What is wrong with Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo?
On Friday, Raimondo announced measures in which state police will pull over motorists from New York and force them into quarantine for 14 days as well as conduct house to house searches for New Yorkers in an effort to slow the Coronavirus. At the time, Raimondo stated, “Right now we have a pinpointed risk. That risk is called New York City.”
Needless to say, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo wasn't pleased with his fellow Democratic Governor and threatened to sue the Ocean State. Cuomo has since announced that Rhode Island will no longer be pulling over motorists from the Empire State.
However, Raimondo says quite the opposite. RI state police will be pulling over New York motorists as well as motorists from every other state as well. This strikes me as an overreaction. I mean how many people from Wyoming are saying to themselves, "Damn!!! I had my heart set on going to Rhode Island." It seems to me that Rhode Island's resources could be put to better use than having the police knock on every door in the state to forcibly quarantine non-residents.
Yet Raimondo's singling out of New Yorkers is peculiar when you consider Rhode Island shares a border with Massachusetts whose Coronavirus cases surged by more than 1,000 people yesterday. Providence and Warwick (including the TF Green Airport) are connected to the Bay State through the MBTA Commuter Rail. I can tell you that Rhode Island gets a lot more traffic from Massachusetts than it does from New York. In light of Raimondo's nationwide directive one wonders if the final stop on the MBTA Commuter Rail will now be in South Attleboro.
Whatever the revision to her edict, Raimondo made a point of singling out New York City. And after the Coronavirus has passed (God willing) I think a lot of New Yorkers will think twice about visiting Rhode Island. Myself included.
It's a shame because under other circumstances I might be living there as I had a job interview for a paralegal position with a law firm in Providence several years ago. Alas nothing came to pass. Rhode Island has an abundance of green space and beaches (Lincoln Woods is quite beautiful). Did I mention duckpin bowling? Of course, my former roommate Christopher Kain lives there. Indeed, you can live in a one bedroom apartment in Providence for under $1000 a month.
But the actions of Governor Raimondo leave a very bad taste in my mouth. This a time when our country should be pulling together. Governor Raimondo's actions are not helpful to the country, let alone to the people of Rhode Island.
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Saturday, March 28, 2020
Trump Blindsides NY, NJ & CT Governors By Calling For Tri-State Quarantine
President Trump says he is now considering a quarantine of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to stop the spread of the Coronavirus.
The problem is that Trump didn't bother to raise this with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont. Cuomo said that he spoke with Trump this morning and that the President made no mention of it.
What this quarantine would look like isn't clear. Trump says the NYC subway wouldn't be shut down, but what about the Metro North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road? Would grocery stores and pharmacies be shut down? It might have been useful for Trump to have mentioned what he was thinking when he spoke with Cuomo this morning.
Of course, naturally there is an assumption that Trump is capable of thought. Did Florida Governor Ron De Santis put the bug in Trump's ear when he complained about New Yorkers making their way to vacation properties in the Sunshine state (kind of like Trump himself). Mind you this is the same Florida Governor who thought it unnecessary to shut down his state's beaches for out of state students on spring break.
Above all else, this is Trump's standard operating procedure. This is the man who announced troop withdrawals from Syria last fall after a phone call with Turkish President Erdogan. He did so without consulting the Pentagon, the State Department much less lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Trump acts on impulse and without any coherent thought behind it.
This isn't Governor Cuomo bringing in the National Guard to contain the spread of infection in New Rochelle. If the President genuinely believes it is necessary to quarantine an area comprising of 30 million people then he needs to sound out those Governors and other state officials and work out the details before telling the entire world of his half baked schemes. It is every bit as irresponsible as his wish for packed churches on Easter.
Unfortunately, this won't be the last time Trump announces he is going to do something without bothering to tell the people responsible for implementing the an order much less the people it will adversely affect. We can only hope this country strong enough to survive the idiot who is trying to run it into the ground.
The problem is that Trump didn't bother to raise this with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont. Cuomo said that he spoke with Trump this morning and that the President made no mention of it.
What this quarantine would look like isn't clear. Trump says the NYC subway wouldn't be shut down, but what about the Metro North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road? Would grocery stores and pharmacies be shut down? It might have been useful for Trump to have mentioned what he was thinking when he spoke with Cuomo this morning.
Of course, naturally there is an assumption that Trump is capable of thought. Did Florida Governor Ron De Santis put the bug in Trump's ear when he complained about New Yorkers making their way to vacation properties in the Sunshine state (kind of like Trump himself). Mind you this is the same Florida Governor who thought it unnecessary to shut down his state's beaches for out of state students on spring break.
Above all else, this is Trump's standard operating procedure. This is the man who announced troop withdrawals from Syria last fall after a phone call with Turkish President Erdogan. He did so without consulting the Pentagon, the State Department much less lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Trump acts on impulse and without any coherent thought behind it.
This isn't Governor Cuomo bringing in the National Guard to contain the spread of infection in New Rochelle. If the President genuinely believes it is necessary to quarantine an area comprising of 30 million people then he needs to sound out those Governors and other state officials and work out the details before telling the entire world of his half baked schemes. It is every bit as irresponsible as his wish for packed churches on Easter.
Unfortunately, this won't be the last time Trump announces he is going to do something without bothering to tell the people responsible for implementing the an order much less the people it will adversely affect. We can only hope this country strong enough to survive the idiot who is trying to run it into the ground.
President Trump's Reckless Disregard for Human Life
It's been 15 days since President Trump declared a national emergency. But he sure isn't acting like there's one.
This has been exemplified by his refusal to furnish New York Governor Andrew Cuomo with 30,000 ventilators. On Thursday, Trump told Sean Hannity:
I don’t believe you need 40,000 or 30,000 ventilators. You go into major hospitals sometimes, and they’ll have two ventilators. And now, all of a sudden, they’re saying, ‘Can we order 30,000 ventilators?'
An aghast Cuomo told CNN:
The hospitals don't need them yet. The hospitals aren't at their apex. The hospitals have enough ventilators today. But the numbers are going up. So the point is, 'They're in a stockpile, you must not need them' is just ignorant. Of course you don't need them today. You need them when you hit the apex, which is 30,000. We're not there yet.
This is what is known to reasonable people as planning and preparation. But Trump is not a reasonable person.
While Trump has since agreed to have the federal government purchase more ventilators it remains to be seen if New York and other states will get them in time to handle a surge of cases. As it stands now, New York is sharing ventilators between patients.
Either this is a national emergency or this isn't. If President Trump agrees that we are in a national emergency then he must cease telling Vice-President Pence to not speak with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Washington Governor Jay Inslee because they are not "appreciative" of him.
A national emergency means we are all in this together. If President Trump is going to dole out emergency aid based on who worships at his altar then people are going to die who did not have to die. Trump's cruelty and pettiness display a reckless disregard for human life. A man who displays such disregard for human life should not be given another term in the White House much less remain in office for another day.
This has been exemplified by his refusal to furnish New York Governor Andrew Cuomo with 30,000 ventilators. On Thursday, Trump told Sean Hannity:
I don’t believe you need 40,000 or 30,000 ventilators. You go into major hospitals sometimes, and they’ll have two ventilators. And now, all of a sudden, they’re saying, ‘Can we order 30,000 ventilators?'
An aghast Cuomo told CNN:
The hospitals don't need them yet. The hospitals aren't at their apex. The hospitals have enough ventilators today. But the numbers are going up. So the point is, 'They're in a stockpile, you must not need them' is just ignorant. Of course you don't need them today. You need them when you hit the apex, which is 30,000. We're not there yet.
This is what is known to reasonable people as planning and preparation. But Trump is not a reasonable person.
While Trump has since agreed to have the federal government purchase more ventilators it remains to be seen if New York and other states will get them in time to handle a surge of cases. As it stands now, New York is sharing ventilators between patients.
Either this is a national emergency or this isn't. If President Trump agrees that we are in a national emergency then he must cease telling Vice-President Pence to not speak with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Washington Governor Jay Inslee because they are not "appreciative" of him.
A national emergency means we are all in this together. If President Trump is going to dole out emergency aid based on who worships at his altar then people are going to die who did not have to die. Trump's cruelty and pettiness display a reckless disregard for human life. A man who displays such disregard for human life should not be given another term in the White House much less remain in office for another day.
Friday, March 27, 2020
Reflections on 20 Years in America
It was 20 years ago today that I left Canada, the country of my birth and residence for 27 1/2 years, for the United States. Eighteen and a half of those years were spent in Boston before abruptly moving to New York 18 months ago.
Had I written these reflections earlier in the month they would have been undoubtedly different. To some degree I do feel some disappointment over the past two decades. The man who drove me from Ottawa to Boston that day is now a provincial cabinet minister and might end up Premier one day. I, other on the hand, am a file clerk who lives with my Dad - forced to move to New York when I could not find a new roommate in Boston. I make a modest salary, have no wife or girlfriend let alone any children and the likelihood of that situation changing for the better is while not impossible remains nevertheless highly unlikely.
But we are now living in the midst of a pandemic which has changed life as we know it. Under these conditions, as of this writing, I am healthy and have gainful employment. My Dad is also healthy. Too many others aren't so fortunate. As such I cannot ask for more - at least for now.
Life a series of decisions big and small. In many respects, small decisions can have far bigger consequences than big decisions. On one on Monday morning almost seven years ago I took a train to Concord, Massachusetts to go to Minuteman Park instead of making my way to Boylston Street to watch the Boston Marathon. There but for fortune.
Had I remained in Canada chances are my life would be much the same as it is in terms of my social status. Of course, had I remained in Canada I might very well be slapping myself for not having taken the opportunity to move to the United States with the possibility of a better life. One can drive oneself crazy with such thoughts. As such it is best not to dwell on the what ifs at length. One can only deal with what is rather than what might have been.
Even if my life is no different than it would have been had I remained in Canada there would have been a different set of experiences for better or for worse. Had I remained in Canada I would not have been witness to the Boston Red Sox breaking their 86 year old World Series curse much less regularly attending games at Fenway Park while living within walking distance. Nor would I have known the joy of swimming in Walden Pond. There are people whom I never would have known most notably Christopher Kain who was my roommate in Boston for 10 years. I cannot imagine anyone else outside my family who would have put up with me for so long. There have also been plenty of people I wish I had never gazed upon and I am sure they feel the same way about me. But this is true no matter where one sets foot.
Then there's the political dimension. I moved to the United States having landed political work which alluded me in Canada. As it turned out my career as an organizer with ACORN lasted all of two weeks. My affiliation with The Left would end a year and half after my arrival in the U.S. with the 9/11 attacks. I could no longer affiliate with a political movement which blamed America and Israel for the world's ills and tolerating anti-Semitism while ignoring those who deploy terror in the name of Islamic radicalism. During this time conservatism made sense to me and my views made sense to others when I became a regular contributor to The American Spectator during the Obama years.
But then along came Donald Trump and the false idolatry of him. The very reason I began this blog was when I was informed by Bob Tyrrell that he was beyond criticism of any kind. I could no more be part of a Right which accepted Trump's lies as the Gospel Truth than I could be part of a Left which vilified American and Israel and mobilizes people through anti-Semitism while denying it is doing any such thing.
While I retain a conservative view of human nature, it is hard to take an ideology seriously when it can be purchased for pennies on the dollar by a faux billionaire. And while I also retain a socialist notion of a brotherhood of man, it is hard to take an ideology seriously which has adopted tribal identity politics which to paraphrase George Orwell renders some people more equal than others. My view of the world doesn't fit easily on the political spectrum. Occasionally my views make the pages of National Review Online but few give them much regard. By the same token, no one is entitled to my vote. It must be earned.
It is nearly impossible to know what the next 20 years will bring much less the rest of 2020 as COVID-19 runs its deadly course. Assuming I survive this pandemic how much longer will I have gainful employment? How long will I remain in NYC? Will I return to Boston? Will I see more of America outside the Northeast? Or will I perhaps return to Canada? Will I ever see Thunder Bay again? Will I make my way somewhere else altogether? Wherever I am or wherever I go will I manage to find the ground floor of something good and ascend to better things? Or will there be a perfect match around the corner? Could things get worse? Or will things be more or less the same regardless of where I am? The answers to those questions will come a day at a time.
Had I written these reflections earlier in the month they would have been undoubtedly different. To some degree I do feel some disappointment over the past two decades. The man who drove me from Ottawa to Boston that day is now a provincial cabinet minister and might end up Premier one day. I, other on the hand, am a file clerk who lives with my Dad - forced to move to New York when I could not find a new roommate in Boston. I make a modest salary, have no wife or girlfriend let alone any children and the likelihood of that situation changing for the better is while not impossible remains nevertheless highly unlikely.
But we are now living in the midst of a pandemic which has changed life as we know it. Under these conditions, as of this writing, I am healthy and have gainful employment. My Dad is also healthy. Too many others aren't so fortunate. As such I cannot ask for more - at least for now.
