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Trump VS COVID-19 Threat

Jimmy Higgins said:
Horatio Parker said:
Jimmy Higgins said:
How does a payroll tax cut address anything?!
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Gives working people more money.
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To spend how exactly? We don't need a stimulus package!

We need a package that ensure businesses don't default because everyone is stuck indoors and there is greatly reduced demand (not because of lack of money) and depressed revenue generation (fewer billable hours).
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I mean, it could just be as simple as "debt is suspended until further notice. No lease Changes, no rent charged, no collections, no bills. Utilities subsidized for 3 months, stipend for food and necessities for all, for three months.
 
I was listening to one of the Republican idiots earlier today. I think it was the vile Mnuchin. He said that this is no time to worry about the deficit, but we'll deal with it later. Fuck! Trump and his cronies have added to the deficit more than the Democrats, so I guess he means that as soon as the Democrats take control again, they will start screaming about the deficit. They do this every single time the Dems take power, but when they are in power, anything goes.

To me, the stimulus looks like Trump is trying to buy the election. I do think people who are out of work should be helped, and of course illnesses related to the virus should be provided to all regardless if they have insurance or not, but we don't need to bail out the large corporations that have been using their tax break for stock buybacks etc. I'm calling bullshit on this sudden attempt to seem like Trump cares about the little people. He only cares if he thinks it will help him get reelected.
 
Jarhyn said:
Jimmy Higgins said:
To spend how exactly? We don't need a stimulus package!

We need a package that ensure businesses don't default because everyone is stuck indoors and there is greatly reduced demand (not because of lack of money) and depressed revenue generation (fewer billable hours).
Click to expand...

I mean, it could just be as simple as "debt is suspended until further notice. No lease Changes, no rent charged, no collections, no bills. Utilities subsidized for 3 months, stipend for food and necessities for all, for three months.
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That seems good in theory, but would require more effort to enact. Subsidizing people what they've been paid recently (or a sliding scale percentage) provides a reasonable mechanism that is presumably readily available. This reduces stress on companies who'll be struggling with revenue.
 
southernhybrid said:
To me, the stimulus looks like Trump is trying to buy the election.
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I disagree, at least that it's directly intended for that. I think he is stuffing his pockets and those of his donors again, and trying to buy it all off with $1000 each for "the needy".
 
Jimmy Higgins said:
Horatio Parker said:
Jimmy Higgins said:
How does a payroll tax cut address anything?!
Click to expand...

Gives working people more money.
Click to expand...
To spend how exactly? We don't need a stimulus package!

We need a package that ensure businesses don't default because everyone is stuck indoors and there is greatly reduced demand (not because of lack of money) and depressed revenue generation (fewer billable hours).
Click to expand...

People need money for mortgages, rent, utilities etc.

Businesses need help as well.
 
Horatio Parker said:
Jimmy Higgins said:
To spend how exactly? We don't need a stimulus package!

We need a package that ensure businesses don't default because everyone is stuck indoors and there is greatly reduced demand (not because of lack of money) and depressed revenue generation (fewer billable hours).
Click to expand...

People need money for mortgages, rent, utilities etc.

Businesses need help as well.
Click to expand...

Via a tax cut? Their aid needs to be immediate as well.
 
southernhybrid said:
I was listening to one of the Republican idiots earlier today. I think it was the vile Mnuchin. He said that this is no time to worry about the deficit, but we'll deal with it later. Fuck! Trump and his cronies have added to the deficit more than the Democrats, so I guess he means that as soon as the Democrats take control again, they will start screaming about the deficit. They do this every single time the Dems take power, but when they are in power, anything goes.

To me, the stimulus looks like Trump is trying to buy the election. I do think people who are out of work should be helped, and of course illnesses related to the virus should be provided to all regardless if they have insurance or not, but we don't need to bail out the large corporations that have been using their tax break for stock buybacks etc. I'm calling bullshit on this sudden attempt to seem like Trump cares about the little people. He only cares if he thinks it will help him get reelected.
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I cant imagine anyone who doesn't own a MAGA hat believes Trump is bringing this ship through the storm. I'd like to see his polling in a week's time.

*********

What the federal government can tackle immediately is people on the unemployment rolls and businesses that are going into default. These people will be approaching the government/lenders for relief. Everything else takes time to implement, time those in need now do not have. You want to give me money I don't need, fine, just do it when it's safe to go outside. Not now.
Or course the House is on recess this week, so add a week to everything. The virus will wait.
 
Hate to say it but I think Trump will get his second term behind all this.

Yes, he's been an idiot, but no one will hold that against him when things get much worse.
 
