Bear Pit: now the sole domicile of politics at LuLa

[LesPalenik]

Which ones do you use when?

Well, it's like lenses - you can use a different paddle depending on the situation. I usually carry at least two paddles, one always as a spare (chase) paddle.
Paddling solo in the calm water, I prefer a beavertail or an ottertail blade, they are very quiet and effortless to use. When paddling in the stern in a tandem boat, I tend to use a square-tipped wooden paddle. On a fast river or in shallow water, I grab a plastic or metal square-tipped paddle, they can take the abuse and deliver power when you need it.

[digitaldog]

More bad jobs news: 885,000 people filed for unemployment benefits last week

Ah, if only the government would provide them a monthly check to survive as they supply a check to you.
We'll see what the next administration and hopefully newly formed congress do next year.

[JoeKitchen]

Some selfishly will. Others, and our history if filled with examples, serve others and our country. Take a side. "Nothing captures human interest more than human tragedy". - Dan Brown

That is simply not what happens.  As I said, for a fleeting moment, maybe, but eventually everyone servicing one's country will keep one eye on service and one on his/her interests.  You may choose to ignore where that second eye is aimed at, but apathy is a freedom too. 

If you really think relying on the virtue of politicians is wise, God speed. 

As someone I listen to said, "if you get in bed with the federal government, don't be surprised when you get f#@&ed." 

[digitaldog]

That is simply not what happens.  As I said, for a fleeting moment, maybe, but eventually everyone servicing one's country will keep one eye on service and one on his/her interests.  You may choose to ignore where that second eye is aimed at, but apathy is a freedom too. 

If you really think relying on the virtue of politicians is wise, God speed. 

As someone I listen to said, "if you get in bed with the federal government, don't be surprised when you get f#@&ed."

On a planet where dealing with the Pandemic is at least something it's leaders pay attention to:

Israelis brace for possible third lockdown
The number of daily coronavirus cases in Israel hit 2,802 on Wednesday – way above the 2,500 mark at which lawmakers said tightened restrictions would kick in.

We had 245 thousand cases yesterday, not a peep from Trump.
As for getting into bed (whatever that's supposed to imply without explanation) with the Federal Government, do tell us you do not or will not receive Social Security like Alan, you don't use Federal Highways, you don't pay income tax, etc. Your life is devoid of any support from the US Government?

God speed. 

I told you, I'm a "None"; didn't you say you were too? 

[Alan Klein]

That is simply not what happens.  As I said, for a fleeting moment, maybe, but eventually everyone servicing one's country will keep one eye on service and one on his/her interests.  You may choose to ignore where that second eye is aimed at, but apathy is a freedom too. 

If you really think relying on the virtue of politicians is wise, God speed. 

As someone I listen to said, "if you get in bed with the federal government, don't be surprised when you get f#@&ed." 

Some politician once quipped that at first, the government breaks your legs.  Then it rushes to tell you how only it can provide a crutch to save you.

Sounds like what's happening with Covid shutdown and stimulus money.  Of course, the country's going to need more than a crutch.

[LesPalenik]

In the meantime, people are dying from cancer or other serious illnesses, because the hospitals are bursting with Covid patients.

Newly released data from the US Department of Health and Human Services show at least 200 hospitals were at full capacity last week.
And in one third of all hospitals, more than 90% of all ICU beds were occupied. Coronavirus patients occupied 46% of all staffed ICU beds -- up from 37% in the first week of November.

"What we have seen over the last few weeks is a sharp rise in infections. And what we know -- from the beginning of this pandemic -- is infections are followed by hospitalizations, which are then followed by death."

https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/10/health/us-coronavirus-thursday/index.html

[digitaldog]

Some politician once quipped that at first, the government breaks your legs.  Then it rushes to tell you how only it can provide a crutch to save you.
Sounds like what's happening with Covid shutdown and stimulus money.  Of course, the country's going to need more than a crutch.

