Well, we can kiss that $600 a week in enhanced unemployment benefits goodbye thanks to President Trump, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Mitch McConnell.
House Democrats passed a bill to extend the extra $600 a week in enhanced unemployment benefits to January 31, 2021 back in May.
Senate Republicans had two and a half months to make this a reality. Or at the very least propose a viable compromise. I thought it was plausible that they cared enough about their re-election enough to at least extend the $600 a week benefit by 90 days. As it turned out I gave Republicans far too much credit. Instead they belatedly proposed to cut the enhanced benefits to $200 a week until states figured it out on their own. Democrats told them what they could do with their belated proposal.
But now we are at an impasse the result of which is millions of Americans are going to be less able to make ends meet than we already were. That extra $600 a week in unemployment benefits was a lifeline and now it has been cut off. Oh, there's a chance the $600 could be restored or partially restored but it would take weeks to implement. How much further damage to the economy could result over those weeks? The American economy collapsed by 32% in the last fiscal quarter. And now people have less money to spend. If people weren't desperate already a full blown panic will soon set in and it could make Portland look like a Sunday picnic.
As with everything else that has gone wrong with the response to COVID-19 in this country, it didn't have to be this way. Except that President Trump, McConnell and the rest of the Republican Party insist on making our lives miserable. They do so because they care only for power, the spoils that come with it and they don't want to share it with us peasants even though we've paid for these spoils.
This isn't a new criticism of Republicans by any means, but with Trump at the helm these "qualities" are out in the open. The facade of noblese oblige has been erased. If you don't have money to offer Republicans then you are nothing but a parasite sitting at home. And that goes double for those working class voters who cast their lot for Trump in 2016 and who will do so again in November. These people will have their lifeline cut off and say, "Thank you. May I have another?"
Trump, Mnuchin and McConnell could have chosen to extend the $600 enhanced unemployment benefits for another six months. It would have promoted stability in an unstable time. But the Republican Party no longer stands for stability. It now stands for chaos and with chaos come misery. It's hardly a formula for re-election. But by suggesting the election be delayed, Trump and company are now telling us they don't need our blessing to remain in power. In which case the misery has only just begun. If Republicans have their way misery will be the American way of life.
Friday, July 31, 2020
U.S. COVID-19 Case Total Surpasses 4.5 Million; More Than 150,000 Dead
As July comes to an end, the same cannot be said for the spread of COVID-19 in the United States.
This country has now surpassed 4.5 million cases resulting in more than 150,000 deaths. According to Johns Hopkins University, the United States has 4,556,232 COVID-19 cases with 153,268 deaths. This is a mortality rate of 3.4%.
Back in March, the WHO estimated the global mortality rate from COVID-19 would be 3.4%. President Trump dismissed it as "a false number" and had "a hunch" the mortality rate would be "way under 1%." Yet here we are at 3.4% mortality rate in the United States with no relief in sight.
To give one an idea of how bad July was for COVID-19 in the United States, we added nearly 1.8 million cases this month alone. At its worst, the United States saw more than 75,000 new cases a day. If the next three months proceed at this pace, we will at or very near 10 million COVID-19 cases by Election Day. So much for Trump's claim that the heat would kill the virus.
I wish there was good news to report with regard to COVID-19 in the U.S., but I don't think there will be until President Trump leaves office. Best case scenario would be 175 days from now. I shudder to think how many people will become sick and die before noon on January 20, 2021.
This country has now surpassed 4.5 million cases resulting in more than 150,000 deaths. According to Johns Hopkins University, the United States has 4,556,232 COVID-19 cases with 153,268 deaths. This is a mortality rate of 3.4%.
Back in March, the WHO estimated the global mortality rate from COVID-19 would be 3.4%. President Trump dismissed it as "a false number" and had "a hunch" the mortality rate would be "way under 1%." Yet here we are at 3.4% mortality rate in the United States with no relief in sight.
To give one an idea of how bad July was for COVID-19 in the United States, we added nearly 1.8 million cases this month alone. At its worst, the United States saw more than 75,000 new cases a day. If the next three months proceed at this pace, we will at or very near 10 million COVID-19 cases by Election Day. So much for Trump's claim that the heat would kill the virus.
I wish there was good news to report with regard to COVID-19 in the U.S., but I don't think there will be until President Trump leaves office. Best case scenario would be 175 days from now. I shudder to think how many people will become sick and die before noon on January 20, 2021.
Thursday, July 30, 2020
COVID-19 & President Trump Claim The Life of Herman Cain
Former 2012 GOP presidential aspirant Herman Cain has died of COVID-19 at the age of 74.
Four weeks ago, Cain tested positive for COVID-19 and was hospitalized less than two weeks after attending President Trump's rally in Tulsa while not wearing a mask nor social distancing. At the time I wrote:
Given Cain's age (he is now 74), medical history and vulnerable immune system it is all the more reason for him to have not been within 100 miles of Tulsa. He should have known better. It makes one wonder if the devotion to Trump casts aside all other considerations including one's own life. In which case so much for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Whatever one thinks of Herman Cain's political views he has lived a successful life and I would hate to see him or anyone else throw it away for Donald Trump. Would Trump put his life on the line for Herman Cain or any of the other nearly 2.7 million Americans who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 (and counting)? Given that Trump plans to speak before thousands of people at Mount Rushmore tomorrow without regard to masks or social distancing, I think we all know to answer to that question.
With that I hope that Cain and his wife Gloria to whom he has been married for 52 years can find a way through COVID-19 just as they did through Stage 4 cancer.
Four weeks ago, Cain tested positive for COVID-19 and was hospitalized less than two weeks after attending President Trump's rally in Tulsa while not wearing a mask nor social distancing. At the time I wrote:
Given Cain's age (he is now 74), medical history and vulnerable immune system it is all the more reason for him to have not been within 100 miles of Tulsa. He should have known better. It makes one wonder if the devotion to Trump casts aside all other considerations including one's own life. In which case so much for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Whatever one thinks of Herman Cain's political views he has lived a successful life and I would hate to see him or anyone else throw it away for Donald Trump. Would Trump put his life on the line for Herman Cain or any of the other nearly 2.7 million Americans who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 (and counting)? Given that Trump plans to speak before thousands of people at Mount Rushmore tomorrow without regard to masks or social distancing, I think we all know to answer to that question.
With that I hope that Cain and his wife Gloria to whom he has been married for 52 years can find a way through COVID-19 just as they did through Stage 4 cancer.
Sadly, Cain could not overcome COVID-19 as he did with cancer. Since writing the above paragraph another 1.5 million Americans have tested positive for COVID-19 and more than 20,000 have died because of it including Mr. Cain.
Obviously, Cain is the most famous individual to have passed away after attending the Tulsa rally less than six weeks ago. Given the sparse attendance at the rally, it could have been much worse. Yet one wonders how many of the other 6,000 plus attendees have gotten sick and have died that we don't know about.
Whatever the figure may be it falls on President Trump's head. Yes, Herman Cain was a grown man who chose to attend the rally, not to wear a mask or engage in social distancing. Yet less us consider the following.
It is Trump who insisted on holding the Tulsa rally.
It is Trump who insisted on politicizing the use of masks.
It is Trump who declared at the Tulsa rally that he wanted to slow the testing down.
It is Trump who minimized the severity of COVID-19 and dismissed it as the sniffles.
It is Trump who because of his incompetence and malevolence has made COVID-19 a catastrophe in the United States as most of the world has managed to keep a lid on it.
If Donald Trump weren't President of the United States then Herman Cain would still be alive. The same goes for more than 150,000 Americans.
R.I.P.
I Predicted Trump Would Call to Postpone The Presidential Election Back in March
It comes as absolutely no surprise to me that President Trump is now calling for the election to be delayed. Trump tweeted:
With Universal Mail-In Voting (not Absentee Voting, which is good), 2020 will be the most INACCURATE & FRAUDULENT Election in history. It will be a great embarrassment to the USA. Delay the Election until people can properly, securely and safely vote???
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.
With Universal Mail-In Voting (not Absentee Voting, which is good), 2020 will be the most INACCURATE & FRAUDULENT Election in history. It will be a great embarrassment to the USA. Delay the Election until people can properly, securely and safely vote???
Now consider what I wrote back on March 12th of this year in response to an article in Foreign Policy written by Laurie Garrett in which she called for the cancellation of the presidential campaign due to COVID-19:
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.
I suppose voter fraud falls under the broad rubric of national security, but I probably should have cited it more explicitly given Trump's propensity for claiming elections are rigged. But the key here is the last sentence and this is the crux of the matter. Donald Trump is doing this because he knows he's going to lose to Joe Biden and lose badly.
Of course, Trump has no constitutional authority to do any such thing. But how long will it be before Trump and/or his Republican allies call for the U.S. Constitution to be suspended so he can rule by decree and remain in office indefinitely?
Sometimes I get things right. But that doesn't mean I take joy in it.
Why I'm Not Outraged About Joe Kelly's Eight Game Suspension
On Wednesday, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred suspended Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Joe Kelly for eight games for throwing at several members of the Houston Astros and taunting them. This caused considerable outrage on Twitter.
Jared Carrabis: Joe Kelly got a 6-game suspension in a 162-game season for actually hitting Tyler Austin with a fastball & fighting him. How the fuck did he get 8 games in a 60-game season for missing Carlos Correa with a curveball and mocking him for being a crybaby? He didn't even get ejected.
Joe Scarborough: So let’s get this straight, @MLB. You let the Astros walk for cheating over hundreds of games but suspend Joe Kelly? What a joke.
Siraj Hashmi: Rob Manfred, the Bill de Blasio of commissioners
I don't disagree with the sentiments above. Indeed, Hashmi's observation is quite amusing and astute. Even if he doesn't get another out this season, I'm sure Kelly will never to pay for a meal in the Greater Los Angeles area ever again - provided that he likes outdoor dining.
I understand that baseball fans would rather spend a few hours venting at the Astros' cheating and not think of COVID-19 for a bit. But I find this utterly impossible when nearly the entire Miami Marlins is ravaged with COVID-19. To me this is a far greater outrage than the disproportionate punishment Manfred meted out to Kelly. Major League Baseball should not continue to be played under these conditions.
As troubling as the Astros' sign stealing scandal is for the game of baseball no one will lose their life because of it. The same cannot be said of an outbreak of an infectious disease which has now claimed the lives of 150,000 Americans.
Joe Kelly can and is appealing his suspension. He will not have the luxury should he contract COVID-19.
Jared Carrabis: Joe Kelly got a 6-game suspension in a 162-game season for actually hitting Tyler Austin with a fastball & fighting him. How the fuck did he get 8 games in a 60-game season for missing Carlos Correa with a curveball and mocking him for being a crybaby? He didn't even get ejected.
Joe Scarborough: So let’s get this straight, @MLB. You let the Astros walk for cheating over hundreds of games but suspend Joe Kelly? What a joke.
Siraj Hashmi: Rob Manfred, the Bill de Blasio of commissioners
I don't disagree with the sentiments above. Indeed, Hashmi's observation is quite amusing and astute. Even if he doesn't get another out this season, I'm sure Kelly will never to pay for a meal in the Greater Los Angeles area ever again - provided that he likes outdoor dining.
I understand that baseball fans would rather spend a few hours venting at the Astros' cheating and not think of COVID-19 for a bit. But I find this utterly impossible when nearly the entire Miami Marlins is ravaged with COVID-19. To me this is a far greater outrage than the disproportionate punishment Manfred meted out to Kelly. Major League Baseball should not continue to be played under these conditions.
As troubling as the Astros' sign stealing scandal is for the game of baseball no one will lose their life because of it. The same cannot be said of an outbreak of an infectious disease which has now claimed the lives of 150,000 Americans.
Joe Kelly can and is appealing his suspension. He will not have the luxury should he contract COVID-19.
Markakis Shouldn't Apologize to Teammates for COVID-19 Opt Out
Just over three weeks after deciding to opt out of playing the 2020 MLB season, Atlanta Braves outfielder Nick Markakis has reconsidered and will be eligible to play on August 1st.
Markakis had opted out after speaking with teammate Freddie Freeman following his COVID-19 diagnosis. However, Freeman returned to the team in time for Opening Day nearly a week ago as did pitcher Touki Touissant who also tested positive. Pitcher Will Smith is also expected to return soon with utility man Pete Kozma remaining sidelined.
Markakis said he felt guilty about opting out and plans to apologize to his teammates for opting out.
"I bailed out on them, and when I see them I will apologize to them and hopefully be a part of them," said Markakis.
Markakis had opted out after speaking with teammate Freddie Freeman following his COVID-19 diagnosis. However, Freeman returned to the team in time for Opening Day nearly a week ago as did pitcher Touki Touissant who also tested positive. Pitcher Will Smith is also expected to return soon with utility man Pete Kozma remaining sidelined.
Markakis said he felt guilty about opting out and plans to apologize to his teammates for opting out.
"I bailed out on them, and when I see them I will apologize to them and hopefully be a part of them," said Markakis.
