Open Thread–3/25/2020

Posted by TomCat at 10:23 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Mar 252020

It’s a very tired day here in the CatBox. Because I’m out of pain meds, I got almost no sleep last night. I have a dose to take tonight. I saved it, because it’s a WWWendy night. Happy Hump day to all.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 3:16 (average 4:17). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Cartoon:

Jen Sorenson Cartoon:

Included with permission from and link to Jen Sorenson

Trump* Virus Update:

0325TrumpVirus

Cases: 55,081

Deaths: 785

Recovered: 379

Short Takes:

From Daily Kos: As conditions worsen and the novel coronavirus infects more people daily, white supremacists want to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to advance their racist agenda. Extremist groups, including neo-Nazis, are encouraging infected members to spread coronavirus to law enforcement officials and Jewish people, according to intelligence gathered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). According to ABC News, “members of extremist groups are encouraging one another to spread the virus, if contracted, through bodily fluids and personal interactions,” the FBI’s New York office warned in an alert Thursday.

According to the alert, racist extremists urged their followers to use spray bottles to spread bodily fluids to police officers on the street. “Anti-government folks in America love to target law enforcement as a symbol of America’s authority,” Don Mihalek, executive vice president of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association Foundation, told ABC News. “It’s just sad that that’s their focus at a time of crisis in the nation.”

The white supremacist groups also advised followers to go to “any place they [Jews] may be congregated” to spread the virus including businesses, places of worship, and markets, the alert warned. According to ABC News, white supremacists have been blaming Jewish leaders and people for both the coronavirus and global response to it for weeks. Extremists even blamed the Jewish community for the shutdown of government activities in New York, New Jersey, and California, organizations that monitor white supremacist messaging found. Social media posts by extremists and conspiracy theorists are even attempting to connect “Chinese efforts to safely dispose of victims’ bodies to cast doubt on the number of Jews who died during the Holocaust, the Anti-Defamation League reported.

Here in Portland, the police association, notorious for their racism, has often supported the white supremacist Proud Boys against the almost equally loony anarchist Antifa. It would be karma if the their Nazi Republican friends did this to them, but I hope not. The good police would be infected with the Republicans! RESIST!!

From The New Yorker: At long last invoking the Defense Production Act, Donald J. Trump has ordered the nation’s factories to begin mass-producing gallons of spray tan.

Speaking at the White House on Tuesday, Trump said that, because millions of Americans have been forced to remain indoors, the country’s stockpiles of fake-tan reserves have fallen to “dangerously low” levels.

“I sent Mike Pence out to buy some yesterday, and he went to store after store and they were all out,” Trump said. “It’s a disgraceful situation.”

Trump said that, although he had been reluctant to invoke the D.P.A., “People are going to lose their tans within days if nothing is done.”

Under the order, the specific hue of spray tan that Trump has demanded will be pumped out by retrofitted factories that normally manufacture orange paint.

Dang Andy! I don’t think it will help criminal Fuhrer Trump*. Former Speaker John Boehner, aka Agent Orange, will buy out the fake tan spray no matter how much they produce! RESIST!!

From YouTube (MSNBC Channel): Lawrence: Trump’s ‘Deadly Nonsense’ On Re-Opening The Country

Millions of dead people would not bother criminal Fuhrer Trump* or the Nazis of the Republican Reich. I don’t want to see any suicides, but I have to admit that just one Trumpicide* would not be a problem. RESIST!!

From YouTube (a blast from the past) (I used up my previous playlist and needed to find another.): Time Has Come Today(Chambers Brothers-Long Version)with no cuts to song

Ah… the memories! RESIST!!

Vote Blue No Matter Who Top to Bottom!!

Republican Death Panels Are Here

Posted by TomCat at 10:44 am Politics

Mar 242020

Many of you remember the days when Sarah Palin, aka Bloody Bullseye Barbie, aka Drill Baby Dingbat, accused Barack Obama and the Democratic Party of including Death Panels in the Affordable Care Act. They claimed we wanted to lower the cost of ObamaCare by killing seniors. At that time, I made the graphic you see below, because I knew the Republican Party’s penchant for projection, and that if they were accusing us of intent to kill seniors, I could safely predict that they would do just that, when the time they deemed appropriate arrived. That time has come.

In a blistering column for the Daily Beast, conservative Matt Lewis ripped into the Republican Party for demonstrating it really does stand for putting profits before people if its response to the coronavirus pandemic is any indication.

According to the author of “Too Dumb to Fail: How the GOP Went from the Party of Reagan to the Party of Trump,” the GOP has joined the president’s “death cult.”

