In sobering testimony this morning before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Dr. Anthony Fauci warned that the United States could soon see 100,000 new COVID-19 cases per day.
The country has seen an average of nearly 40,000 new cases a day over the past week. Fauci attributes half of this spike has been concentrated in four states: Arizona, California, Florida and Texas. The latter three states are the most populous in the Union and has prompted New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to require visitors from these states to quarantine.
Fauci's testimony did not impress Kentucky GOP Senator Rand Paul who chided him for creating "undue fear". Paul proclaimed, "We just need more optimism."
What Paul means by optimism is optimism about President Trump being re-elected and Republicans retaining control of the Senate. Whatever Paul's definition of optimism there is a difference between optimism and wishful thinking.
Naturally I hope Dr. Fauci is incorrect in his assessment, but the fact is things are getting worse in this country with regard to COVID-19. Absent better testing, better contract tracing, better social distancing measures and not trying to make wearing a mask a political issue things will continue to get worse before they get better.
Let's suppose we don't see 100,000 new COVID-19 cases a day. If we were to consistently record 75,000 new cases a day we would soon reach a point where nearly every American family would have a member affected by COVID-19. If we see a surge in new cases then a surge of deaths is sure to follow.
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Should Biden Win Let's Raise a Glass to Carl Reiner
This morning I awoke to the sad news that comedy legend Carl Reiner had passed away late last night at the age of 98.
The news was broken this morning by his son, Rob Reiner on Twitter.
Reiner's made in indelible impact on American TV comedy with his collaborations with Sid Caesar on both The Caesar Hour and Your Show of Shows and as the creative force behind The Dick Van Dyke Show both behind the scenes and on camera as Alan Brady and a myriad of other characters. He was also a frequent guest on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson (such as this appearance in November 1987).
His comedic genius was also present in film both as an actor (The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming and It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World) and a director (Oh, God!, The Jerk and All of Me).
Reiner will also be remembered for his collaborations and close friendship with Mel Brooks. On Monday, Reiner was seen celebrating Mel Brooks' 94th birthday.
I cannot help but think of the public service announcement Mel & Max Brooks put out at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic promoting social distancing. The younger Brooks feared he could take out his father, Dick Van Dyke and Carl Reiner. While it doesn't appear Reiner had COVID-19 it does make his departure all the more sadder. Indeed, Reiner was active to the very end.
Just yesterday, on the morning of his death, Reiner was on Twitter directing his ire towards President Trump:
As I arose at 7:30 this morning, I was saddened to relive the day that led up to the election of a bankrupted and corrupt businessman who had no qualifications to be the leader of any country in the civilized world.
The news was broken this morning by his son, Rob Reiner on Twitter.
Reiner's made in indelible impact on American TV comedy with his collaborations with Sid Caesar on both The Caesar Hour and Your Show of Shows and as the creative force behind The Dick Van Dyke Show both behind the scenes and on camera as Alan Brady and a myriad of other characters. He was also a frequent guest on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson (such as this appearance in November 1987).
His comedic genius was also present in film both as an actor (The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming and It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World) and a director (Oh, God!, The Jerk and All of Me).
Reiner will also be remembered for his collaborations and close friendship with Mel Brooks. On Monday, Reiner was seen celebrating Mel Brooks' 94th birthday.
I cannot help but think of the public service announcement Mel & Max Brooks put out at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic promoting social distancing. The younger Brooks feared he could take out his father, Dick Van Dyke and Carl Reiner. While it doesn't appear Reiner had COVID-19 it does make his departure all the more sadder. Indeed, Reiner was active to the very end.
Just yesterday, on the morning of his death, Reiner was on Twitter directing his ire towards President Trump:
As I arose at 7:30 this morning, I was saddened to relive the day that led up to the election of a bankrupted and corrupt businessman who had no qualifications to be the leader of any country in the civilized world.
Under the circumstances, I am saddened Reiner will be unable to cast a ballot for Joe Biden and see the end of the Trump presidency. Should Biden win we should all raise a glass to Carl Reiner and smile. R.I.P.
Monday, June 29, 2020
Ian Desmond Opts Out of 2020 MLB Season Citing COVID-19
Colorado Rockies outfielder Ian Desmond became the fourth MLB player to announce he will not play during the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier today, Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Mike Leake along with Ryan Zimmerman and Joe Ross of the Washington Nationals all made it known they would not play this season.
Desmond, 34, made the announcement during a lengthy post on Instagram in which he discussed the murder of George Floyd as well as his own experiences with racism and is critical of MLB for not being prepared to addressing it, homophobia or inequality at large. While of biracial origin, Desmond identifies as African-American.
Drafted by the Montreal Expos in 2004, Desmond made his MLB debut with the team well after they moved to Washington, D.C. in 2009. Desmond played with the Nationals through 2015 making the NL All-Star Team in 2012. He signed as a free agent with the Texas Rangers in 2016 making the AL All-Star Team in his lone season on the Junior Circuit.
Desmond joined the Rockies as a free agent prior to the 2017 season signing a five year contract worth $70 million with a team option for the 2022 season. In 11 MLB seasons, Desmond has collected 1432 hits for a lifetime batting average of .263 with 181 HR and 711 RBI along with 181 stolen bases.
With four players opting out today I wonder how many will opt out tomorrow.
Earlier today, Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Mike Leake along with Ryan Zimmerman and Joe Ross of the Washington Nationals all made it known they would not play this season.
Desmond, 34, made the announcement during a lengthy post on Instagram in which he discussed the murder of George Floyd as well as his own experiences with racism and is critical of MLB for not being prepared to addressing it, homophobia or inequality at large. While of biracial origin, Desmond identifies as African-American.
Drafted by the Montreal Expos in 2004, Desmond made his MLB debut with the team well after they moved to Washington, D.C. in 2009. Desmond played with the Nationals through 2015 making the NL All-Star Team in 2012. He signed as a free agent with the Texas Rangers in 2016 making the AL All-Star Team in his lone season on the Junior Circuit.
Desmond joined the Rockies as a free agent prior to the 2017 season signing a five year contract worth $70 million with a team option for the 2022 season. In 11 MLB seasons, Desmond has collected 1432 hits for a lifetime batting average of .263 with 181 HR and 711 RBI along with 181 stolen bases.
With four players opting out today I wonder how many will opt out tomorrow.
Tom Finn, Last Original Member of The Left Banke, R.I.P.
Tom Finn, bass player and back up singer for the 1960's baroque pop group The Left Banke, passed away on Saturday after a long illness. He was 71.
Finn was the last original surviving member of The Left Banke and was the second member of the band to pass away in 2020. In January, lead singer Steve Martin Caro passed away of heart failure also at the age of 71. Drummer George Cameron died two years ago while Michael Brown, who wrote the group's biggest hit "Walk Away Renee" passed away in 2015.
In the early 1980's, Finn found success as a DJ at the suggestion of Studio 54 founder Steve Rubell. In 2000, Finn was the DJ at the White House Millennium Gala hosted by Bill and Hillary Clinton.
In 2011, Finn along with Cameron would reconvene The Left Banke with a coterie of other musicians. They would be joined by Brown for a one off show at B.B. King's in New York City in 2012.
While Finn did not write any material on The Left Banke's 1966 debut album Walk Away Renee/Pretty Ballerina he contributed heavily to Left Banke Too (1967) and Strangers on a Train (recorded in 1978 but not released until 1986). The standout track on the latter album is "I Can Fly" and I think it an appropriate tribute not only to Finn but to the rest of the band which has been reunited in Heaven. R.I.P.
Finn was the last original surviving member of The Left Banke and was the second member of the band to pass away in 2020. In January, lead singer Steve Martin Caro passed away of heart failure also at the age of 71. Drummer George Cameron died two years ago while Michael Brown, who wrote the group's biggest hit "Walk Away Renee" passed away in 2015.
In the early 1980's, Finn found success as a DJ at the suggestion of Studio 54 founder Steve Rubell. In 2000, Finn was the DJ at the White House Millennium Gala hosted by Bill and Hillary Clinton.
In 2011, Finn along with Cameron would reconvene The Left Banke with a coterie of other musicians. They would be joined by Brown for a one off show at B.B. King's in New York City in 2012.
While Finn did not write any material on The Left Banke's 1966 debut album Walk Away Renee/Pretty Ballerina he contributed heavily to Left Banke Too (1967) and Strangers on a Train (recorded in 1978 but not released until 1986). The standout track on the latter album is "I Can Fly" and I think it an appropriate tribute not only to Finn but to the rest of the band which has been reunited in Heaven. R.I.P.
D'Backs Pitcher Leake & Nats Players Zimmerman & Ross Opt Out of '20 Season Due to COVID-19 Concerns
Today, Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Mike Leake became the first MLB player to announce he would not participate in the 2020 MLB season due to COVID-19 concerns. Although Leake's agent did not get into specifics it is known that Leake's father Chris was paralyzed after falling of his roof in 2013 and as such has a compromised autoimmune system.
Leake, 32, is a 10-year big league veteran who came to MLB straight from Arizona State University has pitched with the Cincinnati Reds, San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, Seattle Mariners before being acquired mid-season in 2019 by the D-Backs and has a record of 105-98 with a 4.05 ERA earning a Gold Glove last season. Leake and the D'Backs have a mutual option for the 2021 season.
