Why Wisconsin's largest business group endorses mask-wearing campaign while opposing Evers' mandate (because they're assholes)
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Weekend Reading
Yes, Wisconsin legislators haven’t passed a bill in 6 monthsFace masks: what the data sayWe Must Save Democracy From ConspiraciesDonald Trump: Biden Better Take COVID-19 More Seriously or He Might Get It and Infect a Bunch of People
Convention Center Expansion Approved
Hundreds of millions for another boondoggle.
There are many better ways to spend this money.
Amendments
Pelosi introduces bill under 25th Amendment for commission to evaluate fitness of future presidents
While the Democrats are introducing new Amendments, how about a few of these:
- Abolish the Electoral College
- Make the number of Senators a state has dependent on the state's population
- Make elections free and fair
- Correct gerrymandered districts, bi-partisanly establish how districts are to be drawn
- Set term limits for the Supreme Court
Thursday, October 8, 2020
Weekend Reading
Should Sheriff’s Budget Be Cut?Conservative Group Seeks Immediate Stop To Wisconsin Mask MandateThe truth about violent crime in American cities, explained in 11 chartsBlack people were 8 times more likely to be pulled over by Milwaukee police in 2019 than white people, new report saysIdaho pastor who encouraged congregants to go maskless is in intensive care unit after contracting coronavirusA Disgusting Night for DemocracyCovid-19’s stunningly unequal death toll in America, in one chartThe Decline of Wisconsin’s Republican PartyTrumpworld delighted in cruelty. Now that Trump has COVID, it demands empathy.‘A Symbol Of Your Own Failures’: Jake Tapper Takes It To TrumpWhy Should Court End Mask Mandate, Judge Asks
Friday, September 25, 2020
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
A Much Bigger Income Shift To Top 1% Than Anyone Thought
Landmark Study: A Much Bigger Income Shift To Top 1% Than Anyone Thought
A new analysis by the RAND Corporation examines what rising inequality has cost Americans in lost income—and the results are even bigger than expected.
Midweek Reading
Blue States are Not Wrong to Want to Restore the Deduction for State and Local Taxes
Trump calls for Fox News journalist to be fired for report on war dead scandal
How Dangerous Is Police Work?
Science Magazine Editor Pens Scathing Critique Of Trump’s ‘Shameful’ COVID-19 Lies
Trump claims crime is up in US cities. The truth is more complicated.
58% of Key Great Lakes Wetlands Unprotected50 years later, Milton Friedman’s shareholder doctrine is dead
Monday, September 7, 2020
More Holiday Reading
Norquist Says City Not ‘Most Racist’
Trump Compares Police Shooting Of Jacob Blake To Golfer Who ‘Chokes’ During Putt
Bill Ackman on saving capitalism: Every child in the U.S. could be given enough money at birth to become millionaires by retirement
Kenosha destroyed Tucker Carlson’s narrative
From QAnon to Kyle Rittenhouse, the Right is Sinking Deeper Into an Alternate Reality
Kyle Rittenhouse, Kenosha, and the Sheepdog Mentality
Trump's Presidency in Seven Metrics
White supremacists and militias have infiltrated police across US, report says
How the Myth of a Liberal North Erases a Long History of White Violence
Trump Compares Police Shooting Of Jacob Blake To Golfer Who ‘Chokes’ During Putt
Bill Ackman on saving capitalism: Every child in the U.S. could be given enough money at birth to become millionaires by retirement
Kenosha destroyed Tucker Carlson’s narrative
From QAnon to Kyle Rittenhouse, the Right is Sinking Deeper Into an Alternate Reality
Kyle Rittenhouse, Kenosha, and the Sheepdog Mentality
Trump's Presidency in Seven Metrics
White supremacists and militias have infiltrated police across US, report says
How the Myth of a Liberal North Erases a Long History of White Violence
Why police encouraged a teenager with a gun to patrol Kenosha’s streets
Central bankers need to overhaul outdated thinking on labor markets
Writing is the best way to discover what you think
Central bankers need to overhaul outdated thinking on labor markets
Holiday Reading
The Fed has a new approach to inflation: What it means for your savings, credit-card debt — and your mortgage rate
U.S. Debt Is Set to Exceed Size of the Economy Next Year, a First Since World War II
Black-Scholes Option Pricing is Wrong
10 Crucial Things That Result From Einstein’s Theories of Relativity
U.S. Debt Is Set to Exceed Size of the Economy Next Year, a First Since World War II
Black-Scholes Option Pricing is Wrong
10 Crucial Things That Result From Einstein’s Theories of Relativity
Do Your Fucking Job!!!
