COVID-19/Coronavirus thread

[ron883]

15 hours ago, The Beast said:

I’m still debating if what Biden said was that wrong. I see it more of turning off voters in his tone, but I don’t think the message is necessarily wrong, especially when you have a president saying there are very fine people in both sides and call countries shithole countries.

Do we have video evidence of Trump saying this? Or was it an unnamed source?

[Balta1701]

South Korea has had 11,000 cases. Something like 6000, more than 1/2, trace back to 1 infected person going to a church.

[greg775]

10 hours ago, caulfield12 said:

Harris, Klobuchar, Warren, Whitmer and even Cortez-Masto or Lujan Grisham are all more likely.  And he never said anything about a black woman, Greg...just a woman.

Michelle Obama is undeniably more popular than her husband but definitely not interested.   And we saw how well that theory worked out for the Clintons...during the campaign, the way he was utilized, he didn’t turn out to be an asset, and the fact that nearly everyone liked her husband (at least the 1993-2001 and not 2008 Obama feuding version) more than her, it simply magnified her own shortcomings.

I think the only way she would consider it would be if she thought there was no other way for the Dems to win, preserve ObamaCare and safeguard her husband’s legacy.  (Which, in a way, is the same dangerous level of complacency that crept in the last 2-3 months of the Clinton campaign in 2016.  Picking Klobuchar would almost be another Tim Kaine-level unforced error.)

The interviewer in Friday's controversial interview asked him about a black woman being VEEP and Biden said he's considering many black women. I've read other stories where it will be a black woman. I want somebody qualified because that person will be president someday. Let's assume of the list you gave one of them will be president a year or so after the election. Which do you think can handle the job effectively? None except maybe Warren. Certainly not Harris. Can you guys be honest and tell me you are not scared of his choice of Abrams. My gosh, at this moment odds are at least 50-50 of her being president someday. Did you see the TV show in which she and Biden appeared and the host and Abrams thought he was going to ask her to be VEEP candidate? Nobody still can figure out why Biden wanted her on the show with him. She was not asked at the time. He's not going to pick Warren but reluctantly she would be my choice but only after Michelle Obama. Why the hell not?? Convince her to do it. She won't only be VEEP, she'll be president soon enough. She is smart; everybody loves her. Barack can help advise if she seeks his help.

Edited May 23, 2020 by greg775

[Balta1701]

2 minutes ago, greg775 said:

The interviewer in Friday's controversial interview asked him about a black woman being VEEP and Biden said he's considering many black women. I've read other stories where it will be a black woman. I want somebody qualified because that person will be president someday. Let's assume of the list you gave one of them will be president a year or so after the election. Which do you think can handle the job effectively? None except maybe Warren. Certainly not Harris. Can you guys be honest and tell me you are not scared of his choice of Abrams. My gosh, at this moment odds are at least 50-50 of her being president someday. Did you see the TV show in which she and Biden appeared and the host and Abrams thought he was going to ask her to be VEEP candidate? Nobody still can figure out why Biden wanted her on the show with him. She was not asked at the time. He's not going to pick Warren but reluctantly she would be my choice but only after Michelle Obama. Why the hell not?? Convince her to do it. She won't only be VEEP, she'll be president soon enough. She is smart; everybody loves her. Barack can help advise if she seeks his help.

Scared of a black woman, but totally ok with 100,000 bodies. At least he's white!

[greg775]

46 minutes ago, NWINFan said:

This is so true. If people are so god-fearing, you'd think they would be concerned about the welfare of others.

The congregation in my wife's church want to return, but not under these circumstances. A group of them also had a meeting online to talk over church matters, and they accomplished somethings. They are more than willing to give things a little more time.  They just don't think the risk is worth it right now. Makes sense to me.

Every article I'm reading (today, yes it changes) is talking about how Sweden had it right and we never needed to lock down in the first place. That's neither here nor there, I'm just intrigued by the articles at this website https://www.realclearpolitics.com/

As far as this issue, I take offense to some of you saying we are selfish people wanting churchopen. I described my church's setup. Hand sanitizer at door; three to a (long) pew. People in every fourth pew. Max of 70 in the church (we had 14 for my Mass last week). Priest limited to 45 minute Mass. No singing. We all must wear masks. No hand shaking. Why is this selfish? Our pastor cares. Meanwhile as I told you last Sunday there was a party on a lawn across the street; 50 people, food, no masks.