Life a series of decisions big and small. In many respects, small decisions can have far bigger consequences than big decisions. On one on Monday morning almost seven years ago I took a train to Concord, Massachusetts to go to Minuteman Park instead of making my way to Boylston Street to watch the Boston Marathon. There but for fortune.
Had I remained in Canada chances are my life would be much the same as it is in terms of my social status. Of course, had I remained in Canada I might very well be slapping myself for not having taken the opportunity to move to the United States with the possibility of a better life. One can drive oneself crazy with such thoughts. As such it is best not to dwell on the what ifs at length. One can only deal with what is rather than what might have been.
Even if my life is no different than it would have been had I remained in Canada there would have been a different set of experiences for better or for worse. Had I remained in Canada I would not have been witness to the Boston Red Sox breaking their 86 year old World Series curse much less regularly attending games at Fenway Park while living within walking distance. Nor would I have known the joy of swimming in Walden Pond. There are people whom I never would have known most notably Christopher Kain who was my roommate in Boston for 10 years. I cannot imagine anyone else outside my family who would have put up with me for so long. There have also been plenty of people I wish I had never gazed upon and I am sure they feel the same way about me. But this is true no matter where one sets foot.
Then there's the political dimension. I moved to the United States having landed political work which alluded me in Canada. As it turned out my career as an organizer with ACORN lasted all of two weeks. My affiliation with The Left would end a year and half after my arrival in the U.S. with the 9/11 attacks. I could no longer affiliate with a political movement which blamed America and Israel for the world's ills and tolerating anti-Semitism while ignoring those who deploy terror in the name of Islamic radicalism. During this time conservatism made sense to me and my views made sense to others when I became a regular contributor to The American Spectator during the Obama years.
But then along came Donald Trump and the false idolatry of him. The very reason I began this blog was when I was informed by Bob Tyrrell that he was beyond criticism of any kind. I could no more be part of a Right which accepted Trump's lies as the Gospel Truth than I could be part of a Left which vilified American and Israel and mobilizes people through anti-Semitism while denying it is doing any such thing.
While I retain a conservative view of human nature, it is hard to take an ideology seriously when it can be purchased for pennies on the dollar by a faux billionaire. And while I also retain a socialist notion of a brotherhood of man, it is hard to take an ideology seriously which has adopted tribal identity politics which to paraphrase George Orwell renders some people more equal than others. My view of the world doesn't fit easily on the political spectrum. Occasionally my views make the pages of National Review Online but few give them much regard. By the same token, no one is entitled to my vote. It must be earned.
It is nearly impossible to know what the next 20 years will bring much less the rest of 2020 as COVID-19 runs its deadly course. Assuming I survive this pandemic how much longer will I have gainful employment? How long will I remain in NYC? Will I return to Boston? Will I see more of America outside the Northeast? Or will I perhaps return to Canada? Will I ever see Thunder Bay again? Will I make my way somewhere else altogether? Wherever I am or wherever I go will I manage to find the ground floor of something good and ascend to better things? Or will there be a perfect match around the corner? Could things get worse? Or will things be more or less the same regardless of where I am? The answers to those questions will come a day at a time.
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Jimmy Wynn, R.I.P.
Former MLB outfielder Jimmy Wynn who spent the bulk of his 15 year career with the Houston Colt 45's/Astros has passed away. He turned 78 only two weeks ago.
Wynn, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, originally signed with his hometown Reds in 1961. However, Wynn would be selected by the Colt 45's in their expansion draft in 1962. Wynn would make his MLB debut with the Colt 45's in 1963 and would become an everyday player when the team moved to the Astrodome in 1965. Despite Wynn's diminutive 5,10 160 pound stature, he possessed enormous power. Wynn earned the nickname "The Toy Cannon" for his prodigious power. Between 1965 and 1973, Wynn hit 20 or more HRs for the Astros seven times including a career best 37 HR in 1967 when he earned his only All-Star selection in an Astros uniform.
Prior to the 1974 season, the Astros traded Wynn to the Los Angeles Dodgers for pitcher Claude Osteen. Wynn's 32 HRs led the team and he knocked in a career high 108 RBI en route to a NL pennant and his only World Series appearance. Wynn finished fifth in NL MVP balloting which was won by teammate Steve Garvey. While Wynn only spent two seasons in Los Angeles, he was selected to the NL All Star Team both years.
After the 1975 season, the Dodgers traded Wynn along with Lee Lacy, Tom Paciorek and Jerry Royster to the Atlanta Braves for Dusty Baker and Ed Goodson. Although Wynn only hit .207, he did have an OBP of .377 as he led the NL with 127 walks. Wynn finished his playing career in 1977 splitting the season between the New York Yankees and the Milwaukee Brewers. In 15 seasons, Wynn collected 1665 hits for a lifetime batting average of .250 with 291 HR, 964 RBI, 225 stolen bases along with 1224 walks. Wynn walked 100 or more times in a season six times in his career finishing with a .366 OBP. However, Wynn failed to collect a single vote in his only year on the BBWAA Hall of Fame ballot in 1983. In 2019, the Astros inducted Wynn in the inaugural class of their team Hall of Fame.
I leave you with Wynn hitting a tape measure shot at Crosley Field in his breakout season of 1967 perhaps giving the Reds regret in giving up on what could have been a hometown hero. R.I.P.
Wynn, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, originally signed with his hometown Reds in 1961. However, Wynn would be selected by the Colt 45's in their expansion draft in 1962. Wynn would make his MLB debut with the Colt 45's in 1963 and would become an everyday player when the team moved to the Astrodome in 1965. Despite Wynn's diminutive 5,10 160 pound stature, he possessed enormous power. Wynn earned the nickname "The Toy Cannon" for his prodigious power. Between 1965 and 1973, Wynn hit 20 or more HRs for the Astros seven times including a career best 37 HR in 1967 when he earned his only All-Star selection in an Astros uniform.
Prior to the 1974 season, the Astros traded Wynn to the Los Angeles Dodgers for pitcher Claude Osteen. Wynn's 32 HRs led the team and he knocked in a career high 108 RBI en route to a NL pennant and his only World Series appearance. Wynn finished fifth in NL MVP balloting which was won by teammate Steve Garvey. While Wynn only spent two seasons in Los Angeles, he was selected to the NL All Star Team both years.
After the 1975 season, the Dodgers traded Wynn along with Lee Lacy, Tom Paciorek and Jerry Royster to the Atlanta Braves for Dusty Baker and Ed Goodson. Although Wynn only hit .207, he did have an OBP of .377 as he led the NL with 127 walks. Wynn finished his playing career in 1977 splitting the season between the New York Yankees and the Milwaukee Brewers. In 15 seasons, Wynn collected 1665 hits for a lifetime batting average of .250 with 291 HR, 964 RBI, 225 stolen bases along with 1224 walks. Wynn walked 100 or more times in a season six times in his career finishing with a .366 OBP. However, Wynn failed to collect a single vote in his only year on the BBWAA Hall of Fame ballot in 1983. In 2019, the Astros inducted Wynn in the inaugural class of their team Hall of Fame.
I leave you with Wynn hitting a tape measure shot at Crosley Field in his breakout season of 1967 perhaps giving the Reds regret in giving up on what could have been a hometown hero. R.I.P.
"Curly" Neal, R.I.P.
Harlem Globetrotters legend Fred "Curly" Neal has passed away at the age of 77. No cause of death has been released.
With his distinctive bald head and ironic nickname, Neal was arguably the most recognizable member of the Globetrotters along with Meadowlark Lemon and Marques Haynes (both of whom passed away in 2015). Neal played with the Globetrotters from 1963 to 1985 entertaining people all over the world with both his basketball prowess and comedy antics. That he brought so many smiles to people makes Neal's passing all the more sad during a dark time. If you never watched Neal much less the Globetrotters, here is but a sample. Hopefully it will bring you a laugh and a smile. R.I.P.
With his distinctive bald head and ironic nickname, Neal was arguably the most recognizable member of the Globetrotters along with Meadowlark Lemon and Marques Haynes (both of whom passed away in 2015). Neal played with the Globetrotters from 1963 to 1985 entertaining people all over the world with both his basketball prowess and comedy antics. That he brought so many smiles to people makes Neal's passing all the more sad during a dark time. If you never watched Neal much less the Globetrotters, here is but a sample. Hopefully it will bring you a laugh and a smile. R.I.P.
All Things Considered I am Lucky - Knock on Wood!!!
It has been more than a week since I was sent home from work after it was learned a colleague tested positive for the Coronavirus (a.k.a. COVID-19).
We were sent home with assurances that we would receive our regular paycheck tomorrow. This morning, I spoke with my supervisor over the phone and was informed I would also be paid for this week and that things would be determined on a week to week basis.
All things considered I am very lucky. There are a lot of New Yorkers who were employed in restaurants and retail who are not so fortunate, have spent their last dollar and have no means of support. Some are eligible for unemployment insurance but good luck obtaining access to an overloaded website.
I must also count my blessings in that I am healthy and so is my Dad. Many New Yorkers are far less fortunate namely those who have lost their lives to COVID-19. Local hospitals are having difficulty coping lacking basic medical supplies to address the onslaught of patients and are now forced to build makeshift morgues. Things are expected to get worse, much worse despite President Trump's rosy talk with no basis in reality other than getting more people sick and dead. If either my Dad or I become ill or both of us, well, it's not something I want to think about. But I must keep it in the back of my mind because of the reality around us for now and the foreseeable future. We can only take things a day at a time and, if necessary, an hour at a time.
For the moment, however, all is well with my both my Dad and I. Let's keep it that way. Knock on wood!!!
We were sent home with assurances that we would receive our regular paycheck tomorrow. This morning, I spoke with my supervisor over the phone and was informed I would also be paid for this week and that things would be determined on a week to week basis.
All things considered I am very lucky. There are a lot of New Yorkers who were employed in restaurants and retail who are not so fortunate, have spent their last dollar and have no means of support. Some are eligible for unemployment insurance but good luck obtaining access to an overloaded website.
I must also count my blessings in that I am healthy and so is my Dad. Many New Yorkers are far less fortunate namely those who have lost their lives to COVID-19. Local hospitals are having difficulty coping lacking basic medical supplies to address the onslaught of patients and are now forced to build makeshift morgues. Things are expected to get worse, much worse despite President Trump's rosy talk with no basis in reality other than getting more people sick and dead. If either my Dad or I become ill or both of us, well, it's not something I want to think about. But I must keep it in the back of my mind because of the reality around us for now and the foreseeable future. We can only take things a day at a time and, if necessary, an hour at a time.
For the moment, however, all is well with my both my Dad and I. Let's keep it that way. Knock on wood!!!
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Why Syndergaard's Tommy John Surgery is a Blessing in Disguise
The New York Mets have announced that starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard will undergo Tommy John surgery due to a torn UCL in his right elbow.
Under normal circumstances this would be devastating news for the Mets. But these are not normal circumstances. With the rapid spread of the Coronavirus, MLB remains on hold indefinitely. While Syndergaard won't pitch in 2020 the same could be said for healthy teammates like back to back NL Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom or any other Mets pitcher. So this could prove a blessing in disguise.
While it is never ideal for a pitcher to require Tommy John surgery if it has to be done it might as well happen at a time when things remain at an impasse. This holds true for Syndergaard. It holds true for Boston Red Sox ace Chris Sale who will also undergo Tommy John surgery. The same can also be said for Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander who recently underwent groin surgery. If you're hurt and there's no baseball to be played now is the time to get fixed and be ready for 2021.
While it is never ideal for a pitcher to require Tommy John surgery if it has to be done it might as well happen at a time when things remain at an impasse. This holds true for Syndergaard. It holds true for Boston Red Sox ace Chris Sale who will also undergo Tommy John surgery. The same can also be said for Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander who recently underwent groin surgery. If you're hurt and there's no baseball to be played now is the time to get fixed and be ready for 2021.
Saturday, March 21, 2020
A Thought for Kenny Rogers
I awoke to the news that country music legend Kenny Rogers passed away last night at the age of 81.
In a world already devastated by the Coronavirus, the death of Rogers is that much more sorrowful. Rogers is one of those rare country music artists who transcended his genre. One could put the late Johnny Cash and Glen Campbell into that category as well as Dolly Parton, a frequent collaborator of Rogers. Even if one didn't listen to country music, one certainly knew Kenny Rogers especially for "The Gambler". You've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em. Know when to walk away. Know when to run.
So strongly associated with country music, it shocks some people when they learn Rogers cut his musical teeth in folk music with The New Christy Minstrels and psychedelia with the First Edition. Like Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, Rogers was not a songwriter but phrasing made the songs his sang all his own. Rogers' signature sound did not become silent even when he retired from performing in 2017.
I'll leave you with the First Edition's rendition of the Mac Davis penned "Something's Burning". Somehow it seems appropriate for these times. R.I.P.
In a world already devastated by the Coronavirus, the death of Rogers is that much more sorrowful. Rogers is one of those rare country music artists who transcended his genre. One could put the late Johnny Cash and Glen Campbell into that category as well as Dolly Parton, a frequent collaborator of Rogers. Even if one didn't listen to country music, one certainly knew Kenny Rogers especially for "The Gambler". You've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em. Know when to walk away. Know when to run.
