Man, what a racket. Twenty grand a day for telling a madman the lies he wants to hear. Not my cup of tea, but, hey. If it works for Rudy and The Donald...
Georgia Recount Won’t Replace Official Tally [Click] The 2600 previously untallied ballots will be added to the machine tally, though, as they should have been. They were on an overlooked drive.
Will Secret Service Drag Trump Out of White House? [Click] Yes, their plan must seriously consider the various alternatives. For starters, tranquilizer dart, lasso, straight jacket, or handcuffs and leg irons? Then tumbrel, limousine or shank’s mare? Then to howling mob outside the gate or to his hotel down the street? Decisions, decisions. . .
Some people are predicting that he simply won’t return from TG or Xmas at Mar a Lago; then again, some are of the opinion that THIS [Click] sort of thing is more likely.
T'would be handy if he didn't return from Mara Lago. How much would it cost to build a thirty-foot wall and perhaps a mote around Mara Lago? Cheep at the price, whatever it may be.
This morning we could see the mountains, if imperfectly. The sky has been completely covered with thickening clouds, and it is a bit warmish, looking like rain. While there was still a little blue sky to be seen, cirrus clouds were visible. Weather forecast is for a little rain starting about 1AM.
COVID Message from Republican Gov. Phil Scott to Vermonters today:
"As you've seen, our cases have continued to grow... This growth has led to some big steps to slow the spread, which we announced on Friday and are now in effect. As I announced last week, each of these steps address the areas that our contact tracing team tells us is driving the spread. What was found is that it's mostly adults, from multiple households, getting together with friends, inside and outside, and it usually involves alcohol and food with little, if any, mask wearing and distancing.
"After we urged against them and advised limiting to one or two trusted families, these gatherings, like Hallowe'en parties and beers with friends after games, continued. And it's lead directly to our record growth. As a result, in addition to requiring quarantine for all non essential travel, we unfortunately had to ban multi-household gatherings. I know this is frustrating, but it's a necessity, and we need Vermonters' help to get this back under control." I'd like to take a minute to address some of what we've heard since we made this announcement, including questions and concerns from people who believe there is inconsistency with our approach; and from people who would prefer that we shut down restaurants or schools or close contact businesses like gyms and salons, but not restrict private social gatherings. So let's talk about consistency.
"The steps we took were based on data from the contact tracers, because from the beginning, we have consistently used data and science to guide our decisions. Still, I understand it may seem counter-intuitive that restaurants remain open, and yet you can't have neighbors over for dinner. But the fact is, from October 1 to the time of Friday's announcement, 71% of outbreaks were linked to social events, parties, or people hanging out at home, or at bars and clubs. We're just not seeing these types of outbreaks linked back to people dining at restaurants, or working out at gyms. This tells us that the protocols at the businesses are for the most part working. And while we have a number of cases that have shown up at schools there are very few schools that have experienced transmission from one person to another. Which means schools are not driving this either. And this brings me to the next point.
"In the environment we're in, we've got to prioritize need over want. In my view, in person eduction, protecting our healthcare system, and keeping people working as long as we can do it safely are things we need. Parties and cookouts, hanging out with people you don't know and just to socialize may be fun, but they're wants, not needs, and they put a lot of people at risk. Put a different way, with pediatricians making it clear that in person education is critical to the well being of kids in school. Because, again, schools are not the root of the problem. I know, for many, getting together with family and friends over the last few months have been so important, but I'm hoping, by laying out what's at stake, it will motivate Vermonters to follow this guidance, so we can get back together again soon, and safely.
"I also what to speak to the skeptics again. Make no mistake, I understand that if you want to ignore the science, or choose not to believe it, there's not much we can do to stop you. But I want to be clear. The number of people in hospitals is growing across the country, because some care more about what they want to do rather than what they need to do to help protect others, keep kids in school, keep people working, and prevent the healthcare system from being overwhelmed to the point where care is being delivered in makeshift hospitals. It's a fact that the consequences of an overwhelmed healthcare system will have a far greater impact on the economy and welfare than all the prevention and mitigation measures in place across the country. "So, again, the skeptics are right. They can do what they want. But please don't call it patriotic. Don't pretend it's about freedom. Because real patriots serve and sacrifice for all whether they agree wth them or not. Patriots also stand up and fight when out nation's health and security is threatened. And right now, our country and way of life is being attacked by this virus, not the protections we've put in place.