MENTAL HEALTH means something. Church helps mental health. But suddenly we are not talking about mental health/suicides we are talking more about "suck it up, stay home." Why all of a sudden does mental health not matter.?When I had a huge huge mental crisis in life many years ago now I had my hand on the phone ready to call a mental health professional. Instead I chose church. the problem went away in a month. it worked for me. I have been forever grateful to God. I need to go to church constantly to thank him. Also I love worshiping with people. It's the highlight of the week. In a dog eat dog world, church is important to me.

Again, why do some of you think the suicides, etc., are not related to this issue and suddenly we as a society go from caring about mental health to not.

Also ... cmon. This is religion. It is not wise to let the government slam the doors shut on our churches. You tell me my church isn't safer than a 7-11 right now? If I get COVID, I pray my immune system works and I don't die. I hope we don't spread it. College is about to open here and think of all the students coming back from all across the country. There's more danger there of it spreading through a town that has had 58 cases than anything else.

Some of us see church as ESSENTIAL ... way more than a liquor store. How come nobody answers my angry questions of why our liquor stores have been open the whole time and not church??

[greg775]

10 minutes ago, Balta1701 said:

Scared of a black woman, but totally ok with 100,000 bodies. At least he's white!

Abrams? Tell me her qualifications. I want Michelle O. I'd even take Oprah over any of those candidates Caulfield listed. And I'm serious.

Edited May 23, 2020 by greg775

[greg775]

2 hours ago, Texsox said:

Pards allow Tex to offer a little assistance

Taurus G2C at about $250, it won't break the bank and is available anywhere handguns are sold. Reliable, lightweight and small it can be concealed easily enough. If you want to splurge and impress your friends in church the Glock 19 has charisma and easy to find 9mm ammo in a 15+1 config that will make you feel safer.  Both are considered beginner guns with low maintenance and easy to pull triggers. Enjoy your time on the range. Nothing helps social distancing than a shooter.

Keep your rounds downrange. Life is like that. You'll be happier. 

I don't believe in owning a gun. I've never shot a gun. Hope I never need one.

[greg775]

3 hours ago, Dick Allen said:

I think one pastor had it right when he said the church is not closed, the building is.

Why can’t you worship virtually?  For a bunch of people who think they are so decent, they certainly aren’t will to sacrifice much to actually prove it. 
 

Why won’t some even wear masks? Why is that an assault on your rights and the requirement that you must have insurance and wear a seat belt to drive a car not?

 

Answering  your questions ...

a.) Why should the church be closed when theatres are now open; our casinos are open. I think so many things are open your question may have been more reasonable a week or so ago. Certainly with theatres, salons, (not bowling alleys yet for some reason), casinos open there is NO REASON to not open church. Grossly unfair. You said the church is not closed; the building is; reasonable argument but for some of us being in that church does matter, a lot. We like being in there and like being able to pray. For some, religion is 80 percent of their lives. Look at other religions beside my Catholicism that include prayer and stoppage of life a few times a day just to pray. Hard to explain but to me the church is closed when the building is closed. I like being in there.

b.) I tried the virtual Mass and have watched some. Our parish did that until one week ago. Actually it's still available that way for those uncomfortable in coming to the open church. We still have virtual Mass.

It's not like we are reckless rebels. We did the locking of the doors of the church all the way from March 12 til last Sunday when we had it all cleaned up and the regulations in place. Your line "for a bunch of people who think they are so decent," is offensive and If I wrote it I'd probably be banned. We "sacrificed" (your word) from March 12 til last Sunday, then opened for Mass.

c.) Not applicable here. We have to wear masks in the building. As far as in public, I explained why I hate masks. Last week at church I touched my face several times in adjuting the mask with my glasses. I had totally trained myself during COVID to never touch my face. Masks annoy me. Sorry.