So strongly associated with country music, it shocks some people when they learn Rogers cut his musical teeth in folk music with The New Christy Minstrels and psychedelia with the First Edition. Like Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, Rogers was not a songwriter but phrasing made the songs his sang all his own. Rogers' signature sound did not become silent even when he retired from performing in 2017.
Thoughts on Cuomo's Stay at Home Order
Yesterday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo issued a stay at home order which shall take effect at 8 p.m. tomorrow night. Cuomo is following a similar measure undertaken in California and soon to be followed by Illinois and other states.
Although Cuomo wouldn't characterize the order as "shelter in place" he did say, "We are all under quarantine."
Yet this is not an accurate statement. Grocery stores, pharmacies, laundromats and liquor stores shall remain open. People will be allowed to exercise as long as it is a solitary activity and maintain a distance of six feet. Unfortunately, we will be governed by chaos and confusion for the foreseeable future.
Needless to say, I won't be going to work on Tuesday. Nor perhaps anytime soon. Or possibly ever. While I shall get a full paycheck next Friday what happens beyond then is anyone's guess. If this stay at home order lasts more than a couple of weeks two checks of $1,000 a month apart isn't going to do much.
If people do not have the means to pay for food then all bets are off. How long will it be before people are robbed while carrying groceries home? How long will it be before grocery stores are looted? How long will it be before someone is willing to kill someone else for a loaf of bread? The same can be said of medical supplies and the pharmacies which carry them.
Naturally I hope I am completely wrong about this scenario. I hope that if things do get worse that we are governed by the better angels of our nature. Yet I suspect this is wishful thinking. One can feel the desperation as one sees lineups outside Whole Foods and liquor stores and this feeling is only going to get worse.
With that I shall stay indoors as much as possible. Yet I must go outside to get food and fresh air. The silver lining is that I am healthy and so is my Dad. If we have that and can keep it then we have a fighting chance.
Although Cuomo wouldn't characterize the order as "shelter in place" he did say, "We are all under quarantine."
Yet this is not an accurate statement. Grocery stores, pharmacies, laundromats and liquor stores shall remain open. People will be allowed to exercise as long as it is a solitary activity and maintain a distance of six feet. Unfortunately, we will be governed by chaos and confusion for the foreseeable future.
Needless to say, I won't be going to work on Tuesday. Nor perhaps anytime soon. Or possibly ever. While I shall get a full paycheck next Friday what happens beyond then is anyone's guess. If this stay at home order lasts more than a couple of weeks two checks of $1,000 a month apart isn't going to do much.
If people do not have the means to pay for food then all bets are off. How long will it be before people are robbed while carrying groceries home? How long will it be before grocery stores are looted? How long will it be before someone is willing to kill someone else for a loaf of bread? The same can be said of medical supplies and the pharmacies which carry them.
Naturally I hope I am completely wrong about this scenario. I hope that if things do get worse that we are governed by the better angels of our nature. Yet I suspect this is wishful thinking. One can feel the desperation as one sees lineups outside Whole Foods and liquor stores and this feeling is only going to get worse.
With that I shall stay indoors as much as possible. Yet I must go outside to get food and fresh air. The silver lining is that I am healthy and so is my Dad. If we have that and can keep it then we have a fighting chance.
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Coronavirus Chaos in The Workplace
The changes brought about by the Coronavirus aren't measured by the day, but by the hour. This is especially true in the workplace.
After having yesterday off, I came into work today with the expectation that I would be off on Thursday and back to work on Friday followed by a week on, a week off (or vice versa).
Those expectations have changed.
The law firm where I have worked for nearly a year and a half informed us that a staff member tested positive for the Coronavirus. My manager reached out to HR and was able to determine that I nor any of our staff members in our unit have been in contact with the infected individual.
In February, our unit actually moved into the basement. At the time I didn't think much of the move as it rendered us isolated from the firm. But in light of this global pandemic moving to the basement might have very well saved our lives. This statement is not hyperbolic.
Due to these circumstances, the firm sent us home for the day and has effectively shut down for the next two weeks. Our unit will remain open but we will rotate our shifts and remain isolated . I'm not scheduled to work again until next Tuesday and only for a half day. We will be compensated at full pay. At least for now.
I write this knowing full well this could change by this evening or tomorrow morning with a possible shelter in place order looming. Given everything that has transpired over the past 7 days who can say what will transpire over the next 6 days much less the next 24 hours? Only time will tell. The same is true for millions of Americans and people all over the world.
After having yesterday off, I came into work today with the expectation that I would be off on Thursday and back to work on Friday followed by a week on, a week off (or vice versa).
Those expectations have changed.
The law firm where I have worked for nearly a year and a half informed us that a staff member tested positive for the Coronavirus. My manager reached out to HR and was able to determine that I nor any of our staff members in our unit have been in contact with the infected individual.
In February, our unit actually moved into the basement. At the time I didn't think much of the move as it rendered us isolated from the firm. But in light of this global pandemic moving to the basement might have very well saved our lives. This statement is not hyperbolic.
Due to these circumstances, the firm sent us home for the day and has effectively shut down for the next two weeks. Our unit will remain open but we will rotate our shifts and remain isolated . I'm not scheduled to work again until next Tuesday and only for a half day. We will be compensated at full pay. At least for now.
I write this knowing full well this could change by this evening or tomorrow morning with a possible shelter in place order looming. Given everything that has transpired over the past 7 days who can say what will transpire over the next 6 days much less the next 24 hours? Only time will tell. The same is true for millions of Americans and people all over the world.
Thoughts on Tom Brady Leaving The Pats & Becoming a Buccaneer
I am surprised that Tom Brady is joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
I am not surprised Tom Brady said goodbye to the New England Patriots and all of New England.
The writing had been on the wall for months. I knew Brady was gone the moment he resigned as honorary co-chair of the annual Best Buddies Challenge in Hyannisport, an event which promotes the inclusion of people with disabilities. Brady had served in this capacity since 2003. Another sign was when Brady and spouse Gisele Bundchen put their Boston home up for sale. These are not the acts of a man who plans to remain where he is. While I have no doubt most New Englanders aren't surprised by Brady's departure, his decision compounds the blues already felt over the Coronavirus.
I do think going to the Buccaneers was a bit of a surprise. Conventional wisdom would have dictated Brady would have a better chance returning to the Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Chargers. But from a financial perspective, Florida has a far more favorable tax regime than California.
It remains to be seen if Brady can succeed without Bill Belichick and no doubt Brady believes he has something to prove. There is no question of his will. The question, however, concerns his soon to be 43-year old body will be up to the challenge. If it is then it will add to his legend. If it doesn't it won't tarnish any of the six Super Bowl rings he has earned.
For nearly Brady's entire tenure I resided in Boston. I still remember when Brady was called into service after longtime Patriots QB Drew Bledsoe sustained internal bleeding after a hit by New York Jets linebacker Mo Lewis in September 2001. The day after Brady's first start, a 44-13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, longtime Boston sports radio personality Dale Arnold said, "The Tom Brady era has begun," not realizing the full import of what he said.
For a quite awhile, the Boston sports media made it "Brady vs. Bledsoe". This stopped sometime after the second Super Bowl title. Of all of Brady's triumphs, I shall remember him leading the Patriots back from a 28-3 deficit with just eight and a half minutes in the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI en route to a shocking overtime win. It was the only Patriots Super Bowl parade I attended because the rally took place at Government Center in Boston where I was working at the time. Let's just say that very little in the way of work got done that day with a million people on the street. That memory cannot be taken away from me or anyone else who was there especially Tom Brady.
I am not surprised Tom Brady said goodbye to the New England Patriots and all of New England.
The writing had been on the wall for months. I knew Brady was gone the moment he resigned as honorary co-chair of the annual Best Buddies Challenge in Hyannisport, an event which promotes the inclusion of people with disabilities. Brady had served in this capacity since 2003. Another sign was when Brady and spouse Gisele Bundchen put their Boston home up for sale. These are not the acts of a man who plans to remain where he is. While I have no doubt most New Englanders aren't surprised by Brady's departure, his decision compounds the blues already felt over the Coronavirus.
I do think going to the Buccaneers was a bit of a surprise. Conventional wisdom would have dictated Brady would have a better chance returning to the Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Chargers. But from a financial perspective, Florida has a far more favorable tax regime than California.
It remains to be seen if Brady can succeed without Bill Belichick and no doubt Brady believes he has something to prove. There is no question of his will. The question, however, concerns his soon to be 43-year old body will be up to the challenge. If it is then it will add to his legend. If it doesn't it won't tarnish any of the six Super Bowl rings he has earned.
For nearly Brady's entire tenure I resided in Boston. I still remember when Brady was called into service after longtime Patriots QB Drew Bledsoe sustained internal bleeding after a hit by New York Jets linebacker Mo Lewis in September 2001. The day after Brady's first start, a 44-13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, longtime Boston sports radio personality Dale Arnold said, "The Tom Brady era has begun," not realizing the full import of what he said.
For a quite awhile, the Boston sports media made it "Brady vs. Bledsoe". This stopped sometime after the second Super Bowl title. Of all of Brady's triumphs, I shall remember him leading the Patriots back from a 28-3 deficit with just eight and a half minutes in the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI en route to a shocking overtime win. It was the only Patriots Super Bowl parade I attended because the rally took place at Government Center in Boston where I was working at the time. Let's just say that very little in the way of work got done that day with a million people on the street. That memory cannot be taken away from me or anyone else who was there especially Tom Brady.
Cuomo Dismisses de Blasio's Talk of Shelter in Place
Yesterday, I expressed concerns following New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio's statement that New Yorkers could expect a shelter in place announcement within the next 48 hours.
However, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo rebuked such talk stating, “There’s not going to be any you-have-to-stay-in-your-house rule."
Of course, that doesn't necessarily rule out the possibility. After all under a shelter in place edict, people would be allowed to pick up groceries, prescriptions and go to the ATM. But Cuomo's intervention illustrates how de Blasio caused unnecessary panic in a world with an abundance of it. The Governor's dismissal also illustrates the longstanding feud between the two men despite being affiliated with the same political party. It was only last week The New York Post said the feud had to be set aside for the Coronavirus crisis. It appears that even a pandemic can't overcome this chasm.
Again, it probably isn't a bad idea for New Yorkers to prepare for the possibility of a shelter in place order. But Cuomo and de Blasio need to be on the same page when it comes to that or any other measure concerning the Coronavirus. Because right now it is a matter of life and death.
However, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo rebuked such talk stating, “There’s not going to be any you-have-to-stay-in-your-house rule."
Of course, that doesn't necessarily rule out the possibility. After all under a shelter in place edict, people would be allowed to pick up groceries, prescriptions and go to the ATM. But Cuomo's intervention illustrates how de Blasio caused unnecessary panic in a world with an abundance of it. The Governor's dismissal also illustrates the longstanding feud between the two men despite being affiliated with the same political party. It was only last week The New York Post said the feud had to be set aside for the Coronavirus crisis. It appears that even a pandemic can't overcome this chasm.
Again, it probably isn't a bad idea for New Yorkers to prepare for the possibility of a shelter in place order. But Cuomo and de Blasio need to be on the same page when it comes to that or any other measure concerning the Coronavirus. Because right now it is a matter of life and death.
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
New Yorkers Should Expect Shelter in Place Order Within 48 Hours, Says de Blasio
Earlier today I made this observation about the measures taken in New York City, throughout New York state and several other states to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus:
It could be worse. We could be on 24 hour lockdown much like San Francisco. Yet all things considered this could come to pass. If it does it will have come more gradually. Still it's something I would prefer not to experience if at all possible.
Well, there's a very good chance I and millions of other New Yorkers are going to experience a 24 hour lockdown or a shelter-in-place order. NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio stated this afternoon that New Yorkers could expect an announcement regarding shelter-in-place within the next 48 hours by either the city or the state. With the way things are going this could change by the hour.
If New York does implement shelter-in-place it means we can only leave our homes to go to the grocery, pharmacy or bank. However, that might not be so easy if you don't have any money. As I noted earlier, my employer is compensating us at our full pay even though we are required to be in the office on alternate days followed by alternate weeks. A shelter in place order might throw that plan out the window. In which case if there's a federal stimulus it's going to have to be a hell of a lot larger than the $1,000 Mitt Romney floated the other day. Or perhaps represent more than a one time payout.
A indeterminate shelter in place plan is guaranteed to result in a recession. Implementing it in New York City will only accelerate that pace. Of course, if such a plan prevents the death of hundreds of thousands, possibly millions of Americans then it will have paid a dividend no amount of money can measure. Still, it leaves a lot of questions and the devil is in the details. It remains to be seen if we will get those details right.