This again from a guy who's accepting a monthly check from of all sources, the US government.

[TechTalk]

"A small knowledge of human nature will convince us, that, with far the greatest part of mankind, interest is the governing principle; and that, almost, every man is more or less, under its influence. Motives of public virtue may for a time, or in particular instances, actuate men to the observance of a conduct purely disinterested; but they are not of themselves sufficient to produce a persevering conformity to the refined dictates and obligations of social duty. Few men are capable of making a continual sacrifice of all views of private interest, or advantage, to the common good. It is in vain to exclaim against the depravity of human nature on this account—the fact is so, the experience of every age and nation has proved it, and we must, in a great measure, change the constitution of man, before we can make it otherwise. No institution, not built on the presumptive truth of these maxims, can succeed." From George Washington to John Hancock, June 8th, 1778

"At all events, as the accommodation of the sick and the preservation of mens lives are the first and great objects to be consulted" 
From George Washington to John Hancock, June 8th, 1778

[John Camp]

It's always risky giving some people power https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/16/trump-appointee-demanded-herd-immunity-strategy-446408.

"Herd immunity" by government design, far out. If they had gone ahead with that idea, would it have been illegal to wear a mask? Would it have been illegal to stand 6 feet apart? 

Reminds me of when the CIA put hallucinogens into people without their consent. Or when they gave black men syphilis.

The Peter Principle is still in effect.

Black men were never given syphilis. Black men who had syphilis were monitored in an unethical government program, and when an effective treatment became available, it was not offered to them, although they were told that they were taking part in a government program that would provide them health care. The original idea was to study the long-term effects of syphilis, which basically became unnecessary after penicillin became widely available after WWII.

[Robert Roaldi]

Black men were never given syphilis. Black men who had syphilis were monitored in an unethical government program, and when an effective treatment became available, it was not offered to them, although they were told that they were taking part in a government program that would provide them health care. The original idea was to study the long-term effects of syphilis, which basically became unnecessary after penicillin became widely available after WWII.

Mea culpa, thanks.

[John Camp]

A battle between people who don't want to get sick and people who want to survive economically.

So the millions of people who traveled on Thanksgiving and caused the recent tragic spike were trying to survive economically? By doing what, having dinner with Uncle Bob?

[TechTalk]

Texas Monthly Magazine

https://www.texasmonthly.com/being-texan/texas-wedding-photographers-have-seen-some/

Texas Wedding Photographers Have Seen Some $#!+

The wedding photographer had already spent an hour or two inside with the unmasked wedding party when one of the bridesmaids approached her. The woman thanked her for still showing up, considering “everything that’s going on with the groom.”

When the photographer asked what she meant by that, the bridesmaid said the groom had tested positive for the coronavirus the day before. “She was looking for me to be like, ‘Oh, that’s crazy,’ like I was going to agree with her that it was fine,” the photographer recalls. “So I was like, ‘What are you talking about?’ And she was like, ‘Oh, no, no, no, don’t freak out. He doesn’t have symptoms. He’s fine.’ ”

The photographer, who has asthma and three kids, left with her assistant before the night was over. Her exit was tense. The wedding planner said it was the most unprofessional thing she’d ever seen. Bridesmaids accused her of heartlessly ruining an innocent woman’s wedding day. She recalls one bridesmaid telling her, “I’m a teacher. I have fourteen students. If I’m willing to risk it, why aren’t you?” Another said everyone was going to get COVID eventually, so what was the big deal? The friend of the bride who’d spilled the beans cried about being the “worst bridesmaid ever.”...

More at Link Above

[chez]

A battle between people who don't want to get sick and people who want to survive economically.

What business is locked out. Here, things like gyms and yoga studios are closed until Jan 8. All businesses are open. Restaurants are open, bars are open, barbers are open. Yes, if you run a hot yoga studio...you are getting financial assistance from the government...but all other problems are not caused by closures...the bars and restaurants and even airlines are having problems because people don't want to go to them.