Vos Task Force Deflects Actual Action. Speaker refuses to convene legislature to address policing and racial disparities.
Robin Vos is a piece of shit.
Sorry, maybe that's unfair to feces.
Robin Vos is a selfish, know-nothing, do-nothing, waste of space.
Friday, August 28, 2020
Weekend Reading
Jacob Blake's mother calls for prayers, end to violent protests in Kenosha
CEO Pay Has Risen 1,167% Since 1978
The MyPillow Guy, explained by someone who read his memoir
The age of endarkenment
Record $926 million flows into controversial Chicago TIF districts, more than a third of city property taxes
CEO Pay Has Risen 1,167% Since 1978
The MyPillow Guy, explained by someone who read his memoir
The age of endarkenment
Record $926 million flows into controversial Chicago TIF districts, more than a third of city property taxes
The City Planners' Case for Defunding the Police
Daniel Dale On Convention Lies: 'It's Hard For Me To Know Where To Start'
Crooks & Liars Staffers Remember The Wonderful Values Of Ronald Reagan
Daniel Dale On Convention Lies: 'It's Hard For Me To Know Where To Start'
Thursday, August 27, 2020
Friday, July 31, 2020
Weekend Reading
Barr Condemned For Spreading Misinformation On Vote By Mail
150,000 Americans have died from Covid-19. Here's why that staggering loss of life can't be ignored
It’s Going to Be a Long and Harsh Recession: NYT Warns of Skills Gap
A Milwaukee pastor compared mask mandates to the Holocaust at a Brookfield Common Council meeting
Why Vos and Fitzgerald Fear Fair Maps
Most Americans Are Buying Into President Trump’s False Arguments About Crime Conservative Legal Expert: Trump Election Tweets Are Grounds For Impeachment
150,000 Americans have died from Covid-19. Here's why that staggering loss of life can't be ignored
It’s Going to Be a Long and Harsh Recession: NYT Warns of Skills Gap
A Milwaukee pastor compared mask mandates to the Holocaust at a Brookfield Common Council meeting
Why Vos and Fitzgerald Fear Fair Maps
Most Americans Are Buying Into President Trump’s False Arguments About Crime Conservative Legal Expert: Trump Election Tweets Are Grounds For Impeachment
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Midweek Reading
A New Understanding of Herd Immunity
Financial challenges will force conversation about cutting Milwaukee police budget
Inside Trump’s Failure: The Rush to Abandon Leadership Role on the Virus
Ohio House Speaker Arrested In Connection With $60 Million Bribery Scheme
Obama Built Most of Trump’s Good Economy
Financial challenges will force conversation about cutting Milwaukee police budget
Inside Trump’s Failure: The Rush to Abandon Leadership Role on the Virus
Ohio House Speaker Arrested In Connection With $60 Million Bribery Scheme
Obama Built Most of Trump’s Good Economy
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Friday, July 17, 2020
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Midweek Reading
Lincoln Project’s new ad brutally smacks down GOP cowardice
It’s Going to Be a Long and Harsh Recession: NYT Warns of Skills Gap
75 Years of American Finance: 1861-1935
The leveraging of America: how companies became addicted to debt
Is your dog younger (relative to human years) than you think? Study debunks 7 years claim
County Parks Lost Funding to Bucks Arena
Paul Krugman Sinks Donald Trump With A Titanic Analogy About His Coronavirus Failings
Roger Stone Still A ‘Convicted Felon,’ And ‘Rightly So,’ Says Robert Mueller In Angry Op-Ed
The murder that inspired Twin Peaks is the subject of a new documentary
The leveraging of America: how companies became addicted to debt
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
Republican Business As Usual: Do As They Say, Not As They Do
Legislators Who Opposed Pandemic Aid Grab Grants
Robin Vos and three other Republicans who opposed federal grants got at least $150,000.McConnell's Wife's Family Business Appears on Trump Admin's List of Companies That Received Most PPP Money
A shipping business started by Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao's family received at least $350,000 in loans set aside for companies struggling as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, according to data published Monday by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
Midweek Reading
The real cost of Amazon
How Many Fewer Cops With A 10% Cut?