Shortly after Leake's announcement two members of the 2019 World Series champion Washington Nationals announced they would not play in 2020. First baseman Ryan Zimmerman and pitcher Joe Ross both indicated the team would have to defend their World Series title without them. The 35-year old Zimmerman has played his entire 15 year big league career with the Nationals cited both a newborn child and his mother who has MS and did not want to subject either to the risk of COVID-19. Ross, who turned 27 last month, has spent his entire 5-year big league career in D.C. While he will forego his salary in 2020 he remains eligible for arbitration in 2021.
The question is how many other players will follow suit over the next three weeks before the abbreviated 60 game season is scheduled to commence. Should marquee players like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Christian Yelich, Cody Bellinger, Aaron Judge and Mookie Betts opt out then all bets may be off on the 2020 season altogether.
Leake, 32, is a 10-year big league veteran who came to MLB straight from Arizona State University has pitched with the Cincinnati Reds, San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, Seattle Mariners before being acquired mid-season in 2019 by the D-Backs and has a record of 105-98 with a 4.05 ERA earning a Gold Glove last season. Leake and the D'Backs have a mutual option for the 2021 season.
Shortly after Leake's announcement two members of the 2019 World Series champion Washington Nationals announced they would not play in 2020. First baseman Ryan Zimmerman and pitcher Joe Ross both indicated the team would have to defend their World Series title without them. The 35-year old Zimmerman has played his entire 15 year big league career with the Nationals cited both a newborn child and his mother who has MS and did not want to subject either to the risk of COVID-19. Ross, who turned 27 last month, has spent his entire 5-year big league career in D.C. While he will forego his salary in 2020 he remains eligible for arbitration in 2021.
The question is how many other players will follow suit over the next three weeks before the abbreviated 60 game season is scheduled to commence. Should marquee players like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Christian Yelich, Cody Bellinger, Aaron Judge and Mookie Betts opt out then all bets may be off on the 2020 season altogether.
Sunday, June 28, 2020
COVID-19 Has Now Afflicted More Than 2.5 Million Americans; Killed Over 125,000
With nearly 45,000 new cases of COVID-19 today, the United States has now surpassed 2.5 million mark (2,504,175) accounting for nearly a quarter of the cases over the entire world.
To put this number in perspective, we have had half a million new cases in just 12 days.
This country has also surpassed 125,000 deaths (125,484) accounting for 25% of COVID-19 deaths around the globe and making a fatality rate in the U.S. of just over 5%. Back in March, President Trump claimed the fatality rate would be "way under 1%".
Today, Vice-President Mike Pence addressing a crowd of 2,200 people in a Dallas megachurch without masks as COVID-19 surges in the Lone Star state. Among their rank was a choir of 200 people singing without masks much less social distancing. This was bad enough but Dr. Birx praising Texas' reopening plan which Governor Abbott had to put on hold a few days ago because of the spike in COVID-19 cases shows she is putting politics ahead of science. Needless to say, we can expect these numbers to accelerate as COVID-19 infection rates have fallen significantly in countries like Italy, Spain and Germany.
Meanwhile, in the United States, things will continue to get worse before they get better.
To put this number in perspective, we have had half a million new cases in just 12 days.
This country has also surpassed 125,000 deaths (125,484) accounting for 25% of COVID-19 deaths around the globe and making a fatality rate in the U.S. of just over 5%. Back in March, President Trump claimed the fatality rate would be "way under 1%".
Today, Vice-President Mike Pence addressing a crowd of 2,200 people in a Dallas megachurch without masks as COVID-19 surges in the Lone Star state. Among their rank was a choir of 200 people singing without masks much less social distancing. This was bad enough but Dr. Birx praising Texas' reopening plan which Governor Abbott had to put on hold a few days ago because of the spike in COVID-19 cases shows she is putting politics ahead of science. Needless to say, we can expect these numbers to accelerate as COVID-19 infection rates have fallen significantly in countries like Italy, Spain and Germany.
Meanwhile, in the United States, things will continue to get worse before they get better.
Trump Retweets (Then Deletes) Video of Supporter Chanting "White Power"
This morning President Trump retweeted a video of his supporters in the Florida retirement community The Villages. Trump described them as "great people".
One of these "great people" shouted "white power".
Trump subsequently deleted the tweet.
White House Deputy Press Secretary Judd Deere claimed, "President Trump is a big fan of the Villages. He did not hear the one statement made on the video. What he did see was tremendous enthusiasm from his many supporters."
As The Church Lady used to say, "Well, isn't that convenient?"
So the White House would have us believe that Trump saw every second of that video except for the second his supporter chanted "white power".
I believe this about as much as I believe that he wasn't briefed on Russia military intelligence paying bounties to the Taliban to kill American soldiers.
President Trump has done more to legitimize white supremacy since Woodrow Wilson screened Birth of a Nation at the White House more than 100 years ago.
The simple fact of the matter is that a critical mass of his support comes from people who harbor racist, anti-Semitic (notwithstanding his pro-Israel posture) and anti-Muslim sentiment and Trump has given such attitudes a measure of social acceptability.
The fact Trump deleted the tweet is immaterial. Given the prolonged period in which Trump has publicly engaged in overtly racist rhetoric can anyone be surprised his supporters are comfortable in publicly engaging in it themselves?
Perhaps if this event was in isolation people would soon forget. But in a country where in less than five months nearly 2.5 million have been inflicted with COVID-19 resulting in nearly 125,000 deaths, more than 40 million losing their jobs, the social unrest which followed the murder of George Floyd and Trump's efforts to inflame the unrest while looking the other way as Russia pays the Taliban to murder U.S. soldiers, this act of indecency is the icing on a cake made of shit and American voters do not want another bite.
One of these "great people" shouted "white power".
Trump subsequently deleted the tweet.
White House Deputy Press Secretary Judd Deere claimed, "President Trump is a big fan of the Villages. He did not hear the one statement made on the video. What he did see was tremendous enthusiasm from his many supporters."
As The Church Lady used to say, "Well, isn't that convenient?"
So the White House would have us believe that Trump saw every second of that video except for the second his supporter chanted "white power".
I believe this about as much as I believe that he wasn't briefed on Russia military intelligence paying bounties to the Taliban to kill American soldiers.
President Trump has done more to legitimize white supremacy since Woodrow Wilson screened Birth of a Nation at the White House more than 100 years ago.
The simple fact of the matter is that a critical mass of his support comes from people who harbor racist, anti-Semitic (notwithstanding his pro-Israel posture) and anti-Muslim sentiment and Trump has given such attitudes a measure of social acceptability.
The fact Trump deleted the tweet is immaterial. Given the prolonged period in which Trump has publicly engaged in overtly racist rhetoric can anyone be surprised his supporters are comfortable in publicly engaging in it themselves?
Perhaps if this event was in isolation people would soon forget. But in a country where in less than five months nearly 2.5 million have been inflicted with COVID-19 resulting in nearly 125,000 deaths, more than 40 million losing their jobs, the social unrest which followed the murder of George Floyd and Trump's efforts to inflame the unrest while looking the other way as Russia pays the Taliban to murder U.S. soldiers, this act of indecency is the icing on a cake made of shit and American voters do not want another bite.
I Didn't Know Roy Halladay Was Addicted to Opioids & Painkillers
On Saturday I watched the ESPN documentary about the late Roy Halladay which was released late last month.
I was stunned to learn Halladay was addicted to opioids and painkillers. The addiction first arose when he injured his back in 2011 during his tenure with the Philadelphia Phillies. The back trouble eventually led to the shoulder injury which ended his career following the 2013 season.
Halladay entered rehab for his addiction in 2013 but ended treatment early when he feared he would be found out. He gave rehab another shot in 2015 and completed his course of treatment this time around. After his second stint in rehab, Halladay renewed his passion for flying (his father was a pilot and had taught him how to fly during his childhood). While flying filled a void left by baseball Halladay he soon envisioned himself becoming a stunt pilot and began to execute dangerous maneuvers while in flight much to the worry of his family and close friends. Sadly, he had not conquered his addiction and it would cost him his life. When Halladay perished he had been flying low and had a cocktail of painkillers in his system.
It was also revealed that Halladay had severe anxiety and would throw up before every start. Halladay conveyed an image of being focused and unflappable. Appearances can be oh so deceiving. Under the circumstances it is fitting the documentary was titled Imperfect: The Roy Halladay Story.
These revelations do not diminish his on the field accomplishments which earned him induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019, his first year of eligibility albeit posthumously. After Halladay passed in November 2017 I wrote a piece for National Review Online calling upon the BBWAA to grant him an early induction into Cooperstown. I stand by every word I wrote.
What these revelations do illustrate is that fame and fortune do not make one immune from problems nor guarantee problems can be overcome especially when they involve powerful drugs. Alas no one gets out of here alive. Sadly some of us leave this world far too soon.
I was stunned to learn Halladay was addicted to opioids and painkillers. The addiction first arose when he injured his back in 2011 during his tenure with the Philadelphia Phillies. The back trouble eventually led to the shoulder injury which ended his career following the 2013 season.
Halladay entered rehab for his addiction in 2013 but ended treatment early when he feared he would be found out. He gave rehab another shot in 2015 and completed his course of treatment this time around. After his second stint in rehab, Halladay renewed his passion for flying (his father was a pilot and had taught him how to fly during his childhood). While flying filled a void left by baseball Halladay he soon envisioned himself becoming a stunt pilot and began to execute dangerous maneuvers while in flight much to the worry of his family and close friends. Sadly, he had not conquered his addiction and it would cost him his life. When Halladay perished he had been flying low and had a cocktail of painkillers in his system.