Starting with a blunt, “In the last 24 hours, it has become clear that, despite warnings from experts like Dr. Fauci, Donald Trump is willing to sacrifice lives to try and save the economy and his chances for re-election,” Lewis suggested Republicans are not only backing the president — they’re proudly and publically embracing it.

Pointing to Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) proclaiming, “We don’t shut down our economy because tens of thousands of people die on the highways. It’s a risk we accept so we can move about. We don’t shut down our economies because tens of thousands of people die from the common flu,” the columnist expressed his disgust by writing, “I’m pretty sure Johnson just said he was comfortable with millions of Americans dying of coronavirus—so long as it doesn’t disrupt economic activity.”

“This logic is spreading among Republicans,” he continued. “Consider the comments Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick made Monday night on Fox News: ‘No one reached out to me and said as a senior citizen, are you willing to take a chance on your survival in exchange for keeping the America that all America loves for your children and grandchildren. And if that’s the exchange, I’m all in.’”… [emphasis added]

Inserted from <Raw Story>

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he and other seniors are willing to die from virus to save economy

Like most Republicans, he’s a fool! It is not only his own life he risks, but the lives of all the people to whom he passes Trump* virus. Did all of them agree to be killed to get Patrick’s beloved Fuhrer reelected too?

The following is not from the horse’s mouth. It’s from the horse’s ass’ mouth.

Trump Appears To Weigh Saving Economy Against Saving Lives From COVID-19

Barf Bag Alert!!

Criminal Fuhrer Trump* and the Republican Reich care only about staying in power, and they don’t give a damn how many Americans they have to murder to do it.

RESIST!!

Three from Rachel Maddow on Trump* Virus

Posted by TomCat at 11:04 am Politics

Mar 212020

0321MaddowCV

COVID-19, aka Trump* virus is virtually the only subject in the news, these days, here are three video clips on that subject from the best newscaster/commentator in the business, Rachel Maddow.

Trump Irresponsible, Dangerous w/Lies & Happy Talk On Fed. Coronavirus Help

Fuhrer Drumpfenfarten tells tall tales like these, because he wants to appear heroic. In fact, he is appearing to be what he is at his very best: the little creep that Stormy Daniels called “tiny”.

States Wait For Federal Help At Their Own Peril As Coronavirus Crisis Builds

Due to Republican greed and incompetence, we are well and truly screwed!

Health Care Workers On Their Own Against Coronavirus As Supplies Dwindle

As a cancer sufferer in my 70s, who has to go to the hospital frequently for treatment and testing, I’ve had a hell of a time getting PPE too. When I hear a provider, right here in my town, having the same trouble, I know the person to blame is that asshole* at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave!

RESIST!!

Open Thread–3/21/2020

Posted by TomCat at 11:03 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Mar 212020

It’s a busy day here in the CatBox. I had trouble keeping breakfast down. I had to wait a couple hours to finish it. Tomorrow please expect no more that an Open Thread or a Personal Update, as WWWendy will be here to de-stink the vile TomCat, help with chores and parade in her Wonder Woman Wendy romper! Have a great weekend!

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 4:32 (average 7:24). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Cartoon:

Trump* Virus Update:

0321TrumpVirus

19,823 cases

276 deaths

147 recovered

0321TrumpVirusTests

Short Takes:

From YouTube (MSNBC Channel): Virus Scandal: Senators Accused Of Profiting Off Coronavirus Info

MSNBC was wrong not to include Diane Feinstein [DINO – CA]. It opens the network to charges of bias. More important, as a Democrat, I want to know when one of ours acts like a Republican. Di-Fi is a stinking DINO piece of shit and deserves the same treatment that Republicans get. If anything, we should be harder on her. Democrats to not applaud and encourage corruption, greed and hypocrisy from our representatives the way Republicans do. RESIST!!

From The New Yorker: Amid speculation that United States senators might soon be working remotely, Senator Richard Burr on Friday demanded guarantees that senators working from home will still have access to insider-trading tips.

Speaking from the well of the Senate, an impassioned Burr, a Republican from North Carolina, said that a “system needs to be put in place—not tomorrow, not next week, but today—to insure that senators receive the insider-trading information that is both our lifeblood and our birthright.”

Burr blasted the Obama Administration for not establishing contingency plans to safeguard the steady flow of stock tips to U.S. senators in the event of a pandemic, nuclear war, or asteroid strike.

Why am I not surprised, Andy? This is straight news, isn’t it? RESIST!!

From YouTube (CNN Channel): Trump rants at reporter asking about scared Americans

Of course it’s normal for people to be scared. A real President would offer comfort and support. Criminal Fuhrer Trump* is NOT a real President! RESIST!!

From YouTube (a blast from the past): The Righteous Brothers – Soul and Inspiration

Ah… the memories! RESIST!!

