Monday, March 23, 2020

Two Pandemics — Coronavirus and Lies

We’re in the Midst of Two Pandemics:
Coronavirus… and Lies!

They feed off each other.  One makes the other worse. The lies have hampered our response to the Coronavirus.  They’ve deceived us about the seriousness of it, and our response to it.  They’ve bolstered the glorious misconception that we’ll all pull through this.  America's great! Not to worry!  American ingenuity will come to the rescue!  This is a feeble hope masquerading as the truth.  Amplified by the pandemic of Lies.

The Pandemic of Lies started long before the Coronavirus even existed.  The growth has been exponential.  It started with one big toxic liar, and has rapidly spread.  Now there are infections everywhere.  Washington, DC, has been the hardest hit.  There are now liars in every department of government.  Liars in the press.  Liars on TV.  The virulence has increased as well.  Now there are lies about the lies.  Denials of previous lies — to be replaced by newer, more toxic lies.  It’s spread rapidly to the Senate and House, infected the Judiciary, government departments, agencies, boards.  It’s spread to bankers and corporations as well.

How can we fight two pandemics at once?

Coronavirus is not as toxic, and the spread can be mitigated.  By self-quarantine, social distancing, hand washing, common sense.  Unfortunately, the death toll will be high.  There won’t be enough masks, ventilators, or hospital beds, in spite of what the liars say.  Since there’s no leadership from the liars, local leaders have risen to the challenge.  Governors, mayors, non-profits.  School superintendents are saving our butts.  Their prompt actions have limited the spread in our communities.

There may be a vaccine for Coronavirus, but not soon.  Perhaps we can all pull together and make some headway against both pandemics.  But they’ll both go on for a while.  Some folks will die.  Some will be voted out of office.  Maybe things will get better.  But I’m an optimist.  Both may rage on.

Coronavirus — 18 months.  Lies — no cure, but we might make some progress.  Maybe.

Sunday, March 15, 2020

School Superintendents are saving our butts

School Superintendents are saving our butts.  They’re closing schools around the country to help contain the spread of COVID-19.  Kudos!  Also local governments, state governments, recreation districts, theaters, etc.  National — HUGE FAIL!  The Sidekick — Pence — who had a HUGE FAIL with the HIV epidemic in Indiana — perfect guy for the job!  Great failureship skills.  Being groomed as the scapegoat.  By our HUGE FAIL at the top — the Captain of the Ship of State — Orangy Porngy.  (What a guy!)

If we want real leadership during this crisis, we should put a School Superintendent in charge.  Pick any one at random.  They’ll have attention to detail, actually listen to advice, and have the best interests of the community at large.

On Friday the 13th, schools closed here in Denver.  A couple closed before Friday (when a couple of parents tested positive).  Then they said: "Kids, have a great Spring break.  We’re giving you an extra two weeks off!  Yipee!"  It was subtle, but that’s a three-week closure.  Stay tuned, folks, it could be longer.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Those 47 Joe Senators

No Joe Citizen gets to choose what laws to obey. This is a country founded on laws.  We're all obliged to obey them, even if we disagree with them.  Imagine yourself in traffic court — going 50 in a 30 — and you tell the judge: "Well, I didn't think 30 mph was a reasonable speed limit."  Or, "I didn't see the sign."  Guess what?  You still get the fine.

These 47 Senators plainly violated the Logan Act.  Yes, it was passed in 1799, but that's not an excuse.  It's still the law.  And I don't think any of them can claim ignorance ("I didn't see the sign"), since it was discussed in the media after Boehner invited Netanyahu to speak to the Congress without consulting or informing the Executive Branch — the Legislature clearly meddling in foreign policy.  Exactly why the Logan Act was passed.

Was it treason?  Strong word — and not in the statute — but it's clearly a felony.  Fine or imprisonment for up to three years, or both.  They should clearly be prosecuted — no one is above the law, including our Senators — and I'd clearly like to hear what excuses or prevarications they come up with.  I might like to use one the next time I'm in traffic court.