Needless to say, I am operating on the assumption that shelter in place is a fait d'accompli. Until it is implemented I am going to enjoy the simple pleasures of life such as a walk in Riverside Park. After all it is uncertain when I will have the opportunity to enjoy such simple pleasures for the foreseeable future. Fear not!!! I kept my social distance and New Yorkers gladly reciprocated. That and I wore white gloves. I can only hope I don't get the back of the hand for it.
At this point, I can only take things a day at a time (though I might need to implement a by the hour policy). I do know I am going to work tomorrow. I'll take things from there. So will we all. As long as we have breath in our bodies.
It could be worse. We could be on 24 hour lockdown much like San Francisco. Yet all things considered this could come to pass. If it does it will have come more gradually. Still it's something I would prefer not to experience if at all possible.
Well, there's a very good chance I and millions of other New Yorkers are going to experience a 24 hour lockdown or a shelter-in-place order. NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio stated this afternoon that New Yorkers could expect an announcement regarding shelter-in-place within the next 48 hours by either the city or the state. With the way things are going this could change by the hour.
If New York does implement shelter-in-place it means we can only leave our homes to go to the grocery, pharmacy or bank. However, that might not be so easy if you don't have any money. As I noted earlier, my employer is compensating us at our full pay even though we are required to be in the office on alternate days followed by alternate weeks. A shelter in place order might throw that plan out the window. In which case if there's a federal stimulus it's going to have to be a hell of a lot larger than the $1,000 Mitt Romney floated the other day. Or perhaps represent more than a one time payout.
A indeterminate shelter in place plan is guaranteed to result in a recession. Implementing it in New York City will only accelerate that pace. Of course, if such a plan prevents the death of hundreds of thousands, possibly millions of Americans then it will have paid a dividend no amount of money can measure. Still, it leaves a lot of questions and the devil is in the details. It remains to be seen if we will get those details right.
Needless to say, I am operating on the assumption that shelter in place is a fait d'accompli. Until it is implemented I am going to enjoy the simple pleasures of life such as a walk in Riverside Park. After all it is uncertain when I will have the opportunity to enjoy such simple pleasures for the foreseeable future. Fear not!!! I kept my social distance and New Yorkers gladly reciprocated. That and I wore white gloves. I can only hope I don't get the back of the hand for it.
At this point, I can only take things a day at a time (though I might need to implement a by the hour policy). I do know I am going to work tomorrow. I'll take things from there. So will we all. As long as we have breath in our bodies.
Biden Should Steer Clear of Warren, Klobuchar & Harris For The Democratic Ticket
Joe Biden revealed in his debate with Bernie Sanders this past Sunday night that he would pick a woman to be his running mate. Sanders was less committed in doing so. But this might be because he doesn't stand a chance in hell of winning the nomination short of Biden being infected with Coronavirus.
There's a critical mass of Democratic Party activists who want to have a woman President (as opposed to a President who happens to be a woman) and view Biden as nothing more than an old, white guy. This was the only card Biden could play under the circumstances.
But should this be his course of action, Biden should steer clear of the triumvirate of Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar and Kamala Harris. Warren is just toxic with her propensity for lying be it about her heritage, claiming she was fired for being pregnant or claiming Sanders told her a woman couldn't be elected when he tried to get her to run for President in 2016. Warren isn't exactly eager to endorse Biden even though he has endorsed her bankruptcy plan. Aside from that, Warren hails from Massachusetts. Biden needs someone from a conservative state.
Klobuchar does get marks for endorsing Biden clearing the way for him to win Minnesota on Super Tuesday. While Klobuchar brags about getting red state votes, Minnesota isn't a red state. The only thing red about Klobuchar is her temper. Given Biden's own propensity to get into shouting matches he needs someone with a more even tempered disposition. Harris, too, endorsed Biden fairly quickly. This would be the same Harris who questioned his commitment to civil rights last summer tying him to segregationists. If Biden picks Harris then Trump will reopen that wound and pick it despite his own questionable commitment to civil rights. If Harris cannot handle Tulsi Gabbard in a debate then how will she fare any better against Mike Pence? Like Warren and Klobuchar, Harris hails from one of the bluest states in the country.
So who should Biden pick?
I'd put Stacey Abrams at the top of the list. She the House Minority leader in Georgia for the better part of the 2010's before running for Governor in a race she lost under dubious circumstances. Despite getting screwed out of being Governor, Abrams has an even keel. If Biden picks her then Georgia and possibly the Carolinas are in play. Abrams would have an impact on the electoral map that Warren, Klobuchar and Harris wouldn't have.
If Biden doesn't pick Abrams then he should probably pick a governor like Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan (a state Biden would need to wrest from Trump) or Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico. Lujan Grisham certainly raised eyebrows when she took President Trump to the woodshed when he told state Governors on a conference call to obtain respirators and other medical equipment in response to the Coronavirus"on their own". She certainly got Pence's attention. I wonder how she would get his attention in a one on one debate.
The only downside to Biden picking either Whitmer or Lujan Grisham is that they are in the midst of their first terms. But the downsides for Biden picking Whitmer, Lujan Grisham or Abrams are far fewer than if he were pick Warren, Klobuchar or Harris. Whoever Biden picks needs to be an asset to his candidacy, not an albatross.
There's a critical mass of Democratic Party activists who want to have a woman President (as opposed to a President who happens to be a woman) and view Biden as nothing more than an old, white guy. This was the only card Biden could play under the circumstances.
But should this be his course of action, Biden should steer clear of the triumvirate of Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar and Kamala Harris. Warren is just toxic with her propensity for lying be it about her heritage, claiming she was fired for being pregnant or claiming Sanders told her a woman couldn't be elected when he tried to get her to run for President in 2016. Warren isn't exactly eager to endorse Biden even though he has endorsed her bankruptcy plan. Aside from that, Warren hails from Massachusetts. Biden needs someone from a conservative state.
Klobuchar does get marks for endorsing Biden clearing the way for him to win Minnesota on Super Tuesday. While Klobuchar brags about getting red state votes, Minnesota isn't a red state. The only thing red about Klobuchar is her temper. Given Biden's own propensity to get into shouting matches he needs someone with a more even tempered disposition. Harris, too, endorsed Biden fairly quickly. This would be the same Harris who questioned his commitment to civil rights last summer tying him to segregationists. If Biden picks Harris then Trump will reopen that wound and pick it despite his own questionable commitment to civil rights. If Harris cannot handle Tulsi Gabbard in a debate then how will she fare any better against Mike Pence? Like Warren and Klobuchar, Harris hails from one of the bluest states in the country.
So who should Biden pick?
I'd put Stacey Abrams at the top of the list. She the House Minority leader in Georgia for the better part of the 2010's before running for Governor in a race she lost under dubious circumstances. Despite getting screwed out of being Governor, Abrams has an even keel. If Biden picks her then Georgia and possibly the Carolinas are in play. Abrams would have an impact on the electoral map that Warren, Klobuchar and Harris wouldn't have.
If Biden doesn't pick Abrams then he should probably pick a governor like Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan (a state Biden would need to wrest from Trump) or Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico. Lujan Grisham certainly raised eyebrows when she took President Trump to the woodshed when he told state Governors on a conference call to obtain respirators and other medical equipment in response to the Coronavirus"on their own". She certainly got Pence's attention. I wonder how she would get his attention in a one on one debate.
The only downside to Biden picking either Whitmer or Lujan Grisham is that they are in the midst of their first terms. But the downsides for Biden picking Whitmer, Lujan Grisham or Abrams are far fewer than if he were pick Warren, Klobuchar or Harris. Whoever Biden picks needs to be an asset to his candidacy, not an albatross.
The Consequences of Coronavirus Kick In
Today the consequences of the Coronavirus have kicked in.
For starters I am not at work today. I shall go in tomorrow and Friday with Thursday off. From there I'll have one week on and one week off or vice versa. Fortunately I will be fully compensated. How long such an arrangement can be sustained remains to be seen.
I will neither be bowling nor swimming for the foreseeable future. Things weren't so cut and dry on either activity. When NYC Mayor de Blasio made his announcement Sunday regarding restrictions on restaurants, bars and entertainment venues bowling centers were not included unlike in Los Angeles. However, NY Governor Andrew Cuomo along with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont jointly forbade public gatherings of more than 50 people the writing was on the wall. This morning Bowlmor announced that all of its centers would be closed for 15 days. Under the circumstances, an April 1st reopening might be more than a tad optimistic. Whatever risks I might have taken, I'm glad I went bowling on Saturday.
As for swimming, the New York Parks & Recreation Department kept its rec centers & swimming pools open. But following my swim last night a staff member informed that their facilities would be closed indefinitely. Once again, whatever risks might have been involved, I'm glad I got in one last swim.
I'm also glad I had one last sit down meal in a restaurant yesterday. My stay at Zorba Mediterranean Grill on 3rd Avenue was only 10 minutes and I was the only patron inside. But I savored every moment of that seasonal vegetable wrap. Restaurants in New York City (and numerous other jurisdictions) are open only for delivery and take out.
It could be worse. We could be on 24 hour lockdown much like San Francisco. Yet all things considered this could come to pass. If it does it will have come more gradually. Still it's something I would prefer not to experience if at all possible.
Most importantly of all is that Dad and I still have our health. Let's keep it that way. Knock on wood. Then wash your hands.
For starters I am not at work today. I shall go in tomorrow and Friday with Thursday off. From there I'll have one week on and one week off or vice versa. Fortunately I will be fully compensated. How long such an arrangement can be sustained remains to be seen.
I will neither be bowling nor swimming for the foreseeable future. Things weren't so cut and dry on either activity. When NYC Mayor de Blasio made his announcement Sunday regarding restrictions on restaurants, bars and entertainment venues bowling centers were not included unlike in Los Angeles. However, NY Governor Andrew Cuomo along with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont jointly forbade public gatherings of more than 50 people the writing was on the wall. This morning Bowlmor announced that all of its centers would be closed for 15 days. Under the circumstances, an April 1st reopening might be more than a tad optimistic. Whatever risks I might have taken, I'm glad I went bowling on Saturday.
As for swimming, the New York Parks & Recreation Department kept its rec centers & swimming pools open. But following my swim last night a staff member informed that their facilities would be closed indefinitely. Once again, whatever risks might have been involved, I'm glad I got in one last swim.
I'm also glad I had one last sit down meal in a restaurant yesterday. My stay at Zorba Mediterranean Grill on 3rd Avenue was only 10 minutes and I was the only patron inside. But I savored every moment of that seasonal vegetable wrap. Restaurants in New York City (and numerous other jurisdictions) are open only for delivery and take out.
It could be worse. We could be on 24 hour lockdown much like San Francisco. Yet all things considered this could come to pass. If it does it will have come more gradually. Still it's something I would prefer not to experience if at all possible.
Most importantly of all is that Dad and I still have our health. Let's keep it that way. Knock on wood. Then wash your hands.
Monday, March 16, 2020
Would Trump Admit to Testing Positive For The Coronavirus?
Over the weekend, the White House indicated that President Trump had undergone testing for the Coronavirus after coming into contact with two Brazilian officials who have tested positive.
White House Press Secretary stated, "One week after having dinner with the Brazilian delegation in Mar-a-Lago, the President remains symptom-free."
Yet as the CDC notes that symptoms for the Coronavirus may appear "2-14 days after exposure."
Will the President still be symptom free by next weekend?
And if he isn't can we expect him to be forthcoming about it?
If President Trump were to test positive for the Coronavirus what makes anyone think he would tell us?
Given his propensity for lying, I have my doubts.
Let us remember that Trump is on record as saying the Coronavirus is "under tremendous control" while Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, says the worst is still come with the possibility the Coronavirus could result in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans.
Let us also remember that Trump's longtime physician claimed in December 2015 that his obese patient "will be the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency." If Trump isn't going to be honest about what is happening at large then why would he be honest about his own health?
White House Press Secretary stated, "One week after having dinner with the Brazilian delegation in Mar-a-Lago, the President remains symptom-free."
Yet as the CDC notes that symptoms for the Coronavirus may appear "2-14 days after exposure."
Will the President still be symptom free by next weekend?
And if he isn't can we expect him to be forthcoming about it?
If President Trump were to test positive for the Coronavirus what makes anyone think he would tell us?
Given his propensity for lying, I have my doubts.
Let us remember that Trump is on record as saying the Coronavirus is "under tremendous control" while Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, says the worst is still come with the possibility the Coronavirus could result in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans.
Let us also remember that Trump's longtime physician claimed in December 2015 that his obese patient "will be the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency." If Trump isn't going to be honest about what is happening at large then why would he be honest about his own health?
Saturday, March 14, 2020
Striking Out The Fear of The Coronavirus
Today was like most Saturdays. I went to Bowlero Queens to practice. But of course this wasn't like most Saturdays. The Coronavirus is still very much among us and will be for the foreseeable future. Considering how many public events have been cancelled, it is comforting that to know that bowling alleys in New York City are still open.
My Dad had misgivings about me taking the subway to Queens to go bowling. But if I had gone to Bowlmor in Times Square to bowl three games it would have cost me $45. At Bowlero Queens, it costs me $3 (as I am a league member). So Dad told me, "Have a good time." (As a precaution, I took along a canister of Wet Ones).
