All things political. Coronavirus Edition. (16 Viewers)

[Maxp]

I fear we are really going to be in a bad place due to the obvious cuts to the federal agencies that deal with infectious disease, but also the negative effect the Affordable Care act has had on non urban hospitals. Our front line defenses are ineffectual and our ability to treat the populous is probably at an all time low. Factor in the cost of healthcare and I can see our system crashing. What do you think about the politics of this virus?

 

[dtc]

I think Trump proposing payroll taxes cuts puts Dems in a weird spot. Obama did 2% during in 2010 after the crash bottomed as part of the recovery because people lacked money. This isn’t quite the same. The timing is very early into this event and 8 months before an election. We aren’t seeing widespread financial impact on Main St. If Dems say no, Trump runs on “Dems blocked middle class tax cuts during a crisis”. If Dems say yes, Trump runs on “I cut your taxes” and SSI did fine with a cut so let’s keep the cuts. I think politically Dems may be in a catch-22.

Under normal circumstances I'd probably agree, but these aren't normal times.

First, payroll tax cuts aren't helping those who lose their jobs.

Second, there have to be some real fiscal hawks left who will oppose this premature bit of blatant stupidity. Yes, I'm talking about you Rand Paul and you Ted Cruz and anyone else who's ever objected to deficit busting stupidity.

Third, for Trump to take on a fight from his right over tax cuts for workers would require him to admit that Coronavirus is a big deal and not "fake news" and that would require an admission of fault which he has proven repeatedly to be incapable.

Finally, Trump's true believers have all convinced themselves that this is nothing to worry about. They're spending all their time quoting bad statistics comparing it to the flu and posting memes about hording toilet paper. It's as if they don't realize being quarantined at home for 2 weeks eating only the canned beans and stuff in your pantry might require more than a 3 pack of TP.

Anyway, unless he can convince them it's Obama's fault that grandma and half the folks in the old folks home are dead/dying this is going to come home to roost. Even the most ardent Trump supporters love their grandparents.
Unless their grandparents are liberals, Trump's going to be up a creek.

 

[The moose]

Not all N-95 are really thick, the ones in the hospital look sort of like a duck bill. But they have to be fitted every year and you can’t wear them if you have any bit of a beard. They work only if they can seal properly around your nose and mouth. If you are still getting “boogers” while wearing one, it may not be the correct size for you.

That was my point. The dirty boogers means they don't work well. What is easy to get doesn't fit well at all to stop the spread. Yes it might help you not coughing on others but that is about it.

Yeah the ex is an rn I know the professional ones go completely around the face and almost to your neck. You go get fitted and know what size your face is and they have multiple sizes.

 

[samiam5211]

I think Trump proposing payroll taxes cuts puts Dems in a weird spot. Obama did 2% during in 2010 after the crash bottomed as part of the recovery because people lacked money. This isn’t quite the same. The timing is very early into this event and 8 months before an election. We aren’t seeing widespread financial impact on Main St. If Dems say no, Trump runs on “Dems blocked middle class tax cuts during a crisis”. If Dems say yes, Trump runs on “I cut your taxes” and SSI did fine with a cut so let’s keep the cuts. I think politically Dems may be in a catch-22.

No one is going to care about payroll tax cuts in a month.

 

[B4YOU]

No one is going to care about payroll tax cuts in a month.

They will come Sept-Nov. If we get a cut of 5% or more, I think it wins Trump the election.

 

[samiam5211]

They will come Sept-Nov. If we get a cut of 5% or more, I think it wins Trump the election.

The Coronavirus is going to overwhelm every other single issue.

Trump's incompetent handling of it will ensure he has no chance at reelection.

 

[efil4]

They will come Sept-Nov. If we get a cut of 5% or more, I think it wins Trump the election.

If oil doesn't come roaring back a zero percent payroll tax ( that's his proposal) will mean nothing because that industry will be laying off en masse.

Couple that with the downturn in travel. It's a band aid where stitches are needed.

 

[insidejob]

Sxsw

They laid off 175 full-time year-round employees today.

SXSW 2020 Cancellation Leads to Major Layoffs

The annual Austin festival was called off earlier this month due to coronavirus concerns

pitchfork.com

This is what some were worried about in the NPR piece on SXSW the other day. It could have a pretty big effect on New Orleans if industries/companies start cancelling their conventions and conferences.

 

[insidejob]

Then there is this perspective as well.

 

[GMRfellowtraveller]

Then there is this perspective as well.

3rd world and proud

 

[insidejob]

3rd world and proud

I know, right? This is actually one of the "third world city of New Orleans" things I can be proud of. The crumbling infrastructure, corruption at every turn, etc. is what makes me cringe.