It was also revealed that Halladay had severe anxiety and would throw up before every start. Halladay conveyed an image of being focused and unflappable. Appearances can be oh so deceiving. Under the circumstances it is fitting the documentary was titled Imperfect: The Roy Halladay Story.
These revelations do not diminish his on the field accomplishments which earned him induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019, his first year of eligibility albeit posthumously. After Halladay passed in November 2017 I wrote a piece for National Review Online calling upon the BBWAA to grant him an early induction into Cooperstown. I stand by every word I wrote.
What these revelations do illustrate is that fame and fortune do not make one immune from problems nor guarantee problems can be overcome especially when they involve powerful drugs. Alas no one gets out of here alive. Sadly some of us leave this world far too soon.
Saturday, June 27, 2020
Trump is More Likely To Take Aim at the CIA Than at Russia or the Taliban UPDATE
Last night, a New York Times article revealed that a Russian military intelligence unit covertly offered bounties to Taliban terrorists to kill U.S. forces in Afghanistan.
The article further revealed the Trump Administration became aware of this in late March and has yet to respond.
Needless to say this is an explosive story. As Kurt Eichenwald tweeted:
That Russia paid the Taliban to kill US soldiers - then, after CIA told Trump, he *did nothing* but try to reward Russia by bringing them into the G7 - is the biggest story in decades. It doesnt matter what Putin has on Trump. He's a traitor. He deserves prison, not reelection.
We should scale this back a little bit. As the article notes:
While officials were said to be confident about the intelligence that Russian operatives offered and paid bounties to Afghan militants for killing Americans, they have greater uncertainty about how high in the Russian government the covert operation was authorized and what its aim might be.
Yet even with this uncertainty it does reflect poorly upon Trump that he hasn't issued a response of any kind. Trump's failure to respond reinforces the perception that he is nothing more than a Russian puppet especially when one considers his overture to invite Russia back into the G-7 less than a month ago. This story also compounds the troubles Trump has had with his ineffectual response to COVID-19 along with the economic carnage and social unrest which has followed.
Both Russia and the Taliban deny the allegations and their word will probably be good enough for Trump. After all, Trump took Vladimir Putin's word over the FBI nearly two years ago with regard to Russian interference in the 2016 election. That and Trump has a peace agreement he is pursuing with the Taliban.
When we take these facts into consideration when Trump does respond he is far more likely to direct his ire at the CIA than he would to either Russia or the Taliban. After all, Trump has accused the FBI of "treason". What makes anyone think Trump would spare the CIA the same invective?
If Trump travels down this familiar path it will be yet another self-inflicted wound and only further obstruct his path to re-election.
UPDATE: White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany claims neither President Trump nor Vice-President Pence were briefed on the matter.
I don't believe her denial than I believe that of Russia and the Taliban.
The article further revealed the Trump Administration became aware of this in late March and has yet to respond.
Needless to say this is an explosive story. As Kurt Eichenwald tweeted:
That Russia paid the Taliban to kill US soldiers - then, after CIA told Trump, he *did nothing* but try to reward Russia by bringing them into the G7 - is the biggest story in decades. It doesnt matter what Putin has on Trump. He's a traitor. He deserves prison, not reelection.
We should scale this back a little bit. As the article notes:
While officials were said to be confident about the intelligence that Russian operatives offered and paid bounties to Afghan militants for killing Americans, they have greater uncertainty about how high in the Russian government the covert operation was authorized and what its aim might be.
Yet even with this uncertainty it does reflect poorly upon Trump that he hasn't issued a response of any kind. Trump's failure to respond reinforces the perception that he is nothing more than a Russian puppet especially when one considers his overture to invite Russia back into the G-7 less than a month ago. This story also compounds the troubles Trump has had with his ineffectual response to COVID-19 along with the economic carnage and social unrest which has followed.
Both Russia and the Taliban deny the allegations and their word will probably be good enough for Trump. After all, Trump took Vladimir Putin's word over the FBI nearly two years ago with regard to Russian interference in the 2016 election. That and Trump has a peace agreement he is pursuing with the Taliban.
When we take these facts into consideration when Trump does respond he is far more likely to direct his ire at the CIA than he would to either Russia or the Taliban. After all, Trump has accused the FBI of "treason". What makes anyone think Trump would spare the CIA the same invective?
If Trump travels down this familiar path it will be yet another self-inflicted wound and only further obstruct his path to re-election.
UPDATE: White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany claims neither President Trump nor Vice-President Pence were briefed on the matter.
I don't believe her denial than I believe that of Russia and the Taliban.
Friday, June 26, 2020
Pence is a Putz
The White House Coronavirus Task Force had its first public press conference in two months with Vice-President Mike Pence at the helm.
Judging by today's performance Pence might soon walk the plank.
Pence did three things to further damage the Trump Administration's already tattered reputation on COVID-19.
First, he claimed the administration had flattened the curve making "truly remarkable progress" despite a recent surge of COVID-19 cases in states such as California, Texas, Florida and Arizona which cannot be explained by increased testing alone. Yesterday alone saw nearly 40,000 new COVID-19 cases - a single day record. Right there alone very few people are going to believe anything Pence says anymore. Most will tune him out as have already tuned out Trump.
Second, Pence did not wear a mask nor did he urge all Americans to wear a mask. It is worth noting all other members of the task force wore theirs including Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx. You would have thought not wearing a mask at the Mayo Clinic at the end of April would have humbled him. A few days later, Pence said he should have worn a mask. But I guess wearing a mask would have incurred the wrath of President Trump. So better to come down with COVID-19 than be dressed down by Trump. If Trump is prepared to tell reporters they are being politically correct for wearing a mask why wouldn't he admonished his number two for the same?
Third, Pence defended President Trump's recent rallies in Tulsa and Phoenix where few masks were worn and where two Secret Service agents tested positive for COVID-19. Pence claimed that we "don't forfeit our constitutional rights" even during a pandemic. So what about the constitutional rights of those peacefully assembling in Lafayette Square before they were tear gassed so Trump could wield a Bible as if it were a weapon? Now I think it is a bad idea to have large public gatherings - be it for Black Lives Matter or for Trump. But Pence can't have it both ways.
Based on the above I can only arrive at the conclusion that Pence is a putz. He did nothing today to inspire the confidence of Americans in the Trump Administration's response to COVID-19 nor did he slow the descent of a sinking ship. I wonder if Trump will come to the same conclusion and kick Pence off the ticket. If that is the case then Trump should kick himself off the ticket as well. But this is Trump we are talking about. Trump is the naked emperor admiring his clothes.
Make no mistake. Today was a bad day for Mike Pence. Unfortunately, it was even worse day all Americans who were diagnosed with COVID-19 with many thousands more joining their ranks by the day.
Judging by today's performance Pence might soon walk the plank.
Pence did three things to further damage the Trump Administration's already tattered reputation on COVID-19.
First, he claimed the administration had flattened the curve making "truly remarkable progress" despite a recent surge of COVID-19 cases in states such as California, Texas, Florida and Arizona which cannot be explained by increased testing alone. Yesterday alone saw nearly 40,000 new COVID-19 cases - a single day record. Right there alone very few people are going to believe anything Pence says anymore. Most will tune him out as have already tuned out Trump.
Second, Pence did not wear a mask nor did he urge all Americans to wear a mask. It is worth noting all other members of the task force wore theirs including Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx. You would have thought not wearing a mask at the Mayo Clinic at the end of April would have humbled him. A few days later, Pence said he should have worn a mask. But I guess wearing a mask would have incurred the wrath of President Trump. So better to come down with COVID-19 than be dressed down by Trump. If Trump is prepared to tell reporters they are being politically correct for wearing a mask why wouldn't he admonished his number two for the same?
Third, Pence defended President Trump's recent rallies in Tulsa and Phoenix where few masks were worn and where two Secret Service agents tested positive for COVID-19. Pence claimed that we "don't forfeit our constitutional rights" even during a pandemic. So what about the constitutional rights of those peacefully assembling in Lafayette Square before they were tear gassed so Trump could wield a Bible as if it were a weapon? Now I think it is a bad idea to have large public gatherings - be it for Black Lives Matter or for Trump. But Pence can't have it both ways.
Based on the above I can only arrive at the conclusion that Pence is a putz. He did nothing today to inspire the confidence of Americans in the Trump Administration's response to COVID-19 nor did he slow the descent of a sinking ship. I wonder if Trump will come to the same conclusion and kick Pence off the ticket. If that is the case then Trump should kick himself off the ticket as well. But this is Trump we are talking about. Trump is the naked emperor admiring his clothes.
Make no mistake. Today was a bad day for Mike Pence. Unfortunately, it was even worse day all Americans who were diagnosed with COVID-19 with many thousands more joining their ranks by the day.
Thursday, June 25, 2020
New UK Labour Leader Starmer Starts to Stamp Out Anti-Semitism
When Keir Starmer was chosen as the new leader of the U.K. Labour Party I asked if he would stamp out anti-Semitism which had plagued the party under his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn.
On Thursday, Starmer made a strong move in that direction when he sacked Rebecca Long-Bailey from the Shadow Cabinet after she had approving retweeted an article of an interview of British actress Maxine Peake who connected the murder of George Floyd to Israel. Peake claimed, "The tactics used by the police in America, kneeling on George Floyd's neck, that was learnt from seminars with Israeli secret services."
