There is more likely to be death in America from the shortages caused by hoarding than from what should be called the “pneumoniavirus”. Americans have too often harbored a love for drama. They don’t want to listen when told to wash their hands or wear a mask to the supermarket when they feel sick, but when they actually realize that they can’t ignore a thing, it’s time to turn every home into a survival bunker. There’s little sense for calm and order.
That was the deeper weakness in the societal immune system of America. Love for bad news will be the undoing of many Americans. Once this is over, the toilet paper hoarders will become known to their friends, scorned by their friends, then feel foolish. Theatrics and drama are far from over.
The economy is taking a hit—everyone is taking a hit. People will have to forgive those who overreacted, otherwise they will be the ones who overreact next.
The economic problem in America has roots deeper than the virus, but in society. And, society’s problem is rooted in the spiritual. Like Lincoln during the Civil War, Trump called a day for nation-wide prayer. Anyone who so chooses will come through this better off.
Russianewsgategate
Dan Bongino on impeachment trial witness speaking out // Fox News
Election
Law
Disorder in the courts: Federal judge blasts Chief Justice John Roberts // Fox News
White House
Aboard Air Force One, Trump Was Shaken Into Action on Virus // Bloomberg
Washington as Usual
‘It’s a death knell’: Trump tanks Sessions’ comeback // Politico
Human Rights, Civil Liberties & Privacy
Worker who confronted Joe Biden about gun control: He ‘went off the deep end’ // Fox News
Schumer faces mounting ethics complaints over Supreme Court comments // Fox News
Foreigners & International Relations
Feds arrest over 600 alleged Mexican cartel members // The Hill
Security & Public Safety
House passes surveillance bill after rare bipartisan deal // CNN
North America
Deaths from Bacterial Pneumonia during 1918–19 Influenza Pandemic // NCBI
Coronavirus outbreak: House passes relief bill reached by Pelosi and White House // CNBC
Pence says there’s been ‘irresponsible rhetoric’ from people downplaying coronavirus // NBC News
Canadian PM Trudeau’s wife tests positive for coronavirus // BBC News
Coronavirus: quarantined congressman flew with Trump on Air Force One // Guardian
NATO Focus
Israeli defense firm Elbit wins US Air Force contract worth up to $476 million // Times of Israel
Norway’s new F-35 scrambled for first time to meet Russian anti-sub aircraft // Barents Observer