Month: April 2020

Rand Paul’s reckless, feckless actions on coronavirus

On By peanutgallerynhIn Domestic Affairs,Leave a comment

Paul was aware as early as March 15.

…Paul spent six or seven days going about a fairly normal routine — sitting in meetings with fellow senators, going to the gym(!) — all the while knowing a) he might have been exposed to the virus and b) he was awaiting coronavirus test results.

Every expert recommendation would have been that Paul self-quarantine — as Texas Sen. Ted Cruz did — for 14 days given that he knew he had been potentially been exposed. That he not only didn’t do that but also apparently didn’t inform anyone that he was interacting with that he could well have the disease is an act of profound selfishness.

…”I’ve never commented about a fellow Senator’s choices/actions. Never once,” wrote Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D) on Twitter. “This, America, is absolutely irresponsible. You cannot be near other people while waiting for coronavirus test results. It endangers others & likely increases the spread of the virus.”

Added fellow Arizona Sen. Martha McSally: “I couldn’t agree more @kyrstensinema. As we ask all Americans to sacrifice their livelihoods and alter their behavior to save lives, we must ourselves model appropriate #coronavirus behavior. No one is too important to disregard guidance to self-quarantine pending test results.”

…Then add this into the equation: The Senate is a very, very old group of people. The average age of a senator at the end of 2018 was almost 62 years old, according to the Congressional Research Service. There are five senators over 80. Another will turn 80 at the end of this month.

…Paul’s behavior would be appalling an inexcusable under any circumstances. But the fact that he is a doctor working in a place with a lot of elderly people makes it more than inexcusable.

Rand Paul’s reckless, feckless actions on coronavirus – CNNPolitics

We all knew what a self-centered asshole he was though…

The Captain of the Roosevelt was fired. Watch how his crew responded.

On By peanutgallerynhIn Domestic Affairs,, Military,Leave a comment

 

The Captain of the Roosevelt was fired. Watch how his crew responded. – Americas Military Entertainment Brand

Yes, sailors, it’s true. The Department of Defense, the Commander-in-Chief, and the Secretary of the Navy would sacrifice for your lives for personal gain and political advantage. They do not give a shit if you live or die. But that man did. So glad you all had the chance to thank him on behalf of all of us for his service to you, the Navy, and the country.

Navy’s firing of Capt. Brett Crozier shows the Trump administration never had any moral bearings. …and they are incompetent AF to boot!

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Defense Secretary Mark Esper has come under fire for failing to cancel business as usual even as the virus spreads through the ranks. …Even the Pentagon’s high-profile deployment of a hospital ship to New York has backfired: Local leaders are irate that the 1,000-bed ship has reportedly accepted only 20 patients.

…The only official in the entire government who has been publicly disciplined to date for mishandling the coronavirus is a Navy officer who acted to save his crew from an outbreak.

…Because Crozier raised the alarm, most of the crew is finally being evacuated from the ship in Guam. But an article on Crozier’s letter in the San Francisco Chronicle (and then other newspapers) embarrassed the Defense Department leadership.

…About a month ago, when Trump was still calling concern about the coronavirus a “hoax,” the New York Times reported that Esper had “urged American military commanders overseas not to make any decisions related to the coronavirus that might surprise the White House or run afoul of President Trump’s messaging on the growing health challenge.” This was a dismaying directive that seemed to put politics above force protection. Now Crozier’s firing [is correctly]  seen …as another step in the politicization of the military. [Ya know, like when dictators co-opt the military for their own personal gain. Make no mistake, that’s exactly what’s going on here.]

…Trump has already done a great deal to undermine the military’s good order and discipline [thereby undermining its readiness] by pardoning personnel who have been accused, and even convicted, of war crimes.