ZiprHead said:
Elizabeth Warren lists certain conditions that must be met before bailout of industry is allowed.

https://twitter.com/SenWarren/status/1240030852182130695

We’re not writing blank checks to giant corporations. Any taxpayer dollars that go to help big businesses during the coronavirus crisis should come with the following minimum requirements:
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Any taxpayer dollars that go to help big businesses during the coronavirus crisis should come through the hands of their end customers. Period.
But that won't happen because Trump and his campaign coffers don't get a big enough cut that way.
 
Elizabeth Warren on Twitter: "We’re not writing blank checks to giant corporations. ..." / Twitter
We’re not writing blank checks to giant corporations. Any taxpayer dollars that go to help big businesses during the coronavirus crisis should come with the following minimum requirements:

1. Companies must maintain their payrolls and use funds to keep people working or on payroll.

2. Companies must provide a $15 minimum wage within one year of the national emergency declaration ending.

3. Companies are permanently prohibited from engaging in share repurchases.

4. Companies are prohibited from paying out dividends or executive bonuses while they are receiving any relief and for three years thereafter.

5. Companies must set aside at least one seat – but potentially two or more, as the amount of relief increases – on the board of directors for representatives elected by workers.

6. Collective bargaining agreements should remain in place and should not be reopened or renegotiated pursuant to this relief program.

7. Corporations must obtain shareholder and board approval for all political expenditures.

8. CEOs must be required to personally certify a company is in compliance and face criminal penalties for false certifications.

Congress must set up an oversight body, modeled on the Congressional Oversight Panel and the SIGTARP program for the bank bailout, but with real funding & subpoena power. We need real accountability to make sure these conditions are met.
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Great. That's what I call leadership. If nothing else, that will be a good bargaining position.
 
Corey Johnson - FLATTEN THE CURVE & STAY HOME on Twitter: "NYC is mobilizing a Medical Reserve Corp of about 9,000 licensed/retired medical professionals who can respond if increased capacity is needed in our health care system.
If you’re a licensed/retired medical professional, you can sign up here: https://t.co/0YE9FIcSia" / Twitter
then
Sue DeWitt on Twitter: "@CoreyinNYC @SocialPowerOne1 Italy is now using medical students. This sounds feasible to me. They could be given credits for time served. Also, they aren’t in the most vulnerable categories as retirees are. They would gain much knowledge by being in the “trenches.”" / Twitter
and
Dan D Man on Twitter: "@CoreyinNYC I know an ER doctor in the Bronx. She says that one of the main issues they are having is that young, healthy adults with "sniffles" are clogging up the system. Paranoid, selfish and stupid will not get us through this." / Twitter


Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Twitter: "Did you know you can organize your building, block or neighborhood for #COVID to help others & keep people safe?
It’s called Mutual Aid.
Join me + legendary organizer Mariame Kaba TOMORROW as we walk through the steps of supporting others safely.
RSVP: https://t.co/3IOWKkvaox" / Twitter
Linking to Supporting Our Neighbors While Staying Safe | Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for Congress - it's a conference call, a way of having a meeting without being physically present.
 
Coronavirus Causes Bar And Restaurants To Close; Workers Are Suffering
Service and hospitality workers are at a higher risk than many other professions of catching the coronavirus because of their close proximity to customers. Many often take public transportation to work, where they are then handling money, food, and drinks — often in enclosed spaces.

But the total immediate shutdown of work has left hospitality staff, already a traditionally casual workforce with few benefits or protections, in a precarious financial situation. Many workers worry more about the financial impact they are facing than any potential risks associated with the coronavirus.

"I'm not worried about this virus; I'm worried about all these other things," said Maja, a 35-year-old dancer in two New Orleans strip clubs who asked to be identified using only her first name.
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Amber Jamieson on Twitter: "I spoke to a bunch of bar, restaurant and club staff who are terrified of how they'll pay rent this month after the coronavirus shutdowns: https://t.co/0mKqyB8jkI" / Twitter

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Twitter: "We need to bailout tipped, freelance, hourly/shift & gig workers.
That means:
✅ UBI / cash assistance
✅ Rent, Mortgage, & Debt payment suspensions
✅ Paid leave for EVERY worker
✅ Immediate unemployment insurance
✅ Guaranteed healthcare We can’t leave anyone behind.
https://t.co/CZDq92otpU" / Twitter

Kash Jackson on Twitter: "@AOC Considering the hotel industry is on the brink of destruction and hotels are empty across the country, why not utilize them to quarantined the segment of the population that is most at risk, if they volunteer to do so? Then we can all get back to work and on with life." / Twitter

Drexl on Twitter: "@KashJackson2018 @AOC Same for cruise ships. They can be retrofitted into floating hospitals" / Twitter
 
The Hill on Twitter: "Sen. Lindsey Graham: "My focus is not giving people a check from the government. My focus is to make sure you get your paycheck from your employer." https://t.co/3eDyh7ick0" / Twitter