Vote Blue No Matter Who Top to Bottom!!

Open Thread–3/19/2020

Posted by TomCat at 10:56 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Mar 192020

It’s a busy day, here in the CatBox. I’m trying to research ways forward in treating my cancer, without much success. Store to Door is delivering my groceries this afternoon. As a treat, I’m getting some chocolate syrup, so I can have chocolate milk. I need to stay up to put them away. Have a great day, and thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, and kindness.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 3:07 (average 5:00). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Cartoon:

Wendy in her new Wonder Woman romper:

0319WWWendy

Trump* Virus Update:

0319TrumpVirus

0319TrumpVirusTesting

Short Takes:

From Daily Kos: Back when he was a regular on Fox News, then-Sheriff David Clarke’s main schtick involved vicious attacks on Black Lives Matter and the progressive movement, all of which led to Donald Trump very nearly naming him to a top seat in the Department of Home Security.

Clarke, the onetime sheriff of Milwaukee County in Wisconsin, was denied that spot, for reasons—mainly related to his propensity to spout conspiracy theories and “constitutionalist” nonsense—that became all too apparent over the weekend, as Clarke (who has over 900,000 followers) took to Twitter to denounce measures to limit the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus as “government control” (nefariously manipulated by George Soros) and urging readers to “take the streets” in defiance of it.

Twitter later removed several of the tweets for violating its terms of service, which include a ban on posts urging self-harm.

“GO INTO THE STREETS FOLKS. Visit bars, restaurants, shopping malls, CHURCHES and demand that your schools re-open. NOW! If government doesn’t stop this foolishness…STAY IN THE STREETS. END GOVERNEMNT CONTROL OVER OUR LIVES. IF NOT NOW, WHEN? THIS IS AN EXPLOITATION OF A CRISIS,” Clarke tweeted on Sunday.

Perhaps deplorable Republican Trump* supporters, especially Roberts, Thomas, Scalito, Whoresuch, and KavaNazi should follow his admonishment! RESIST!!

From YouTube (MSNBC Channel): Failure To Identify, Isolate Coronavirus Infections Puts U.S. On Dark Path

We will surpass Italy in the number of deaths, because criminal Fuhrer Trump* chose to ignore the Asian model and do the necessary testing and isolation. Trump* virus is the legacy of the Republican Reich. RESIST!!

From YouTube (a blast from the past): The Zombies – She’s not there

Ah… the memories! RESIST!!

Vote Blue No Matter Who Top to Bottom!!

Open Thread–3/16/2017

Posted by TomCat at 11:17 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Mar 162020

It’s a hectic day, here in the CatBox. First, I overslept and got up 90 minutes late. Then I spent 90 minutes on breakfast. It’s a pain, but it’s been several days, since I last lost a meal. Then my oncologist sent me an extensive online questionnaire, and I spent 30 minutes on that. Needless to say, I’m behind schedule. Tomorrow, I have my initial visit to Evelyn Brosnan, my oncologist. I have to be in the lobby before the birds wake up, so please expect no more than a Personal Update from me, most of which I will do tonight to give me a fast escape in the morning. Oh God, it’s Monday Hugs!

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 3:00 (average 4:37). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Cartoon:

Trump* Virus Update:

0316TrumpVirus

0316TrumpVirusTesting

Short Takes:

From Willamette Week: As Oregon Gov. Kate Brown weighs whether to close down bars and restaurants or institute a curfew, at least 360 medical professionals are asking U.S. Vice President Mike Pence for more dramatic action to keep people apart—or, in the parlance of the pandemic, to engage in more social distancing.

Those medical professionals signed an open letter tonight calling for federal action on the new coronavirus outbreak.

“No one should leave their homes in impacted regions except for medical care, essential supplies, essential work services and compelling other reasons that are clearly defined,” they write. “Virtual work options should be encouraged for all businesses, whenever possible.”

I fully agree with these Oregon medical professionals, but because Oregon leads the way, Kate should have been first to close down bars and restaurants. RESIST!!

From Alternet: The Kushner family is trying to cash in on the pandemic that could kill millions of us.

Oscar Health, the health insurance company co-founded by Jared Kushner’s younger brother, announced Friday it has launched a testing center locator for COVID-19. It shows where more than 100 centers are in the United States. The company is also offering a risk assessment survey and means to talk to a doctor online.

The coronavirus is predicted to kill anywhere from almost 500,000 Americans in the next year to more than 5 million. At least 62 people in the United States had died by Sunday; 3,130 have tested positive.