 

Edited May 23, 2020 by greg775

[greg775]

16 hours ago, The Beast said:

I’m still debating if what Biden said was that wrong. I see it more of turning off voters in his tone, but I don’t think the message is necessarily wrong, especially when you have a president saying there are very fine people in both sides and call countries shithole countries.

I don't mind Biden. I think he'll be OK settling things down after 4 years of the egoist Trump if he does not have dementia (notice the interviewer Friday had that as his first question) but without a doubt if this was somebody else they'd leave the race today for what was said. He's survived this gaffe again, but I don't know how it can be deemed anything but truly an offensive statement to African Americans. 

The fact it was a joke at the END of the short interview makes it less offensive because it can be construed as an interview ending joke. But had a fringe candidate said it, bye bye, you are out of the race.

[greg775]

4 hours ago, soxfan49 said:

Clearly not

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.axios.com/cdc-arkansas-church-coronavirus-outbreak-fb265e5a-5db7-4ace-9bc4-098e0d09e7fd.html

This is 2 examples you've been presented with and I'm sure there have been and will be many more. I don't get why you're consistently the ultimate contrarion when it comes to, well, everything. Do you not get attention anywhere else so you come here to disagree and receive it?

No offense, as I did read the article you presented and thank you. Clearly it is a concern because of the examples listed in those stories. Not to be a d--k, but where are the articles about the liquor store patrons who've gotten COVID or passed it on in there? What about Wal Mart and some of the other indoor businesses that have been open. My guess is the casinos that have now opened here would be just as dangerous as churches. 

Is it unsafe to have a 45 minute Mass taking all the precautions we are taking? That question is kind of moot now since we've opened casinos and movie theatres too. You obviously can't single out churches and close them. Up until last Sunday we'd been closed. I hope the opening of church doesn't cause tons of new cases here but like I said for better or worse, everything has opened up and singling out churches would be grossly unfair and illegal right now where we are in the reopening.

I don't see how anybody can say we were selfish at my church. We were closed from March 12 til last Sunday and now are open with a max of 70 spread out all over the church. Liquor stores? Casinos? Movie theatres? Why no anger toward them??

p.s. I'd encourage everybody read this and comment to greg. Worth a peek. .... https://nypost.com/2020/05/21/were-past-the-peak-and-its-fine-to-cheer/

Edited May 23, 2020 by greg775

[pcq]

We  all know Joe is a bit goofy and gaffey but he is a solid favorite in the push-up contest. Right now he is the favorite but I do not anticipate Trump ever conceding defeat. I would go elsewhere if I could to avoid it.

[caulfield12]

2 hours ago, greg775 said:

The interviewer in Friday's controversial interview asked him about a black woman being VEEP and Biden said he's considering many black women. I've read other stories where it will be a black woman. I want somebody qualified because that person will be president someday. Let's assume of the list you gave one of them will be president a year or so after the election. Which do you think can handle the job effectively? None except maybe Warren. Certainly not Harris. Can you guys be honest and tell me you are not scared of his choice of Abrams. My gosh, at this moment odds are at least 50-50 of her being president someday. Did you see the TV show in which she and Biden appeared and the host and Abrams thought he was going to ask her to be VEEP candidate? Nobody still can figure out why Biden wanted her on the show with him. She was not asked at the time. He's not going to pick Warren but reluctantly she would be my choice but only after Michelle Obama. Why the hell not?? Convince her to do it. She won't only be VEEP, she'll be president soon enough. She is smart; everybody loves her. Barack can help advise if she seeks his help.

I could just as easily assumed Trump wasn’t going to make it...let’s not forget the Reagan and Wilson presidencies.

Are you sure you’re not projecting or bouncing back Fox News fears?  

Let’s also not forget your past trepidation concerning Chelsea Clinton...why aren’t you similarly afraid of Ivanka, Donald, Jr., Eric, Tiffany and Barron?