Starmer sacked Long-Bailey after she repeatedly refuse to delete her retweet. This is not an insignificant move as Long-Bailey was his chief rival during the leadership contest and had invited her into the Shadow Cabinet. For the moment, Starmer is demonstrating the will to not tolerate anti-Semitism at the highest levels.
Of course, there is possibility Starmer could go wobbly. He has been criticized by former Corbyn deputy John McDonnell who claimed, "Throughout discussion of anti-Semitism it's always been said criticism of practices of Israeli state is not anti-Semitic." It certainly is when it involves singling out Israel for defamation. Top trade union leader Len McCluskey has also criticized Starmer's decision.
I do wonder if Starmer will cave into pressure from Corbyn loyalists in quick order or quietly bring Long-Bailey back into the shadow cabinet in six months time. But for the moment this is most positive thing the Labour Party has done concerning anti-Semitism in more than five years. The question now is if Starmer can sustain zero tolerance against anti-Semitism.
Vince Carter Has Dunked His Last Basket
After an unprecedented 22 seasons in the NBA, Vince Carter formally announced his basketball playing career is over.
Carter, 43, has the distinction of being the only NBA player to play during four different decades.
I remember him best from his early days with the Toronto Raptors when he won the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1999, was the Slam Dunk champion during the NBA All-Star Game in 2000 and earned a gold medal that same year with the U.S. Olympic team in Athens. Carter was a perennial NBA All-Star during his tenure with both the Raptors and the New Jersey Nets.
Remarkably, Carter made the transition from being a superstar to a sixth man which saw him continue his career with the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings and finally the Atlanta Hawks.
Carter finishes his career with more than 25,000 points, over 5,000 rebounds, in excess of 4,000 assists and 500 made 3-pointers. The only other four NBA players who can make that claim are Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Paul Pierce and the late Kobe Bryant. Yes, Carter is in their class.
The only thing which eluded Carter during his 22-year career was a NBA Title ring. But this will not impede him from the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.
At least Carter went out on a high note on an otherwise ominous day. Carter would play his final NBA game on March 11th - the evening NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced the suspension of the season due to COVID-19. The Hawks would lose to the New York Knicks 136-131, but Carter got a chance to shoot one last three pointer. We should all be so fortunate.
Carter, 43, has the distinction of being the only NBA player to play during four different decades.
I remember him best from his early days with the Toronto Raptors when he won the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1999, was the Slam Dunk champion during the NBA All-Star Game in 2000 and earned a gold medal that same year with the U.S. Olympic team in Athens. Carter was a perennial NBA All-Star during his tenure with both the Raptors and the New Jersey Nets.
Remarkably, Carter made the transition from being a superstar to a sixth man which saw him continue his career with the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings and finally the Atlanta Hawks.
Carter finishes his career with more than 25,000 points, over 5,000 rebounds, in excess of 4,000 assists and 500 made 3-pointers. The only other four NBA players who can make that claim are Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Paul Pierce and the late Kobe Bryant. Yes, Carter is in their class.
The only thing which eluded Carter during his 22-year career was a NBA Title ring. But this will not impede him from the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.
At least Carter went out on a high note on an otherwise ominous day. Carter would play his final NBA game on March 11th - the evening NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced the suspension of the season due to COVID-19. The Hawks would lose to the New York Knicks 136-131, but Carter got a chance to shoot one last three pointer. We should all be so fortunate.
Texas Back on Pause After Surge in COVID-19 Cases & Hospitalizations
On May 1st, nearly eight weeks ago, Texas reopened malls, movie theaters, restaurants and retail stores amid claims by Republican Governor Greg Abbott that the state had slowed the growth of COVID-19.
This policy has come back to haunt Texans. With hospitals beyond capacity and 5,500 new cases alone yesterday, Abbott acknowledged the state is facing "a massive outbreak" of COVID-19 and has put the state back on pause. But what's considered a pause in Texas is different from what is considered a pause in New York:
Those businesses that are already permitted to be open may continue to operate under the existing health protocols and capacity restrictions. Bars and restaurants have already opened for indoor seating, and gyms, malls and movie theaters have been allowed to open, too.
This policy has come back to haunt Texans. With hospitals beyond capacity and 5,500 new cases alone yesterday, Abbott acknowledged the state is facing "a massive outbreak" of COVID-19 and has put the state back on pause. But what's considered a pause in Texas is different from what is considered a pause in New York:
Those businesses that are already permitted to be open may continue to operate under the existing health protocols and capacity restrictions. Bars and restaurants have already opened for indoor seating, and gyms, malls and movie theaters have been allowed to open, too.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see if neighboring states follow suit or whether it will be enough to flatten their rising curves.
Eddie Kasko, R.I.P.
Former MLB infielder, manager and scout Eddie Kasko, best known for managing the Boston Red Sox between 1970 and 1973, passed away yesterday three days shy of what would have been his 89th birthday.
Kasko, a native of New Jersey, signed with the St. Louis Browns right out of high school. It would take Kasko eight years to reach the majors toiling with the Browns (who later became the Baltimore Orioles), Philadelphia Phillies and St. Louis Cardinals as well as a tour of duty in the Korean War as part of the U.S. Army Combat Engineers which caused him to miss two seasons.
After returning from Korea, Kasko would spend three more seasons in the minor leagues before he made his MLB debut with the Cardinals in 1957. He proved adept at playing third base, second base and shortstop in equal measure. While Kasko did not have much power he was a good contact hitter and far from an automatic out. After two seasons in St. Louis, he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds prior to the 1959 season in a six player deal which included another future big league manager Alex Grammas.
Kasko spent five seasons with the Reds. His most memorable season came in 1961 when primarily playing shortstop he was named to two NL All-Star Teams (this was during the brief period MLB held two All-Star Games per season) and was part of a Reds team that won the NL pennant. Although the Reds would be bested by the New York Yankees in five games, Kasko acquitted himself well hitting .318 (7 for 22) in World Series play.
The Reds traded Kasko to the Houston Colt 45's prior to the 1964 season. He would remain with the team when they were rechristened the Astros in 1965. Following the '65 season, the Astros traded Kasko to the Red Sox for a young Felix Mantilla where he would finish his playing career. In 10 seasons, Kasko collected 935 hits for a lifetime batting average of .264 with 22 HR and 261 RBI. In 3881 career plate appearances, Kasko only struck out 353 times and only struck more than 50 times a season twice.
Kasko only played one season in Boston but would remain with the organization for nearly three more decades. The Red Sox thought highly enough of the bespectacled Kasko to name him manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, their Triple-AAA affiliate. Kasko succeeded Dick Williams who would manage the Red Sox to an AL pennant in 1967. The Maple Leafs would relocate to Louisville and become known as the Colonels in 1968.
In 1970, the Red Sox brought up Kasko to manage the big league club. While the Bosox posted winning records in each of his four seasons, the Red Sox failed to reach the post season although they missed winning the AL East in 1972 by only a half game. Despite no post-season glory, Kasko was Carl Yastrzemski's favorite manager in his 22- year big league career in Boston. Kasko also moulded Bill "Spaceman" Lee into a viable starting pitcher although he would sour on Lee's less than stellar opinion of President Nixon. Kasko had no ideological differences with Luis Tiant and was critical in resurrecting his pitching career.
However, the Red Sox decided to make a change and named Darrell Johnson their new manager in 1974 and he would famously guide the Bosox to an AL pennant in 1975. However, Kasko remained with the Red Sox organization as a scout and would be promoted to being the team's scouting director during the 1977 season. His most notable signings were Roger Clemens, Jeff Bagwell and Mo Vaughn. Kasko remained as scouting director until 1992 when he was promoted to Vice-President of Baseball Development. Kasko retired after the 1994 season. In 2010, the Red Sox inducted Kasko into the team's Hall of Fame. R.I.P.
Kasko, a native of New Jersey, signed with the St. Louis Browns right out of high school. It would take Kasko eight years to reach the majors toiling with the Browns (who later became the Baltimore Orioles), Philadelphia Phillies and St. Louis Cardinals as well as a tour of duty in the Korean War as part of the U.S. Army Combat Engineers which caused him to miss two seasons.
After returning from Korea, Kasko would spend three more seasons in the minor leagues before he made his MLB debut with the Cardinals in 1957. He proved adept at playing third base, second base and shortstop in equal measure. While Kasko did not have much power he was a good contact hitter and far from an automatic out. After two seasons in St. Louis, he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds prior to the 1959 season in a six player deal which included another future big league manager Alex Grammas.
Kasko spent five seasons with the Reds. His most memorable season came in 1961 when primarily playing shortstop he was named to two NL All-Star Teams (this was during the brief period MLB held two All-Star Games per season) and was part of a Reds team that won the NL pennant. Although the Reds would be bested by the New York Yankees in five games, Kasko acquitted himself well hitting .318 (7 for 22) in World Series play.
The Reds traded Kasko to the Houston Colt 45's prior to the 1964 season. He would remain with the team when they were rechristened the Astros in 1965. Following the '65 season, the Astros traded Kasko to the Red Sox for a young Felix Mantilla where he would finish his playing career. In 10 seasons, Kasko collected 935 hits for a lifetime batting average of .264 with 22 HR and 261 RBI. In 3881 career plate appearances, Kasko only struck out 353 times and only struck more than 50 times a season twice.