Upon my arrival weren't very many people there. In fact, I had the opportunity to bowl "league style". Simply put, I had two lanes to myself. Because I bowled in this way I bowled only 1 1/2 games instead of three. So I decided to roll my three practice games (which only cost an additional $9).
As I am rolling my games the crowd becomes much larger. It's mostly families and friends who have booked several lanes for parties. Under the circumstances, they could have easily cancelled their events. I must admit that as the years have gone by I get nervous in crowds and these nerves have only been exacerbated since moving to NYC. But today I found the crowds to be comforting. (Of course, my mood was also buoyed by rolling 122, 93 and 130 twice rolling sparrows - which is three consecutive spares).
Regardless of how I bowled today, I felt encouraged to see so many people see fit to their lives as normally as they possibly could. There is a very good chance that things are going to get much worse before they get better. Yet I do not want to live a life where I have to imprison myself for an indefinite period of time. I don't want to get sick, but I don't want cabin fever either.
For the past nine months, bowling has become an important part of my life. Now with the Coronavirus, at the very minimum the fear of it, bowling has become even more important. Bowling is the means by which I will strike out the fear of the Coronavirus. Or at the very least every pin I can spare.
Friday, March 13, 2020
Memo to AOC: An Unwillingness To Wait In Line Is Not "Rampant Voter Supression"
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez claims "rampant voter suppression" was responsible for Bernie Sanders losing all 83 of Michigan's counties to Joe Biden. AOC told Fox News' Bret Baier yesterday:
Well, I think one thing that ... that isn't being talked about is the rampant voter suppression in this country. You know, obviously there's also more that we need to do in terms of turning out youth voters. We need to make sure that we're inspiring young people to turn out, but when you do turn out, you should not be waiting three, four, seven hours in order to vote. And that causes people to leave.
I hate to break it to AOC, but voluntarily leaving a line does not constitute voter suppression. Wikipedia defines voter suppression as "a strategy used to influence the outcome of an election by discouraging or preventing specific groups of people from voting."
What strategy was used to compel young Bernie Sanders supporters to leave long voting lines apart from their own volition? Given the magnitude of Sanders' loss to Biden in Michigan it would be like Barry Goldwater, George McGovern or Walter Mondale demanding a recount.
AOC's claims of voter suppression raised the ire of gun control advocate Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter Jaime was killed at the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida in February 2018. Guttenberg tweeted:
This is ridiculous @AOC. It was not voter suppression that caused voters, including me, to vote for @JoeBiden. It was his position on gun safety. His decency. His civility. It is his leadership. Stop making excuses for voters not choosing Bernie.
I wonder if Guttenberg's tweet animated AOC. Probably not, but it should. Unless she is either just being disingenuous or has no idea what the hell she is talking about when it comes what voter suppression actually is.
Well, I think one thing that ... that isn't being talked about is the rampant voter suppression in this country. You know, obviously there's also more that we need to do in terms of turning out youth voters. We need to make sure that we're inspiring young people to turn out, but when you do turn out, you should not be waiting three, four, seven hours in order to vote. And that causes people to leave.
I hate to break it to AOC, but voluntarily leaving a line does not constitute voter suppression. Wikipedia defines voter suppression as "a strategy used to influence the outcome of an election by discouraging or preventing specific groups of people from voting."
What strategy was used to compel young Bernie Sanders supporters to leave long voting lines apart from their own volition? Given the magnitude of Sanders' loss to Biden in Michigan it would be like Barry Goldwater, George McGovern or Walter Mondale demanding a recount.
AOC's claims of voter suppression raised the ire of gun control advocate Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter Jaime was killed at the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida in February 2018. Guttenberg tweeted:
This is ridiculous @AOC. It was not voter suppression that caused voters, including me, to vote for @JoeBiden. It was his position on gun safety. His decency. His civility. It is his leadership. Stop making excuses for voters not choosing Bernie.
I wonder if Guttenberg's tweet animated AOC. Probably not, but it should. Unless she is either just being disingenuous or has no idea what the hell she is talking about when it comes what voter suppression actually is.
Thursday, March 12, 2020
No Broadway & St. Patrick's Day Parade in NYC; Boston Marathon Delayed Until September Possibly
With New York Governor Andrew Cuomo now having prohibited gatherings of 500 or more people there will be no Broadway shows and next Tuesday's St. Patrick's Day Parade has also been cancelled.
The Broadway closure comes as it was revealed that an usher had tested positive for the Coronavirus.
The latter isn't so shocking considering that Dublin, Chicago and Boston had already cancelled their festivities.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh had hoped the Boston Marathon would proceed as scheduled on Patriot's Day next month, but Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker's declaration of a state of emergency yesterday quashed those hopes. Organizers are aiming to hold the century plus old road race in September, possibly on Labor Day. But for now there's nowhere to run.
The Broadway closure comes as it was revealed that an usher had tested positive for the Coronavirus.
The latter isn't so shocking considering that Dublin, Chicago and Boston had already cancelled their festivities.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh had hoped the Boston Marathon would proceed as scheduled on Patriot's Day next month, but Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker's declaration of a state of emergency yesterday quashed those hopes. Organizers are aiming to hold the century plus old road race in September, possibly on Labor Day. But for now there's nowhere to run.
Game Over: NHL & MLS Halt Action, MLB Expected to Follow Suit, NCAA Basketball Tournament Could Be Cancelled UPDATE
Game over. Following the NBA's decision last night to suspend its season because one of its player tested positive for the Coronavirus, the NHL has done the same while Major League Soccer (MLS) is suspending action for 30 days.
At this hour, MLB owners are meeting and are expected to cancel the remainder of spring training and postpone the beginning of the 2020 season which was to commence on March 26th.
There is also a possibility the NCAA Mens' & Womens' Basketball Tournament might be cancelled after several universities including Duke and Kansas put their athletic programs on indefinite hold. Yesterday, the NCAA announced plans to hold the tournament without spectators.
It truly has become March Madness. Only the madness won't end on March 31st.
UPDATE: MLB is aiming to have Opening Day commence on April 9th which would be a two week delay. It is unclear if the games cancelled prior to then would be made up or if the season would be a reduced schedule. In any case, while I laud MLB's optimism, it could be a matter of wishful thinking.
At this hour, MLB owners are meeting and are expected to cancel the remainder of spring training and postpone the beginning of the 2020 season which was to commence on March 26th.
There is also a possibility the NCAA Mens' & Womens' Basketball Tournament might be cancelled after several universities including Duke and Kansas put their athletic programs on indefinite hold. Yesterday, the NCAA announced plans to hold the tournament without spectators.
It truly has become March Madness. Only the madness won't end on March 31st.
UPDATE: MLB is aiming to have Opening Day commence on April 9th which would be a two week delay. It is unclear if the games cancelled prior to then would be made up or if the season would be a reduced schedule. In any case, while I laud MLB's optimism, it could be a matter of wishful thinking.
Would Trump Try to Postpone The Presidential Election?
If one reads this headline one might be inclined to think I'm engaging in a conspiracy theory. Quite the contrary. I pose the question because of an article by Laurie Garrett in yesterday's edition of Foreign Policy where she calls for the cancellation of the presidential campaign (though not the election itself) due to the Coronavirus. Citing recent elections in Iran, Garrett argues:
Iran offers an especially chilling cautionary tale. Its first identified cases were seen in hospitals in early February, and two deaths were announced on Feb. 19. But the government proceeded with the robust, nationwide celebrations of the Iranian revolution on Feb. 11 and national elections on Feb. 21. Both events involved massive crowds, and New Yorker writer Robin Wright quoted a local health-policy expert as saying, “It was the political decision that led to this outbreak in Iran.”
Epidemiologists estimate that around the time crowds lined up to vote, Iran already had more than 18,000 COVID-19 cases. Today about 10 percent of Iran’s parliamentarians are infected, several officials in the ayatollah’s ruling circle are sick or have died of the coronavirus, and the country has the third-largest epidemic in the world, after China and Italy. While Iranian officials may not have recognized the scale of their COVID-19 crisis when the Feb. 11 celebrations took place, they certainly knew the elections 10 days later posed a hazard of expanding their epidemic.
What would a U.S. presidential election look like without crowded polling stations, boisterous mass rallies, raucous conventions, and their days of side parties, glad-handing, and baby-kissing? It’s time we found out, but for now the presidential campaigns are standing in the way. The Trump campaign so far insists that no changes in either rallies or the Republican convention will be made, regardless of the epidemic. Many of his supporters, including members of the American Christian Union, continue to attend very large evangelical gatherings and believe that the arrival of COVID-19 is biblically predicted, and their faith will protect them. Some are marketing what look like rock-band tour T-shirts saying, “COVID-19 Media Hype Pandemic World Tour 2020. Mainstream Media: Keeping you scared with propaganda since 1987.”
I want to be clear in emphasizing that Garrett isn't calling for the election itself to be cancelled. Garrett calls for "a heavy emphasis on mail ballots" and "social distancing" at polling stations by which voters should be kept three feet apart. I'm not sure how practical the latter approach is considering that voters in California and Texas waited hours to vote on Super Tuesday. Perhaps this could be addressed by extending voting hours on election day or spread balloting over several days in highly populated areas to minimize person to person contact.
Garrett is clear in arguing that she is calling for a suspension of campaigning rather than the election itself. But those lines can easily be blurred especially by someone as demagogic as Donald Trump. Although Trump's rallies are proceeding apace, it is not inconceivable that he would float the idea of postponing the presidential election under the guise of a public health measure or national security. Mind you I only see him doing such a thing if Joe Biden is leading him in the polls by double digits and his own internal polling tells him that he is underwater.
Of course, President Trump (nor any other President) has the authority to postpone or cancel presidential elections. That power is vested in Congress via Article 2, Section 1, Clause 4 of the U.S. Constitution. So long as Democrats control the House of Representatives they aren't going to ask, "How high?" when Trump demands they jump. But the same cannot be said of Republicans. I can easily imagine the Jim Jordans, Matt Gaetzs and Doug Collins of the world supporting a postponement of the election if Trump proposed it.
Notwithstanding the fact that Article 2 gives Congress the power to determine when we vote, let us never forget that less than six months have passed since President Trump declared Article II gave him the "right to do whatever I want." It is not beyond the realm of possibility that Trump would try to exercise the powers he believes he possesses. Especially if it guarantees that he remains in the White House.
Iran offers an especially chilling cautionary tale. Its first identified cases were seen in hospitals in early February, and two deaths were announced on Feb. 19. But the government proceeded with the robust, nationwide celebrations of the Iranian revolution on Feb. 11 and national elections on Feb. 21. Both events involved massive crowds, and New Yorker writer Robin Wright quoted a local health-policy expert as saying, “It was the political decision that led to this outbreak in Iran.”
Epidemiologists estimate that around the time crowds lined up to vote, Iran already had more than 18,000 COVID-19 cases. Today about 10 percent of Iran’s parliamentarians are infected, several officials in the ayatollah’s ruling circle are sick or have died of the coronavirus, and the country has the third-largest epidemic in the world, after China and Italy. While Iranian officials may not have recognized the scale of their COVID-19 crisis when the Feb. 11 celebrations took place, they certainly knew the elections 10 days later posed a hazard of expanding their epidemic.
What would a U.S. presidential election look like without crowded polling stations, boisterous mass rallies, raucous conventions, and their days of side parties, glad-handing, and baby-kissing? It’s time we found out, but for now the presidential campaigns are standing in the way. The Trump campaign so far insists that no changes in either rallies or the Republican convention will be made, regardless of the epidemic. Many of his supporters, including members of the American Christian Union, continue to attend very large evangelical gatherings and believe that the arrival of COVID-19 is biblically predicted, and their faith will protect them. Some are marketing what look like rock-band tour T-shirts saying, “COVID-19 Media Hype Pandemic World Tour 2020. Mainstream Media: Keeping you scared with propaganda since 1987.”
I want to be clear in emphasizing that Garrett isn't calling for the election itself to be cancelled. Garrett calls for "a heavy emphasis on mail ballots" and "social distancing" at polling stations by which voters should be kept three feet apart. I'm not sure how practical the latter approach is considering that voters in California and Texas waited hours to vote on Super Tuesday. Perhaps this could be addressed by extending voting hours on election day or spread balloting over several days in highly populated areas to minimize person to person contact.
Garrett is clear in arguing that she is calling for a suspension of campaigning rather than the election itself. But those lines can easily be blurred especially by someone as demagogic as Donald Trump. Although Trump's rallies are proceeding apace, it is not inconceivable that he would float the idea of postponing the presidential election under the guise of a public health measure or national security. Mind you I only see him doing such a thing if Joe Biden is leading him in the polls by double digits and his own internal polling tells him that he is underwater.