 

Let’s not forget Reagan was an actor and George W. Bush a substance abuser with a C+ average in business school, a failed oilman in a state where that’s hard to do with those parents/grandparents and a largely symbolic governor in terms of power in Texas at that time.   Then there were Trump’s multiple bankruptcies and inherited hundreds of millions...so he was qualified because of Celebrity Apprentice, Howard Stern appearances and the birther conspiracy?  Branding success with the Trump name?

Edited May 23, 2020 by caulfield12

[Two-Gun Pete]

2 hours ago, greg775 said:

 Let's assume of the list you gave one of them will be president a year or so after the election. Which do you think can handle the job effectively? None except maybe Warren. Certainly not Harris.

I keep falling for your shitposting and trolling, but I'll bite:

Exactly what stupid shit did you watch on Fox that convinced you that Harris is not qualified? 

 

Also, what do you consider to be "qualified?"

 

I'm eager to read what you come up with.

Edited May 23, 2020 by Two-Gun Pete

[caulfield12]

2 hours ago, greg775 said:

No offense, as I did read the article you presented and thank you. Clearly it is a concern because of the examples listed in those stories. Not to be a d--k, but where are the articles about the liquor store patrons who've gotten COVID or passed it on in there? What about Wal Mart and some of the other indoor businesses that have been open. My guess is the casinos that have now opened here would be just as dangerous as churches. 

Is it unsafe to have a 45 minute Mass taking all the precautions we are taking? That question is kind of moot now since we've opened casinos and movie theatres too. You obviously can't single out churches and close them. Up until last Sunday we'd been closed. I hope the opening of church doesn't cause tons of new cases here but like I said for better or worse, everything has opened up and singling out churches would be grossly unfair and illegal right now where we are in the reopening.

I don't see how anybody can say we were selfish at my church. We were closed from March 12 til last Sunday and now are open with a max of 70 spread out all over the church. Liquor stores? Casinos? Movie theatres? Why no anger toward them??

p.s. I'd encourage everybody read this and comment to greg. Worth a peek. .... https://nypost.com/2020/05/21/were-past-the-peak-and-its-fine-to-cheer/

How would closing churches for health reasons be illegal?   

https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/22/opinions/churches-reopening-trump-covid-19-beck/index.html

Catholic Priest: Mr. President, we don't need to open churches to practice our faith

Arguably, it’s easier to pray at home individually, yes?   Nobody can remove that right.  Nobody can stop you from donating electronically.   At the very least, alcohol creates government revenue through high taxation, same with lotteries...at a time when nearly every state and municipalities across the country are staring at drastic budget cuts in essential services, school consolidation, etc,

Edited May 23, 2020 by caulfield12

[greg775]

28 minutes ago, caulfield12 said:

I could just as easily assumed Trump wasn’t going to make it...let’s not forget the Reagan and Wilson presidencies.

Are you sure you’re not projecting or bouncing back Fox News fears?  

Let’s also not forget your past trepidation concerning Chelsea Clinton...why aren’t you similarly afraid of Ivanka, Donald, Jr., Eric, Tiffany and Barron?

 

Let’s not forget Reagan was an actor and George W. Bush a substance abuser with a C+ average in business school, a failed oilman in a state where that’s hard to do with those parents/grandparents and a largely symbolic governor in terms of power in Texas at that time.   Then there were Trump’s multiple bankruptcies and inherited hundreds of millions...so he was qualified because of Celebrity Apprentice, Howard Stern appearances and the birther conspiracy?  Branding success with the Trump name?

Re. Chelsea concerns and now Trump kids: I think the Republicans are finished for a while. I think the Trump victory has awakened Democrat nation and they will win. I think Biden is in, he will step down early cause of health and his VEEP will go the next six, seven years. Very very scared of the end of our country as we know it with Abrams president. I don't like the idea of her and am serious about Michelle O. Why not?? Just talk her into it. Everybody has an ego and wants a place in history deep down. She would be popular VEEP choice and Biden would win in a total landslide. Trump's kiddies have no chance. Republicans are finished for a while to come.