Why does Markakis feel the need to apologize for something he had every right to do?
Could it be that he generally feels guilty? Or was pressure brought to bear upon Markakis to reconsider either by management or his teammates? While I hate the overuse of the word culture, I do wonder if the organizational culture on the Braves frowns upon opting out.
After all, COVID-19 has decimated their NL East rival Miami Marlins and has paused their schedule to at least next week. Who can say the Braves won't experience a similar outbreak? What if Markakis gets COVID-19 and passes it on to relative who becomes seriously ill and possibly dies? How guilty will he feel then?
No MLB player should feel guilty about opting out in order to mitigate the spread of an infectious disease which has now claimed the lives of 150,000 Americans in five months. Nor should any MLB player should be made to feel guilty about opting out.
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
John McNamara, R.I.P.
Former MLB manager John McNamara, best remembered for guiding the 1986 Boston Red Sox to an AL pennant, passed away yesterday at the age of 88. A cause of death has not been released.
A native of Sacramento, California, McNamara began his professional baseball career when he signed with the St. Louis Cardinals out of high school in 1951. McNamara was a light hitting catcher who never reached the big leagues as a player.
McNamara would begin his managerial career in 1959 with the independent Lewiston Broncs of the Northwest League. The following year the Broncs would be affiliated with the Kansas City Athletics. McNamara would spend most of the '60's managing at various affiliates in the A's system. Aside from the Broncs, McNamara also managed the Binghamton Triplets, Dallas Rangers, Birmingham Barons and the Mobile A's. Over the years McNamara played a role in molding future A's superstars like Rollie Fingers, Blue Moon Odom, Sal Bando, Joe Rudi and Reggie Jackson. When Jackson was inducted into Cooperstown in 1993 he praised McNamara for his sensitivity and compassion in refusing to eat in restaurants where Jackson was not allowed to patronize while playing in the Deep South.
When the A's moved to Oakland in 1968, McNamara was promoted to the big league coaching staff. Late the following year, McNamara would get his first opportunity to manage in the big leagues when he replaced Hank Bauer. In his first full season as a big league manager in 1970, the A's went a respectable 89-73 finishing 9 games back of the AL West champion Minnesota Twins. But this was not good enough for the mercurial A's owner Charlie Finley who fired McNamara after more than a decade of service to the organization.
But McNamara would not be out of work long nor would he have to travel far. McNamara went across the Bay and joined Charlie Fox's staff on the San Francisco Giants coaching third base. In 1971, the Giants won the NL West. McNamara would remain in this capacity with the Giants for two more seasons before being given his second big league managerial assignment with the San Diego Padres. Although McNamara would manage talented players like future Hall of Famer Dave Winfield and 1976 NL Cy Young winner Randy Jones, the Padres remained a second division team during McNamara's tenure which ended early in the 1977 season. Once again, McNamara did not have to travel far to find a new job. Going from San Diego to Anaheim, McNamara would spend the 1978 season coaching third base for the California Angels.
In 1979, McNamara was given the Herculean task of filling Sparky Anderson's shoes as the new skipper of the Cincinnati Reds. Anderson, after all, had led the Reds to four NL pennants and two World Series titles in 9 seasons. McNamara exceeded expectations by guiding the Reds to the NL West title in a tough fight with the upstart Houston Astros. However, the Reds would be swept by the eventual World Series champion Pittsburgh Pirates in three games.
The Reds should have had a chance at post-season glory in 1981. Despite having the best overall record in all of MLB because of the players' strike the season was divided into two halves and the Reds did not lead the NL West in either half despite a better overall record. The St. Louis Cardinals were in a similar predicament in the NL East. However, in 1982, the Cardinals would win the World Series. The Reds, however, were not so fortunate and just collapsed resulting in McNamara's firing by the All-Star Break.
McNamara would return to familiar terrain in 1983 as he was named manager of the California Angels following the first retirement of Gene Mauch. After a disappointing '83 season, the Angels narrowly missed winning the AL West in 1984 finishing only three games back of the Kansas City Royals despite a .500 record. In 1985, the Boston Red Sox hired McNamara to replace the retiring Ralph Houk as their skipper.
The Bosox had a nondescript .500 season in '85, but in 1986 with the emergence of Roger Clemens the Red Sox would win their first AL pennant in 11 seasons. Despite reaching the pinnacle of his managerial career in 1986, McNamara will be forever remembered in Boston for two managerial decisions in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series against the New York Mets - taking out Roger Clemens after seven strong innings and leaving in Bill Buckner to play first base with three outs to go. With the infamy of the Buckner play, a quarter century after the fact McNamara would generate controversy when he insisted Clemens wanted out of the game and Clemens disputing this assertion. The evidence would tend to support Clemens as he was wearing a batting helmet and waiting his turn at bat. Something not indicative of a pitcher asking out of a game. McNamara also generated heat when he claimed Dave Stapleton's nickname was "Shakey" because of his shaky defense. But this makes no sense as Stapleton regularly replaced Buckner for late inning defense.
Perhaps McNamara's anger at Clemens and Stapleton was shaped by the fact the remainder of his tenure with the Red Sox was rough. In 1987, the Red Sox would fall to fifth place in the AL East only to be fired during the All-Star Break in 1988 and replaced by Joe Morgan (Walpole Joe, not the Hall of Fame second baseman) who won 19 of his first 20 games en route to an AL East pennant.
After working as a scout for the Seattle Mariners in 1989, McNamara would be hired to manage the Cleveland Indians in 1990. The Tribe would be the sixth big league team he would manage - a modern MLB record. However, McNamara would be dismissed midway through the 1991 season.
McNamara's last big league managerial gig was in 1996 when he was called upon to manage the Angels for a second time on an interim basis after the abrupt resignation of Marcel Lachemann. In parts of 19 seasons, McNamara had a lifetime big league managerial record of 1160-1233.
I leave you with McNamara during happier times when "McNamara's Band" played after Red Sox won the 1986 ALCS. R.I.P.
Former Mets Shortstop Jose Reyes Retires After 16 MLB Seasons
Jose Reyes, who played the bulk of his 16-year MLB career with the New York Mets, announced his retirement from the game today.
Born in the Dominican Republic, Reyes signed with the Mets as an amateur free agent in 1999 at the age of 16. Reyes would make his big league debut on June 10, 2003 - the day before his 20th birthday - and collected two hits en route to finishing 8th in NL Rookie of the Year balloting.
But Reyes would not become an everyday player until 2005 and for the next seven seasons he would be the Mets' lead off hitter. Between 2005 and 2011, Reyes was named to four NL All-Star Teams, led the league in triples four times and in stolen bases three consecutive seasons. Reyes also led the NL in hits with 204 in 2008 and won a NL batting battle in 2011 with a .337 mark.
Following the 2011 season, Reyes became a free agent and would sign a 6-year, $106 million deal with the Miami Marlins. But Reyes wasn't the same player after leaving New York. After only one season in Miami, the Marlins would deal Reyes to the Toronto Blue Jays in a 12 player deal. Reyes would spend two and a half undistinguished seasons in Toronto before being dealt to the Colorado Rockies at the trade deadline in 2015 for Troy Tulowitzki. While Reyes toiled in Denver, Tulowitzki led the Jays to their first post-season appearance in 22 years.
During the 2016 season, Reyes would return to Flushing where he would spend the remainder of his career. Reyes, 37, did not play during the 2019 season. In 1877 games, Reyes collected 2138 hits for a lifetime batting average of .283 with 145 HR and 719 RBI along with 517 stolen bases and 131 triples. While I don't think he'll get a plaque in Cooperstown, Reyes will surely be inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame as the greatest shortstop in the team's history.
Born in the Dominican Republic, Reyes signed with the Mets as an amateur free agent in 1999 at the age of 16. Reyes would make his big league debut on June 10, 2003 - the day before his 20th birthday - and collected two hits en route to finishing 8th in NL Rookie of the Year balloting.
But Reyes would not become an everyday player until 2005 and for the next seven seasons he would be the Mets' lead off hitter. Between 2005 and 2011, Reyes was named to four NL All-Star Teams, led the league in triples four times and in stolen bases three consecutive seasons. Reyes also led the NL in hits with 204 in 2008 and won a NL batting battle in 2011 with a .337 mark.
Following the 2011 season, Reyes became a free agent and would sign a 6-year, $106 million deal with the Miami Marlins. But Reyes wasn't the same player after leaving New York. After only one season in Miami, the Marlins would deal Reyes to the Toronto Blue Jays in a 12 player deal. Reyes would spend two and a half undistinguished seasons in Toronto before being dealt to the Colorado Rockies at the trade deadline in 2015 for Troy Tulowitzki. While Reyes toiled in Denver, Tulowitzki led the Jays to their first post-season appearance in 22 years.
During the 2016 season, Reyes would return to Flushing where he would spend the remainder of his career. Reyes, 37, did not play during the 2019 season. In 1877 games, Reyes collected 2138 hits for a lifetime batting average of .283 with 145 HR and 719 RBI along with 517 stolen bases and 131 triples. While I don't think he'll get a plaque in Cooperstown, Reyes will surely be inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame as the greatest shortstop in the team's history.
Trump Acts More Like a Russian Troll Than an American President
For whatever reason, in the month since the story broke, the American news media has seen fit not to pose a question to President Trump regarding Russia paying bounties to the Taliban to kill American soldiers in Afghanistan.
That is until Jonathan Swan of Axios on HBO questioned him about it in an interview that will air in full on August 3rd.
Trump revealed to Swan that he has never discussed Russian bounties with Vladimir Putin in his July 23rd call with the Russian President adding his conversation concerned other things (namely nuclear proliferation). The President went to his old standby and claimed the Russian bounty story was "fake news" and claimed "many people" had also told him it was fake news though he would not identify whom other than to say some former Bush Administration officials.
When Swan persisted in this line of questioning, Trump complained "nobody brings up China." For all of China's excesses it does not stand accused of paying bounties to kill American soldiers. One would think that when a country pays bounties to kill American soldiers that an American President would raise holy hell about it. But Trump doesn't act like an American President, but rather like a Russian troll.
Trump further claimed the report of Russian bounties "never reached my desk" and that if it had he would have something about it. All evidence suggests it was part of his Presidential Daily Briefing back in February which it doesn't appears he reads despite claims that he reads "a lot." Let's suppose for a moment, however, that it did not reach his desk as he claims. The fact is that this matter has been in the public domain for nearly a month and is therefore aware of the matter. Yet he has not seen fit to discuss the matter with Putin.
Of further interest was when Swan stated that Russia has been giving arms to the Taliban, Trump replied that the United States did as well. Swan replied that was another era. I would have gone much further. The Taliban didn't exist until five years after the Russia-Afghanistan War. So, no, the United States did not arm the Taliban nor did it pay bounties to kill its own soldiers. Trump also made more Russian talking points by claiming, "Russia doesn't want anything to do with Afghanistan." This would be like saying Donald Trump doesn't want anything to do with real estate.
I wish the mainstream press had questioned Trump more vigorously about this matter. But now it's back front and center at least for a week or so. Hopefully that will be enough time to convince Americans that President Trump is a troll for Putin instead of Commander in Chief of our armed forces.
That is until Jonathan Swan of Axios on HBO questioned him about it in an interview that will air in full on August 3rd.
Trump revealed to Swan that he has never discussed Russian bounties with Vladimir Putin in his July 23rd call with the Russian President adding his conversation concerned other things (namely nuclear proliferation). The President went to his old standby and claimed the Russian bounty story was "fake news" and claimed "many people" had also told him it was fake news though he would not identify whom other than to say some former Bush Administration officials.
When Swan persisted in this line of questioning, Trump complained "nobody brings up China." For all of China's excesses it does not stand accused of paying bounties to kill American soldiers. One would think that when a country pays bounties to kill American soldiers that an American President would raise holy hell about it. But Trump doesn't act like an American President, but rather like a Russian troll.
Trump further claimed the report of Russian bounties "never reached my desk" and that if it had he would have something about it. All evidence suggests it was part of his Presidential Daily Briefing back in February which it doesn't appears he reads despite claims that he reads "a lot." Let's suppose for a moment, however, that it did not reach his desk as he claims. The fact is that this matter has been in the public domain for nearly a month and is therefore aware of the matter. Yet he has not seen fit to discuss the matter with Putin.
Of further interest was when Swan stated that Russia has been giving arms to the Taliban, Trump replied that the United States did as well. Swan replied that was another era. I would have gone much further. The Taliban didn't exist until five years after the Russia-Afghanistan War. So, no, the United States did not arm the Taliban nor did it pay bounties to kill its own soldiers. Trump also made more Russian talking points by claiming, "Russia doesn't want anything to do with Afghanistan." This would be like saying Donald Trump doesn't want anything to do with real estate.
I wish the mainstream press had questioned Trump more vigorously about this matter. But now it's back front and center at least for a week or so. Hopefully that will be enough time to convince Americans that President Trump is a troll for Putin instead of Commander in Chief of our armed forces.
