DL Open Thread: Sun., April 5, 2020
How The Federal Government Failed Completely On Fighting The Coronavirus. A good more-or-less instant history of the disaster, the key being the 70 days that Trump pissed away while downplaying the danger.
Everything Falls Apart, Ctd. The latest carnage: 312,245 cases and 8503 deaths in the US. We’ll blow past the 10,000 death barrier by this time tomorrow. The small business loan program already has the stench of flop sweat all over it.
This Day In Coronavirus Denialism. Remember the Bundys? No, not the ‘Married With Children’ Bundys. The Posse Comitatus Bundys. They’re back, and Ammon damn sure wants to help Idaho residents to break the law. In fact, he’s taking the movement, pardon the expression, viral. BTW, I’m not making this up, he was born in Bunkerville, Nevada. Ga. Governor Brian Kemp, who just found out that asymptomatic people can spread the virus, ordered certain Georgia beaches reopened on Saturday. I can’t make this stuff up. Both Kemp and Florida’s Gov. DeSantis not only expressly classified church services as essential, but overrode stronger local restrictions in the process. Call me cynical, but why do I suspect that these elected death-dealing scofflaws will get more timely assistance from Trump than, say, Cuomo has?
Trump Organization Seeks Financial Help From Deutsche Bank, Which Is Under Investigation By the DOJ. I’m sure that you, like me, have the utmost confidence in the independence and integrity of AG William Barr. Nothing to see here, folks. Except, maybe, for this:
David Enrich, a Times business reporter who recently authored a book on Deutsche Bank, “Dark Towers,” told NPR that the bank has been “worried” about a situation like this.
Bank officials are now “forced to choose between doing what seems like it’s financially right for the bank and for its regulators, versus doing what’s right to protect the relationship with someone who has the ability to inflict enormous damage on the institution if he is so inclined,” Enrich explained.
He’s always so inclined.
The Coming Drug Shortage. It might already be here. This is what happens when you don’t make your own stuff. China and India can make it cheaper, what could go wrong?
Which Democratic Message Will Surface in 2020? If it’s not the ‘fighting mad’ meme, we lose. It’s that simple.
The Crozier Firing Continues A Navy Pattern Of Eliminating the Messenger(s). The bad guys continue to fire the good guys. All in the name of PR. Great reporting from Pro Publica.
Does Anybody Give A Fuck About Abessinio Stadium? Oh, no! They were already on a tight timetable, and this damn Covid-19 might push it past Salesianum’s scheduled football home opener. Which likely isn’t going to be played anyway. So, even with Gov. Carny declaring that such construction projects are essential, which this one is demonstrably not, the stadium may not be finished on time. Someone send a wahmbulance for Sallies’ President Brendan Kennealey:
“We were on a really, really, tight timeline to make it for our first home game before all the coronavirus stuff hit, and now there’s a lot more obstacles,” Salesianum President Brendan Kennealey told WDEL.
Well, gee whiz. BTW, there is some good news. Choir boys have never been safer than they are now.
That’s all the good news.
At least Carny has no compunctions about placing workers at risk here, or on any other projects. He’s got his priorities in order. Hey, someday it might be St. Mark’s building a stadium. There’s little more important in Delaware than in ensuring that these schools can recruit football players from all over (although players from Pennsylvania might have to quarantine for two weeks if the governor doesn’t give them a waiver). Fuck the workers. The Chamber says this project must go on. All projects must go on, for that matter.
What do you want to talk about?
Would not be surprised to see Florida spin out of control on the virus, perhaps the same for Georgia, they are both under the control of incredibly incompetent Republican governors. Even Carney is dramatically better. (and what does that tell you?). Since the virus is much harder on the elderly suspect it will soon rip thru the ranks of the church goers as they tend be old people. On a lighter note what has failed in America? The supply lines, (where’s the GD toilet paper?) The government for another, it borders on a sick joke at times and seems to be getting worse. The political class of both parties is pathetic, and no, FDR is not going to walk thru the door. We’re effed to say the least.
Carney is dutifully and (mostly) competent. And he’s not deliberately negligent.
This is a time when a career aparatchik is not necessarily a bad thing.
As appalling as his lack of leadership has been for three years, he is a decent manager, and that skill comes in handy.
Leadership not a great necessity here — just follow the governors of surrounding states, and follow them quickly.
Two death cults emerge in the USA: The Christian Church, and the GOP. Neither can address issues so as to preserve life. They can only guide as to entering death.
And in news from Merida, Yucatan
Governor Vila has shut down the state. Beaches are closed. Only essential travel between towns enforced by road blocks. Beer and liquor sales have been halted.
One person per family in grocery stores. Maximize delivery delivery services. If you knowingly have COVID and are out and about, 3 years in jail. Streets in centro (central) Merida are closed to vehicular traffic to ensure adequate spacing for individuals. Police patroling the streets with loudspeakers tell people to stay in side, although Doctors and other medicos (incuding vets) are making house calls (to be honest, they did that before the virus). Restuarants are all closed except for delivery. Uber Eats and other services are keeping people fed. Masks are freely available for 20 pesos (less than a dollar). The Yucatan has had one COVID death thus far. The infection doubling rate is currently at 10 days. In the U.S. the doubling rate is 3 days.
Stay safe anyway, Dave. My son-in-law is an anesthesiologist in Hackensack University Medical Center, ground zero in New Jersey. This is nothing you want to get even if you recover.
I am safe. Honestly, I am safer here than there where the DSP is trying to keep PA, NJ, NY people from coming to beach or promise to self quarantine if they do go to their beach houses.
I don’t know what the hell is wrong with Americans, between the evangelicals gathering in church to the spring breakers and beach goers. There are thinking this is no worse than the common cold.
I hope your SIL and his family are going to be safe. The medical folks and their familiies are at great risk.
Americans? They’re exceptional, of course.
You are safer there for now, but AMLO took the same “What, me worry?” attitude Trump did. It just got started later there. Limit your exposure if you can.
Just talked to SIL and family earlier today. Fine so far, but still a lot to worry about because it hasn’t peaked yet.
Would it be impertinent for me to ask if the multi-billion corporation Amazon, owned by Jeff Bezos, (the wealthiest person in the world est. $169 Billion net worth) would return the $4.5 million in Delaware taxpayer money to Delaware? We could use it to purchase $4.5 million worth of useful test kits with some left over for PPE for medical providers and first responders.
John,
Let’s make it palatable for Jeff. Suggest that he give back $4 million and use the other half million to supply PPE to the workers in his Delaware warehouses.
Chris Coons can ask him over cocktails.
Bye-bye, Bobo.
Please!!!! Take the retirement package!