DL Open Thread: Sun., Jan. 19, 2020

Malls Don’t Have To Fail.  A success story, and a possible road map for the Concord Mall? I get it. Miami is not suburban Brandywine Hundred.  But the concept of the mall as a fun destination can work–if the new owners are interested in more than wringing whatever value is left out of the place.

Joseph Stiglitz: The Truth About The Trump Economy.  Read. Learn. Share.

China To Phase Out ‘Single Use’ Plastics By End Of 2020. Not everything I find is shot through with pessimism. Just 95% of it. Proving I just might be a pessimist.

A Good Republican. Really.  Virginia House Republican leader Todd Gilbert tells white supremacists to stay away from gun control rally.  A rare unequivocal statement in fact:

“Any group that comes to Richmond to spread white supremacist garbage, or any other form of hate, violence, or civil unrest isn’t welcome here,” House Republican leader Todd Gilbert said in a statement. “While we and our Democratic colleagues may have differences, we are all Virginians and we will stand united in opposition to any threats of violence or civil unrest from any quarter.”

Which reminds me. Why won’t Delaware Democrats act like Virginia Democrats when it comes to gun reform?  I’m serious.  There’s no excuse. New leaders, please.

Politicians Preen As Highmark/Blue Cross Donates $1 Mill To Combat Opioid Addiction.  I admit it, this really pissed me off.  No, not the $1 mill (a paltry sum, but one that was donated, albeit by a corporation that no doubt loves the publicity, and which will be lobbying relentlessly for their own self-interests this session), but the fact that all these politicians were there to bathe in the glow of the donation.  I mean isn’t it about time that the General Assembly ups its own game when it comes to addressing and funding this problem? Why the fuck was this announcement held in Bethany Hall-Long’s office?  They deserve credit for NONE of this, yet there they are, posing for the cameras. They’re all poseurs, or, what’s the female equivalent, poseuses? Jee-zus.

What do you want to talk about?