Someone claimed in response:
thot leedurr on Twitter: "My brother got laid off yesterday from Marriott.
He applied for unemployment; they called to check his employment status.
Marriott HR says he’s NOT laid off but on a ZERO hour schedule. So he can’t qualify for unemployment NOR does he have health insurance." / Twitter
I've never seen that before.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Twitter: "Lindsey Graham has received a check from the government every month since 1995. https://t.co/LCUVCv63xt" / Twitter

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Twitter: "(And because he qualifies for a pension, he would still receive a check long after leaving the Senate.)
So maybe, just once, we can fight so every American can have the dignity of housing, food, & education without feeling like we’re one illness away from life falling apart." / Twitter


Failure to Test - Unprecedented - "As Trump's numbers get worse, his allies are trying to absolve him of blame"

H. Eric Loewe on Twitter: "@AOC
@AOC
"You just do your best to survive. That's been the reality for millions of people in this country. That feel that they are just hanging by a thread. And they feel that no-one is is fighting for them. And everyone is just in it for themselves." https://t.co/zFS4fcYFDa" / Twitter
- from "Knock Down The House"
 
Supporting Our Neighbors While Staying Safe | Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for Congress
Coronavirus, its economic impact, and social distancing have placed real stress on our communities. Right now, many seniors and low-income families need food, cleaning supplies, socialization, and childcare. Everyone needs accurate and timely info.

Many people want to help, but are unsure of how to do so while staying safe from the spread of the virus. In a conference call, Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez and long-time organizer Mariame Kaba will walk you through, step-by-step, how to build a “mutual aid” network — a group of people in your building, block, neighborhood or social network who work together to meet everyone’s needs, safely.
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Recommends social-media hashtag #WeGotOurBlock

I'm reminded of Isaac Asimov's science-fiction mystery novel "The Naked Sun". In it, human colonists of the planet Solaria live in isolation from each other, in estates tended by robots. They like to "view" each other, with two-way TV. IA didn't anticipate generalized data networks, which is what the Internet is, but as he himself liked to say, science fiction is more about the reaction to new technology than the technology itself - about the traffic jam rather than the automobile.
 
I checked on Peter DeFazio of OR-4, the Congressional district I live in.

Rep Peter DeFazio on Twitter: "I’m monitoring the #coronavirus developments closely. The @CDCgov has preventive steps you can take to reduce risks for you and your family, including:
✅ Frequent hand-washing with soap & water
✅Staying home if you are unwell
✅Avoiding close contact with others who are sick https://t.co/EKZBLSEI6E" / Twitter

CDC on Twitter: "To protect yourself from #COVID19, avoid being exposed to the virus and use everyday prevention action to prevent the spread of respiratory virus:
1) cover your cough
2) wash your hands
3) stay home when sick [url]https://t.co/uArGZTJhXj https://t.co/n6P6HDuQMQ" / Twitter[/url]

Rep Peter DeFazio on Twitter: "The longer it takes for Oregon to get equipment like masks or ventilators, the more medical personnel go unprotected & patients put at risk. That's unacceptable. I'm pushing Trump to invoke the Defense Production Act to ramp up domestic production of critical medical supplies. https://t.co/vB9VNFVY2q" / Twitter
The full text of that letter is here: 031320 House to POTUS on DPA COVID-19
Who signed it:
Andy Levin, A. Donald McEachin, Abby Finkenauer, Adam Schiff, Al Green, Alan Lowenthal, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Angie Craig, Ann McLane Kuster, Carolyn B. Maloney, Chellie Pingree, Cheri Bustos, Chris Pappas, Cindy Axne, Colin Allred, Daniel T. Kildee, Danny K. Davis, Darren Soto, Dave Loebsack, Deb Haaland, Debbie Dingell, Denny heck, Dina Titius, Donald Norcross, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Elissa Slotkin, Emanuel Cleaver II, Gilbert R. Cisneros Jr., Haley M. Stevens, Jamie Raskin, Jan Schakowsky, Jennifer Weston, Jesús G. "Chuy" Garcia, John Garamendi, Joseph P. Kennedy III, Julia Brownley, Kathleen Rice, Katie Porter, Lisa Blunt Rochester, Mark Pocan, Max Rose, Mikie Sherrill, Peter DeFazio, Pramila Jayapal, Raúl M. Grijalva, Ro Khanna, Robert C. "Bobby" Scott, Ruben Gallego, Sean Patrick Maloney, Sharice L. Davids, Susan WIld, Sylvia R. Garcia, Ted W. Lieu, Tim Ryan, TJ Cox, Veronica Escobar, Vicente Gonzalez

PDF has several other tweets about the coronavirus issue, including Rep Peter DeFazio on Twitter: "Oregon cannot fight the spread of #COVID19 without proper funding and equipment. Last week, I joined my Oregon colleagues in sending a letter to VP Pence urging federal assistance to expand our testing capabilities and acquire more protective equipment. https://t.co/GiiIjVh3J4" / Twitter
 
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