Kasko only played one season in Boston but would remain with the organization for nearly three more decades. The Red Sox thought highly enough of the bespectacled Kasko to name him manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, their Triple-AAA affiliate. Kasko succeeded Dick Williams who would manage the Red Sox to an AL pennant in 1967. The Maple Leafs would relocate to Louisville and become known as the Colonels in 1968.
In 1970, the Red Sox brought up Kasko to manage the big league club. While the Bosox posted winning records in each of his four seasons, the Red Sox failed to reach the post season although they missed winning the AL East in 1972 by only a half game. Despite no post-season glory, Kasko was Carl Yastrzemski's favorite manager in his 22- year big league career in Boston. Kasko also moulded Bill "Spaceman" Lee into a viable starting pitcher although he would sour on Lee's less than stellar opinion of President Nixon. Kasko had no ideological differences with Luis Tiant and was critical in resurrecting his pitching career.
However, the Red Sox decided to make a change and named Darrell Johnson their new manager in 1974 and he would famously guide the Bosox to an AL pennant in 1975. However, Kasko remained with the Red Sox organization as a scout and would be promoted to being the team's scouting director during the 1977 season. His most notable signings were Roger Clemens, Jeff Bagwell and Mo Vaughn. Kasko remained as scouting director until 1992 when he was promoted to Vice-President of Baseball Development. Kasko retired after the 1994 season. In 2010, the Red Sox inducted Kasko into the team's Hall of Fame. R.I.P.
Thoughts on Fiorina Endorsing Biden
In an interview with The Ticket, former GOP presidential candidate Carly Fiorina told Edward-Isaac Dovere that she "can't support Donald Trump" and will vote for Joe Biden in November. Fiorina called Biden "a person of humility and empathy and character."
Although Trump famously derided Fiorina's physical appearance during the 2016 campaign, she did end up voting for Trump.
Chances are she will remain an aberration among the 2016 GOP field. Ted Cruz, Mike Huckabee, Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum, Marco Rubio, Chris Christie, Ben Carson, Rick Perry, Rand Paul, Lindsey Graham and Scott Walker have all become Trump sychopants.
I think it is fairly safe to assume that John Kasich won't vote for Trump. He didn't vote for him much less attend the GOP Convention which was held in the state he was governing at the time. Kasich supported the impeachment proceedings against Trump earlier this year. The question is whether Kasich will publicly endorse Biden as Fiorina has done or if he will pull a John Bolton and write in a Republican. (Kasich wrote in John McCain in 2016).
Then there is Jeb Bush who is very much on the fence. While I wouldn't be surprised if Bush didn't voe for Trump it would be a shock if he were to endorse Biden. His son George P. Bush who is the Texas Land Commissioner and is eyeing the governor's mansion like his uncle. As such the younger Bush has been a strong supporter of Trump. The love of his son might outweigh the love of his country. But if Jeb Bush (or any Bush for that matter) were to endorse Biden that would send shock waves.
I suspect however that Fiorina will be an outlier in the GOP. Trump has mocked her choice as one would expect ("Failed presidential candidate" who "lost so badly to me twice in one campaign, that she should be voting for Joe") and the GOP is falling in line so I doubt this will cause further GOP defections. But it could make an impression on independent voters.
Then again this also should have made an impression on independent voters. Sometimes rebukes are long overdue but revenge is a dish best served cold.
Although Trump famously derided Fiorina's physical appearance during the 2016 campaign, she did end up voting for Trump.
Chances are she will remain an aberration among the 2016 GOP field. Ted Cruz, Mike Huckabee, Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum, Marco Rubio, Chris Christie, Ben Carson, Rick Perry, Rand Paul, Lindsey Graham and Scott Walker have all become Trump sychopants.
I think it is fairly safe to assume that John Kasich won't vote for Trump. He didn't vote for him much less attend the GOP Convention which was held in the state he was governing at the time. Kasich supported the impeachment proceedings against Trump earlier this year. The question is whether Kasich will publicly endorse Biden as Fiorina has done or if he will pull a John Bolton and write in a Republican. (Kasich wrote in John McCain in 2016).
Then there is Jeb Bush who is very much on the fence. While I wouldn't be surprised if Bush didn't voe for Trump it would be a shock if he were to endorse Biden. His son George P. Bush who is the Texas Land Commissioner and is eyeing the governor's mansion like his uncle. As such the younger Bush has been a strong supporter of Trump. The love of his son might outweigh the love of his country. But if Jeb Bush (or any Bush for that matter) were to endorse Biden that would send shock waves.
I suspect however that Fiorina will be an outlier in the GOP. Trump has mocked her choice as one would expect ("Failed presidential candidate" who "lost so badly to me twice in one campaign, that she should be voting for Joe") and the GOP is falling in line so I doubt this will cause further GOP defections. But it could make an impression on independent voters.
Then again this also should have made an impression on independent voters. Sometimes rebukes are long overdue but revenge is a dish best served cold.
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
COVID-19 is Surging Across the U.S.
More than 34,000 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the U.S.on Wednesday representing the highest daily increases since April.
The U.S. reached 2 million COVID-19 cases less than two weeks ago. Less than a fortnight later we have surpassed 2.3 million cases. We shall undoubtedly have reached the 2.5 million mark by the end of the month.
More than half of U.S. states are seeing increases in COVID-19 cases including the three most populous states in the Union (California, Florida and Texas).
The Trump Administration attributes these numbers to increased testing, but seven states are reporting their highest hospitalization rates since the beginning of the pandemic. If one compares the daily confirmed COVID-19 cases per million in the United States it is nearly off the chart compared to the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Italy and France.
Some of this surge can be attributed to various states rushing to re-open. Some of it can be attributed to people disregarding wearing masks or engage in social distancing up to and including recent protests over the past several weeks since the murder of George Floyd. I suspect this surge will continue so long as President Trump insists on holding political rallies of his own.
The bottom line is that things are going to get worse before they get better and it might be a very long time before things get better.
The U.S. reached 2 million COVID-19 cases less than two weeks ago. Less than a fortnight later we have surpassed 2.3 million cases. We shall undoubtedly have reached the 2.5 million mark by the end of the month.
More than half of U.S. states are seeing increases in COVID-19 cases including the three most populous states in the Union (California, Florida and Texas).
The Trump Administration attributes these numbers to increased testing, but seven states are reporting their highest hospitalization rates since the beginning of the pandemic. If one compares the daily confirmed COVID-19 cases per million in the United States it is nearly off the chart compared to the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Italy and France.
Some of this surge can be attributed to various states rushing to re-open. Some of it can be attributed to people disregarding wearing masks or engage in social distancing up to and including recent protests over the past several weeks since the murder of George Floyd. I suspect this surge will continue so long as President Trump insists on holding political rallies of his own.
The bottom line is that things are going to get worse before they get better and it might be a very long time before things get better.
Abolishing The Abolotionists
The other day I reacted to the forcible removal of the statue of Ulysses S. Grant in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park by stating protesters, er, left-wing mob are unwilling or unable to make a distinction between those who preserved slavery and those who ended slavery.
This madness made its way to Madison, Wisconsin last night when a left-wing mob forcibly removed a statue of Hans Christian Heg, an abolitionist who led the 15th Wisconsin Infantry during the Civil War dying in combat in 1863. The statue was erected in Heg's honor in 1925.
The statue was unceremoniously dragged and dumped into Lake Monona.
It is one thing to abolish monuments to the Confederacy. But now we are talking about abolishing the Abolitionists.
The fact there is an effort to erase both sides of the Civil War from history leads me to conclude this crowd wants to abolish a great deal more than statues. They would like to abolish every remnant of America good or bad and start at year zero.
If that is the case then a lot of Americans are going to be injured and killed in the process. These so-called revolutionaries want to crack some eggs.
This madness made its way to Madison, Wisconsin last night when a left-wing mob forcibly removed a statue of Hans Christian Heg, an abolitionist who led the 15th Wisconsin Infantry during the Civil War dying in combat in 1863. The statue was erected in Heg's honor in 1925.
The statue was unceremoniously dragged and dumped into Lake Monona.
It is one thing to abolish monuments to the Confederacy. But now we are talking about abolishing the Abolitionists.
The fact there is an effort to erase both sides of the Civil War from history leads me to conclude this crowd wants to abolish a great deal more than statues. They would like to abolish every remnant of America good or bad and start at year zero.
If that is the case then a lot of Americans are going to be injured and killed in the process. These so-called revolutionaries want to crack some eggs.
There Will Supposedly Be a 2020 MLB Season & I'm Not Looking Forward To It
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announced on Tuesday there will be a 2020 MLB season....sort of.
Spring training is supposed to resume July 1st, but the details still remain to be worked out between MLB and MLBPA.
Opening Day is on July 23rd. Or it could be July 24th.
The regular season is 60 games. Or maybe it won't be.
But assuming those details are ironed out the 2020 MLB season will feature the DH in both leagues, require pitchers to face a minimum of three batters and place a runner in scoring position during extra inning games. If the late Mike Flanagan were still with us he would ask, "How did the runner get on second before I faced a batter?"
I hate it.
Then there's COVID-19 which is spiking in Arizona, Florida, Texas and California. What are the chances there could be an outbreak like there was last week in the Philadelphia Phillies spring training facility in Clearwater, Florida. MLB does have contingency plans to move teams to neutral sites if necessary. But what if there is a second wave of COVID-19 all over the country?