 

[caulfield12]

10 minutes ago, greg775 said:

Re. Chelsea concerns and now Trump kids: I think the Republicans are finished for a while. I think the Trump victory has awakened Democrat nation and they will win. I think Biden is in, he will step down early cause of health and his VEEP will go the next six, seven years. Very very scared of the end of our country as we know it with Abrams president. I don't like the idea of her and am serious about Michelle O. Why not?? Just talk her into it. Everybody has an ego and wants a place in history deep down. She would be popular VEEP choice and Biden would win in a total landslide. Trump's kiddies have no chance. Republicans are finished for a while to come.

 

Abrams is highly unlikely to be the pick, no matter how much conservative media is HOPING for her to be a potential foil.

After all, she struggled to beat ultimately the worst governor (arguably) and certainly the least well-informed one. While there are plenty of allegations of election tampering there, as well as it being a pretty solid red state, her being the Bernie Sanders #1 pick from the beginning probably disqualifies her.  They’re just not quite on the same page politically, which is why Warren would be a stretch, too.   
 

https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/23/americas/brazil-coronavirus-hospitals-intl/index.html

The Brazilian president copying the Trump playbook and putting all the Americas at risk/re-risk should be enough to put a fork in The Donald.  But it is never that easy in politics, and there are still five months left.

 

Edited May 23, 2020 by caulfield12

[greg775]

27 minutes ago, Two-Gun Pete said:

I keep falling for your shitposting and trolling, but I'll bite:

Exactly what stupid shit did you watch on Fox that convinced you that Harris is not qualified? 

 

Also, what do you consider to be "qualified?"

 

I'm eager to read what you come up with.

I despised Harris' demeanor in the debates: I felt she had a win at all cost attitude and was as cocky a person (in interviews too) I've ever seen. Very entitled. Only playing the race card. Went after Biden in a sneaky way. Trump-ish in her ego.

I prefer some experience in government to be "qualified." Successful experience. For instance I think Pence would be fine. The only thing I like about Trump is I feel he loves America and is out for American interests always in his trade deals and his bossing around of other countries. I'd like to see that continue. I wish Bider was 15 years younger. I think age has ravaged him, but he's going to win and that's fine. Like I said I fear the VEEP because Biden's choice HAS IT MADE in the political world. Will be anointed the next president and I don't want it to be Abrams.

Even though I want experience ... if we have to go the celebrity route I'd take Oprah over Abrams. I feel Oprah would have America's best interests at heart as well. Since Hillary's appearance on Howard Stern I "hate" her less than last go round. If it was between Hillary and Abrams I'd take Hillary. Even she would be a better Veep choice. She probably wouldn't have to wait long to be president as I think there is real concern about Joe's health.

[Jose Abreu]

2 minutes ago, caulfield12 said:

After all, she struggled to beat ultimately the worst governor (arguably) and certainly the least well-informed one. While there are plenty of allegations of election tampering there, as well as it being a pretty solid red state, her being the Bernie Sanders #1 pick from the beginning probably disqualifies her.  They’re just not quite on the same page politically, which is why Warren would be a stretch, too.   

To be fair, Warren is (in typical fashion) changing her views to align more with Biden's, so you never know

[greg775]

23 minutes ago, caulfield12 said:

How would closing churches for health reasons be illegal?   
 

Arguably, it’s easier to pray at home individually, yes?   Nobody can remove that right.  Nobody can stop you from donating electronically.   At the very least, alcohol creates government revenue through high taxation, same with lotteries...at a time when every state and municipalities across the country are staring at drastic budget cuts in essential services, school consolidation, etc,

Cause church is separate from state. We have unalienable rights.

Easier to pray at home, yes. But it's not just me and my selfish congregation. There are examples of religions and people praying constantly throughout the day. It may be easier to pray in a park or at home but there's something about the building we believers enjoy/respect.

I always like your posts but think you are off your game on the liquor store response here. Terrible. Liquor stores are about booze and yes the government wants that tax money from them. But cmon. We could booze up for 2.5 months but not go in church. You can't justify that one, sir. You are implying again that the act of going into a church is something not essential. The fact is it is an essential business to the mental health and well being of millions. Do you agree suicide is a problem?