So this whole jibberish that the government is killing all these business is BS. People are just to scared of Covid to go out anywhere.

[Robert Roaldi]

Texas Monthly Magazine

https://www.texasmonthly.com/being-texan/texas-wedding-photographers-have-seen-some/

Texas Wedding Photographers Have Seen Some $#!+

The wedding photographer had already spent an hour or two inside with the unmasked wedding party when one of the bridesmaids approached her. The woman thanked her for still showing up, considering “everything that’s going on with the groom.”

When the photographer asked what she meant by that, the bridesmaid said the groom had tested positive for the coronavirus the day before. “She was looking for me to be like, ‘Oh, that’s crazy,’ like I was going to agree with her that it was fine,” the photographer recalls. “So I was like, ‘What are you talking about?’ And she was like, ‘Oh, no, no, no, don’t freak out. He doesn’t have symptoms. He’s fine.’ ”

The photographer, who has asthma and three kids, left with her assistant before the night was over. Her exit was tense. The wedding planner said it was the most unprofessional thing she’d ever seen. Bridesmaids accused her of heartlessly ruining an innocent woman’s wedding day. She recalls one bridesmaid telling her, “I’m a teacher. I have fourteen students. If I’m willing to risk it, why aren’t you?” Another said everyone was going to get COVID eventually, so what was the big deal? The friend of the bride who’d spilled the beans cried about being the “worst bridesmaid ever.”...

More at Link Above

My wife has asthma. If that photographer gets sick, she should look into suing that couple and all their enablers.

[JoeKitchen]

I told you, I'm a "None"; didn't you say you were too? 

So, as a None, am I suppose to stop using words and phrases in the vernacular that have religious origins? 

[JoeKitchen]

"At all events, as the accommodation of the sick and the preservation of mens lives are the first and great objects to be consulted" 
From George Washington to John Hancock, June 8th, 1778

First, since the reading level at which Washington wrote was so high (grade 20 on average) and that he would often continue his thoughts into following sentences, it would at least be justified to post the entire statement.  As an example, if you excluded the last sentence of the paragraph I provided, you could mistakingly believed Washington did think human nature could be changed, even though it is apparent he did not. 

Furthermore, although this may be true, it still did not keep his men from abandoning posts due to half pay.  Just for context, for those other then you who do not know, Washington wrote that letter after congress reduced pay for the army while mistakingly believing the virtue of the revolution would be enough to convince men to fight.  It was not. 

[digitaldog]

So, as a None, am I suppose to stop using words and phrases in the vernacular that have religious origins?

Nope, I'm just again, (like another here) after you tell me you don't believe in God but reference God, learning not to take your writing seriously.

"Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another." - Napoleon

Failure. 🤫

[JoeKitchen]

Nope, I'm just again, (like another here) after you tell me you don't believe in God but reference God, learning not to take your writing seriously.

"Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another." - Napoleon

Failure. 🤫

I think you're being a little pretentious ... again. 

But I'll try to eliminate that and others like: all things to all men, or make one's hair stand on end, or gnashing of teeth, or fly in the ointment, or one's days are numbered, or old wive's tail, plus many many more, all with religious backgrounds. 

[TechTalk]

My wife has asthma. If that photographer gets sick, she should look into suing that couple and all their enablers.

After the photographer left, she canceled her Thanksgiving plans with family, sent her kids to relatives’ houses so they wouldn’t get sick, and informed the brides of her upcoming weddings that she’d be subcontracting to other shooters. A few days later she started to feel sick and, sure enough, tested positive for the coronavirus. She informed the couple. “But they didn’t care,” she says. They didn’t offer to compensate her for the test, nor did they apologize for getting her sick. 

There are people in this world that are incapable of empathy.

[jeremyrh]

A battle between people who don't want to get sick and people who want to survive economically.

At the risk of repeating myself: it's not a choice - the economy won't recover until you've beaten the virus.