 

[efil4]

Then there is this perspective as well.

cool. ask him ( or her ) if they wish to be a test dummy for new vaccine.

 

[B4YOU]

The Coronavirus is going to overwhelm every other single issue.

Trump's incompetent handling of it will ensure he has no chance at reelection.

If oil doesn't come roaring back a zero percent payroll tax ( that's his proposal) will mean nothing because that industry will be laying off en masse.

Couple that with the downturn in travel. It's a band aid where stitches are needed.

Disagree. Trump’s 35% doesn’t move for anything. Black, Latino, and youth are unpredictable and might not show up even after a botched pandemic for Biden. Biden is gaff prone.

Oil and gas disproportionately affects Red States with almost no chance of flipping (TX, LA, ND, AK, etc.). NM might be the only swing state in the top 10 of production.

Middle class families making a combined income of 100k are going to notice a 7% pay raise. There are a lot of ways to spin an outbreak. We will be inundated with “Trump shut down travel from China” ads come election season.

 

[The moose]

Then there is this perspective as well.

Yep sounds just like all the guys that I know that don't make it past 50.

Life is a party brother till your diabetes and pressure make you stroke out at 42.

 

[The moose]

This is what some were worried about in the NPR piece on SXSW the other day. It could have a pretty big effect on New Orleans if industries/companies start cancelling their conventions and conferences.

Here is the best. No refunds on anything for anybody your ticket is for next year now.

SXSW, Ultra Music Festival will not offer refunds after coronavirus-prompted cancellations

When the festivals were canceled amid concerns over the coronavirus outbreak, ticket and badge holders were dismayed to learn that the events would not offer refunds.

ew-com.cdn.ampproject.org

 

[Saintamaniac]

Disagree. Trump’s 35% doesn’t move for anything. Black, Latino, and youth are unpredictable and might not show up even after a botched pandemic for Biden. Biden is gaff prone.

Oil and gas disproportionately affects Red States with almost no chance of flipping (TX, LA, ND, AK, etc.). NM might be the only swing state in the top 10 of production.

Middle class families making a combined income of 100k are going to notice a 7% pay raise. There are a lot of ways to spin an outbreak. We will be inundated with “Trump shut down travel from China” ads come election season.

There are major layoffs coming as a result of this virus that will impact trump's key supporters hard. As someone said earlier, a payroll tax reduction means nothing if you don't have a job.

So-called religious conservative once called Katrina an omen and a punishment from God for the United States. With their demographic the one most at risk for COVID-19, I wonder if they are considering that maybe COVID-19 is an omen and punishment from God for electing and continuing to support a godless habitual liar.

Trump's actions right show that he doesn't give a damn about the number of people impacted by this virus. The only thing he is concerned about is the stock market and the economy. It's the only reason he continues to lie and call this virus a hoax while his administration struggles to try to at least tell some semblance of truth the fight this thing.

This piss poor excuse for a man won't even talk to the speaker of the house because he's mad at her and he thinks he's going to get a payroll tax reduction bill passed in the house. Under normal circumstances, I would hope that Pelosi and the house would be willing to work together to help ease the economic impact from this virus. Normal went out the window 3 years ago. As someone mentioned earlier, trump is desperately looking for some way to stop the bleeding on the market simply as a means to help his reelection bid. Pelosi and Schumer need to attach some serious legislation to any bill that includes a payroll tax reduction.

 

[Saintamaniac]

On Possible Bailouts as a result of the COVID-19 virus...
I've seen where the possibility of government bailouts have been mentioned for several impacted industries. I think it's been mentioned that Airlines, Oil & Gas and Cruise Ship industries could be bailed out. There is no way in hell I would support a bail out for Oil & Gas or Cruise Ship industry. The Cruise industry should look to the tax friendly countries where their ships are registered for a bailout; not the American tax payer. As for the Oil & Gas industry, they can go kick rocks as well. They already get massive unneeded government welfare.

 

[insidejob]

Here is the best. No refunds on anything for anybody your ticket is for next year now.

SXSW, Ultra Music Festival will not offer refunds after coronavirus-prompted cancellations

When the festivals were canceled amid concerns over the coronavirus outbreak, ticket and badge holders were dismayed to learn that the events would not offer refunds.

ew-com.cdn.ampproject.org

They should be ashamed of themselves. And a class action suit should be brought against them. What if you can't make it from Germany next year? That's complete BS.

 

[JimEverett]

What does insurance cover for a music festival like SXSW or Jazz Fest?

And really for a lot of industries - like airlines, hotels, etc.