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Biden's Three Worst VP Picks - Harris, Rice & Warren
Earlier today I made the case that Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Florida Congresswoman Val Demings and Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth would be Joe Biden's best three options to be his running mate.
As promised, here are the three women who I think would be least suited to be his running mate.
Kamala Harris - There are those who like Jennifer Rubin who believe former Senator Chris Dodd was being sexist when he took Kamala Harris to task for ambushing Biden on school busing and segregation during the first Democratic presidential debate in June 2019.
Considering that Harris subsequently indicated she favored local control of school busing, a position virtually identical to that of Biden, it was an entirely legitimate line of questioning. If Harris saw fit to laugh at Dodd and say, "That's politics," then fine. But if Biden is to pick Harris then you can be sure the Trump campaign will play clips of Harris accusing Biden of supporting segregation on a 24-hour loop and say, "That's politics." With friends like Harris who needs enemies? Certainly not Joe Biden. Not now.
There are those who think Biden should pick because she would roast Vice President Pence in a debate. Yet Harris' campaign went into free fall after Tulsi Gabbard got the better of her in the Democratic debate nearly a year ago today. As I argued at the time, Gabbard had been telegraphing her punches for weeks and yet Harris was completely unprepared for the onslaught. Her subsequent debate performances did not inspire confidence. Last October, when she asked a town hall audience in Nevada if they were ready for a Harris presidency they responded with a resounding no. Harris would drop out two months before the Iowa Caucus. Although she would endorse Biden on Super Tuesday, it does not appear she has learned any lessons from her failed presidential campaign and isn't ready to be Vice-President.
Susan Rice - I think this would be an even worse choice for Biden. Like it or not, Rice will forever be remembered for two things - Benghazi and Bowe Bergdahl. It was Rice, then Ambassador to the United Nations, who infamously went on the Sunday talk shows to claim the attack on the American diplomatic compound on September 11, 2012 was a spontaneous attack inspired by an anti-Islamic video rather than well planned terrorist attack. Less than two years later, it was Rice who declared that American deserter Bowe Bergdahl served with "honor and distinction."
There are a lot of Democrats who might roll their eyes here. But Benghazi resulted in the deaths of four Americans including Ambassador Christopher Stevens and the search for Bowe Bergdahl resulted in the deaths of five soldiers. It's going to be difficult for Rice to credibly demand answers about American soldiers killed by Taliban terrorists paid with Russian money with that track record.
Mind you, if Biden doesn't pick Rice to be his VP there is a good chance that he would select her as his Secretary of State. Whatever role she plays in a Biden Administration these questions are bound to come up. But better they come up after being elected President than during the uncertainty of an election campaign.
Elizabeth Warren - This would be the worst possible pick of all. At a time when pressure is being brought to bear upon Biden to pick a woman of color as his running mate I cannot think of optics worse than picking someone who dubiously claimed to be Native American. Her DNA test was DOA. And for all of the hype surrounding the Massachusetts Senator "having a plan for that" she proved to be utterly incoherent when it came to putting together a plan for Medicare for All. Let us also remember it took Warren nearly six weeks after she dropped out to endorse him and by the time she did it was the furthest thing from anyone's mind.
Of course, even though I believe these three women are likely to do more harm than good to Biden I realize he could very well choose one of them to be his running mate. If he does then I must admit it will give me pause. I would have some thinking to do. I can only hope it will not come to that. But I find life is seldom that easy.
As promised, here are the three women who I think would be least suited to be his running mate.
Kamala Harris - There are those who like Jennifer Rubin who believe former Senator Chris Dodd was being sexist when he took Kamala Harris to task for ambushing Biden on school busing and segregation during the first Democratic presidential debate in June 2019.
Considering that Harris subsequently indicated she favored local control of school busing, a position virtually identical to that of Biden, it was an entirely legitimate line of questioning. If Harris saw fit to laugh at Dodd and say, "That's politics," then fine. But if Biden is to pick Harris then you can be sure the Trump campaign will play clips of Harris accusing Biden of supporting segregation on a 24-hour loop and say, "That's politics." With friends like Harris who needs enemies? Certainly not Joe Biden. Not now.
There are those who think Biden should pick because she would roast Vice President Pence in a debate. Yet Harris' campaign went into free fall after Tulsi Gabbard got the better of her in the Democratic debate nearly a year ago today. As I argued at the time, Gabbard had been telegraphing her punches for weeks and yet Harris was completely unprepared for the onslaught. Her subsequent debate performances did not inspire confidence. Last October, when she asked a town hall audience in Nevada if they were ready for a Harris presidency they responded with a resounding no. Harris would drop out two months before the Iowa Caucus. Although she would endorse Biden on Super Tuesday, it does not appear she has learned any lessons from her failed presidential campaign and isn't ready to be Vice-President.
Susan Rice - I think this would be an even worse choice for Biden. Like it or not, Rice will forever be remembered for two things - Benghazi and Bowe Bergdahl. It was Rice, then Ambassador to the United Nations, who infamously went on the Sunday talk shows to claim the attack on the American diplomatic compound on September 11, 2012 was a spontaneous attack inspired by an anti-Islamic video rather than well planned terrorist attack. Less than two years later, it was Rice who declared that American deserter Bowe Bergdahl served with "honor and distinction."
There are a lot of Democrats who might roll their eyes here. But Benghazi resulted in the deaths of four Americans including Ambassador Christopher Stevens and the search for Bowe Bergdahl resulted in the deaths of five soldiers. It's going to be difficult for Rice to credibly demand answers about American soldiers killed by Taliban terrorists paid with Russian money with that track record.
Mind you, if Biden doesn't pick Rice to be his VP there is a good chance that he would select her as his Secretary of State. Whatever role she plays in a Biden Administration these questions are bound to come up. But better they come up after being elected President than during the uncertainty of an election campaign.
Elizabeth Warren - This would be the worst possible pick of all. At a time when pressure is being brought to bear upon Biden to pick a woman of color as his running mate I cannot think of optics worse than picking someone who dubiously claimed to be Native American. Her DNA test was DOA. And for all of the hype surrounding the Massachusetts Senator "having a plan for that" she proved to be utterly incoherent when it came to putting together a plan for Medicare for All. Let us also remember it took Warren nearly six weeks after she dropped out to endorse him and by the time she did it was the furthest thing from anyone's mind.
Of course, even though I believe these three women are likely to do more harm than good to Biden I realize he could very well choose one of them to be his running mate. If he does then I must admit it will give me pause. I would have some thinking to do. I can only hope it will not come to that. But I find life is seldom that easy.
Biden's Three Best VP Picks - Bottoms, Demings & Duckworth
I've been thinking a great deal about who Joe Biden is going to pick to be his running mate as he will be making this decision fairly soon.
We know this much. Biden is going to pick a woman. It is also quite possible he will pick a woman of color.
With this in mind I believe the following three women would be best suited to be his running mate.
Keisha Lance Bottoms - The first term Mayor of Atlanta has been a supporter of Biden even when it wasn't fashionable stumping on his behalf when things weren't going so well in Iowa. When someone is prepared to stick it out with you in the worst of times it is helpful to have them at your side during the best of times.
Bottoms can also speak about the ravages of COVID-19 in a way no other elected official could having been afflicted with it along with her husband and son. While Bottoms was most asymptomatic, her husband Derek lost 20 pounds in a week. All the while Georgia's Republican Governor Brian Kemp personally sued Bottoms for implementing a local mask mandate. If Biden picks Bottoms and this litigation is still pending it could further illustrate the difference in response to COVID-19 between Democrats and Republicans. A fight with Governor Kemp would warm her up for a debate with Vice-President Pence.
Val Demings - Best known for being a House manager during the impeachment of President Trump earlier this year, Demings spent the bulk of her professional career with the Orlando Police Department before being elected to Congress as the member from Florida's 10th Congressional District. Starting out on patrol in 1984, Demings became the city's chief of police in 2007 before retiring from the force in 2011.
While some progressives might recoil at having a former police chief on the ticket it must be remembered the vast majority of Americans don't want to defund the police and neither does Joe Biden. Should Biden name a former police chief as his running mate, President Trump is going to have a hard time convincing Americans that a Biden Administration would defund the police - try as he might. Ditto for Pence.
Tammy Duckworth - The first term Illinois Senator raised her profile considerably when Tucker Carlson questioned her patriotism and service to this country last month and handled him with aplomb. Duckworth, who lost both of her legs while serving as a U.S. Army helicopter pilot in Iraq in 2004, has kept up the pressure regarding the Trump Administration's indifference to Russia paying the Taliban bounties to kill American soldiers and no doubt would do so in dramatic style in a debate with Pence.
I believe Bottoms, Demings and Duckworth would compliment Biden on the ticket and do him no harm. I don't think the same can be said for Kamala Harris, Susan Rice and Elizabeth Warren. More on them later.
We know this much. Biden is going to pick a woman. It is also quite possible he will pick a woman of color.
With this in mind I believe the following three women would be best suited to be his running mate.
Keisha Lance Bottoms - The first term Mayor of Atlanta has been a supporter of Biden even when it wasn't fashionable stumping on his behalf when things weren't going so well in Iowa. When someone is prepared to stick it out with you in the worst of times it is helpful to have them at your side during the best of times.
Bottoms can also speak about the ravages of COVID-19 in a way no other elected official could having been afflicted with it along with her husband and son. While Bottoms was most asymptomatic, her husband Derek lost 20 pounds in a week. All the while Georgia's Republican Governor Brian Kemp personally sued Bottoms for implementing a local mask mandate. If Biden picks Bottoms and this litigation is still pending it could further illustrate the difference in response to COVID-19 between Democrats and Republicans. A fight with Governor Kemp would warm her up for a debate with Vice-President Pence.
Val Demings - Best known for being a House manager during the impeachment of President Trump earlier this year, Demings spent the bulk of her professional career with the Orlando Police Department before being elected to Congress as the member from Florida's 10th Congressional District. Starting out on patrol in 1984, Demings became the city's chief of police in 2007 before retiring from the force in 2011.
While some progressives might recoil at having a former police chief on the ticket it must be remembered the vast majority of Americans don't want to defund the police and neither does Joe Biden. Should Biden name a former police chief as his running mate, President Trump is going to have a hard time convincing Americans that a Biden Administration would defund the police - try as he might. Ditto for Pence.
Tammy Duckworth - The first term Illinois Senator raised her profile considerably when Tucker Carlson questioned her patriotism and service to this country last month and handled him with aplomb. Duckworth, who lost both of her legs while serving as a U.S. Army helicopter pilot in Iraq in 2004, has kept up the pressure regarding the Trump Administration's indifference to Russia paying the Taliban bounties to kill American soldiers and no doubt would do so in dramatic style in a debate with Pence.
I believe Bottoms, Demings and Duckworth would compliment Biden on the ticket and do him no harm. I don't think the same can be said for Kamala Harris, Susan Rice and Elizabeth Warren. More on them later.
Monday, July 27, 2020
Cuts in Enhanced Unemployment Benefits Makes Senate GOP HEELS, Not HEALS
If Senate Republicans have their way this will be the final week of enhanced unemployment benefits of $600. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has announced a reduction in enhanced unemployment benefits from $600 to $200 a week through September.
In the meantime, states will be given to October to overhaul the dissemination of unemployment benefits. At which point, unemployed workers would be granted up to $500 a week limited to 70% of lost wages.
This is all under the auspices of the HEALS Act. I think it would be more aptly described as the HEELS Act.
Back in May, House Democrats passed the HEROES Act which would have extended the $600 per week enhanced unemployment benefits until January 31, 2021. However, Senate Republicans have no interest in passing the HEROES Act nor does President Trump have any intention of signing it.
They argue that many workers (myself included) are making more "sitting at home" than in the workforce. Of course, this ignores the fact that businesses continue to layoff employees especially as surges in COVID-19 have put a halt to reopening plans. The evidence also suggests that $600 a week has not deterred the unemployed from seeking jobs. Certainly not in my case. But Republicans would have us believe we're all a bunch of lazy bums.
Yes, the Senate GOP supports another round of $1200 stimulus checks, but some people still have received the first batch. Somehow I don't think Republican cronies are going to have much trouble in getting an additional $100 billion in PPP loans.
I can only hope Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi and the so-called mainstream media can shame Republicans from diving the country into further disaster.
Red Sox Pitcher E-Rod Diagnosed With COVID-19 Related Heart Inflammation
Earlier this month Boston Red Sox pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez tested positive for COVID-19. Now the Venezuelan born southpaw is experiencing COVID complications as he has been diagnosed with myocarditis - heart inflammation.
Rodriguez, 27, has been shutdown and will rest for a week before undergoing a MRI. Affectionately known as E-Rod, Rodriguez is not planning to opt out of pitching in 2020. However, in light of the COVID-19 outbreak on the Miami Marlins one wonders if this is a moot point.
