly anyone believed the “innocent mistake” hypothesis. “This has to be intentional malice,” one user observed.
If this happened one time. I could believe accident. If it happened to other people, that would make it believable. But it's only ever Tulsi or Yang, and it's constantly.Burn down the establishment media, rebuild, hopefully it's better. But what we have now is warmongering trash — Zack of All Trades (@TheIceMonkey72) January 6, 2020
There's no way this is just a mistake. This has to be intentional trolling by @CNBCGiven how the @SquawkCNBC team is always being ridiculously negative towards @tesla & @elonmusk I knew they were a bunch of biased buffoons.But this is taking it to a new level of clownishness. — HAYLEY 🖖🧢 (@Hayleyyatou) January 6, 2020
“They’re so used to not covering them. Maybe none of their staff knew what they look like,” deadpanned one user.
Some called the switcheroo racist. “Imagine if it had been [Cory] Booker’s face with another black man. The left would be enraged.”
They’re white washing a woman of color. I mean that’s me being dramatic but it’s exactly what leftists would say if it was done to any other WOC besides Tulsi. — paige sully (@PaigeSully88) January 6, 2020
I'm having to pull my jaw up off the floor. They thought they could just substitute another Asian guy from iStockphoto and they thought no one would notice? Don't worry. Some poor intern will get blamed. — Heidi O'Brien (@HeidiOBrien8) January 6, 2020
Others took matters into their own hands.
Between the #YangMediaBlackout – the outsider candidate has been repeatedly left off graphics, poll results, and other visual aids even when polling significantly higher than others shown – and the Groundhog Day-like attacks on Gabbard for meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad in 2017, it’s easy to see how both candidates’ supporters might accuse mainstream media of wearing its bias on its sleeve.
The network eventually apologized for the mistake and quickly fixed the graphic, but not before several people had suggested the Yang campaign take legal action against them.
This is why an attorney needs to step up and confront the CNBC CNN MSNBC, and have this kind of behavior stopped and corrected, who in the hell put that photo for AY, and they have to be held accountable. — Arthur Howell Retired Civil Servant 🧢🌎🇺🇸💯🙏 (@ArthurHowell16) January 6, 2020
They can get away with this I think. Each "mistake" is so minor that they can be defended individually. — Oli Trussell 🧢 (@olit123) January 6, 2020
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