Edited May 23, 2020 by greg775

[greg775]

4 minutes ago, Jose Abreu said:

To be fair, Warren is (in typical fashion) changing her views to align more with Biden's, so you never know

Warren would be a popular pick with the masses except for the fact she is not African American. Check out the popular view of her on SNL. Kate McKinnon has her as a likeable choice. The thing is ... Biden now has to pick a black woman. Whether he technically said it or not (or just implied it) the common view is he has agreed to pick a black woman and if he doesn't, he is going to receive so much negative publicity/commentary. Trump will go after him so badly. He has to pick an African American woman and Abrams is the obvious choice and I dislike the pick. What's wrong with Obama? Nobody is backing me on that choice.

Edited May 23, 2020 by greg775

[caulfield12]

2 minutes ago, greg775 said:

Cause church is separate from state. We have unalienable rights.

Easier to pray at home, yes. But it's not just me and my selfish congregation. There are examples of religions and people praying constantly throughout the day. It may be easier to pray in a park or at home but there's something about the building we believers enjoy/respect.

I always like your posts but think you are off your game on the liquor store response here. Terrible. Liquor stores are about booze and yes the government wants that tax money from them. But cmon. We could booze up for 2.5 months but not go in church. You can't justify that one, sir.

But protecting the lives of everyone in the country takes precedence...”life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” which of these inalienable rights is listed first and foremost?   Only if your life is protected can you then have #2/#3.

All we’ve been hearing for months from the conservative media is that the suicide rate is going to skyrocket, people will riot in the streets...by denying people the right to drink, we’re going to improve the conditions for all those who are suffering?  Note, I didn’t even argue legalize all Class C narcotics.

 

Catholic mass uses or at least used to utilize real alcohol/wine in celebrating the Eucharist.

The Bible is clear that we should never drink wine or strong drink to the point of drunkenness. But it doesn’t say drinking is not permitted.  That said, conservatives would never argue that government should ever have the right to tell people how much they can drink, as long as they don’t operate a car or boat.

[caulfield12]

9 minutes ago, greg775 said:

Warren would be a popular pick with the masses except for the fact she is not African American. Check out the popular view of her on SNL. Kate McKinnon has her as a likeable choice. The thing is ... Biden now has to pick a black woman. Whether he technically said it or not (or just implied it) the common view is he has agreed to pick a black woman and if he doesn't, he is going to receive so much negative publicity/commentary. Trump will go after him so badly. He has to pick an African American woman and Abrams is the obvious choice and I dislike the pick. What's wrong with Obama? Nobody is backing me on that choice.

She could have the nomination if she wanted, but not interested.   Write her a letter urging her to run.   It would have more impact than writing here.   Not even African Americans in the party are sure running an African American woman is the most pragmatic choice.  There is a real fear that it could negatively influence Hispanic voters, for example.   In the MSM that you never read, it’s far from the consensus view about what Biden could/would/should do.  The fact that Harris is black AND Indian is what makes her so intriguing to a number of political operatives, a true “crossover” candidate.   

Life is not decided by SNL impressions, or Trump wouldn’t have been elected in the first place.

[bmags]

21 minutes ago, Jose Abreu said:

To be fair, Warren is (in typical fashion) changing her views to align more with Biden's, so you never know

Oh gmafb 

[ron883]

10 minutes ago, bmags said:

Oh gmafb 

He ain't wrong. She's wayyy more of an establishment candidate than Bernie, despite what she wants her fans to believe. 

Edited May 23, 2020 by Yearnin' for Yermin

[caulfield12]

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/bill-maher-says-jeff-bezos-043959235.html
 

To get back on track, at least closer to Covid-related effects, try this one, Greg.   This one hits home in Iowa or Kansas.

I also know you often quote Bill Maher, he’s about as close to right-center as it gets.   Amazon probably has an equal number of critics on the right and the left, but it and Wal-Mart are profitability and tax/health insurance avoidance behemoths that are arguably threatening our way of life as monopolies.

What say ye?

 

In America, at least since the 1980’s S&L crisis, we “privatize gains and socialize losses.”