Originally signed as an international free agent by the Baltimore Orioles in 2010, E-Rod was traded to the Red Sox in July 2014 for relief pitcher Andrew Miller. Rodriguez made his MLB debut in 2015 and has been part of the team's starting rotation ever since. After earning a World Series ring in 2018, E-Rod had the best year of his career in 2019 earning 19 wins. Although he led the AL in walks, Rodriguez finished 6th in AL Cy Young balloting. E-Rod becomes a free agent after the 2020 season. In 127 big league appearances (122 of them starts), Rodriguez is 51-31 with a 4.03 ERA striking out 707 batters in 699 innings pitched.
In light of E-Rod's COVID complications and the Marlins COVID-19 outbreak I don't think MLB and the MLBPA should call the whole thing off with a heavy heart.
Rodriguez, 27, has been shutdown and will rest for a week before undergoing a MRI. Affectionately known as E-Rod, Rodriguez is not planning to opt out of pitching in 2020. However, in light of the COVID-19 outbreak on the Miami Marlins one wonders if this is a moot point.
Originally signed as an international free agent by the Baltimore Orioles in 2010, E-Rod was traded to the Red Sox in July 2014 for relief pitcher Andrew Miller. Rodriguez made his MLB debut in 2015 and has been part of the team's starting rotation ever since. After earning a World Series ring in 2018, E-Rod had the best year of his career in 2019 earning 19 wins. Although he led the AL in walks, Rodriguez finished 6th in AL Cy Young balloting. E-Rod becomes a free agent after the 2020 season. In 127 big league appearances (122 of them starts), Rodriguez is 51-31 with a 4.03 ERA striking out 707 batters in 699 innings pitched.
In light of E-Rod's COVID complications and the Marlins COVID-19 outbreak I don't think MLB and the MLBPA should call the whole thing off with a heavy heart.
Marlins COVID-19 Outbreak Warrants Cancellation of the 2020 MLB Season
Yesterday I wrote about a possible COVID-19 outbreak on the Miami Marlins as four players had been infected.
Today it's become a full fledged cluster as eight more players and two members of the coaching staff have tested positive forcing the cancellation of tonight's home opener against the Baltimore Orioles and very likely tomorrow's game as well. The Marlins will remain in Philadelphia where they had played a three game weekend series against the Phillies pending further testing. Consequently, the Phillies' match up against the New York Yankees has also been postponed and possibly tomorrow night's game too.
If an outbreak like this can happen in the space of a weekend then imagine what could happen over the next two months? Delays in testing and the fact MLB has seen fit to make teams travel rather than operate in hubs as the NHL and NBA are doing have rendered the continuation of the season to be not viable.
MLB and the MLBPA should agree to cancel the season forthwith. But the fact the Marlins took the field against the Phillies on Sunday even after several players tested positive for COVID-19 tells me baseball is determined to learn things the hard way.
Today it's become a full fledged cluster as eight more players and two members of the coaching staff have tested positive forcing the cancellation of tonight's home opener against the Baltimore Orioles and very likely tomorrow's game as well. The Marlins will remain in Philadelphia where they had played a three game weekend series against the Phillies pending further testing. Consequently, the Phillies' match up against the New York Yankees has also been postponed and possibly tomorrow night's game too.
If an outbreak like this can happen in the space of a weekend then imagine what could happen over the next two months? Delays in testing and the fact MLB has seen fit to make teams travel rather than operate in hubs as the NHL and NBA are doing have rendered the continuation of the season to be not viable.
MLB and the MLBPA should agree to cancel the season forthwith. But the fact the Marlins took the field against the Phillies on Sunday even after several players tested positive for COVID-19 tells me baseball is determined to learn things the hard way.
Sunday, July 26, 2020
There Could Be a COVID-19 Outbreak on the Miami Marlins & Cincinnati Reds
Only three games into the 2020 MLB season and COVID-19 has already made an impact on two teams - the Miami Marlins and the Cincinnati Reds.
Three members of the Marlins starting lineup - catcher Jose Alfaro and outfielders Garrett Cooper and Harold Ramirez along with starting pitcher Jose Urena have tested positive for COVID-19. Urena was to have started today's game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Marlins have delayed travel plans back to Miami where they are scheduled to play their home opener tomorrow night against the Baltimore Orioles.
Yesterday, Reds DH Matt Davidson tested positive for COVID-19. Today, Mike Moustakas was put on the IL after waking up ill while outfielder Nick Senzel was a last minute scratch from the lineup. The Reds hosted a three game series against the Detroit Tigers and the news has Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire very worried.
He should be because these COVID-19 outbreaks will affect their team's opponents and travel plans against future opponents. The Reds are scheduled to host the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday while the Tigers are set to have their home opener on Tuesday night against the Kansas City Royals. Meanwhile, the Phillies are scheduled to host the New York Yankees also on Tuesday night.
I have a bad feeling that within a week to 10 days we could have COVID-19 outbreaks on several teams spread across the entire country. As if we don't have enough problems. I really wish MLB had cancelled the 2020 season. They might soon arrive at this same conclusion, but at a considerable price.
Three members of the Marlins starting lineup - catcher Jose Alfaro and outfielders Garrett Cooper and Harold Ramirez along with starting pitcher Jose Urena have tested positive for COVID-19. Urena was to have started today's game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Marlins have delayed travel plans back to Miami where they are scheduled to play their home opener tomorrow night against the Baltimore Orioles.
Yesterday, Reds DH Matt Davidson tested positive for COVID-19. Today, Mike Moustakas was put on the IL after waking up ill while outfielder Nick Senzel was a last minute scratch from the lineup. The Reds hosted a three game series against the Detroit Tigers and the news has Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire very worried.
He should be because these COVID-19 outbreaks will affect their team's opponents and travel plans against future opponents. The Reds are scheduled to host the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday while the Tigers are set to have their home opener on Tuesday night against the Kansas City Royals. Meanwhile, the Phillies are scheduled to host the New York Yankees also on Tuesday night.
I have a bad feeling that within a week to 10 days we could have COVID-19 outbreaks on several teams spread across the entire country. As if we don't have enough problems. I really wish MLB had cancelled the 2020 season. They might soon arrive at this same conclusion, but at a considerable price.
The Only Way Trump Can Win in 100 Days From Now is By Hook or By Crook
Election Day is in exactly 100 days from now.
If the 2020 presidential election is a free and fair one then Joe Biden will be elected the 46th President of the United States.
The presidency of Donald Trump has resulted in nearly 150,000 deaths from COVID-19 - most of which could have been prevented had he seen fit to lock down earlier and stayed locked down longer as was the case in most of Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused mass unemployment with many people only surviving on enhanced unemployment benefits which are to end this week and Mitch McConnell isn't in any hurry to extend a lifeline. If people don't have money to extend it will force more businesses to close unless you're well connected enough to get a PPP loan.
On top of that there is the social unrest that has arisen since the murder of George Floyd two months ago and instead of restoring the calm, President Trump seeks chaos as he turns DHS into his own personal police force as we are seeing in Portland and likely to see in other cities.
None of has inspired confidence in President Trump including among people over 65 in Florida. Yes, it's always possible the polls could be wrong. But Trump wasn't an incumbent President in 2016. The previous paragraphs do not make for something voters want for another four years much less another four months lest I forget the fact Trump has no response to Vladimir Putin putting a bounty on the heads of U.S. soldiers.
Yes, it is true there will be voters who will stick with Trump through a plague of locusts. But for Trump to get another legitimate victory in the electoral college would be as if nothing had happened in 2020. I cannot see most voters ignoring seeing what is right in front of them.
Yes, a week in politics is a lifetime. And Joe Biden will probably have some not so great days over the next hundred. But those will pale in comparison to continued suffering and death that is to follow all under Trump's watch.
It took 15 days to go from 3 million to 4 million COVID-19 cases in this country. If we continue at this pace we will have exceeded 10 million COVID-19 cases by Election Day. And the deaths will climb. If we average a 1,000 deaths a day between now and November 3rd we will be at or near 250,000 deaths. These numbers are bound to get worse if the Trump Administration insists that schools open for business in the fall while their parents struggle to make ends meet. Will the unemployment rate climb to 15%? 20%? Or worse? Then there's the worry about being picked up off the street by paramilitary thugs in unmarked vans.
Given our current conditions and the likelihood these conditions are going to get worse, the only conceivable way Trump can survive is by chicanery be it by undermining the USPS' ability to process mail in ballots, limiting the number of polling stations in major cities, voter intimidation and other police state measures.
Of course should Biden prevail notwithstanding Trump's clumsy chicanery there's a good chance that Trump would not accept those results making baseless claims of voter fraud and a rigged election. In which case, one can only hope that Biden wins by a landslide on the scale of winning, say, 46 out of 50 states. It would make it harder for Trump to make those claims without being widely ridiculed, but when someone plays for keeps it cannot be ruled out of order. If the Bolsheviks could lose by a landslide and gain power by way of force then what would stop Trump from doing the same?
Based on the above, the only conceivable way that Donald Trump wins in 100 days from now is by hook or by crook.
If the 2020 presidential election is a free and fair one then Joe Biden will be elected the 46th President of the United States.
The presidency of Donald Trump has resulted in nearly 150,000 deaths from COVID-19 - most of which could have been prevented had he seen fit to lock down earlier and stayed locked down longer as was the case in most of Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused mass unemployment with many people only surviving on enhanced unemployment benefits which are to end this week and Mitch McConnell isn't in any hurry to extend a lifeline. If people don't have money to extend it will force more businesses to close unless you're well connected enough to get a PPP loan.
On top of that there is the social unrest that has arisen since the murder of George Floyd two months ago and instead of restoring the calm, President Trump seeks chaos as he turns DHS into his own personal police force as we are seeing in Portland and likely to see in other cities.
None of has inspired confidence in President Trump including among people over 65 in Florida. Yes, it's always possible the polls could be wrong. But Trump wasn't an incumbent President in 2016. The previous paragraphs do not make for something voters want for another four years much less another four months lest I forget the fact Trump has no response to Vladimir Putin putting a bounty on the heads of U.S. soldiers.
Yes, it is true there will be voters who will stick with Trump through a plague of locusts. But for Trump to get another legitimate victory in the electoral college would be as if nothing had happened in 2020. I cannot see most voters ignoring seeing what is right in front of them.
Yes, a week in politics is a lifetime. And Joe Biden will probably have some not so great days over the next hundred. But those will pale in comparison to continued suffering and death that is to follow all under Trump's watch.
It took 15 days to go from 3 million to 4 million COVID-19 cases in this country. If we continue at this pace we will have exceeded 10 million COVID-19 cases by Election Day. And the deaths will climb. If we average a 1,000 deaths a day between now and November 3rd we will be at or near 250,000 deaths. These numbers are bound to get worse if the Trump Administration insists that schools open for business in the fall while their parents struggle to make ends meet. Will the unemployment rate climb to 15%? 20%? Or worse? Then there's the worry about being picked up off the street by paramilitary thugs in unmarked vans.
Given our current conditions and the likelihood these conditions are going to get worse, the only conceivable way Trump can survive is by chicanery be it by undermining the USPS' ability to process mail in ballots, limiting the number of polling stations in major cities, voter intimidation and other police state measures.
Of course should Biden prevail notwithstanding Trump's clumsy chicanery there's a good chance that Trump would not accept those results making baseless claims of voter fraud and a rigged election. In which case, one can only hope that Biden wins by a landslide on the scale of winning, say, 46 out of 50 states. It would make it harder for Trump to make those claims without being widely ridiculed, but when someone plays for keeps it cannot be ruled out of order. If the Bolsheviks could lose by a landslide and gain power by way of force then what would stop Trump from doing the same?
Based on the above, the only conceivable way that Donald Trump wins in 100 days from now is by hook or by crook.
Olivia de Havilland, R.I.P.
Actress Olivia de Havilland, best known as the last surviving cast member of Gone With the Wind, passed away in her sleep last night at the age of 104.
During the 1930's and 1940's, de Havilland was one of Hollywood's most prominent actresses. Prior to Gone With the Wind, de Havilland shot to stardom as Errol Flynn's leading lady in Captain Blood and The Adventures of Robin Hood. In all, they would appear in eight films together.
There would be an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress in Gone With the Wind, but would lose to fellow cast member Hattie McDaniel, the first African-American to win an Academy Award. The following year, de Havilland would receive a Best Actress nomination for Hold Back the Dawn but would be bested by her younger sister Joan Fontaine in Suspicion. The two sisters did not have a close relationship and this would remain the case until Fontaine's death in 2013.
In 1943, de Havilland was in a contract dispute with Warner Bros. Despite her 7-year contract having elapsed, Warner added six months to the contract because of roles she had rejected. She challenged this in court and prevailed although she was effectively blacklisted for two years.
Nevertheless de Havilland's challenge weakened the studio system and she would soon return to the screen for what proved to be the most productive period of her career in the late 1940's. In the space of four years, de Havilland would be nominated for three Best Actress Oscars and won the statue twice for To Each His Own and The Heiress.
After appearing alongside Richard Burton in the 1952 film My Cousin Rachel, de Havilland moved to Paris and her career would slow down significantly appearing in only a dozen films over the next 25 years. During the 1980's, de Havilland made a handful of appearances on TV including a guest spot on The Love Boat and also earned a Golden Globe for her role in the TV movie Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna before retiring altogether from performing in 1988.