"Look, I understand getting together with family during the holidays is important. And I understand how hard it is to keep making sacrifices. As I said last week, I haven't seen my mom or my daughter in nearly a year. But, right now we're in the middle of a pandemic. And we are seeing record growth. And this growth is not because of tourists, it's not because of restaurants, It's not because of gyms, it's not because of schools. It's because adults keep getting together with other adults, multiple households, inside and outside, in situations usually involving alcohol, where they stop taking precautions. And then, they go into work, are sending their kids to school, visiting another neighbor who works in a nursing home, and spreading the virus at each stop.
"I don't believe anyone is doing this on purpose, but that's what happening. I hear the anger out there, the frustration, the anxiety and the sadness. And I get it. So if you need to take it out on someone, send it my way. I can take it. But what I can't take is seeing this continue to grow. Because it's putting our healthcare system, our economy, and many lives at risk. So you can question our methods, but I am asking you to please do your part to help."
Infighting Consumes Trump’s Campaign [Click] Exactly what Sun Tzu recommends as the best way to win a war—create conflict in the councils of one’s enemy.
Busy day today. The nurse and social worker came in the morning. They really pushed for Mom to be moved to a nursing home. The compromise is that she has to be moved downstairs or they won't do anything. What can you do? Mom seemed to understand the compromise. She is adamant that she won't go to a nursing home, so she accepted the inevitable. She didn't seem too upset about it. She made a crack about Dad not being able to watch his Fox News with her downstairs, which made everybody laugh.
Cousin Cathy drove out from Boston to see Mom., who was remarkably bright and sharp, obviously very glad to see her. The visit was wonderful but, of course, very tiring. The rest of the day hasn't been good. Not eating or drinking and agitated late in the afternoon into evening. The nurse told Sis lack of interest in eating and drinking is common at the end of life. Also, of course, evening is always the worst part of the day. It's still worrying.
If all goes according to plan, the hospital bed will be delivered first thing in the morning. After that, there may be some delay getting the EMTs and nursing staff coordinated, but all seems on track.
Please continue your campaign of prayers - it helps tremendously!
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), who is 87 years old, announced he has tested positive for the coronavirus. Says he is feeling well and will be working from home.
How a Popular Political Site Made a Sharp Right Turn [Click] NYT investigation of Real Clear Politics.
ReplyDeleteTurnout Data Show How Georgia Turned Blue [Click]
ReplyDeleteAmazon unveils [second] online pharmacy [Click]
ReplyDeleteThe Supreme Court will hear a new attack on unions. The implications are profound. [Click]
ReplyDeleteExclusive polling: What likely voters want to see in a Biden Cabinet [Click]
ReplyDeleteRudy Leaps Into Trump Camp’s Off-The-Rails PA Lawsuit Ahead Of Big Tuesday Hearing [Click] I hadn’t fully realized how far off the rails it is.
ReplyDeleteI gather Rudy is totally whacked at this point, much like his boss.
DeleteAmerican politics is now a four-way struggle. Gridlock lies ahead. [Click] “The American political landscape increasingly resembles European multi-party systems”
ReplyDeleteThree detained in raids over spectacular €1bn German jewel heist [Click]
ReplyDeleteAnger among nurses in North Dakota after governor asks Covid-positive health workers to keep working [Click]
ReplyDeleteVermont: 3104-3008=96
ReplyDelete938active cases
59deaths(11days)
Recovered 2107(+57)
Hospital 17(-2) ICU 1 ( 0)
Tests 202,177 (+1001)
Grassley Quarantine Could Doom Shelton Nomination [Click] WOOT! Hotfoot it over there, Sen. Harris!
ReplyDeleteHarris Evidently Ready to Block Judy Shelton’s Fed Nomination [Click]
DeleteTrump’s Fed Nominee Judy Shelton Stalls After Senate Vote [Click]
DeleteGiuliani Convinced Trump He Could Overturn Election [Click]
ReplyDeleteGiuliani [allegedly] Wanted $20,000 a Day for Legal Work [Click]
Man, what a racket. Twenty grand a day for telling a madman the lies he wants to hear. Not my cup of tea, but, hey. If it works for Rudy and The Donald...