…The damage that was done to the military by Trump’s decision to pardon suspected war criminals will be compounded by Thursday’s decision to fire the skipper of the Theodore Roosevelt. The message that the administration is sending to the armed forces is that committing war crimes is acceptable but telling the truth and protecting the personnel under your command is not. [emphasis: Peanut Gallery]

Navy’s firing of Capt. Brett Crozier shows the Trump administration has lost its moral bearings – The Washington Post

Nah, they were morally bankrupt all along, this crisi is just highlighting that fact.

Wisconsin Police Shut Down Hobby Lobby Stores That Defied Coronavirus Lockdown

On By peanutgallerynhIn Domestic Affairs,, Media and Culture,Leave a comment

Several Milwaukee-area Hobby Lobby stores were shut down by police Tuesday after the craft store reopened earlier this week in defiance of state shelter-in-place orders.

…Hobby Lobby’s corporate leadership provided managers with talking points for dealing with the authorities should employees face questions about why the store is still running, according to Business Insider.

Wisconsin Police Shut Down Hobby Lobby Stores That Defied Coronavirus Lockdown

Charged should be filed against the management for inciting this blatantly disrruptive and dangerous behavior. Period.

Coronavirus: Capt. Brett Crozier gets send-off from USS Roosevelt

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Videos posted on social media showed a huge send-off for Navy Capt. Brett Crozier, the commander of an aircraft carrier who was ousted Thursday after sending a letter pleading with Navy leadership to protect his crew from the spreading coronavirus.

One video from the Facebook account of Michael Washington shows hundreds of service members on the hanger deck of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, which is currently docked in Guam, chanting “Captain Crozier! Captain Crozier!” and clapping. 

Someone in the video says, “and that’s how you send off one of the greatest captains you’ve ever had,” and adding “The GOAT [Greatest Of All Time], the man for the people.”

…The letter, which was published in the San Francisco Chronicle, had been sent out broadly via email, creating “panic” on the vessel, according to Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly.

…But overnight Thursday, videos surfaced on social media showing a raucous going-away for Crozier and the term “Captain Crozier” started trending on Twitter as many praised his decision to protect his crew.

…A video from Facebook user Taliah Peterkin appears to show Crozier walking down the gangway of the ship before saluting the ship and waving good-bye.

Coronavirus: Capt. Brett Crozier gets send-off from USS Roosevelt

They don’t look panicked. I think the word the shitshow treasonous scumbag of a Secretary was looking for was grateful.

Thomas Modly is a traitor to the men and women serving in the Navy.

Lawmakers call for investigation into aircraft carrier captain’s firing | TheHill

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In their letter, the senators argued that it is “difficult to understand how Capt. Crozier’s decision to copy ‘20 or 30 people’ on an email to his chain of command necessarily constitutes a breach warranting relief of command.”

“This reversal sends a mixed message to sailors aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt and given the remarkable show of support for Capt. Crozier by members of his crew, we are additionally worried about the impact of this decision on morale and readiness,” they wrote.

Video emerged on social media Friday of Crozier getting a hero’s sendoff from his crew, with hundreds gathered on the ship to applaud and cheer his name.

The senators also expressed concern about potential outbreaks on other ships and submarines, saying an investigation into the outbreak on the Roosevelt would help “evaluate whether the Navy is implementing all appropriate precautionary measures and best-practices to protect the safety of our fleet.”

Lawmakers call for investigation into aircraft carrier captain’s firing | TheHill

hmmmm

Marla on Twitter: “The navy captain that relieved of command, due to “lack of trust “ Nobody who has any common sense wants this captain gone. Least of all his crew. Posting this before it gets taken down. 🙄🙄🙄

On By peanutgallerynhIn Domestic Affairs,, Military,, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Marla on Twitter: “The navy captain that relieved of command, due to “lack of trust “ Nobody who has any common sense wants this captain gone. Least of all his crew. Posting this before it gets taken down. 🙄🙄🙄 https://t.co/ExVX24f4XV” / Twitter

n/t

Dylan Castillo on Twitter: “Wrongfully relieved of command but did right by the sailors.