Perhaps it's the pandemic, rampant unemployment and civil unrest. Or maybe it's just plain middle age and the cynicism which invariably accompanies it. I'm just not looking forward to the 2020 MLB season. Under these conditions, I would just as soon watch Montreal Expos games or look up old box scores at Baseball Reference and summarize them on Facebook. As Casey Stengel said, "You can look it up."
Spring training is supposed to resume July 1st, but the details still remain to be worked out between MLB and MLBPA.
Opening Day is on July 23rd. Or it could be July 24th.
The regular season is 60 games. Or maybe it won't be.
But assuming those details are ironed out the 2020 MLB season will feature the DH in both leagues, require pitchers to face a minimum of three batters and place a runner in scoring position during extra inning games. If the late Mike Flanagan were still with us he would ask, "How did the runner get on second before I faced a batter?"
I hate it.
Then there's COVID-19 which is spiking in Arizona, Florida, Texas and California. What are the chances there could be an outbreak like there was last week in the Philadelphia Phillies spring training facility in Clearwater, Florida. MLB does have contingency plans to move teams to neutral sites if necessary. But what if there is a second wave of COVID-19 all over the country?
Perhaps it's the pandemic, rampant unemployment and civil unrest. Or maybe it's just plain middle age and the cynicism which invariably accompanies it. I'm just not looking forward to the 2020 MLB season. Under these conditions, I would just as soon watch Montreal Expos games or look up old box scores at Baseball Reference and summarize them on Facebook. As Casey Stengel said, "You can look it up."
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
When Did Trump Order COVID-19 Testing To Be Slowed Down?
During his now infamous rally three days ago in Tulsa, President Trump said he told his people to slow down COVID-19 testing:
They called me, they said, the job you’re doing … Here’s the bad part. When you do testing to that extent, you’re going to find more people, you’re going to find more cases. So I said to my people slow the testing down, please.
They called me, they said, the job you’re doing … Here’s the bad part. When you do testing to that extent, you’re going to find more people, you’re going to find more cases. So I said to my people slow the testing down, please.
On Sunday, Trump economic adviser Peter Navarro told CNN's Jake Tapper the President made the comment "in jest" and was "a light-hearted moment". Because nothing says light-hearted like the deaths of nearly 120,000 Americans since early February.
Yesterday, during the daily press briefing, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany echoed Navarro's sentiment that Trump's comments were "in jest" adding that the President was "joking about the media and their failure to understand the fact that when you test more you also find more cases." Yet Trump made no mention about the media when he spoke of COVID-19.
That and President Trump wasn't joking. At least that's what he told reporters this morning when he was asked about slowing down testing as he was set to depart for Phoenix for this evening's rally. Trump said, “I don’t kid. Let me just tell you. Let me make it clear.”
Now that we have established that Trump wasn't kidding about slowing down COVID-19 testing we must ask the next logical question. When did Trump order COVID-19 testing to be slowed down?
Was it in early March when he erroneously claimed during his visit to the CDC, "Anyone who wants gets a test?"
Was this in mid-April when he erroneously claimed he had "total authority" over state governors?
Or did this take place when Trump's home state of Florida began reporting 1,000 cases a day?
I can only hope we have an answer by the time Trump gets to Phoenix because any slow down in testing displays a reckless disregard for human life.
Monday, June 22, 2020
Let's Focus on Taking Down President Trump Instead of Presidential Statues
We are now 20 weeks away from the 2020 presidential election.
In recent days, we have seen the forcible removal of statues of two Presidents - Thomas Jefferson and Ulysses S. Grant in Portland, Oregon and San Francisco, respectively.
On Monday, we saw violent protesters in Washington, D.C. attempt to remove a statue of Andrew Jackson.
There was also vandalism of a statue of George Washington in Baltimore.
Of course, there is the decision of American Museum of Natural History to seek the removal of a statue with Teddy Roosevelt which I discussed earlier. While this is being done by lawful means it is part of the pattern. Ditto for similar efforts to remove statues of Abraham Lincoln in both Boston and Washington, D.C.
It seems to me that our collective efforts are better spent taking down President Trump instead of taking down presidential statues.
The removal of these presidential statues, whether by force or not, won't do anything to address systemic racism or poverty in minority communities. It will only promote social disorder which is what these hooligans want. They see no difference between Donald Trump and Joe Biden and want to burn everything down.
The majority of Americans might not like our current state of affairs, but they are not hooligans and do not want our public spaces burned to the ground. They are the true silent majority. But this silent majority must speak out and reject violence and focus its energies on removing President Trump at the ballot box instead of lighting the tinder box of hate against long dead Presidents.
The only issue this November should be President Trump. But if violent protesters insist on making it about other Presidents then voters might decide to keep President Trump.
In recent days, we have seen the forcible removal of statues of two Presidents - Thomas Jefferson and Ulysses S. Grant in Portland, Oregon and San Francisco, respectively.
On Monday, we saw violent protesters in Washington, D.C. attempt to remove a statue of Andrew Jackson.
There was also vandalism of a statue of George Washington in Baltimore.
Of course, there is the decision of American Museum of Natural History to seek the removal of a statue with Teddy Roosevelt which I discussed earlier. While this is being done by lawful means it is part of the pattern. Ditto for similar efforts to remove statues of Abraham Lincoln in both Boston and Washington, D.C.
It seems to me that our collective efforts are better spent taking down President Trump instead of taking down presidential statues.
The removal of these presidential statues, whether by force or not, won't do anything to address systemic racism or poverty in minority communities. It will only promote social disorder which is what these hooligans want. They see no difference between Donald Trump and Joe Biden and want to burn everything down.
The majority of Americans might not like our current state of affairs, but they are not hooligans and do not want our public spaces burned to the ground. They are the true silent majority. But this silent majority must speak out and reject violence and focus its energies on removing President Trump at the ballot box instead of lighting the tinder box of hate against long dead Presidents.
The only issue this November should be President Trump. But if violent protesters insist on making it about other Presidents then voters might decide to keep President Trump.
The AMNH Should Erect a Statue of Teddy Roosevelt & Booker T. Washington
Yesterday the American Museum of Natural History announced that it would be removing a statue of Teddy Roosevelt which has stood in front of the museum for 80 years.
The statue depicts the 26th President on a horse. To his left is a black man and to his right is a Native American man. Over the years there has been criticism the statue presents the black man and the Native American as subservient to Roosevelt. The AMNH issued a statement regarding its decision which concluded:
We recognize that more work is needed to better understand not only the Statue, but our own history. As we strive to advance our institutions, our City's, and our country's passionate quest for racial justice, we believe that removing the Statue will be a symbol of progress and of our commitment to build and sustain an inclusive and equitable Museum community and broader society.
For its part, the AMNH states it is not distancing itself from Roosevelt and is planning to name the museum's hall of biodiversity after him.
But what the AMNH hasn't stated is what will replace the statue.
For this I have a modest proposal.
Why not erect a statue of Teddy Roosevelt and Booker T. Washington dining together at the White House in 1901?
Born into slavery, Washington would become a successful businessman and became best known as the founder of the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. Washington would become an influential national figure and had the ear of President Roosevelt. So much so that he invited Washington to dine with his family in October 1901. While African-American leaders had met privately with previous Presidents this was the first time a public meeting was acknowledged between an American President and a black man.
Sadly, there was a tremendous uproar about the dinner and Washington was denounced in the most vicious manner possible. Even more lamentable President Roosevelt never invited Washington to the White House again although he would continue to seek his advice and counsel.
Yet it illustrates the struggle of racial equality. With every step forward comes two, perhaps ten steps back.
While one might argue that Teddy Roosevelt was cowardly in not inviting Washington back to the White House it is too easy to casually dismiss him as a racist and attempt to expunge or at least cloister him from the view of American history. If Roosevelt was nothing more than a racist then why would he seek out Washington's advice and counsel much less invite him to dine with his family?
Equality - racial or otherwise - never comes easily and when it does can be fleeting. But Teddy Roosevelt and Booker T. Washington did have a meeting of the minds and I believe this is a symbol of progress in keeping with the mission of the American Museum of Natural History. As such I believe the American Museum of Natural History should commission a statue of Roosevelt & Washington breaking bread as equals.
The statue depicts the 26th President on a horse. To his left is a black man and to his right is a Native American man. Over the years there has been criticism the statue presents the black man and the Native American as subservient to Roosevelt. The AMNH issued a statement regarding its decision which concluded:
We recognize that more work is needed to better understand not only the Statue, but our own history. As we strive to advance our institutions, our City's, and our country's passionate quest for racial justice, we believe that removing the Statue will be a symbol of progress and of our commitment to build and sustain an inclusive and equitable Museum community and broader society.
For its part, the AMNH states it is not distancing itself from Roosevelt and is planning to name the museum's hall of biodiversity after him.
But what the AMNH hasn't stated is what will replace the statue.
For this I have a modest proposal.
Why not erect a statue of Teddy Roosevelt and Booker T. Washington dining together at the White House in 1901?
Born into slavery, Washington would become a successful businessman and became best known as the founder of the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. Washington would become an influential national figure and had the ear of President Roosevelt. So much so that he invited Washington to dine with his family in October 1901. While African-American leaders had met privately with previous Presidents this was the first time a public meeting was acknowledged between an American President and a black man.
Sadly, there was a tremendous uproar about the dinner and Washington was denounced in the most vicious manner possible. Even more lamentable President Roosevelt never invited Washington to the White House again although he would continue to seek his advice and counsel.