Of course, President Trump (nor any other President) has the authority to postpone or cancel presidential elections. That power is vested in Congress via Article 2, Section 1, Clause 4 of the U.S. Constitution. So long as Democrats control the House of Representatives they aren't going to ask, "How high?" when Trump demands they jump. But the same cannot be said of Republicans. I can easily imagine the Jim Jordans, Matt Gaetzs and Doug Collins of the world supporting a postponement of the election if Trump proposed it.
Notwithstanding the fact that Article 2 gives Congress the power to determine when we vote, let us never forget that less than six months have passed since President Trump declared Article II gave him the "right to do whatever I want." It is not beyond the realm of possibility that Trump would try to exercise the powers he believes he possesses. Especially if it guarantees that he remains in the White House.
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
NBA Suspends Season; Tom Hanks Diagnosed with Coronavirus
If you want to watch the NBA then turn on your TV, radio or social media device now. Because the 2019-2020 season has been suspended after Rudy Gobert, center for the Utah Jazz, tested positive for the Coronavirus.
Given this unprecedented measure one wonders if the NHL and/or MLB will follow suit. The NHL, like the NBA, is in the middle of its season while MLB is in the midst of spring training with the regular season set to begin on March 26th. But with the Seattle Mariners' status already uncertain with Washington Governor Jay Inslee banning gatherings of 250 or more people one wonders if MLB will embark upon a hiatus of its own.
Sport is usually a welcome distraction in times of trouble. But this might not be an option. In which case people will have be content to binge watch their favorite TV shows and movies. Some of those movies might star Tom Hanks. Today, Hanks announced that he and his wife Rita Wilson have been diagnosed with the Coronavirus while traveling in Australia. Hopefully they were diagnosed early enough to make a full recovery.
It's bad enough there will be no more NBA, but Tom Hanks has the Coronavirus. It's a mad, mad, mad world and the madness has only just begun.
Given this unprecedented measure one wonders if the NHL and/or MLB will follow suit. The NHL, like the NBA, is in the middle of its season while MLB is in the midst of spring training with the regular season set to begin on March 26th. But with the Seattle Mariners' status already uncertain with Washington Governor Jay Inslee banning gatherings of 250 or more people one wonders if MLB will embark upon a hiatus of its own.
Sport is usually a welcome distraction in times of trouble. But this might not be an option. In which case people will have be content to binge watch their favorite TV shows and movies. Some of those movies might star Tom Hanks. Today, Hanks announced that he and his wife Rita Wilson have been diagnosed with the Coronavirus while traveling in Australia. Hopefully they were diagnosed early enough to make a full recovery.
It's bad enough there will be no more NBA, but Tom Hanks has the Coronavirus. It's a mad, mad, mad world and the madness has only just begun.
Where Will The Seattle Mariners Host Their Home Games?
With Coronavirus cases particularly severe in the case of Washington state, its Governor Jay Inslee has announced a ban of gatherings of more than 250 people.
This announcement directly affects the Seattle Mariners who are now looking for somewhere else to play their first few home games. The Mariners are scheduled to open the 2020 season on March 26th with a four game series against the Texas Rangers following by a three game series against the Minnesota Twins.
Would they play in Oregon? Or could they reach an agreement to remain in T-Mobile Park, but agree to play in front of an empty ballpark.
Whatever their arrangement, I have a feeling it will last past April 1st. Inslee estimates Washington could have 64,000 cases of Coronavirus by May.
Yet I think it is important the Mariners play somewhere. Washingtonians will need something to keep their mind off this pandemic.
This announcement directly affects the Seattle Mariners who are now looking for somewhere else to play their first few home games. The Mariners are scheduled to open the 2020 season on March 26th with a four game series against the Texas Rangers following by a three game series against the Minnesota Twins.
Would they play in Oregon? Or could they reach an agreement to remain in T-Mobile Park, but agree to play in front of an empty ballpark.
Whatever their arrangement, I have a feeling it will last past April 1st. Inslee estimates Washington could have 64,000 cases of Coronavirus by May.
Yet I think it is important the Mariners play somewhere. Washingtonians will need something to keep their mind off this pandemic.
Bernie Can't Take a Hint From Voters
Evidently Bernie Sanders can't take a hint. Despite losing five out of six states to Joe Biden last night, Bernie is pressing on with his presidential campaign.
In a way I don't blame him. This is his last chance. If he isn't elected President in 2020 he will never be elected President. The torch is going to be passed onto AOC in 2024.
There will be a one on one debate with Joe Biden in Phoenix on Sunday. It would be the first one on one debate in the entire campaign and a chance for Bernie to cast doubt on Biden's viability by throwing a knockout punch. If that gamble pays off then perhaps he could catch a second wind.
But if Bernie gets the Biden who got feisty with the autoworker in Detroit yesterday he might have bitten off more than he can chew. Let us also remember the debate will take place without an audience due to the Coronavirus. Not having a cheering crowd won't do Bernie any favors.
If Bernie debates Biden on Sunday and then gets shut out in Arizona, Florida, Illinois and Ohio 48 hours later then there is no reason for him to carry on in the race. If he does then he is only embarrassing himself and damaging Biden's chances (which he might very well want to do). If that is the case then Bernie has a chance of becoming a figure more despised by Democrats than Ralph Nader was 20 years ago.
The best case scenario would be for Bernie to exit stage left one week from now. He'll always have North Dakota.
In a way I don't blame him. This is his last chance. If he isn't elected President in 2020 he will never be elected President. The torch is going to be passed onto AOC in 2024.
There will be a one on one debate with Joe Biden in Phoenix on Sunday. It would be the first one on one debate in the entire campaign and a chance for Bernie to cast doubt on Biden's viability by throwing a knockout punch. If that gamble pays off then perhaps he could catch a second wind.
But if Bernie gets the Biden who got feisty with the autoworker in Detroit yesterday he might have bitten off more than he can chew. Let us also remember the debate will take place without an audience due to the Coronavirus. Not having a cheering crowd won't do Bernie any favors.
If Bernie debates Biden on Sunday and then gets shut out in Arizona, Florida, Illinois and Ohio 48 hours later then there is no reason for him to carry on in the race. If he does then he is only embarrassing himself and damaging Biden's chances (which he might very well want to do). If that is the case then Bernie has a chance of becoming a figure more despised by Democrats than Ralph Nader was 20 years ago.
The best case scenario would be for Bernie to exit stage left one week from now. He'll always have North Dakota.
My Thoughts on The Coronavirus Pandemic
The Coronavirus is the biggest story of 2020 thus far. Its significance will grow now that the World Health Organization today declared it a pandemic.
Until now, my only comment on the subject occurred in late February when President Trump tabbed Vice-President Pence to head up the U.S. government's response. Given how the outbreak has begun to affect every facet of our lives the time has come for me to express my thoughts on the subject for whatever they might be worth.
Although the Coronavirus became a global public health concern at the end of January, it has only been over the past week or so that I every time I walk out into the streets of New York City nearly every conversation I hear is about the Coronavirus. The only other I ever experienced something like this was in the days following the September 11th attacks when I lived in Boston (no doubt those conversations in NYC were a thousand fold). The difference is that those conversations in 2001 concerned an event which had already occurred whereas with the Coronavirus conversations the discussion revolves around an event where the worst is yet to come.
At this point, I have not been directly impacted by the Coronavirus although this could soon change. I cannot say the same for others in my family. One of my uncles is unable to visit my aunt who is afflicted with Alzheimer's at a long term care facility as per New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's directive. My uncle is far from alone in this situation.
I know a number of people who have been ordered to work from home and wonder if this is a viable long term solution. And what of the people who have the kind of job where one cannot work from home?
Then you have universities implementing full fledged virtual learning such as Harvard University. Students on spring break have been asked not to return to campus while students living on campus have been given five days to leave their dorms and some of the students have nowhere to go. If nothing else, this new state of affairs is bound to baffle a certain orange feline.
This is going on at other universities. Parents with children who attend out of state academic institutions now must grapple with whether to have their kids come home or find a way to remain out of state.
What of the people of New Rochelle? Less than 25 miles north of NYC, the National Guard has been called in to place into containment. Given its predominantly Jewish population, I cannot help but wonder if we will see another spike in anti-Semitism as we have seen with anti-Chinese sentiment in Chinatowns across the world including NYC.
Yesterday morning, there was a lineup outside of ABC for Live with Kelly & Ryan. Today, they are going audience free and will for the foreseeable future following Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, The View and Good Morning America.
The St. Patrick's Day Parade in NYC is scheduled to proceed but Mayor de Blasio is evidently in discussion with organizers. Festivities have been cancelled in Dublin, in Chicago and in Boston. Next month's Boston Marathon might be spared, but who can say? And of what of sporting events, concerts and festivals? Coachella has been delayed until October.
Unless Bernie Sanders is smart enough to call it quits (I doubt it) then he and Joe Biden will debate in an empty room in Phoenix on Sunday night.
The MTA hasn't been shutdown, but de Blasio are Cuomo are strongly discouraging people from using it. I wonder how long it will be before NYC's Department of Parks and Recreation closes down swimming pools. Until they do, I will still be going. I will also continue to go bowling (as I will be this evening) until that option isn't available to me. Aside from washing my hands on a regular basis, the Coronavirus is beyond my control. I'm not going to let it dictate my life to the best of my ability. Simply put, I will make every effort to live my normal life.
I'm not taking a cavalier or devil may care attitude. I'm well aware of the fact we are in a dangerous global situation that is bound to get worse. Can our health care system handle millions of sick people in a short period of time? Will this lead to recession and economic collapse? Not to mention an escalation of hatred and scapegoating. Although one can speak out against xenophobia which arises from the Coronavirus whether I get sick or lose my job are matters over which I have limited control. Should I have to deal with them I will cross that bridge should it come. Otherwise, I carry on. I inhale and I exhale. I can do no more.
Until now, my only comment on the subject occurred in late February when President Trump tabbed Vice-President Pence to head up the U.S. government's response. Given how the outbreak has begun to affect every facet of our lives the time has come for me to express my thoughts on the subject for whatever they might be worth.
Although the Coronavirus became a global public health concern at the end of January, it has only been over the past week or so that I every time I walk out into the streets of New York City nearly every conversation I hear is about the Coronavirus. The only other I ever experienced something like this was in the days following the September 11th attacks when I lived in Boston (no doubt those conversations in NYC were a thousand fold). The difference is that those conversations in 2001 concerned an event which had already occurred whereas with the Coronavirus conversations the discussion revolves around an event where the worst is yet to come.
At this point, I have not been directly impacted by the Coronavirus although this could soon change. I cannot say the same for others in my family. One of my uncles is unable to visit my aunt who is afflicted with Alzheimer's at a long term care facility as per New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's directive. My uncle is far from alone in this situation.
I know a number of people who have been ordered to work from home and wonder if this is a viable long term solution. And what of the people who have the kind of job where one cannot work from home?
Then you have universities implementing full fledged virtual learning such as Harvard University. Students on spring break have been asked not to return to campus while students living on campus have been given five days to leave their dorms and some of the students have nowhere to go. If nothing else, this new state of affairs is bound to baffle a certain orange feline.
This is going on at other universities. Parents with children who attend out of state academic institutions now must grapple with whether to have their kids come home or find a way to remain out of state.
What of the people of New Rochelle? Less than 25 miles north of NYC, the National Guard has been called in to place into containment. Given its predominantly Jewish population, I cannot help but wonder if we will see another spike in anti-Semitism as we have seen with anti-Chinese sentiment in Chinatowns across the world including NYC.
Yesterday morning, there was a lineup outside of ABC for Live with Kelly & Ryan. Today, they are going audience free and will for the foreseeable future following Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, The View and Good Morning America.
The St. Patrick's Day Parade in NYC is scheduled to proceed but Mayor de Blasio is evidently in discussion with organizers. Festivities have been cancelled in Dublin, in Chicago and in Boston. Next month's Boston Marathon might be spared, but who can say? And of what of sporting events, concerts and festivals? Coachella has been delayed until October.
Unless Bernie Sanders is smart enough to call it quits (I doubt it) then he and Joe Biden will debate in an empty room in Phoenix on Sunday night.
The MTA hasn't been shutdown, but de Blasio are Cuomo are strongly discouraging people from using it. I wonder how long it will be before NYC's Department of Parks and Recreation closes down swimming pools. Until they do, I will still be going. I will also continue to go bowling (as I will be this evening) until that option isn't available to me. Aside from washing my hands on a regular basis, the Coronavirus is beyond my control. I'm not going to let it dictate my life to the best of my ability. Simply put, I will make every effort to live my normal life.
I'm not taking a cavalier or devil may care attitude. I'm well aware of the fact we are in a dangerous global situation that is bound to get worse. Can our health care system handle millions of sick people in a short period of time? Will this lead to recession and economic collapse? Not to mention an escalation of hatred and scapegoating. Although one can speak out against xenophobia which arises from the Coronavirus whether I get sick or lose my job are matters over which I have limited control. Should I have to deal with them I will cross that bridge should it come. Otherwise, I carry on. I inhale and I exhale. I can do no more.
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Biden Wins Michigan; Will Bernie Drop Out?