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Dylan Castillo on Twitter: “Wrongfully relieved of command but did right by the sailors. #navy @UncleChaps @katebarstool @ZeroBlog30 @CaptainCons https://t.co/M0aZhHNMXT” / Twitter

n/t

Navy sailor from South Florida aboard aircraft carrier with COVID-19 cases, family speak out

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Ammons’ parents said they’re just happy their son is healthy, but there’s another concern: the firing of the ship’s commander, U.S. Navy Capt. Brett Crozier.

“[He said], ‘I need help. There’s people on here with COVID-19. I need help,’” said Karen.

…“He’s human. What was he supposed to do? He did the right thing. Why would you fire him?” said Karen.

“Great guy. Great person, period. Great human being,” said Ammons. “He made the ship fun. He made us happy to be here.

Navy sailor from South Florida aboard aircraft carrier with COVID-19 cases, family speak out – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale

n/t

Mom of Theodore Roosevelt sailor ‘devastated’ by firing of Crozier

On By peanutgallerynhIn Domestic Affairs,, Military,, Uncategorized2 Comments

“Right after I after heard from [him], I said I was so thankful for this being my son’s captain, that he had such a wonderful person,” she said. “I don’t blame him for letting them off in Vietnam. He had no clue. None of us thought it was that bad.”

The mother of the Roosevelt sailor said she was “really proud” that Crozier “risked his own livelihood. That is so hard to do. Not a lot of men, not a lot of women, not a lot of people out there who would do that for others.”

…“My mom updated me,” she said. “As soon as she heard that he got fired, she called. I am devastated. This is so terrible. Because he was finally looking out for the little guys, you know? There’s not a lot of people like that in the world.”

Sailors aboard the Roosevelt should have been in quarantine sooner, said the sailor’s mother, who comes from a military family. Her dad was in the Air Force. Her grandfather was in the Marines and her ex-husband was in the Navy.

Mom of Theodore Roosevelt sailor ‘devastated’ by firing of Crozier

n/t

USS Theodore Roosevelt: Sailors cheer for aircraft carrier commander who was removed after issuing coronavirus warning

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Sailors aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier cheered for Capt. Brett Crozier as he disembarked the ship for the last time, an overwhelming show of support for their leader who was relieved of his command after issuing a stark warning about a coronavirus outbreak onboard.

New video obtained by CNN shows a large crowd gathered to give Crozier a warm and loud send off, clapping and chanting his name as he left the ship. It was a clear expression of appreciation for their former commander.

…”He cares about the health and welfare of his Sailors first and foremost, Snodgrass said. “A commanding officer would easily conclude that if his or her actions resulted in an accelerated response to what was judged to be a rapidly deteriorating situation, then the relief from command was easily worth it.”

USS Theodore Roosevelt: Sailors cheer for aircraft carrier commander who was removed after issuing coronavirus warning – CNNPolitics

n/t

Democrats want answers to Navy’s abrupt firing of Capt. Brett Crozier

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Democrats want answers to Navy’s abrupt firing of Capt. Brett Crozier – Business Insider

Seth Moulton is a self-righteous, unjustifiably arrogant asshat who ambition is only exceeded by his inability to execute strategy. Clinging to the limelight and tooting his own horn is so fucking inappropriate under the circumstances. Find a way to do your job without being suck a blatantly self-serving asswipe, Seth.

Navy Fires Captain for Calling Attention to Navy Inaction

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If the Navy’s senior leadership was doing everything it could before the letter leaked, why does it seem that they suddenly shifted into a more urgent mode once it did?

I’m sellable on the notion that getting most of the crew off an aircraft carrier in rapid fashion is challenging when it’s thousands of miles from home port. But why were they suddenly able to make that happen once the letter leaked?

…Time and thorough investigations will tell, but the most logical explanation is that he HAD done all these things but that the Chain of Command wasn’t acting.