Yet it illustrates the struggle of racial equality. With every step forward comes two, perhaps ten steps back.
While one might argue that Teddy Roosevelt was cowardly in not inviting Washington back to the White House it is too easy to casually dismiss him as a racist and attempt to expunge or at least cloister him from the view of American history. If Roosevelt was nothing more than a racist then why would he seek out Washington's advice and counsel much less invite him to dine with his family?
Equality - racial or otherwise - never comes easily and when it does can be fleeting. But Teddy Roosevelt and Booker T. Washington did have a meeting of the minds and I believe this is a symbol of progress in keeping with the mission of the American Museum of Natural History. As such I believe the American Museum of Natural History should commission a statue of Roosevelt & Washington breaking bread as equals.
Colin Kaepernick is No Curt Flood Much Less a Pat Tillman
NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre was asked in an interview with TMZ Sports if he believed former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick was in the class of Jackie Robinson and Muhammad Ali. Favre replied:
I can only think of -- right off the top of my head -- Pat Tillman's another guy who did something similar, and we regard him as a hero. So I'd assume that hero status will be stamped with Kaepernick as well.
I can only think of -- right off the top of my head -- Pat Tillman's another guy who did something similar, and we regard him as a hero. So I'd assume that hero status will be stamped with Kaepernick as well.
I think it would be accurate to say that Kaepernick has attained the status of a hero among certain segments of the population who view the American flag no differently than the Confederate one.
But Kaepernick is no Pat Tillman who voluntarily gave up a multi-million dollar contract to enlist in the U.S. Army and was killed on the battlefield. While Kaepernick got blackballed from the NFL for kneeling during the Star Spangled Banner last I checked he is alive, well and scrimping by on a multi-million dollar contract from Nike. If Kaepernick had really wanted to play football he could have done so with the CFL, but was totally uninterested in playing in Canada.
Pat Tillman sacrificed his life for this country, a sacrifice all the more sadder because he was killed by friendly fire. Colin Kaepernick has sacrificed absolutely nothing.
Not only is Kaepernick no Pat Tillman, he isn't even in Curt Flood's class. Fifty years ago, Flood rejected a trade from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Philadelphia Phillies and gave up his career to challenge MLB's reserve clause all the way to the Supreme Court. He would lose, but a few short years later the reserve clause was smashed by free agency - a decision which has benefited athletes in all professional sports.
Brett Favre is entitled to view Colin Kaepernick as a hero if he wishes and so is anyone else. In which case, Favre and a lot of other people have a very loose definition of what constitutes a hero.
Saturday, June 20, 2020
Trump Rally Crowd in Tulsa Small But COVID-19 Risk Still Great
Much is being made of the sparse crowd at tonight's Trump rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Yes, it is an indication that Trump's act is getting old and is a sign that the writing is on the big beautiful wall which was never built. But there are other things we must consider.
While the crowd was well short of the 19,199 capacity of the BOK Arena there was a congregation of people in an indoor space with neither masks nor social distancing who heard Trump talk for 100 minutes.
Given these conditions we might not be laughing about the size of the crowd if tonight's rally results in an outbreak in the next two weeks. Let us not forget another rally has been scheduled for Phoenix in 72 hours from now. The concerns I expressed several hours ago remained unchanged - small crowd or not.
Yes, it is an indication that Trump's act is getting old and is a sign that the writing is on the big beautiful wall which was never built. But there are other things we must consider.
While the crowd was well short of the 19,199 capacity of the BOK Arena there was a congregation of people in an indoor space with neither masks nor social distancing who heard Trump talk for 100 minutes.
Given these conditions we might not be laughing about the size of the crowd if tonight's rally results in an outbreak in the next two weeks. Let us not forget another rally has been scheduled for Phoenix in 72 hours from now. The concerns I expressed several hours ago remained unchanged - small crowd or not.
Trump & Barr Cannot Keep Their Lies Straight Regarding Berman
President Trump and Attorney General William Barr have a propensity for lying.
But that doesn't mean they can keep their lies straight as demonstrated in the space of less than 24 hours with respect to Geoffrey Berman, the now former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
Last night, Barr issued a statement indicating Berman had stepped down from his position and would be nominating SEC Chairman Jay Clayton as his successor. Berman issued a statement of his own indiating he had not resigned and had no intention of doing so.
Today, Barr wrote a letter to Berman indicating he was essentially correct, but that he had directed President Trump to fire him. But Trump indicated he was not involved and that Berman's fate was entirely up to Barr. Yet who knows with Trump? He might very well accuse Berman of being part of the so-called deep state by the time he hits the stage tonight in Tulsa.
Earlier this evening, Berman relented and is stepping down after all after Barr indicated that his deputy Audrey Strauss would serve as the acting U.S. Attorney.
Berman had been leading up investigations into Trump's attorney and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani as well as Giuliani associates Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman for their roles in the Ukraine scandal which earned Trump impeachment by the House of Representatives. In firing Berman, Barr is obviously acting as Trump's personal attorney, not the attorney for the American people.
I cannot help but wonder if Barr is trying to goad Democrats in attempting to impeach Trump for a second time. One cannot discount this possibility because if they did then Republicans would mention Hunter Biden every chance they got with the aim of discrediting Joe Biden. After all that was their aim nearly a year ago.
Yet what with Trump's response to COVID-19, the economy in tatters, civil unrest and now holding a large rally in the middle of a pandemic, a naked attempt at removing a public official investigating Trump's associates may very well further erode his flagging popularity and wear out the President's welcome with the American people.
But that doesn't mean they can keep their lies straight as demonstrated in the space of less than 24 hours with respect to Geoffrey Berman, the now former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
Last night, Barr issued a statement indicating Berman had stepped down from his position and would be nominating SEC Chairman Jay Clayton as his successor. Berman issued a statement of his own indiating he had not resigned and had no intention of doing so.
Today, Barr wrote a letter to Berman indicating he was essentially correct, but that he had directed President Trump to fire him. But Trump indicated he was not involved and that Berman's fate was entirely up to Barr. Yet who knows with Trump? He might very well accuse Berman of being part of the so-called deep state by the time he hits the stage tonight in Tulsa.
Earlier this evening, Berman relented and is stepping down after all after Barr indicated that his deputy Audrey Strauss would serve as the acting U.S. Attorney.
Berman had been leading up investigations into Trump's attorney and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani as well as Giuliani associates Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman for their roles in the Ukraine scandal which earned Trump impeachment by the House of Representatives. In firing Berman, Barr is obviously acting as Trump's personal attorney, not the attorney for the American people.
I cannot help but wonder if Barr is trying to goad Democrats in attempting to impeach Trump for a second time. One cannot discount this possibility because if they did then Republicans would mention Hunter Biden every chance they got with the aim of discrediting Joe Biden. After all that was their aim nearly a year ago.
Yet what with Trump's response to COVID-19, the economy in tatters, civil unrest and now holding a large rally in the middle of a pandemic, a naked attempt at removing a public official investigating Trump's associates may very well further erode his flagging popularity and wear out the President's welcome with the American people.
The Blues Brothers is a Love Letter to American Music
Forty years ago today The Blues Brothers hit movie screens across North America.
Compared to what the United States and the world is going through in June 2020 with regard to a global pandemic that has claimed nearly 120,000 American lives, thrown more than 40 million people out of work and nationwide protests (some violent) against police brutality, June 1980 seems quaint by comparison.
But in June 1980, Americans were in the midst of a recession. A 7.8% unemployment rate might appear trivial compared to what we are going through now but the purchasing power of Americans was compromised by an inflation rate of more than 14% not to mention long lines of people awaiting gas. Throw in the ongoing crisis of 52 Americans being held in captivity in Iran and you have a recipe for discontent. Five months later, Ronald Reagan would defeat Jimmy Carter in a landslide election.
In the meantime, Americans would have to content themselves with escape. Those who liked action-adventure went to see The Empire Strikes Back. Those who wanted to laugh saw The Blues Brothers.
The Blues Brothers had plenty of laughs. Indeed, the finest collaboration between Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi, a collaboration which began even before they became original cast members on Saturday Night Live and a collaboration cut short by Belushi’s sudden death in March 1982 less than two years after the release of the film.
But The Blues Brothers was so much more than a comedy. It contained one of the greatest chase scenes in the cinematic history inspired in part by the silent era films of Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd as well as more contemporary movies such as Bullitt and The French Connection.
Most significant of all The Blues Brothers was a love letter to American music – rhythm & blues, soul, gospel, jazz and even country music. Ahem, I meant country and western music. For this reason alone, I have made a point of nominating The Blues Brothers for inclusion in the Library of Congress' National Film Registry. The Registry preserves films which are "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." If a film which features Ray Charles, John Lee Hooker, James Brown, Cab Calloway and Aretha Franklin isn’t “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” then what is?
Aykroyd and Belushi played for laughs, but they were completely serious when it came to their love of the blues. The duo first sang the blues before an international audience wearing bee costumes rather than suits, sunglasses and porkpie hats. During the first season of SNL, there was a recurring sketch called The Killer Bees which Belushi absolutely despised. As a goodwill gesture to Belushi, SNL producer Lorne Michaels agreed to have a Killer Bees skit in which he and Aykroyd performed (what else?) Slim Harpo’s “I’m a King Bee”. This performance took place during SNL’s 10th episode which aired on January 17, 1976.