I leave you with de Havilland speaking about her Gone With the Wind co-stars Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh. R.I.P.
During the 1930's and 1940's, de Havilland was one of Hollywood's most prominent actresses. Prior to Gone With the Wind, de Havilland shot to stardom as Errol Flynn's leading lady in Captain Blood and The Adventures of Robin Hood. In all, they would appear in eight films together.
There would be an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress in Gone With the Wind, but would lose to fellow cast member Hattie McDaniel, the first African-American to win an Academy Award. The following year, de Havilland would receive a Best Actress nomination for Hold Back the Dawn but would be bested by her younger sister Joan Fontaine in Suspicion. The two sisters did not have a close relationship and this would remain the case until Fontaine's death in 2013.
In 1943, de Havilland was in a contract dispute with Warner Bros. Despite her 7-year contract having elapsed, Warner added six months to the contract because of roles she had rejected. She challenged this in court and prevailed although she was effectively blacklisted for two years.
Nevertheless de Havilland's challenge weakened the studio system and she would soon return to the screen for what proved to be the most productive period of her career in the late 1940's. In the space of four years, de Havilland would be nominated for three Best Actress Oscars and won the statue twice for To Each His Own and The Heiress.
After appearing alongside Richard Burton in the 1952 film My Cousin Rachel, de Havilland moved to Paris and her career would slow down significantly appearing in only a dozen films over the next 25 years. During the 1980's, de Havilland made a handful of appearances on TV including a guest spot on The Love Boat and also earned a Golden Globe for her role in the TV movie Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna before retiring altogether from performing in 1988.
I leave you with de Havilland speaking about her Gone With the Wind co-stars Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh. R.I.P.
Saturday, July 25, 2020
John Saxon, R.I.P.
Actor John Saxon, best known for co-starring with Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon and with his appearances in The Nightmare on Elm Street film series, passed away today of pneumonia. Some accounts say he was 83 while others indicate he was 84.
Saxon got his start in Hollywood as a contract player at Universal Studios in the late 1950's emerging as a teen idol in movies such as Rock, Pretty Baby; Summer Love; The Restless Years; This Happy Feeling and The Reluctant Debutante.
During the 1960's, Saxon appeared in wide variety of film genres - science fiction (Night Caller from Outer Space), horror (Queen of Blood), comedy (For Singles Only) and westerns (One Dollar Too Many and The Appaloosa). The latter film earned Saxon a Golden Globe nomination. After collaborating with Lee in Enter the Dragon, Saxon appeared in Canadian cult slasher film Black Christmas.
Saxon also had numerous TV credits appearing in the first three seasons of The Bold Ones: The New Doctors with E.G. Marshall and David Hartman. Other TV credits include Burke's Law; Bonanza; Gunsmoke; The Virginian; Ironside; The Six Million Dollar Man; Fantasy Island, Wonder Woman; Murder, She Wrote and Melrose Place. During the 1980's, Saxon had a recurring roles on Falcon Crest and Dynasty.
I leave you with Saxon reminiscing about Bruce Lee at a 45th anniversary screening of Enter the Dragon in 2018. R.I.P.
Saxon got his start in Hollywood as a contract player at Universal Studios in the late 1950's emerging as a teen idol in movies such as Rock, Pretty Baby; Summer Love; The Restless Years; This Happy Feeling and The Reluctant Debutante.
During the 1960's, Saxon appeared in wide variety of film genres - science fiction (Night Caller from Outer Space), horror (Queen of Blood), comedy (For Singles Only) and westerns (One Dollar Too Many and The Appaloosa). The latter film earned Saxon a Golden Globe nomination. After collaborating with Lee in Enter the Dragon, Saxon appeared in Canadian cult slasher film Black Christmas.
Saxon also had numerous TV credits appearing in the first three seasons of The Bold Ones: The New Doctors with E.G. Marshall and David Hartman. Other TV credits include Burke's Law; Bonanza; Gunsmoke; The Virginian; Ironside; The Six Million Dollar Man; Fantasy Island, Wonder Woman; Murder, She Wrote and Melrose Place. During the 1980's, Saxon had a recurring roles on Falcon Crest and Dynasty.
I leave you with Saxon reminiscing about Bruce Lee at a 45th anniversary screening of Enter the Dragon in 2018. R.I.P.
Regis Philbin, R.I.P.
TV personality Regis Philbin passed away last night of natural causes. He was 88.
Philbin leaves this world having spent more hours on TV than any other human being surpassing Hugh Downs in 2004. (It is worth noting Philbin's death comes just over three weeks after Downs' passing.)
Yet for all his many years on TV, it took many years for Philbin to become a bonafide star. Philbin's first nationally syndicated show in 1964 which had the unenviable task of filling in a void left by Steve Allen flopped. His show was soon replaced by The Merv Grffin Show. From 1967 to 1969, Philbin was Ed McMahon to Joey Bishop's Johnny Carson. But The Joey Bishop Show was no match for The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.
Most of the 1970's was spent at KABC in Los Angeles co-hosting A.M. Los Angeles first with Sarah Purcell and then with Cyndy Garvey. In 1981, Philbin got another chance on national TV with The Regis Philbin Show which featured Mary Hart. However, NBC would drop the show after only 18 weeks on the air.
Philbin then went to work for WABC in New York City and reunited with Cyndy Garvey to co-host The Morning Show. In 1985, Philbin would get a new co-host - Kathie Lee Johnson (later to be known as Kathie Lee Gifford). The two would become a sensation and in the fall of 1988 would be reborn as the nationally syndicated Live with Regis & Kathie Lee. In 2001, Gifford left the show and would be replaced by Kelly Ripa. Live with Regis & Kelly was equally successful. In the midst of all this, Regis also became the host of the ABC prime time game show Who Wants to be a Millionaire? from 1999 to 2002 and again from 2004 to 2009.
After nearly 30 years at WABC, Philbin retired in 2011 although he would make occasional TV guest appearances. His last TV appearance was in April 2020 on an episode on the ABC sitcom Single Parents which is co-created and produced by his daughter J.J. Philbin.
I live only a few blocks from WABC. At its entrance is a plaque dedicated to Philbin upon his retirement in 2011. R.I.P.
Philbin leaves this world having spent more hours on TV than any other human being surpassing Hugh Downs in 2004. (It is worth noting Philbin's death comes just over three weeks after Downs' passing.)
Yet for all his many years on TV, it took many years for Philbin to become a bonafide star. Philbin's first nationally syndicated show in 1964 which had the unenviable task of filling in a void left by Steve Allen flopped. His show was soon replaced by The Merv Grffin Show. From 1967 to 1969, Philbin was Ed McMahon to Joey Bishop's Johnny Carson. But The Joey Bishop Show was no match for The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.
Most of the 1970's was spent at KABC in Los Angeles co-hosting A.M. Los Angeles first with Sarah Purcell and then with Cyndy Garvey. In 1981, Philbin got another chance on national TV with The Regis Philbin Show which featured Mary Hart. However, NBC would drop the show after only 18 weeks on the air.
Philbin then went to work for WABC in New York City and reunited with Cyndy Garvey to co-host The Morning Show. In 1985, Philbin would get a new co-host - Kathie Lee Johnson (later to be known as Kathie Lee Gifford). The two would become a sensation and in the fall of 1988 would be reborn as the nationally syndicated Live with Regis & Kathie Lee. In 2001, Gifford left the show and would be replaced by Kelly Ripa. Live with Regis & Kelly was equally successful. In the midst of all this, Regis also became the host of the ABC prime time game show Who Wants to be a Millionaire? from 1999 to 2002 and again from 2004 to 2009.
After nearly 30 years at WABC, Philbin retired in 2011 although he would make occasional TV guest appearances. His last TV appearance was in April 2020 on an episode on the ABC sitcom Single Parents which is co-created and produced by his daughter J.J. Philbin.
I live only a few blocks from WABC. At its entrance is a plaque dedicated to Philbin upon his retirement in 2011. R.I.P.
Peter Green, R.I.P.
Guitar player and singer-songwriter Peter Green, a founding member of Fleetwood Mac, died peacefully in his sleep this morning. He was 73.
Born Peter Greenbaum in London, Green took up guitar at the age of 11. By the age of 15, Green had started to play professionally in myriad of bands mostly playing blues covers. At the age of 19, Green got his first big break when he had the unenviable task of replacing Eric Clapton in John Mayall's Bluesbreakers.
During the Summer of Love in 1967, Green and Mick Fleetwood would leave John Mayall's Bluesbreakers to form a new band along with Jeremy Spencer and Bob Brunning (who would soon be replaced by John McVie). Initially called Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac featuring Jeremy Spencer, the name would be shortened to Fleetwood Mac with the release of their eponymous debut album in 1968.
Green was the with Fleetwood Mac during their first three albums. During this time, Christine Perfect (who would marry John McVie and become Chrstine McVie) and Danny Kirwan would join the group.
While most people associate Fleetwood Mac with Lindsay Buckingham and Stevie Nicks and a pop oriented sound, when Green fronted the band they played blues and hard rock as exemplified by the instrumental "Albatross", "Oh Well" and "Black Magic Woman" which would become a massive hit for Santana.
By 1970, however, Green had left the group following excessive use of LSD which would take a severe toll on his mental health. Green would perform and record sporadically during the late 1970's and early 1980's, but it wasn't until the late 1990's after being inducted into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame with Fleetwood Mac that Green experienced a career resurgence. Green would front two bands - The Peter Green Splinter Group and later Peter Green & Friends. Green retired from performing and recording music in 2010.
Green's guitar prowess earned him high praise from none other than B.B. King who said of him, "He has the sweetest tone I ever heard; he was the only one who gave me the cold sweats."
Peter Green's sweetness was never more evident than on Fleetwood Mac's 1969 single "Man of the World". R.I.P.
Born Peter Greenbaum in London, Green took up guitar at the age of 11. By the age of 15, Green had started to play professionally in myriad of bands mostly playing blues covers. At the age of 19, Green got his first big break when he had the unenviable task of replacing Eric Clapton in John Mayall's Bluesbreakers.
During the Summer of Love in 1967, Green and Mick Fleetwood would leave John Mayall's Bluesbreakers to form a new band along with Jeremy Spencer and Bob Brunning (who would soon be replaced by John McVie). Initially called Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac featuring Jeremy Spencer, the name would be shortened to Fleetwood Mac with the release of their eponymous debut album in 1968.
Green was the with Fleetwood Mac during their first three albums. During this time, Christine Perfect (who would marry John McVie and become Chrstine McVie) and Danny Kirwan would join the group.
While most people associate Fleetwood Mac with Lindsay Buckingham and Stevie Nicks and a pop oriented sound, when Green fronted the band they played blues and hard rock as exemplified by the instrumental "Albatross", "Oh Well" and "Black Magic Woman" which would become a massive hit for Santana.
By 1970, however, Green had left the group following excessive use of LSD which would take a severe toll on his mental health. Green would perform and record sporadically during the late 1970's and early 1980's, but it wasn't until the late 1990's after being inducted into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame with Fleetwood Mac that Green experienced a career resurgence. Green would front two bands - The Peter Green Splinter Group and later Peter Green & Friends. Green retired from performing and recording music in 2010.
Green's guitar prowess earned him high praise from none other than B.B. King who said of him, "He has the sweetest tone I ever heard; he was the only one who gave me the cold sweats."
Peter Green's sweetness was never more evident than on Fleetwood Mac's 1969 single "Man of the World". R.I.P.
Friday, July 24, 2020
Jamel_AKA_Jamal Brings Joy, an Open Heart & an Open Mind to YouTube
A few days ago, I came across a YouTube channel run by Jamel aka Jamal.
Most of the videos are his reactions to hearing songs for the first time. Jamel is a black man raised on hip hop, r&b and a little gospel and most of the songs he reacts to are by white artists from the 1970's. As an aficionado of this music I find this both interesting to observe and to listen.
Jamel is very receptive to hearing things for the first time and when the music moves him he will let you know. He comes across as a joyous person with both an open heart and an open mind.
Consider his reaction to Johnny Cash's swan song "Hurt".
On the more uplifting side of things here is Jamel's joy in listening to Humble Pie's "Black Coffee" with Steve Marriott on lead vocal and The Blackbirds singing harmony.
Jamel sometimes speaks of growing up without having a bed in which to sleep from the age of 8 to the age of 21. He describes lining up four chairs together or sleeping on the floor if there was no couch. Such a life can make someone very, very angry. Yet somehow Jamel made it. Today is Jamel's 40th birthday and he has found something to share with us all. In these troubled times we need all the joy we can find and Jamel_AKA_Jamal has it in abundance.
You can subscribe to Jamel_AKA-Jamal's YouTube channel at the link at the top.
Happy 40th Birthday Jamel!!!
Most of the videos are his reactions to hearing songs for the first time. Jamel is a black man raised on hip hop, r&b and a little gospel and most of the songs he reacts to are by white artists from the 1970's. As an aficionado of this music I find this both interesting to observe and to listen.