…Bottom line for me: Crozier did what he thought was right for the safety and health of his crew, he determined that losing command was worth the risk of saving lives, and he let it ride.

…Crozier’s action got the attention he sought, good things are happening, and the crew is being taken care of. It cost him his command, but as I said, I suspect he knew it would.

Navy Fires Captain for Calling Attention to Navy Inaction

yup.

The Coronavirus’s Unique Threat to the South

On By peanutgallerynhIn Domestic Affairs,, Gulf Coast Region,, Money, Class, and Poverty,Leave a comment

Kaiser’s at-risk group includes all people over 60 years old and all adults younger than 60 who also have heart disease, cancer, lung disease, or diabetes. In each state, older people are the majority of the people considered to be at risk of complications. But the Deep South and mid-South form a solid bloc of states where younger adults are much more at risk. In Arkansas, Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi, relatively young people make up more than a quarter of the vulnerable population. Compare that with the coronavirus’s beachhead in Washington State, where younger adults make up only about 19 percent of the risk group.

…Southerners are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases than other Americans—even as Americans are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases than citizens of other countries with comparable wealth. According to Neuman, these estimates don’t include people with cancer or who are immunocompromised—groups that are also at high risk for serious illness from COVID-19. And cancer mortality rates are highest in southern states.

…These differences are not innate to southerners; they are the result of policy. Health disparities tend to track both race and poverty, and the states in the old domain of Jim Crow have pursued policies that ensure those disparities endure. The South is the poorest region in the country. The poor, black, Latino, or rural residents who make up large shares of southern populations tend to lack access to high-quality doctors and care. According to the State Health Access Data Assistance Center, Mississippi, North Carolina, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana all spend less than $25 per person on public health a year, compared with $84 per person in New York. Nine of the 14 states that have refused to expand Medicaid to poor residents under the Affordable Care Act are in the South.

…Advocates have drawn attention to the extreme vulnerability of people in prison to the coronavirus—and the South incarcerates a larger proportion of its population than anywhere else in the United States.  …Southern states have some of the lowest ratios of active physicians to patients in the country.

The Coronavirus’s Unique Threat to the South – The Atlantic

Sigh…

Dr. Anthony Fauci: ‘I don’t understand why’ every state hasn’t issued stay-at-home orders

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“You know, the tension between federally mandated versus states’ rights to do what they want is something I don’t want to get into,” he said. “But if you look at what’s going on in this country, I just don’t understand why we’re not doing that.”

Dr. Anthony Fauci: ‘I don’t understand why’ every state hasn’t issued stay-at-home orders – CNNPolitics

really, Doctor? don’t you though?

In the Midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic, Construction Is Set to Resume on the Keystone Pipeline

On By peanutgallerynhIn Domestic Affairs,, Environment,, Money, Class, and Poverty,, The Americas,Leave a comment

So here’s the situation: in the middle of a pandemic, construction workers will move into isolated rural communities with already strained hospital resources. The “man camps” where many such workers in the industry live are associated with violence against women and other crimes, even in the best of times. Now, with the pandemic, many of the Native communities that live along the pipeline route fear for the worst. “This causes eerie memories for us with the infected smallpox blankets that were distributed to tribes intentionally,” Faith Spotted Eagle, a leader of the Yankton Sioux Tribe, said. (The coronavirus is already wreaking havoc on isolated reservations in other parts of the country, and the chronically underfunded Indian Health Service is struggling to meet the crisis.)

…I don’t know if corporations can be evil—I don’t think so, even if the Supreme Court insists on describing them as people. But this is capitalism at its most naked, willing to endanger people in the covid-19 crisis and to heat the earth in the climate crisis, all in search of a bit more profit. In a world running right now on bravery and love, it’s hard to imagine anything much darker.

In the Midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic, Construction Is Set to Resume on the Keystone Pipeline | The New Yorker

hmmmmm