In the skit, which guest host Buck Henry bills as Howard Shore and his All-Bee Band, Belushi is front and center with Aykroyd playing a blues harp in the background with future David Letterman band leader Paul Shaffer on keyboards. Belushi, with sweat trickling down his left cheek, is singing straight with conviction and passion, but leaving plenty of room for physical comedy with several cartwheels which would become one of “Joliet” Jake Blues’ trademarks.
More than two years would pass before Aykroyd and Belushi would perform as a musical act at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. During this time, Aykroyd and Belushi had tremendous individual success on SNL. Aykroyd’s memorable characters included the slimy toy manufacturer Irwin Mainway, Beldar Conehead, Fred Garver, Male Prostitute, critic Leonard Pinth-Garnell and as himself on Weekend Update in which he would say, “Jane, you ignorant slut,” during his and Jane Curtin’s spoof of the Point-Counterpoint debate on 60 Minutes as well as acute renderings of Presidents Nixon and Carter and late night talk show host Tom Snyder. Meanwhile Belushi attracted attention with his dead-on impersonations of Joe Cocker and Truman Capote along with his various Samurai characters and the owner of the Olympia Café (“Cheeseburger!!! Chesseburger!!! Coke, no Pepsi!!!).
But nothing got Aykroyd and Belushi over more than when they donned the suits, sunglasses and porkpie hats and brought Elwood and Jake Blues to life for the first time on April 22, 1978. Introduced by Paul Shaffer portraying rock impresario Don Kirshner, who said, "Today they are no longer an authentic blues act, but have managed to become a viable commercial product. So now, let's join 'Joliet' Jake and his silent brother Elwood—the Blues Brothers,” the newly christened Blues Brothers then launched into a cover of Floyd Dixon’s “Hey Bartender”. Thus began what is considered among the greatest episodes in SNL’s 40 year plus history. Hosted by Steve Martin at the pinnacle of his career who performed his novelty hit “King Tut”, Aykroyd and Belushi, err, Elwood and Jake returned to perform Willie Mabon’s “I Don’t Know.”
Before the show was over The Blues Brothers were an overnight sensation. Notwithstanding their SNL origins, The Blues Brothers only appeared in character on the show twice. They would return in November 1978 in support of host Carrie Fisher (Aykroyd’s former fiancée who would later join The Blues Brothers cast as Jake’s jilted girlfriend). That appearance took place 10 days before the release of their debut album A Briefcase Full of Blues. Recorded live as the opening act for Steve Martin at L.A’s Universal Ampitheatre in September 1978, A Briefcase Full of Blues went double platinum.
For all the laughter, this was one serious band. Accompanying Jake and Elwood were Steve Cropper and Donald “Duck” Dunn, the power combo from Booker T & The MGs, Matt “Guitar” Murphy, who had performed with the likes with Howlin’ Wolf, Memphis Slim, Willie Dixon, Sonny Boy Williamson, Otis Rush, Chuck Berry. Well, you get the idea. Throw in Willie Hall of The Bar-Kays on drums plus the SNL band’s horn section (Alan Rubin, Lou Marini and Tom Malone) plus Shaffer and American blues finds a whole new audience. The emergence of The Blues Brothers represented something of an antidote to the excesses of the disco era and the nihilism of punk rock (although Belushi was a big fan of punk).
The Blues Brothers also represented the impetus of Aykroyd and Belushi’s departure from SNL in 1979 having agreed to star in a movie to be directed by John Landis who had previously worked with Belushi in Animal House. While Animal House cost $3 million to make, The Blues Brothers would cost $30 million (approximately $93 million in 2020 dollars). A significant portion of those costs were due to the elaborate chase scene near the conclusion of the film where Jake and Elwood are chased 106 miles into Chicago through land, air and lake by various police forces, swat teams, The National Guard, The Good Old Boys with the owner of Bob’s Country Bunker and a couple of Illinois Nazis with nothing but one broken down Bluesmobile, two pairs of sunglasses and a pack of cigarettes. All to get to the Office of the Cook County Assessor to pay a $5,000 in property tax on behalf of Saint Helen of The Blessed Shroud orphanage. As we know, they were on a mission from God.
My favorite portion of that chase scene is when Elwood turns to a sleeping Jake and says, “Jake, I gotta pull over,” and proceeds to crash through a railing en route to another road. Dozens of police cruisers then follow the Bluesmobile, but end up crashing into each other in the ditch with the car containing John Candy leaping into a transport truck. The scene ends back in the ditch with one of the police officers amid all the carnage saying, “I think they broke my watch.” Like many people, I first watched the movie on TV in the early 1980s this was so over the top and absurd that I couldn’t contain my laughter. All that wreckage and only a broken watch.
But for all the laughter, the heart and soul of The Blues Brothers is the music and those who made the music. As Aykroyd stated in a 2004 NPR interview:
John and I, when we did "The Blues Brothers," we were in existence to serve these great artists and to, you know, reintroduce them to our audience and never felt that we were their equal, but we felt that we were really in service to their gift. You know our great band that we had? I think that's why they joined us and they realized we had a great reverence and respect for the music.
Yet Universal Studios was less than enthusiastic about casting the likes of Franklin, Brown, Calloway, Hooker and Charles viewing them as acts that were not contemporary and would not resonate with movie audiences. Instead of Franklin, Universal wanted Rose Royce of “Car Wash” fame. To their everlasting credit, Aykroyd and Belushi told Universal they had better think. A few years later, Franklin had a string of Top 40 hits (“Freeway of Love”, “Who’s Zoomin Who?”, “Would I Lie to You?” (with Annie Lennox) and “I Knew You Were Waiting” (with George Michael). I think it is safe to say that Aretha Franklin had no problem connecting with Gen Xers and would be sorely missed by generations of fans beyond when she passed away in 2018.
Neither did Gen Xers raised on heavy metal have any trouble connecting with “Minnie The Moocher” even if the song was nearly 50 years old at the time The Blues Brothers was released in summer of 1980. In his early seventies, Cab Calloway sung and dance with ease. I remember being on a bus in Israel with teenagers in the summer of 1988 when “Minnie the Moocher” came on the radio and every one of us was going “Hi De Hi De Hi!!! Hi De Hi De Ho!!!” In 2019, “Minnie The Moocher” was inducted into the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry. If “Minnie The Moocher” belongs in the National Recording Registry then surely the movie which breathed new life into it belongs in the National Film Registry.
Whether or not The Blues Brothers is ever included in the The National Film Registry, it will always have a place in the heart of American music in all it forms.
Jokers on The Right Convene at Trump Rally in Tulsa Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Yes, there are Clowns on the Left taking down statues of Ulysses S. Grant. But where there are clowns to the left then there must be Jokers on the Right. Today, they can all be found in Tulsa, Oklahoma for President Trump's first rally since March 2nd.
No masks.
No social distancing.
And be sure to sign a waiver relieving the Trump campaign from any responsibility if one gets COVID-19 as a result of attending the rally. I'm sure these jokers signed the waivers with gusto and a tablet of hydroxychloroquine.
But this could prove a hard pill to swallow. The danger of COVID-19 goes well beyond those who are attending the rally. COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations have been surging in Oklahoma and the rally is only bound to increase this spike. Then one must consider that attendees arrived in Tulsa from all over the country. Sooner or later they will return home. In which case, we could have a superspreader event on a national scale. As John Jay College professor and paramedic George Contreras put it,"President Trump’s decision to hold a rally in a crowded indoor venue is misguided. It sets the stage for a high-risk situation that can harm thousands in one fell swoop — not to mention their thousands of contacts."
To make matters worse there is another Trump rally scheduled to take place in Phoenix on Tuesday. And we aren't truly into election season just yet. Things are going to get much, much worse.
One must wonder though if this rally would be taking place today if not for the massive ongoing George Floyd protests which have also disregarded mask wearing and social distancing. Had those gatherings not occurred then Trump would be on far weaker ground to hold a rally. But the Clowns on the Left gave Trump and his allies ammunition. Which brings us to Tulsa, Phoenix and beyond.
Still the President of the United States should know better. President Trump knows, but he doesn't care.
No masks.
No social distancing.
And be sure to sign a waiver relieving the Trump campaign from any responsibility if one gets COVID-19 as a result of attending the rally. I'm sure these jokers signed the waivers with gusto and a tablet of hydroxychloroquine.
But this could prove a hard pill to swallow. The danger of COVID-19 goes well beyond those who are attending the rally. COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations have been surging in Oklahoma and the rally is only bound to increase this spike. Then one must consider that attendees arrived in Tulsa from all over the country. Sooner or later they will return home. In which case, we could have a superspreader event on a national scale. As John Jay College professor and paramedic George Contreras put it,"President Trump’s decision to hold a rally in a crowded indoor venue is misguided. It sets the stage for a high-risk situation that can harm thousands in one fell swoop — not to mention their thousands of contacts."
To make matters worse there is another Trump rally scheduled to take place in Phoenix on Tuesday. And we aren't truly into election season just yet. Things are going to get much, much worse.
One must wonder though if this rally would be taking place today if not for the massive ongoing George Floyd protests which have also disregarded mask wearing and social distancing. Had those gatherings not occurred then Trump would be on far weaker ground to hold a rally. But the Clowns on the Left gave Trump and his allies ammunition. Which brings us to Tulsa, Phoenix and beyond.
Still the President of the United States should know better. President Trump knows, but he doesn't care.