Jamel is very receptive to hearing things for the first time and when the music moves him he will let you know. He comes across as a joyous person with both an open heart and an open mind.
Consider his reaction to Johnny Cash's swan song "Hurt".
On the more uplifting side of things here is Jamel's joy in listening to Humble Pie's "Black Coffee" with Steve Marriott on lead vocal and The Blackbirds singing harmony.
Jamel sometimes speaks of growing up without having a bed in which to sleep from the age of 8 to the age of 21. He describes lining up four chairs together or sleeping on the floor if there was no couch. Such a life can make someone very, very angry. Yet somehow Jamel made it. Today is Jamel's 40th birthday and he has found something to share with us all. In these troubled times we need all the joy we can find and Jamel_AKA_Jamal has it in abundance.
You can subscribe to Jamel_AKA-Jamal's YouTube channel at the link at the top.
Happy 40th Birthday Jamel!!!
Blue Jays Shall Roam Before Calling Buffalo Home
The Toronto Blue Jays will call Buffalo home for the 2020 MLB Season.
Six days ago, the Canadian government nixed plans for the Jays to play in The Rogers Centre due to COVID-19 concerns.
Buffalo, where the Jays' Triple-AAA affiliate plays, had been considered an option as well as the team's spring training facility in Dunedin, Florida. But much of team balked given how COVID-19 has spiked in Florida in recent weeks.
The Blue Jays had hoped to share PNC Park with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but the Pennsylvania Department of Health put the kibosh on that idea. Evidently there was similar resistance by officials in Maryland about sharing Camden Yards with the Baltimore Orioles.
Interestingly, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont broached the idea of the Jays playing in Hartford. Dunkin' Donuts Park is home to the Hartford Yard Goats, the Double-AA affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. It doesn't appear the Jays responded to Lamont. My guess would be they would have to make significant upgrades to the park as they will with Sahlen Field and already have an existing relationship with the Buffalo club.
Due to these upgrades, the Jays won't play their first home game in Buffalo until either July 31st or August 11th. In the meantime, the Blue Jays shall have to roam before calling Buffalo home.
This will mark the first time there have been three teams in New York state since 1957 when the Yankees, Giants and Dodgers called the Big Apple home. It will also mark the first time no MLB will be played on Canadian soil since 1968.
Six days ago, the Canadian government nixed plans for the Jays to play in The Rogers Centre due to COVID-19 concerns.
Buffalo, where the Jays' Triple-AAA affiliate plays, had been considered an option as well as the team's spring training facility in Dunedin, Florida. But much of team balked given how COVID-19 has spiked in Florida in recent weeks.
The Blue Jays had hoped to share PNC Park with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but the Pennsylvania Department of Health put the kibosh on that idea. Evidently there was similar resistance by officials in Maryland about sharing Camden Yards with the Baltimore Orioles.
Interestingly, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont broached the idea of the Jays playing in Hartford. Dunkin' Donuts Park is home to the Hartford Yard Goats, the Double-AA affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. It doesn't appear the Jays responded to Lamont. My guess would be they would have to make significant upgrades to the park as they will with Sahlen Field and already have an existing relationship with the Buffalo club.
Due to these upgrades, the Jays won't play their first home game in Buffalo until either July 31st or August 11th. In the meantime, the Blue Jays shall have to roam before calling Buffalo home.
This will mark the first time there have been three teams in New York state since 1957 when the Yankees, Giants and Dodgers called the Big Apple home. It will also mark the first time no MLB will be played on Canadian soil since 1968.
For Ilhan Omar It's Always About The Jews
Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar just cannot help herself when it comes to Jews. She cannot restrain her hatred of us.
Despite her prominence, Omar finds herself in a tough Democratic primary battle with attorney Antone Melton-Meaux who has raised nearly seven times as much money as her ($3.2 million vs. $472,000).
Melton-Meaux's fundraising prowess concerned Omar enough for her to send out a fundraising letter of her own accusing Melton-Meaux of "being in the pocket of Wall Street" and identifying three of his donors - all of whom are Jewish.
Even Slate's Jim Newell is now worried about Omar's chances although he minimizes her anti-Semitism by stating, "Omar, who represents a sizable Jewish community in her district, has been the face of multiple national controversies for her perceived use of coded anti-Semitic language."
Somehow I doubt Newell or anyone else at Slate would cast Trump's racist dog whistles as "perceived."
When are people going to learn that for Omar it is always about the Jews? Whether it be about money, dual loyalty or supporting BDS while opposing such measures against Turkey and everywhere else in the world, anti-Semitism is her core value.
Unfortunately, there is a critical mass of the Jewish community which chooses to be blind to her anti-Semitism starting with Bernie Sanders. Joel Rubin, who served as Sanders' 2020 campaign outreach director, penned a piece in Newsday not only defending Omar but likened her to the late John Lewis. Not surprisingly, Rubin made no mention of her anti-Semitic behavior something which Lewis never engaged.
So long as a critical mass of Jews in Minnesota's 5th District subscribe to Rubin's views then there's a good chance Omar will prevail in the August 11th primary despite Melton-Meaux's fundraising prowess. Unfortunately, for them, by the time they realize it's always been about the Jews for Ilhan Omar it will be too late.
Despite her prominence, Omar finds herself in a tough Democratic primary battle with attorney Antone Melton-Meaux who has raised nearly seven times as much money as her ($3.2 million vs. $472,000).
Melton-Meaux's fundraising prowess concerned Omar enough for her to send out a fundraising letter of her own accusing Melton-Meaux of "being in the pocket of Wall Street" and identifying three of his donors - all of whom are Jewish.
Even Slate's Jim Newell is now worried about Omar's chances although he minimizes her anti-Semitism by stating, "Omar, who represents a sizable Jewish community in her district, has been the face of multiple national controversies for her perceived use of coded anti-Semitic language."
Somehow I doubt Newell or anyone else at Slate would cast Trump's racist dog whistles as "perceived."
When are people going to learn that for Omar it is always about the Jews? Whether it be about money, dual loyalty or supporting BDS while opposing such measures against Turkey and everywhere else in the world, anti-Semitism is her core value.
Unfortunately, there is a critical mass of the Jewish community which chooses to be blind to her anti-Semitism starting with Bernie Sanders. Joel Rubin, who served as Sanders' 2020 campaign outreach director, penned a piece in Newsday not only defending Omar but likened her to the late John Lewis. Not surprisingly, Rubin made no mention of her anti-Semitic behavior something which Lewis never engaged.
So long as a critical mass of Jews in Minnesota's 5th District subscribe to Rubin's views then there's a good chance Omar will prevail in the August 11th primary despite Melton-Meaux's fundraising prowess. Unfortunately, for them, by the time they realize it's always been about the Jews for Ilhan Omar it will be too late.
Thursday, July 23, 2020
COVID-19 Cases in U.S. Surpasses 4 Million
President Trump says we're doing things no other country has done with regard to COVID-19.
He's right. We now have more than 4 million cases - the most in the world. In fact, the United States has more COVID-19 cases than Brazil and India combined. Brazil and India are by the way number two and number three in the world when it comes to COVID-19 cases.
According to Johns Hopkins University, the United States has 4,032,430 cases with 144,167 deaths. This is a mortality rate of 3.6%. COVID-19 is not 99% totally harmless. It is not the sniffles.
Trump is right when he says COVID-19 will get worse before it gets better. But it will never get better as long as he remains President.
Nats Outfielder Juan Soto Tests Positive for COVID-19 Hours Before The 1st Pitch
Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto has tested positive for COVID-19.
The announcement comes only hours before MLB's abbreviated regular season gets underway when the defending World Series champion Washington Nationals host the New York Yankees.
In 2019, his first full season in MLB, Soto hit .282 with 34 HR and 110 RBI while hitting .277 with 5 HR and 14 RBI in the post-season including 3 HR in the World Series. The sky seems to be the limit. But not only could it fall for Soto it could fall for the rest of the team.
I don't think MLB has any more of a handle on COVID-19 than the rest of the country and is one of my three strikes against the 2020 MLB season.
I really hope this game gets postponed. Although Soto, 21, is asymptomatic and the odds of him not having close contact with his teammates, coaching staff or other members of the Nationals' organization seem remote. As baseball writer Nick Stellini put it on Twitter, "How can the Nats possibly play tonight if they don't know who Juan Soto may or may not have exposed to COVID-19?"
Let us not forget several members of the Nats have bowed out of playing season due to COVID-19 concerns - Ryan Zimmerman, Joe Ross and Wellington Castillo. Their decision was most prudent. But where does that leave other members of the organization? Players can still opt out. Should there be a proliferation of positive tests I wonder how many more players will exercise this right.
I also don't think it's a good idea for Dr. Anthony Fauci to throw out the first pitch in light of this news. The appearance of one of this country's top officials at an event where one player has tested positive for COVID-19 and could spread will give Fauci's growing list of enemies ammunition and help the Trump Administration undermine his credibility.
As for Soto, even if he remains asymptomatic it might be quite awhile before he plays. Atlanta Braves pitcher Will Smith remains asymptomatic three weeks after first testing positive, but has yet to record a negative test.
I will most likely tune in tonight, but I don't know how long I'll want to watch a train wreck.
The announcement comes only hours before MLB's abbreviated regular season gets underway when the defending World Series champion Washington Nationals host the New York Yankees.
In 2019, his first full season in MLB, Soto hit .282 with 34 HR and 110 RBI while hitting .277 with 5 HR and 14 RBI in the post-season including 3 HR in the World Series. The sky seems to be the limit. But not only could it fall for Soto it could fall for the rest of the team.
I don't think MLB has any more of a handle on COVID-19 than the rest of the country and is one of my three strikes against the 2020 MLB season.
I really hope this game gets postponed. Although Soto, 21, is asymptomatic and the odds of him not having close contact with his teammates, coaching staff or other members of the Nationals' organization seem remote. As baseball writer Nick Stellini put it on Twitter, "How can the Nats possibly play tonight if they don't know who Juan Soto may or may not have exposed to COVID-19?"
Let us not forget several members of the Nats have bowed out of playing season due to COVID-19 concerns - Ryan Zimmerman, Joe Ross and Wellington Castillo. Their decision was most prudent. But where does that leave other members of the organization? Players can still opt out. Should there be a proliferation of positive tests I wonder how many more players will exercise this right.
I also don't think it's a good idea for Dr. Anthony Fauci to throw out the first pitch in light of this news. The appearance of one of this country's top officials at an event where one player has tested positive for COVID-19 and could spread will give Fauci's growing list of enemies ammunition and help the Trump Administration undermine his credibility.
As for Soto, even if he remains asymptomatic it might be quite awhile before he plays. Atlanta Braves pitcher Will Smith remains asymptomatic three weeks after first testing positive, but has yet to record a negative test.
I will most likely tune in tonight, but I don't know how long I'll want to watch a train wreck.
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Trump Takes a Wrong Turn at Albuquerque
When President Trump announced he would be deploying federal agents to Albuquerque this weekend (as well as in Chicago) I immediately thought of the old Bugs Bunny cartoon where the wascally wabbit proclaims he should have taken a left turn at Albuquerque.
I know there's nothing funny about what Trump is doing. We're now back to more than a 1,000 people dying of COVID-19 a day and nearing 4 million COVID-19 cases. His response is to arbitrarily send in federal troops into the Democratic controlled cities because he feels like it, believes it is a sign of strength and, above all else, will keep him in office (and it could if the federal presence continues into November).
All we're going to see with Trump is more suffering and death whether it be in Albuquerque, Chicago, Portland or anywhere else. He is turning the American dream into a nightmare. Not only do I think Bugs Bunny would have made a better President than Trump, but he would be less cartoonish.
Three Strikes Against The 2020 MLB Season
Forty years ago, at the tender age of seven, I fell in love with baseball in a country which worships hockey. My Mom bought my Dad a copy of Zander Hollander's The Complete Handbook of Baseball: 1980 Season. The book never quite reached my father's hands.
It was this book that cultivated my fascination with pre-season predictions, individual statistics and biographical details of the players. I can still remember the bio of Detroit Tigers catcher Lance Parrish which noted he had been a bodyguard for Tina Turner. I also learned about free agency and trades such as the Tigers trading speedster and former state prison inmate Ron LeFlore to the Montreal Expos for southpaw pitcher Dan Schatzeder. Growing in Thunder Bay, Ontario, I saw a lot of Expos games on TV and many of LeFlore's National League leading 97 stolen bases in 1980.
On the front cover of The Complete Handbook of Baseball was Pittsburgh Pirates slugger Willie "Pops" Stargell, the 1979 National League Co-MVP (along with St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Keith Hernandez) fresh off leading the "We Are Family" Pirates to a World Series title against the Baltimore Orioles. On the back cover was Orioles ace Mike Flanagan finishing his wind up with a high leg kick. Flanagan's league leading 23 wins and five shutouts earned him the American League Cy Young Award in 1979.