DeleteGeorgia Recount Won’t Replace Official Tally [Click] The 2600 previously untallied ballots will be added to the machine tally, though, as they should have been. They were on an overlooked drive.
ReplyDeleteGeorgia Leaders Tell Out-of-State Backers to Stay Home [Click] Peach State paranoia.
ReplyDeleteWill Secret Service Drag Trump Out of White House? [Click] Yes, their plan must seriously consider the various alternatives. For starters, tranquilizer dart, lasso, straight jacket, or handcuffs and leg irons? Then tumbrel, limousine or shank’s mare? Then to howling mob outside the gate or to his hotel down the street? Decisions, decisions. . .
Some people are predicting that he simply won’t return from TG or Xmas at Mar a Lago; then again, some are of the opinion that THIS [Click] sort of thing is more likely.
DeleteT'would be handy if he didn't return from Mara Lago. How much would it cost to build a thirty-foot wall and perhaps a mote around Mara Lago? Cheep at the price, whatever it may be.
DeleteRanked-Choice Voting Passes In Alaska [Click]
ReplyDeleteTrump Orders Rushed Troop Reduction In Afghanistan and Iraq [Click] Against advice of Pentagon and NATO.
ReplyDelete5 Points On Why The Latest COVID Crisis Is So Bad, And Why It’s Poised To Get Much Worse [Click] Yep, we’re screwed, all right. And this column doesn’t even mention Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, the Super Bowl or people congregating indoors because of the weather.
ReplyDeleteThis morning we could see the mountains, if imperfectly. The sky has been completely covered with thickening clouds, and it is a bit warmish, looking like rain. While there was still a little blue sky to be seen, cirrus clouds were visible. Weather forecast is for a little rain starting about 1AM.
ReplyDeleteCOVID Message from Republican Gov. Phil Scott to Vermonters today:
ReplyDelete"As you've seen, our cases have continued to grow... This growth has led to some big steps to slow the spread, which we announced on Friday and are now in effect. As I announced last week, each of these steps address the areas that our contact tracing team tells us is driving the spread. What was found is that it's mostly adults, from multiple households, getting together with friends, inside and outside, and it usually involves alcohol and food with little, if any, mask wearing and distancing.
"After we urged against them and advised limiting to one or two trusted families, these gatherings, like Hallowe'en parties and beers with friends after games, continued. And it's lead directly to our record growth. As a result, in addition to requiring quarantine for all non essential travel, we unfortunately had to ban multi-household gatherings. I know this is frustrating, but it's a necessity, and we need Vermonters' help to get this back under control."
I'd like to take a minute to address some of what we've heard since we made this announcement, including questions and concerns from people who believe there is inconsistency with our approach; and from people who would prefer that we shut down restaurants or schools or close contact businesses like gyms and salons, but not restrict private social gatherings. So let's talk about consistency.
"The steps we took were based on data from the contact tracers, because from the beginning, we have consistently used data and science to guide our decisions. Still, I understand it may seem counter-intuitive that restaurants remain open, and yet you can't have neighbors over for dinner. But the fact is, from October 1 to the time of Friday's announcement, 71% of outbreaks were linked to social events, parties, or people hanging out at home, or at bars and clubs. We're just not seeing these types of outbreaks linked back to people dining at restaurants, or working out at gyms. This tells us that the protocols at the businesses are for the most part working. And while we have a number of cases that have shown up at schools there are very few schools that have experienced transmission from one person to another. Which means schools are not driving this either. And this brings me to the next point.
"In the environment we're in, we've got to prioritize need over want. In my view, in person eduction, protecting our healthcare system, and keeping people working as long as we can do it safely are things we need. Parties and cookouts, hanging out with people you don't know and just to socialize may be fun, but they're wants, not needs, and they put a lot of people at risk. Put a different way, with pediatricians making it clear that in person education is critical to the well being of kids in school. Because, again, schools are not the root of the problem. I know, for many, getting together with family and friends over the last few months have been so important, but I'm hoping, by laying out what's at stake, it will motivate Vermonters to follow this guidance, so we can get back together again soon, and safely.
Gov. Scott's Message continued...