Do you remember when Kushner said he was delaying a response to “study” the situation? Now we know that sleazy son of a bitch was delaying a response to maximize personal profit from the suffering of others, without caring for the additional Americans, who will die because of the delay! Well, what the hell should we expect from someone, who would marry a Trump*? RESIST!!

From The Guardian: The Trump administration has offered a German medical company “large sums of money” for exclusive access to a Covid-19 vaccine, German media have reported.

The German government is trying to fight off what it sees as an aggressive takeover bid by the US, the broadsheet Die Welt reports, citing German government circles.

The US president had offered the Tübingen-based biopharmaceutical company CureVac “large sums of money” to gain exclusive access to their work, wrote Die Welt.

According to an anonymous source quoted in the newspaper, Trump was doing everything to secure a vaccine against the coronavirus for the US, “but for the US only”. [emphasis added]

That’s is just about as vile as a dirty bastard can get! Trump* virus is a worldwide problem. Solutions need to se shared freely with all patients, who need them, and all governments need to share in reimbursing the companies, who develop those solutions, for their work. Trump* and the Republican Reich would put the solution under their RepubliCare plan: If you can pay, you live. If not, Republican let you die for no extra charge. See below! RESIST!!

From YouTube (a blast from the past): Association Cherish 1966

Ah… the memories! RESIST!!

Vote Blue!!

Open Thread–3/15/2020

Posted by TomCat at 11:01 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Mar 152020

It’s a busy day here in the CatBox. WWWendy is due in about ten minutes, so I’ll have to finish this after I am de-stunk. This is my only article today.

Jig Zone:

Today’s took me 2:56 (average 5:10). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Cartoons:

Vintage 2018 and unchanged, except Lyin’ Ryan is flushed.

Trump* Virus Update:

0315TrumpVirus

Short Takes:

From YouTube (Raw Story Channel): Fauci refuses support Trump lie that Obama is to blame for coronavirus testing failures

Whose fault are all of Fuhrer Trump’s* crimes? Someone else’s! RESIST!!

From CNN: The nation’s top infectious disease expert on Sunday did not rule out supporting a temporary national lockdown of the country’s restaurants and bars in order to curb the spread of coronavirus, saying he’d like to see a “dramatic” reduction in activity in order to fight the disease.

Asked by CNN’s Brianna Keilar on “State of the Union” if he’d like a “national lockdown” where people are being told they need to stay home and out of restaurants and bars, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, said he’d “like to see a dramatic diminution of the personal interaction that we see” in those places.

“Whatever it takes to do that, that’s what I’d like to see,” Fauci added.

I think it needs to be done, in addition to locking Trump* in a Mar-a-lago rest room. RESIST!!

From YouTube (a blast from the Past): Simon and Garfunkel – Homeward Bound (1966 – Live)

Ah… the memories! RESIST!!

Vote Blue!!

Trump* Virus Tanks Economy!

Posted by TomCat at 10:58 am Politics

Mar 102020

I trust that you know by now that the bottom is falling out of the stock market, and Republican welfare billionaires are freaking out. Trump* tanked the economy for rest of us long ago. This will make our economy even worse, but Trump and the Republican Reich don’t care if we live or die. But they care about their billionaires, and they fear that this Republican Recession will hurt them the way it did when they tanked the economy in 2008.

The fast-spreading coronavirus and a plunge in oil prices set off a chain reaction in financial markets on Monday, a self-perpetuating downward cycle that could inflict serious harm on the global economy.

What started last month as unease about a potential economic slowdown in China has evolved into a borderline panic, with the S&P 500 on Monday crashing nearly 8 percent. The mayhem is threatening to roil the underlying global financial system and the abilities of companies large and small to survive a potential economic monsoon — a downward spiral that is fed and intensified by these destructive forces.

The odds of such a storm grew after an unexpected fight between Russia and Saudi Arabia. After failing to reach an agreement about how much oil to produce and sell on international markets, Saudi Arabia announced it would quickly ramp up production.

Oil prices had been falling as investors fretted about a possible recession. On Monday, they plummeted over 20 percent — the sharpest decline since the first Persian Gulf war. [emphasis added]

Inserted from <NY Times>
Graph credit: Know Your Meme

Trump Faces Huge Leadership Crisis Over Coronavirus And The Economy

Payroll tax cut? That’s only temporary, and the suckers will have to pay it back on 4/15. This fool* wants people to go out into crowded stores and get infected. Will Goose-step Gohmert infect the Republican Reich in Congress?

Dow logs biggest point-drop in history as stocks tumble

The announcer said that, if it wasn’t the Trump* virus, it would have been something else. I agree. Two great minds said that Trump would tank the economy. In July, 2019, Elizabeth Warren said so. In November, 2016, I said so. Great minds clearly fell in the same ditch!

RESIST!!

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