In the intervening years, my Dad regaled me with stories of meeting Stan Musial and several other members of the St. Louis Cardinals at the Polo Grounds, taught me how to keep score of games and had me assist with his academic research. When looking at pitchers who had played in the 20th century, had thrown a minimum of 800 innings and were dead, Dad found a co-relation between life expectancy and a lower walks-to-innings pitched ratio and would present this paper at a number of academic conferences in Canada, the U.S. and even in Europe. (Alas I did not partake in these proceedings).
In adulthood, I moved from Canada to the U.S. settling in Boston within walking distance from Fenway Park and would be on hand to witness the Red Sox win their first World Series in 86 years and then win two more titles. (I moved to New York City in September 2018 and could not bear to watch the Red Sox's World Series victory parade and, as it turned out, for good reason).
Baseball has given my life considerable joy, but I am struggling to find any in the upcoming, abbreviated 2020 MLB season. For me, the 2020 MLB season already has three strikes against it.
The first strike is COVID-19. Notwithstanding Dr. Anthony Fauci throwing out the first pitch in D.C. when the World Series champion Washington Nationals face the New York Yankees on Thursday night, I do believe there is a substantial risk for COVID-19 to spread. Unlike the NBA which is conducting its post-season in a bubble in Orlando and the NHL which has concentrated its playoffs in Toronto and Edmonton, MLB has an extensive travel schedule ahead of it. Although travel has been limited geographically (i.e. AL East vs NL East teams) there is much travel in and out of COVID-19 hot spots such as Florida, Georgia, Texas, Arizona and California comprising the home base of 11 out of MLB's 30 teams.
Then there is the question of where the Toronto Blue Jays call home this season. After the Government of Canada would not grant them exemption from self-quarantining when returning from the U.S., there is speculation the Jays might have to play home games at their spring training facility in Dunedin, Florida, their Triple-AAA affiliate in Buffalo or even share a big league park with the Pittsburgh Pirates only to have it nixed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Considering the number of cancellations of team workouts as a result in delays of COVID-19 testing one cannot help but wonder if these delays will result in the postponement or cancellation of regular season games. All of this is an invitation to chaos.
The second strike is a fundamental change in the way the game is played. The most egregious example of which concerns extra inning games. If a game goes into extra innings a runner will automatically be placed on second base. I hated it when a similar rule was implemented during the 2017 World Baseball Classic (in which extra innings would start with runners on first and second.) The rationale behind it is that MLB doesn't want to keep players on the field for too long. But if the game cannot be played under its normal rules then why play it at all?
Which brings me back to Mike Flanagan. During his early days with the Orioles, manager Earl Weaver didn't like how Flanagan was holding runners on base. One day while Flanagan was pitching a side session, Weaver suddenly came running out of the dugout and slid into second base. The short sized and short-tempered Weaver shouted, “I just stole second on you.” Flanagan, known for his dry wit, retorted, “How’d you ever get on base?”
Sadly, Flanagan took his own life in 2011. Yet I cannot help but think had Flanagan been still with us and saw how extra innings would work in 2020 that he would react as he reacted to Weaver stealing second when he hadn't earned his way on base.
The third strike is kneeling and politics. Upon learning that San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler had kneeled before the Star Spangled Banner along with several coaches and players including Mike Yastrzemski (grandson of Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame legend Carl Yastrzemski) prior to an exhibition game against the Oakland A's earlier this week, the first thing I wondered is if the Los Angeles Dodgers had similar plans as the Dodgers will host the Giants on Opening Night.
If they do then they risk losing both Vin Scully and Rick Monday. Although Scully retired from broadcasting Dodgers games in 2016 after 67 seasons, he remains synonymous with the team. In November 2017, after Colin Kaepernick and other NFL players began kneeling before the National Anthem, Scully publicly vowed never to watch another NFL game. I would hate to see the Dodgers move Scully to cut all ties with the team and with baseball.
Rick Monday is a current Dodgers broadcaster and former player. But he won the admiration of Dodgers fans when he was member of the Chicago Cubs. During an April 1976 game, Monday liberated the American flag from being burned during a game at Dodger Stadium. I cannot help but think that kneeling before the flag might be a bridge too far for Monday.
And for what? I honestly don't see what kneeling before the anthem accomplishes other than drawing attention to one's own supposed virtue while alienating your dwindling audience. This isn't to say the Giants, Dodgers and any other MLB team and its players cannot support Black Lives Matter if they wish. Yet I think it is something that is better done off the field as it distracts from the reason why we watch what's going on the field in the first place.
The actions of Kapler and the Giants prompted a #BoycottMLB hashtag on Twitter. I have to admit getting a kick out of a tweet from @Blue_Texas2020:
So baseball takes a knee and the Magas want to #BoycottMLB What do these people have left to watch, bowling?
I had to laugh. Because I was watching the PBA on FS1 for the past several days and watch it every chance I get. I watch it because I have developed a big passion for bowling over the past year. Since I am presently unable to play due to COVID-19 restrictions the next best thing to watch the pros like Anthony Simonsen, E.J. Tackett, Norm Duke, Sean Rash and Clara Guerrero among many others.
It was this book that cultivated my fascination with pre-season predictions, individual statistics and biographical details of the players. I can still remember the bio of Detroit Tigers catcher Lance Parrish which noted he had been a bodyguard for Tina Turner. I also learned about free agency and trades such as the Tigers trading speedster and former state prison inmate Ron LeFlore to the Montreal Expos for southpaw pitcher Dan Schatzeder. Growing in Thunder Bay, Ontario, I saw a lot of Expos games on TV and many of LeFlore's National League leading 97 stolen bases in 1980.
On the front cover of The Complete Handbook of Baseball was Pittsburgh Pirates slugger Willie "Pops" Stargell, the 1979 National League Co-MVP (along with St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Keith Hernandez) fresh off leading the "We Are Family" Pirates to a World Series title against the Baltimore Orioles. On the back cover was Orioles ace Mike Flanagan finishing his wind up with a high leg kick. Flanagan's league leading 23 wins and five shutouts earned him the American League Cy Young Award in 1979.
In the intervening years, my Dad regaled me with stories of meeting Stan Musial and several other members of the St. Louis Cardinals at the Polo Grounds, taught me how to keep score of games and had me assist with his academic research. When looking at pitchers who had played in the 20th century, had thrown a minimum of 800 innings and were dead, Dad found a co-relation between life expectancy and a lower walks-to-innings pitched ratio and would present this paper at a number of academic conferences in Canada, the U.S. and even in Europe. (Alas I did not partake in these proceedings).
In adulthood, I moved from Canada to the U.S. settling in Boston within walking distance from Fenway Park and would be on hand to witness the Red Sox win their first World Series in 86 years and then win two more titles. (I moved to New York City in September 2018 and could not bear to watch the Red Sox's World Series victory parade and, as it turned out, for good reason).
Baseball has given my life considerable joy, but I am struggling to find any in the upcoming, abbreviated 2020 MLB season. For me, the 2020 MLB season already has three strikes against it.
The first strike is COVID-19. Notwithstanding Dr. Anthony Fauci throwing out the first pitch in D.C. when the World Series champion Washington Nationals face the New York Yankees on Thursday night, I do believe there is a substantial risk for COVID-19 to spread. Unlike the NBA which is conducting its post-season in a bubble in Orlando and the NHL which has concentrated its playoffs in Toronto and Edmonton, MLB has an extensive travel schedule ahead of it. Although travel has been limited geographically (i.e. AL East vs NL East teams) there is much travel in and out of COVID-19 hot spots such as Florida, Georgia, Texas, Arizona and California comprising the home base of 11 out of MLB's 30 teams.
Then there is the question of where the Toronto Blue Jays call home this season. After the Government of Canada would not grant them exemption from self-quarantining when returning from the U.S., there is speculation the Jays might have to play home games at their spring training facility in Dunedin, Florida, their Triple-AAA affiliate in Buffalo or even share a big league park with the Pittsburgh Pirates only to have it nixed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Considering the number of cancellations of team workouts as a result in delays of COVID-19 testing one cannot help but wonder if these delays will result in the postponement or cancellation of regular season games. All of this is an invitation to chaos.
The second strike is a fundamental change in the way the game is played. The most egregious example of which concerns extra inning games. If a game goes into extra innings a runner will automatically be placed on second base. I hated it when a similar rule was implemented during the 2017 World Baseball Classic (in which extra innings would start with runners on first and second.) The rationale behind it is that MLB doesn't want to keep players on the field for too long. But if the game cannot be played under its normal rules then why play it at all?
Which brings me back to Mike Flanagan. During his early days with the Orioles, manager Earl Weaver didn't like how Flanagan was holding runners on base. One day while Flanagan was pitching a side session, Weaver suddenly came running out of the dugout and slid into second base. The short sized and short-tempered Weaver shouted, “I just stole second on you.” Flanagan, known for his dry wit, retorted, “How’d you ever get on base?”
Sadly, Flanagan took his own life in 2011. Yet I cannot help but think had Flanagan been still with us and saw how extra innings would work in 2020 that he would react as he reacted to Weaver stealing second when he hadn't earned his way on base.
The third strike is kneeling and politics. Upon learning that San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler had kneeled before the Star Spangled Banner along with several coaches and players including Mike Yastrzemski (grandson of Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame legend Carl Yastrzemski) prior to an exhibition game against the Oakland A's earlier this week, the first thing I wondered is if the Los Angeles Dodgers had similar plans as the Dodgers will host the Giants on Opening Night.
If they do then they risk losing both Vin Scully and Rick Monday. Although Scully retired from broadcasting Dodgers games in 2016 after 67 seasons, he remains synonymous with the team. In November 2017, after Colin Kaepernick and other NFL players began kneeling before the National Anthem, Scully publicly vowed never to watch another NFL game. I would hate to see the Dodgers move Scully to cut all ties with the team and with baseball.
Rick Monday is a current Dodgers broadcaster and former player. But he won the admiration of Dodgers fans when he was member of the Chicago Cubs. During an April 1976 game, Monday liberated the American flag from being burned during a game at Dodger Stadium. I cannot help but think that kneeling before the flag might be a bridge too far for Monday.
And for what? I honestly don't see what kneeling before the anthem accomplishes other than drawing attention to one's own supposed virtue while alienating your dwindling audience. This isn't to say the Giants, Dodgers and any other MLB team and its players cannot support Black Lives Matter if they wish. Yet I think it is something that is better done off the field as it distracts from the reason why we watch what's going on the field in the first place.
The actions of Kapler and the Giants prompted a #BoycottMLB hashtag on Twitter. I have to admit getting a kick out of a tweet from @Blue_Texas2020:
So baseball takes a knee and the Magas want to #BoycottMLB What do these people have left to watch, bowling?
I had to laugh. Because I was watching the PBA on FS1 for the past several days and watch it every chance I get. I watch it because I have developed a big passion for bowling over the past year. Since I am presently unable to play due to COVID-19 restrictions the next best thing to watch the pros like Anthony Simonsen, E.J. Tackett, Norm Duke, Sean Rash and Clara Guerrero among many others.
I also enjoy the PBA because it is a politics free zone. We are all too aware of the fact there is sickness, poverty, injustice and cruelty in this country and do not need to be reminded of it every minute of the day however egregious President Trump's behavior. There must be room for quiet pleasures. Aside from brief acknowledgements of masks, social distancing and raising money for COVID-19 victims, the PBA telecasts are all about bowling. As it stands now most MLB announcers don't pay attention to the game and kneeling before the Star-Spangled Banner won't help matters. At this point, if it's a choice between watching baseball and bowling, I'll pick bowling.
Despite all my pessimism, I don't think I'll join the MAGATs in their #BoycottMLB campaign. It'll be nice to see Daniel Bard pitch in the big leagues for the first time since 2013 having made the Colorado Rockies roster after years of struggling to throw strikes. I also hold out faint hope that in a 60-game schedule that someone could have a shot at surpassing Joe DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak set in 1941. But I'm still not looking forward to it. As a sign of my lack of enthusiasm I shall not make any pre-season predictions as is my custom.
Chances are I will probably have a lot more satisfaction of finding a picture of Crosley Field or the Baker Bowl on Facebook or Twitter, guessing the date the game was played, finding the box score on Baseball-Reference.com and writing up a game summary ending with the Casey Stengel quote, "You can look it up." To paraphrase the great songwriter Lee Hazlewood, "If there's no tomorrow for baseball then I'll live yesterdays."
Despite all my pessimism, I don't think I'll join the MAGATs in their #BoycottMLB campaign. It'll be nice to see Daniel Bard pitch in the big leagues for the first time since 2013 having made the Colorado Rockies roster after years of struggling to throw strikes. I also hold out faint hope that in a 60-game schedule that someone could have a shot at surpassing Joe DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak set in 1941. But I'm still not looking forward to it. As a sign of my lack of enthusiasm I shall not make any pre-season predictions as is my custom.