Joe Biden decisively bested Bernie Sanders in the Michigan Primary. With 51% of the vote in, Biden has earned 53.2% of the total and has nearly a 14 point lead over Bernie (39.3%). Keep in mind that Bernie narrowly prevailed over Hillary Clinton in Michigan in 2016.
Biden has also crushed Bernie in Mississippi (80.7% to 15.3%) and in Missouri (59.2% to 34.5%) with 68% and 59% of the votes counted so far, respectively. Bernie does have a double digit lead on Biden in North Dakota Caucus (39.7% to 26.2%) albeit with only 10% of the vote in so far. Results are expected in soon from the Northwest in both Washington and Idaho. Even if Bernie were to prevail in these states he really needed Michigan and he didn't get it.
Given that Biden has dominated Bernie back to back Tuesday nights one wonders how much longer Bernie is going to stick around. Next Tuesday won't be any easier with Arizona, Florida, Illinois and Ohio on the docket. There is a debate scheduled to take place on Sunday night in Phoenix. I'm sure Bernie wants a chance to mano-a-mano with Biden. However, because of concerns over the Coronavirus, the debate will occur with no audience. This could make for bad optics and minimize the debate's impact especially where Bernie is concerned.
I cannot help but wonder if Bernie is pondering a third party run. If he does he'll be more hated than Ralph Nader was 20 years ago. Should Bernie drop out a more likely scenario would be if Bernie Bros were to disrupt Biden's events as they did yesterday in Flint, Michigan when one of their ranks assaulted Biden's press secretary Symone Sanders. I'm fairly sure that attack was deliberate as Sanders worked for Bernie in 2016 and is no doubt looked upon as a traitor. If that does happen then it will reflect poorly on Bernie. How can Bernie condone violence committed in his name?
However you look at things Joe Biden had another terrific night with more likely to follow.
Biden has also crushed Bernie in Mississippi (80.7% to 15.3%) and in Missouri (59.2% to 34.5%) with 68% and 59% of the votes counted so far, respectively. Bernie does have a double digit lead on Biden in North Dakota Caucus (39.7% to 26.2%) albeit with only 10% of the vote in so far. Results are expected in soon from the Northwest in both Washington and Idaho. Even if Bernie were to prevail in these states he really needed Michigan and he didn't get it.
Given that Biden has dominated Bernie back to back Tuesday nights one wonders how much longer Bernie is going to stick around. Next Tuesday won't be any easier with Arizona, Florida, Illinois and Ohio on the docket. There is a debate scheduled to take place on Sunday night in Phoenix. I'm sure Bernie wants a chance to mano-a-mano with Biden. However, because of concerns over the Coronavirus, the debate will occur with no audience. This could make for bad optics and minimize the debate's impact especially where Bernie is concerned.
I cannot help but wonder if Bernie is pondering a third party run. If he does he'll be more hated than Ralph Nader was 20 years ago. Should Bernie drop out a more likely scenario would be if Bernie Bros were to disrupt Biden's events as they did yesterday in Flint, Michigan when one of their ranks assaulted Biden's press secretary Symone Sanders. I'm fairly sure that attack was deliberate as Sanders worked for Bernie in 2016 and is no doubt looked upon as a traitor. If that does happen then it will reflect poorly on Bernie. How can Bernie condone violence committed in his name?
However you look at things Joe Biden had another terrific night with more likely to follow.
GOP Mayor in Michigan Endorses Biden; Calls Trump "Deranged"
With voters in Michigan along with five other states set to cast their ballots in the Democratic Party, Joe Biden has continued to receive endorsements with former Democratic rivals - Senators Kamala Harris and Cory Booker giving him their blessing at a rally yesterday in Flint, Michigan.
But Biden also received another equally significant endorsement. Now one might not pay much heed to the endorsement of Michael Taylor, the mayor of Sterling Heights, a suburb of Detroit, except for the fact that he's lifelong Republican. According to Newsweek:
"I think Joe Biden is the candidate who can unify all of the Democrats and he's the candidate who can appeal to moderates and Republicans like me who don't want to see four more years of President Trump," Taylor said, according to the Chicago Tribune on Monday.
"I remember thinking this Trump thing is insane, but when it was down to him and Hillary, I kind of said, 'Well, you are a Republican, and yeah he's nuts, but maybe he'll get better and you know he's going to lower taxes," Taylor said. "I slowly talked myself into it. 'He can't seriously be this deranged once he gets in there,' and he's even more deranged now than I thought then. So, I take the blame. I voted for him."
But voters including Republican mayors can change their vote. Michigan, of course, was one of six states Trump wrested from Democrats in 2016 and was one of three states that was part of the so-called Blue Wall along with Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. It remains to be seen if Taylor is an aberration. But if he isn't then Biden can win Michigan. When you consider that Pennsylvania is Biden's backyard even if Trump were to carry Wisconsin if Biden were to regain Iowa or pick up Arizona (where Democrats are winning elections on a fairly consistent basis) then he would win the presidency. The longer the Coronavirus is adversely affecting our daily lives then the more likely American voters are going to want someone who isn't deranged leading them and this will include a lot of Republicans who have held their tongues.
No doubt someone as petty as President Trump will probably tweet his anger towards Taylor. If he does Taylor should wear Trump's disdain as a badge of honor. Because it means Trump is vulnerable. And when vulnerable the deranged become more deranged.
But Biden also received another equally significant endorsement. Now one might not pay much heed to the endorsement of Michael Taylor, the mayor of Sterling Heights, a suburb of Detroit, except for the fact that he's lifelong Republican. According to Newsweek:
"I think Joe Biden is the candidate who can unify all of the Democrats and he's the candidate who can appeal to moderates and Republicans like me who don't want to see four more years of President Trump," Taylor said, according to the Chicago Tribune on Monday.
"I remember thinking this Trump thing is insane, but when it was down to him and Hillary, I kind of said, 'Well, you are a Republican, and yeah he's nuts, but maybe he'll get better and you know he's going to lower taxes," Taylor said. "I slowly talked myself into it. 'He can't seriously be this deranged once he gets in there,' and he's even more deranged now than I thought then. So, I take the blame. I voted for him."
But voters including Republican mayors can change their vote. Michigan, of course, was one of six states Trump wrested from Democrats in 2016 and was one of three states that was part of the so-called Blue Wall along with Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. It remains to be seen if Taylor is an aberration. But if he isn't then Biden can win Michigan. When you consider that Pennsylvania is Biden's backyard even if Trump were to carry Wisconsin if Biden were to regain Iowa or pick up Arizona (where Democrats are winning elections on a fairly consistent basis) then he would win the presidency. The longer the Coronavirus is adversely affecting our daily lives then the more likely American voters are going to want someone who isn't deranged leading them and this will include a lot of Republicans who have held their tongues.
No doubt someone as petty as President Trump will probably tweet his anger towards Taylor. If he does Taylor should wear Trump's disdain as a badge of honor. Because it means Trump is vulnerable. And when vulnerable the deranged become more deranged.
Monday, March 9, 2020
The 9th Circuit Misapplies The Spirit of The Law in Favor of Led Zeppelin
The 1960's psychedelic band Spirit and most specifically the late Randy California have been screwed again. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals denied California's estate royalties to Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven". His estate claimed "Stairway to Heaven" was derived from The Spirit instrumental "Taurus". According to Variety:
The court overturned the so-called “inverse ratio rule,” a precedent that has governed copyright cases in the 9th Circuit for the last 43 years.
To prove copyright infringement, a plaintiff must show that the alleged infringer had access to the plaintiff’s work, and that the two works are “substantially similar.” The inverse ratio rule — which had not been adopted in other circuits — held that the more access was shown, the less similarity was required to establish infringement. The rule has been a thorn in the side of defendants — including record labels and major artists — for decades.
In overturning the rule, the appeals court noted that the idea of “access” has become diluted in the digital age, as millions of works are readily available on Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify. The court also held that the rule has the effect of establishing a lower burden of proof for infringement of popular works.
However, in this case, the digital age has nothing to do with it. Spirit were not only contemporaries of Led Zeppelin, but Led Zeppelin opened for them in the late 1960's. So Robert Plant and Jimmy Page would have had direct access to the song on a nightly basis. I believe the 9th Circuit misapplied the spirit of the law in favor of Led Zeppelin.
Well, judge for yourself. Have to listen to "Taurus" by Spirit. Wait about 45 seconds and then things will sound really familiar.
The court overturned the so-called “inverse ratio rule,” a precedent that has governed copyright cases in the 9th Circuit for the last 43 years.
To prove copyright infringement, a plaintiff must show that the alleged infringer had access to the plaintiff’s work, and that the two works are “substantially similar.” The inverse ratio rule — which had not been adopted in other circuits — held that the more access was shown, the less similarity was required to establish infringement. The rule has been a thorn in the side of defendants — including record labels and major artists — for decades.
In overturning the rule, the appeals court noted that the idea of “access” has become diluted in the digital age, as millions of works are readily available on Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify. The court also held that the rule has the effect of establishing a lower burden of proof for infringement of popular works.
However, in this case, the digital age has nothing to do with it. Spirit were not only contemporaries of Led Zeppelin, but Led Zeppelin opened for them in the late 1960's. So Robert Plant and Jimmy Page would have had direct access to the song on a nightly basis. I believe the 9th Circuit misapplied the spirit of the law in favor of Led Zeppelin.
Well, judge for yourself. Have to listen to "Taurus" by Spirit. Wait about 45 seconds and then things will sound really familiar.
Thursday, March 5, 2020
Elizabeth Warren's Fate Was Sealed The Moment AOC Endorsed Bernie
For once I agree with something Elizabeth Warren is doing - she is dropping out of the presidential race.
Six months ago, Warren appeared to be the frontrunner. I remember the rally she had at Washington Square Park. I didn't attend, but I saw the build up. It was my birthday and had the day off and made a point of checking out the scene. She had a reasonable chance to become the Democratic nominee. But then people read the fine print. As it turned out she didn't have a plan for everything namely Medicare For All. Then she had multiple plans none of which added up.
But I think the key turning point against Warren was when AOC endorsed Bernie Sanders. I honestly thought AOC would endorse Warren, but Sanders' campaign took off when she endorsed him in mid-October and Warren never regained her footing. Bernie Sanders is many things, but he's not someone who would claim a woman couldn't be elected President. Warren's claim utterly reeked of desperation.
The writing was surely on the wall when Warren couldn't break 10% in the neighboring state of New Hampshire. A third place finish in Massachusetts was the nail in the coffin.
I'm sure Warren will be discussed as a possible VP, but I think Biden would be foolish to pick her. In any case, Biden would be far better served by someone like Stacey Abrams.
As for Warren, she can resume her duties in the Senate. After all it is what the people of Massachusetts want of her.
Six months ago, Warren appeared to be the frontrunner. I remember the rally she had at Washington Square Park. I didn't attend, but I saw the build up. It was my birthday and had the day off and made a point of checking out the scene. She had a reasonable chance to become the Democratic nominee. But then people read the fine print. As it turned out she didn't have a plan for everything namely Medicare For All. Then she had multiple plans none of which added up.
But I think the key turning point against Warren was when AOC endorsed Bernie Sanders. I honestly thought AOC would endorse Warren, but Sanders' campaign took off when she endorsed him in mid-October and Warren never regained her footing. Bernie Sanders is many things, but he's not someone who would claim a woman couldn't be elected President. Warren's claim utterly reeked of desperation.
The writing was surely on the wall when Warren couldn't break 10% in the neighboring state of New Hampshire. A third place finish in Massachusetts was the nail in the coffin.
I'm sure Warren will be discussed as a possible VP, but I think Biden would be foolish to pick her. In any case, Biden would be far better served by someone like Stacey Abrams.
As for Warren, she can resume her duties in the Senate. After all it is what the people of Massachusetts want of her.
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
It Only Cost Half a Billion Dollars For Bloomberg to Endorse Biden
With apologies to American Samoa, Michael Bloomberg's pitiful performance last night made today's withdrawal from the Democratic presidential race a fait d'accompli. The coup de grace was his endorsement of Joe Biden, an endorsement for which he paid a mere half a billion dollars.
Not for a moment did I believe Bloomberg was going to win the Democratic Party nomination when he entered the race back in November. I also had a feeling Bloomberg's debate debut a fortnight agao would be disastrous although I thought it would be Buttigieg and Klobuchar fighting for the spoils rather than Biden.
As I mentioned nearly three months ago, the Bernie Sanders/AOC axis doesn't believe Bloomberg has a right to exist as a billionaire even if he earned his wealth instead of inheriting like President Trump. For them money is the root of all evil. But like it or not, politics costs money and Biden will have no trouble accepting money from Bloomberg (and perhaps even Tom Steyer).
There were other things that hurt Bloomberg. First, there was his indecision. A year ago, he declined to enter the race only to reverse himself eight months later. Second, he didn't get on the ground and campaign. TV commercials are good, but they only go so far. Which brings me to my third point. If you are going to rely on TV commercials you had better come as advertised when it comes to debating your opponents. Unfortunately for Bloomberg, he shit the bed. As much I don't care for Elizabeth Warren, she ate his lunch and came back for dinner.