Delete"I also what to speak to the skeptics again. Make no mistake, I understand that if you want to ignore the science, or choose not to believe it, there's not much we can do to stop you. But I want to be clear. The number of people in hospitals is growing across the country, because some care more about what they want to do rather than what they need to do to help protect others, keep kids in school, keep people working, and prevent the healthcare system from being overwhelmed to the point where care is being delivered in makeshift hospitals. It's a fact that the consequences of an overwhelmed healthcare system will have a far greater impact on the economy and welfare than all the prevention and mitigation measures in place across the country. "So, again, the skeptics are right. They can do what they want. But please don't call it patriotic. Don't pretend it's about freedom. Because real patriots serve and sacrifice for all whether they agree wth them or not. Patriots also stand up and fight when out nation's health and security is threatened. And right now, our country and way of life is being attacked by this virus, not the protections we've put in place.
"Look, I understand getting together with family during the holidays is important. And I understand how hard it is to keep making sacrifices. As I said last week, I haven't seen my mom or my daughter in nearly a year. But, right now we're in the middle of a pandemic. And we are seeing record growth. And this growth is not because of tourists, it's not because of restaurants, It's not because of gyms, it's not because of schools. It's because adults keep getting together with other adults, multiple households, inside and outside, in situations usually involving alcohol, where they stop taking precautions. And then, they go into work, are sending their kids to school, visiting another neighbor who works in a nursing home, and spreading the virus at each stop.
"I don't believe anyone is doing this on purpose, but that's what happening. I hear the anger out there, the frustration, the anxiety and the sadness. And I get it. So if you need to take it out on someone, send it my way. I can take it. But what I can't take is seeing this continue to grow. Because it's putting our healthcare system, our economy, and many lives at risk. So you can question our methods, but I am asking you to please do your part to help."
^ I don’t have that as a link because I transcribed it myself from the video.
DeleteVery good. You were right to vote for him.
DeleteVermont is lucky to have him. Would to God more governors were as smart and sensible!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTwo From the Misery Loves Company Files:
ReplyDeleteMarina Hyde: Boris Johnson's saboteur is back, and looking strangely familiar [Click] “The prime minister’s remarks about Scottish devolution are those of a man who is his own disloyal backbencher”
The British government's first disaster of 2021? A food shortage [Click]
Trump Campaign Loses In Pennsylvania Supreme Court [Click]
ReplyDeleteInfighting Consumes Trump’s Campaign [Click] Exactly what Sun Tzu recommends as the best way to win a war—create conflict in the councils of one’s enemy.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteGeorgia Republicans Feud With Trump at the Center [Click] NYT version, excerpted.
DeleteHospitals Can’t Go on Like This [Click] “22 percent of American hospitals don’t have enough workers right now.”
ReplyDeleteThe Pandemic Safety Rule That Really Matters [Click] “Don’t spend time indoors with people outside your household.”
MOM UPDATE:
ReplyDeleteBusy day today. The nurse and social worker came in the morning. They really pushed for Mom to be moved to a nursing home. The compromise is that she has to be moved downstairs or they won't do anything. What can you do? Mom seemed to understand the compromise. She is adamant that she won't go to a nursing home, so she accepted the inevitable. She didn't seem too upset about it. She made a crack about Dad not being able to watch his Fox News with her downstairs, which made everybody laugh.
Cousin Cathy drove out from Boston to see Mom., who was remarkably bright and sharp, obviously very glad to see her. The visit was wonderful but, of course, very tiring. The rest of the day hasn't been good. Not eating or drinking and agitated late in the afternoon into evening. The nurse told Sis lack of interest in eating and drinking is common at the end of life. Also, of course, evening is always the worst part of the day. It's still worrying.
If all goes according to plan, the hospital bed will be delivered first thing in the morning. After that, there may be some delay getting the EMTs and nursing staff coordinated, but all seems on track.
Please continue your campaign of prayers - it helps tremendously!
Lovely photo, Listener.
ReplyDeleteOHIO; COVID cases 312,443 and 5,772 deaths.
ReplyDeleteSen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), who is 87 years old, announced he has tested positive for the coronavirus. Says he is feeling well and will be working from home.
ReplyDeleteYou've got snail: why the best pet of 2020 is slow and slimy [Click] Snails are having a moment as the pandemic is making our worlds smaller, forcing us to slow down.
ReplyDelete