Chances are I will probably have a lot more satisfaction of finding a picture of Crosley Field or the Baker Bowl on Facebook or Twitter, guessing the date the game was played, finding the box score on Baseball-Reference.com and writing up a game summary ending with the Casey Stengel quote, "You can look it up." To paraphrase the great songwriter Lee Hazlewood, "If there's no tomorrow for baseball then I'll live yesterdays."
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
For Trump Masks Have Gone From Politically Correct to Patriotic - For Now
What a difference a couple of months can make.
Yesterday, President Trump tweeted out an image of himself wearing a mask proclaiming, "(M)any people say that it is Patriotic to wear a face mask when you can't socially distance." Trump added, "There's nobody more Patriotic than me, your favorite President!"
But in late May when Reuters White House correspondent Jeff Mason refused to remove his mask during a Rose Garden press conference, Trump told him, "You want to be politically correct."
Masks have gone from being politically correct to patriotic.
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany has got with the program telling Fox News viewers to "follow Trump's lead" on masks. This would be the same McEnany who said that it was "peculiar" that Joe Biden wouldn't wear a mask in his home after making a public appearance on Memorial Day wearing one. In this case, Biden leads while Trump follows.
Now if Trump wearing a mask stops his supporters from burning masks in Boise then fine. If it stops folks like Laura Ingraham from saying wearing masks is unhealthy then also fine. If it persuades Georgia Governor Brian Kemp to withdraw his frivolous lawsuit against Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms attempting to impede her from implementing a local mask mandate then so much the better. But how long is Trump going to stick with wearing a mask? Not very long. Tonight, Trump attended a D.C. fundraiser without a mask. In a week from now, Trump might very well say that he's never worn a mask and no one else needs to either.
Yesterday, President Trump tweeted out an image of himself wearing a mask proclaiming, "(M)any people say that it is Patriotic to wear a face mask when you can't socially distance." Trump added, "There's nobody more Patriotic than me, your favorite President!"
But in late May when Reuters White House correspondent Jeff Mason refused to remove his mask during a Rose Garden press conference, Trump told him, "You want to be politically correct."
Masks have gone from being politically correct to patriotic.
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany has got with the program telling Fox News viewers to "follow Trump's lead" on masks. This would be the same McEnany who said that it was "peculiar" that Joe Biden wouldn't wear a mask in his home after making a public appearance on Memorial Day wearing one. In this case, Biden leads while Trump follows.
Now if Trump wearing a mask stops his supporters from burning masks in Boise then fine. If it stops folks like Laura Ingraham from saying wearing masks is unhealthy then also fine. If it persuades Georgia Governor Brian Kemp to withdraw his frivolous lawsuit against Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms attempting to impede her from implementing a local mask mandate then so much the better. But how long is Trump going to stick with wearing a mask? Not very long. Tonight, Trump attended a D.C. fundraiser without a mask. In a week from now, Trump might very well say that he's never worn a mask and no one else needs to either.
Several SF Giants Kneel During National Anthem; Will The Dodgers Follow Suit?
Last night, San Franciso Giants manager Gabe Kapler along with several players and coaches kneeled during the Star Spangled Banner prior to an exhibition game against the Oakland A's at the Oakland Coliseum.
Joining Kapler were outfielders Austin Slater, Jaylin Davis and Mike Yastrzemski (grandson of Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski) along with first base coach Antoan Richardson and hitting coach Justin Viele.
The display prompted the Twitter hashtag #BoycottMLB. One of the more interesting tweets was this one from @Blue_Texas2020:
So baseball takes a knee and the Magas want to #BoycottMLB What do these people have left to watch, bowling?
Joining Kapler were outfielders Austin Slater, Jaylin Davis and Mike Yastrzemski (grandson of Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski) along with first base coach Antoan Richardson and hitting coach Justin Viele.
The display prompted the Twitter hashtag #BoycottMLB. One of the more interesting tweets was this one from @Blue_Texas2020:
So baseball takes a knee and the Magas want to #BoycottMLB What do these people have left to watch, bowling?
I had to laugh. Because I was watching the PBA on FS1 last night and watch it every chance I get. I watch it because I have developed a big passion for bowling over the past year and also because it is a politics free zone. We are all too aware of the fact there is sickness, poverty and injustice in this country. We do not need to be reminded of it every minute of the day. Aside from mentions of masks, social distancing and raising money for COVID-19 victims, the PBA telecasts are all about bowling.
As it stands now most MLB announcers don't pay attention to the game and the kneeling before the anthem won't help matters.
Now that the Giants have done this I wonder if it will be long before the Dodgers follow suit. If they do then I fear they will lose both Vin Scully and Rick Monday. Scully, who broadcasted Dodgers games from 1950 to 2016, said in 2017 he would never watch another NFL game after Colin Kaepernick and other NFL players began kneeling during the Star Spangled Banner. If the Dodgers were to follow suit then I'm sure Scully would, with a broken heart, part ways with the Dodgers and MLB.
Monday, who is a former Dodgers player and current broadcaster, became a Dodger fan favorite as a member of the Chicago Cubs when he prevented an American flag from burned at Dodger Stadium on April 25, 1976. Her is the video below narrated by (who else?) Vin Scully.
If the Dodgers were to kneel I suspect it would be a bridge too far for Monday. And for what? I honestly don't see what kneeling before the anthem accomplishes other than drawing attention to one's own supposed virtue while alienating your dwindling audience.
This isn't to say the Giants, Dodgers and any other MLB team cannot support Black Lives Matter if they wish. I think it is something that is better done off the field as it distracts from the reason why we watch what's going on the field in the first place.
Monday, July 20, 2020
Ending The $600 a Week Pandemic Relief Will Cause More Social Unrest
The $600 a week pandemic relief which has topped up state unemployment checks since April is due to expire in 11 days unless Congress and the President can get their shit together.
Back in May, the Democrat controlled House of Representatives voted to extend pandemic relief to January 31, 2021 as well as provide for another stimulus check under the auspices of the HEROES Act. But both President Trump and the Republican controlled Senate oppose the measure because they argue it is a disincentive to work. Of course, Mitch McConnell doesn't bat an eyelash when the family of his wife Elaine Chao (who is Trump's Secetary of Transportation) gets at least six figures from the PPP payments. As I wrote almost exactly two months ago to the day:
For my part, I have applied for over 60 jobs in nearly 7 weeks of unemployment and have studied to be a contact tracer. I'm not sure what else Trump and McConnell would ask of me and millions of others in far worse positions than myself. Well, I doubt we will get an answer because McConnell doesn't give a fuck about you unless you're a millionaire while Trump just doesn't give a fuck.
As of this writing, I have entered my 16th week of unemployment and you can add 100 more job applications to that ledger. This past Friday, I had a job interview with a law firm in Queens. If Trump, McConnell and other Republicans honestly believe bestowing unemployed Americans an extra $600 a week so we don't have to be evicted from our homes is a disincentive to finding work then they have never had to worry about money a day in their lives.
On that subject let us consider what I wrote almost exactly four months ago to the day when Governor Cuomo announced New York Pause, before the CARES Act came to pass and before I lost my job:
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.
Back in May, the Democrat controlled House of Representatives voted to extend pandemic relief to January 31, 2021 as well as provide for another stimulus check under the auspices of the HEROES Act. But both President Trump and the Republican controlled Senate oppose the measure because they argue it is a disincentive to work. Of course, Mitch McConnell doesn't bat an eyelash when the family of his wife Elaine Chao (who is Trump's Secetary of Transportation) gets at least six figures from the PPP payments. As I wrote almost exactly two months ago to the day:
For my part, I have applied for over 60 jobs in nearly 7 weeks of unemployment and have studied to be a contact tracer. I'm not sure what else Trump and McConnell would ask of me and millions of others in far worse positions than myself. Well, I doubt we will get an answer because McConnell doesn't give a fuck about you unless you're a millionaire while Trump just doesn't give a fuck.
As of this writing, I have entered my 16th week of unemployment and you can add 100 more job applications to that ledger. This past Friday, I had a job interview with a law firm in Queens. If Trump, McConnell and other Republicans honestly believe bestowing unemployed Americans an extra $600 a week so we don't have to be evicted from our homes is a disincentive to finding work then they have never had to worry about money a day in their lives.
On that subject let us consider what I wrote almost exactly four months ago to the day when Governor Cuomo announced New York Pause, before the CARES Act came to pass and before I lost my job:
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.
I believe that if the President and Congress permit $600 a week pandemic relief to expire then the above scenario shall come to pass and cause even further social disorder than we have already experienced. But then again it would appear this is exactly what President Trump and his Republican allies in Congress want given his desire to send more federal troops into the cities. What does he care of us peasants - especially those who live in Democratic cities?
But given that this affects people in both blue and red states, I would like to think that Trump, McConnell and other Republicans might want to extend the $600 a week pandemic relief for no other reason than they are up for re-election. This is still a possibility although it is more likely they'll throw a chewed up bone than a lifeline. In which case, as has so often happened during the COVID-19 pandemic, we must prepare that the worst is still to come.
Trump Threatens to Spread The Portland Model to NYC, Chicago & Other Cities
A week ago, President Trump proclaimed "We've done a great job in Portland."
And by great job he meant men in unmarked cars wearing paramilitary uniforms wantonly kidnapping civilians off the street and unlawfully detaining them under the watchful eye of Acting DHS Chief Chad Wolf over the objections of both the Mayor of Portland and the Governor of Oregon.
A few days ago I asked, "Of course, if Wolf leaves Portland who can say he won't make his way to Minneapolis or New York with his stormtroopers in tow and pull the same shenanigans?"
Well, President Trump appears to have answered in the affirmative while sitting in the Oval Office no less. Reiterating the "fantastic job" done in Portland, Trump told reporters:
"I'm going to do something — that, I can tell you. Because we're not going to let New York and Chicago and Philadelphia and Detroit and Baltimore and all of these — Oakland is a mess. We're not going to let this happen in our country. All run by liberal Democrats."
And by great job he meant men in unmarked cars wearing paramilitary uniforms wantonly kidnapping civilians off the street and unlawfully detaining them under the watchful eye of Acting DHS Chief Chad Wolf over the objections of both the Mayor of Portland and the Governor of Oregon.
A few days ago I asked, "Of course, if Wolf leaves Portland who can say he won't make his way to Minneapolis or New York with his stormtroopers in tow and pull the same shenanigans?"
Well, President Trump appears to have answered in the affirmative while sitting in the Oval Office no less. Reiterating the "fantastic job" done in Portland, Trump told reporters:
"I'm going to do something — that, I can tell you. Because we're not going to let New York and Chicago and Philadelphia and Detroit and Baltimore and all of these — Oakland is a mess. We're not going to let this happen in our country. All run by liberal Democrats."
So in the midst of a pandemic and near Great Depression like conditions, Trump is going to violate civil liberties by gaslighting cities all because they are run by Democrats. It's the kind of foolishness which makes me long for Canada.
An escalation of violence in major American cities is something that has to be addressed - by the cities. If the cities require state and federal assistance then they can ask. But the federal government cannot take it upon itself to arbitrarily grab people off the street. If the Trump insists on doing this we shall soon resemble Chile under Pinochet or Argentina's military junta in the late 1970's and early 1980's.
This behavior must stop in Portland and not be expanded anywhere else in the United States. If it isn't stopped then nothing good can come from it.
Missouri's GOP Governor: Kids Are Going to Get COVID-19 & They'll Get Over It
If there's any doubt Republicans don't give a flying fuck about the spread of COVID-19 consider the remarks Missouri GOP Governor Mike Parsons gave in a radio interview on Friday on the question of schools reopening in the fall:
These kids have got to get back to school. They’re at the lowest risk possible. And if they do get Covid-19, which they will—and they will when they go to school—they’re not going to the hospitals. They’re not going to have to sit in doctor's offices. They’re going to go home, and they’re going to get over it.
These kids have got to get back to school. They’re at the lowest risk possible. And if they do get Covid-19, which they will—and they will when they go to school—they’re not going to the hospitals. They’re not going to have to sit in doctor's offices. They’re going to go home, and they’re going to get over it.
Given the fact that Missouri has seen an 87% increase in COVID-19 cases over the past two weeks, reopening of schools would surely accelerate that pace.
If one kid in a classroom gets COVID-19 then what are the chances his or her classmates will be infected? What about that kid's teachers? If COVID-19 spreads around a school do you think a school district is going to keep that school open?
Since Parsons expects kids with COVID-19 to recuperate at home let's pose this question. Even if a child doesn't require hospitalization from COVID-19 will their parents or grandparents be so lucky? As Jon Zal asked on Twitter, "Serious question: Does @mikeparson have grandchildren in the Missouri public-school system and, if so, will they be spending time with him regularly after schools reopen? Asking for Charles Darwin."
But we're beginning to see young people in Florida die of COVID-19. What makes Parsons think it can't happen in Missouri?
Well what can we expect from a Governor who uses federal COVID-19 aid money to promote tourism? Maybe Parsons would agree to keep schools closed if teachers promised to brandish weapons against peaceful protesters.
Missouri might be the show me state, but Governor Parsons doesn't have a lot to show for it.
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