Bloomberg can still contribute to American public life through philanthropy. He could also help Biden get over the top against Bernie Sanders and then Donald Trump. If he does that then half a billion dollars spent could be a bargain.
Not for a moment did I believe Bloomberg was going to win the Democratic Party nomination when he entered the race back in November. I also had a feeling Bloomberg's debate debut a fortnight agao would be disastrous although I thought it would be Buttigieg and Klobuchar fighting for the spoils rather than Biden.
As I mentioned nearly three months ago, the Bernie Sanders/AOC axis doesn't believe Bloomberg has a right to exist as a billionaire even if he earned his wealth instead of inheriting like President Trump. For them money is the root of all evil. But like it or not, politics costs money and Biden will have no trouble accepting money from Bloomberg (and perhaps even Tom Steyer).
There were other things that hurt Bloomberg. First, there was his indecision. A year ago, he declined to enter the race only to reverse himself eight months later. Second, he didn't get on the ground and campaign. TV commercials are good, but they only go so far. Which brings me to my third point. If you are going to rely on TV commercials you had better come as advertised when it comes to debating your opponents. Unfortunately for Bloomberg, he shit the bed. As much I don't care for Elizabeth Warren, she ate his lunch and came back for dinner.
Bloomberg can still contribute to American public life through philanthropy. He could also help Biden get over the top against Bernie Sanders and then Donald Trump. If he does that then half a billion dollars spent could be a bargain.
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Perhaps It Is Best Not to Socialize Over Politics
Since last July I have been attending Democratic debates and caucus/primary results. I think tonight's Super Tuesday watch party at RPM Underground in Midtown will be my last.
As much as anything else I've gone to these gatherings to meet people. Although I have lived in NYC for nearly a year and a half I have yet to make any new friends. Of the gatherings I have attended the only place I have had any extended conversation was at RPM during the infamous Iowa Caucus last month.
It was on that basis that I opted to go to RPM tonight. I had contemplated going back to the Black Sheep Pub as I had back in November. Lo and behold, the gathering was cancelled because of the Coronavirus or, more precisely, the fear of it.
I made a point of going to the same room I had been in the last time since it had been so conducive to conversation. There were four women there and they were later joined by a boyfriend from Paris. At first things were alright. I picked my spots and when I did my sense of humor had its moments. Perhaps my best was when the Parisian boyfriend said he was a germaphobe. To which I quipped, "A germaphobe? I thought you were from France."
Things turned sour when discussing Elizabeth Warren's poor performance in Massachusetts. Two of the women blamed sexism. I cited Warren's character such as her false claims of Native American heritage. This produced a viscerally angry response from the women who had been by this time had been joined by this drunk fellow who had just moved back to the area from Virginia. He somehow turned the subject to Journey when he mentioned he had seen them open for Emerson, Lake & Palmer in Colorado in 1977. One of the women loved Journey. So I asked her what she thought of the lead singer who replaced Steve Perry. "How the fuck should I know?", she bellowed. I should add that she had become rather drunk herself. It was at this point I decided that things would not end well if I prolonged my stay. I didn't want to make a scene. So I waited five minutes and politely excused myself from the proceedings.
Well, I gave it a good faith effort. Politics is a dead end. I'll just have to find other avenues of socialization like bowling. Speaking of which The Lousy Bowlers Club convenes tomorrow night. Joe Biden might have had a Super Tuesday. Perhaps a Super Wednesday is in store for me.
I Can't Believe Biden is Winning in Massachusetts
For all of Joe Biden's success on Super Tuesday I am most astonished that he is leading in Massachusetts.
With 62% of the results in, Biden is leading Bernie Sanders by nearly 7% of vote (34% to 27.1%) with Elizabeth Warren is in third at 20.5% of the vote. That would Elizabeth Warren, Senator from Massachusetts.
Now I wasn't expecting Warren to win Massachusetts, but I did expect a very close second to Bernie Sanders. After all, Vermont shares a border with Massachusetts.
But I was not expecting Biden to win Massachusetts let alone place or show. After all we are only three weeks removed from Biden being nowhere near New Hampshire as he finished fifth without a delegate. But a respectable second place finish in Nevada, two solid debate performances (unlike Michael Bloomberg) and a runaway win in South Carolina and now the Democratic Party is coalescing around Biden. Well, most of it is anyway.
If Warren is losing to Biden by double digits in the state she represents in the U.S. Senate then what is her rationale to remain in the race? To pester Bloomberg? After spending $120 million to win American Samoa it looks like he's getting out tomorrow. So she would have no foil there. If she wants to be Biden's VP she won't endear herself by staying in the race. Unless she's trying to be a kingmaker to Sanders, a man with whom she had a shouting match in front of the whole world a month and a half ago. Or is she just in love with the sound of her voice? She sure sounded like it when she spoke in Michigan earlier tonight.
Warren can be as vain as she wants. She is not winning the Democratic Party nomination. If Joe Biden can win over Democrats in Massachusetts then he can win over Democrats everywhere up to and including Milwaukee. Whether he can win over the rest of the nation very much remains to be seen.
With 62% of the results in, Biden is leading Bernie Sanders by nearly 7% of vote (34% to 27.1%) with Elizabeth Warren is in third at 20.5% of the vote. That would Elizabeth Warren, Senator from Massachusetts.
Now I wasn't expecting Warren to win Massachusetts, but I did expect a very close second to Bernie Sanders. After all, Vermont shares a border with Massachusetts.
But I was not expecting Biden to win Massachusetts let alone place or show. After all we are only three weeks removed from Biden being nowhere near New Hampshire as he finished fifth without a delegate. But a respectable second place finish in Nevada, two solid debate performances (unlike Michael Bloomberg) and a runaway win in South Carolina and now the Democratic Party is coalescing around Biden. Well, most of it is anyway.
If Warren is losing to Biden by double digits in the state she represents in the U.S. Senate then what is her rationale to remain in the race? To pester Bloomberg? After spending $120 million to win American Samoa it looks like he's getting out tomorrow. So she would have no foil there. If she wants to be Biden's VP she won't endear herself by staying in the race. Unless she's trying to be a kingmaker to Sanders, a man with whom she had a shouting match in front of the whole world a month and a half ago. Or is she just in love with the sound of her voice? She sure sounded like it when she spoke in Michigan earlier tonight.
Warren can be as vain as she wants. She is not winning the Democratic Party nomination. If Joe Biden can win over Democrats in Massachusetts then he can win over Democrats everywhere up to and including Milwaukee. Whether he can win over the rest of the nation very much remains to be seen.
Monday, March 2, 2020
Klobuchar Drops Out; Endorses Biden
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar dropped out of the Democratic presidential race earlier today and promptly endorsed former rival Joe Biden.
Klobuchar's exit comes less than 24 hours after that of Pete Buttigieg who also endorsed Biden. They will appear alongside Biden at a rally tonight in Dallas, Texas. The question is whether Biden can keep Klobuchar from throwing her phone at Buttigieg.
Klobuchar was never really a serious contender. Her campaign got off to a rocky start amid reports of her abuse of her legislative staff. Last month, however, she had a strong debate performance four days before the New Hampshire Primary. It was good enough for a third place finish in the Granite State ahead of both Elizabeth Warren and Biden, the man she is now endorsing. Politics is a funny thing. You know your campaign is in trouble when Black Lives Matter forces you to cancel a rally in your home state which they did only yesterday.
I'm sure Klobuchar's internal numbers in Minnesota showed her losing big time to Bernie Sanders. Otherwise why would she drop out now? If Klobuchar was certain of victory in Minnesota she could leave the race with one victory under her belt.
Endorsing Biden now could put her on the VP shortlist if Biden bests Bernie. Although I think Biden will more likely pick an African-American woman like Stacey Abrams or even Kamala Harris than Klobuchar. On the other hand, I can see Bernie giving Klobuchar some consideration as a potential running mate. They demonstrated a relatively amicable relationship on the debate stage even when trading the occasional barb. But methinks Bernie would be more likely to pick someone more out there like Tulsi Gabbard.
Unless a Democratic President picks her as Secretary of Agriculture or Secretary of Energy, it is most likely that Klobuchar will spend the remainder of her professional career in the Senate making life miserable for her staffers.
Klobuchar's exit comes less than 24 hours after that of Pete Buttigieg who also endorsed Biden. They will appear alongside Biden at a rally tonight in Dallas, Texas. The question is whether Biden can keep Klobuchar from throwing her phone at Buttigieg.
Klobuchar was never really a serious contender. Her campaign got off to a rocky start amid reports of her abuse of her legislative staff. Last month, however, she had a strong debate performance four days before the New Hampshire Primary. It was good enough for a third place finish in the Granite State ahead of both Elizabeth Warren and Biden, the man she is now endorsing. Politics is a funny thing. You know your campaign is in trouble when Black Lives Matter forces you to cancel a rally in your home state which they did only yesterday.
I'm sure Klobuchar's internal numbers in Minnesota showed her losing big time to Bernie Sanders. Otherwise why would she drop out now? If Klobuchar was certain of victory in Minnesota she could leave the race with one victory under her belt.
Endorsing Biden now could put her on the VP shortlist if Biden bests Bernie. Although I think Biden will more likely pick an African-American woman like Stacey Abrams or even Kamala Harris than Klobuchar. On the other hand, I can see Bernie giving Klobuchar some consideration as a potential running mate. They demonstrated a relatively amicable relationship on the debate stage even when trading the occasional barb. But methinks Bernie would be more likely to pick someone more out there like Tulsi Gabbard.
Unless a Democratic President picks her as Secretary of Agriculture or Secretary of Energy, it is most likely that Klobuchar will spend the remainder of her professional career in the Senate making life miserable for her staffers.
Sunday, March 1, 2020
I'll Probably Still Vote For Buttigieg in November
I am disappointed that Pete Buttigieg has chosen to end his presidential bid. It was only a month ago he won the Iowa Caucus & only two weeks ago he finished a close second in New Hampshire. Unfortunately, a third place finish in Nevada eight days ago and a fourth place finish last night in South Carolina without earning a delegate made his early success shortlived. Alas, Buttigieg did not resonate with minority voters some of whom hold deep rooted homophobic views which say a great deal more about them than it does about Buttigieg.
While Buttigieg might not be the Democratic nominee there is a very good chance I will write his name in come November. He was the only Democrat who showed a lick of sense when it came to trying to change the mind of Trump voters, welcoming disaffected Republicans with open arms and turning the Democratic Party back into a big tent.
I simply cannot see myself voting for any other Democrat. Bernie Sanders has done more than any American to legitimize anti-Semitism. Elizabeth Warren is just fundamentally dishonest, Amy Klobuchar is a bully and Joe Biden represents the excesses of the Obama Administration. Michael Bloomberg did have some achievements as Mayor of New York City, but is distancing himself from them. Bloomberg has views on gun control, climate change and the Chinese politburo that are too peculiar for my liking. He is more pro-Israel than most Democrats, but those views are about as welcome in his party as his existence as a billionaire. I don't see Democrats nominating him and I don't see him sticking around if he has fewer than 25 delegates in 48 hours time.
No candidate is entitled to my vote. It must be earned. As much as I hold Donald Trump in contempt I don't see the remaining Democratic field does not inspire my confidence. It's enough to make me want to concentrate my energies at the bowling alley instead of the ballot box.
My disappointment notwithstanding it is heartening to consider that no one outside of South Bend knew who Buttigieg was a year ago. That he's come this far in 2020 is a good thing. The question is how far can Pete Buttigieg go in 2024.
While Buttigieg might not be the Democratic nominee there is a very good chance I will write his name in come November. He was the only Democrat who showed a lick of sense when it came to trying to change the mind of Trump voters, welcoming disaffected Republicans with open arms and turning the Democratic Party back into a big tent.
I simply cannot see myself voting for any other Democrat. Bernie Sanders has done more than any American to legitimize anti-Semitism. Elizabeth Warren is just fundamentally dishonest, Amy Klobuchar is a bully and Joe Biden represents the excesses of the Obama Administration. Michael Bloomberg did have some achievements as Mayor of New York City, but is distancing himself from them. Bloomberg has views on gun control, climate change and the Chinese politburo that are too peculiar for my liking. He is more pro-Israel than most Democrats, but those views are about as welcome in his party as his existence as a billionaire. I don't see Democrats nominating him and I don't see him sticking around if he has fewer than 25 delegates in 48 hours time.
No candidate is entitled to my vote. It must be earned. As much as I hold Donald Trump in contempt I don't see the remaining Democratic field does not inspire my confidence. It's enough to make me want to concentrate my energies at the bowling alley instead of the ballot box.
My disappointment notwithstanding it is heartening to consider that no one outside of South Bend knew who Buttigieg was a year ago. That he's come this far in 2020 is a good thing. The question is how far can Pete Buttigieg go in 2024.
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