Republicans fought for local control over virus restrictions, now they’re fighting that local control
Why venture capital doesn’t build the things we really need
Oil And Gas Pipelines Look Like Increasingly Risky Bets
Beloit billionaire Diane Hendricks’ controversial charter school McConnell's Wife's Family Business Appears on Trump Admin's List of Companies That Received Most PPP Money The Study That Debunks Most Anti-Abortion Arguments
How Many Fewer Cops With A 10% Cut?
Republicans fought for local control over virus restrictions, now they’re fighting that local control
Why venture capital doesn’t build the things we really need
Oil And Gas Pipelines Look Like Increasingly Risky Bets
Beloit billionaire Diane Hendricks’ controversial charter school McConnell's Wife's Family Business Appears on Trump Admin's List of Companies That Received Most PPP Money The Study That Debunks Most Anti-Abortion Arguments
Monday, June 29, 2020
Thursday, June 18, 2020
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Police Education & Training
Midweek Reading
Wisconsin Police Have $45 Million Surplus In Military Equipment
Protests against police put $454 million in military gear under spotlight
Coronavirus Cases Surge In Alabama, South Carolina And Oklahoma
One of America’s worst acts of racial violence was in Tulsa. Now, it’s the site of Trump’s first rally in months.
Protests against police put $454 million in military gear under spotlight
Coronavirus Cases Surge In Alabama, South Carolina And Oklahoma
One of America’s worst acts of racial violence was in Tulsa. Now, it’s the site of Trump’s first rally in months.
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
Too Many Cops
The national average is just under 28 per 10,000.
[source]
We must also remember that the current average of 28 per 10,000 population is the average in our current over-policed nation. It's plausible and probably preferable that the average be closer to 20, 15 or even 10 per 10,000 population. This further drives home the point that we have too many police.
Midweek Reading
A federal judge who accused Barr of ‘distorting’ the Mueller report has read an unredacted version — and now he’s demanding some answers
Minneapolis may be the first city to dismantle the police
Alex Vitale, author of The End of Policing, on why cops are being so brutal and what should be done with them
America’s Civil War
10 Steps States Should Take to End Corporate Giveaways
Milwaukee now in phase 3 of reopening: Here's what that means Trump Has Imprisoned Himself in the White House Police unions dig in as calls for reform grow
Minneapolis may be the first city to dismantle the police
Alex Vitale, author of The End of Policing, on why cops are being so brutal and what should be done with them
America’s Civil War
10 Steps States Should Take to End Corporate Giveaways
Milwaukee now in phase 3 of reopening: Here's what that means Trump Has Imprisoned Himself in the White House Police unions dig in as calls for reform grow
Monday, June 8, 2020
Saturday, June 6, 2020
Bad Cops & The Insufferably Woke
Times are tough. Really tough. Donald Trump is our so-called leader. A pandemic is sweeping the globe. Unemployment has exploded. America's inability to address racism and inequality is, again, on display.
Social media has been full of hashtags and finger-pointing. The righteous woke folk, cohorts of the cancel culture, are again calling for purity among the herd, while virtue-signaling their own superiority.
Most recently, in Milwaukee, the dust-up has been over Mayor Tom Barrett, on a Thursday, announcing that bars and restaurants could open to 25% capacity, on a Friday.
Complaints of this announcement ranged from a lack of notice, being a distraction, being political, to ... well, things really just went off the rails. This seems typical of liberals - the urge to eat their own. The immediate issue here would seem to be racism and/or police brutality. Yet somehow this has veered off into when and how restaurants should open up, how they're notified about such, the guidelines, how the mayor is a meanie, being a distraction or not, and so many other rabbit holes.
It became clear this was, again, another case of the self-superior types (and they all seem to be white) patting themselves on the back while, in essence, going after what would appear to be their allies because of a perceived lack of purity.
Lack of Notice
Many complaints were about the lack of notice regarding the reopening and their inability, thus, to prepare for such. But nothing said your bar or restaurant has to reopen right now. The mayor just gave notice that bars and restaurants could open at 25% capacity. After being closed for over two months (or just having curbside pick-up) one would think this would be good news for struggling bars and restaurants.
And, what exactly would have been the right amount of notice? How should this notice have been given? Is it a week? Two weeks? Was the mayor supposed to call each and every bar and restaurant owner to notify and or discuss.
If you don't want to open, don't. But know that you can when you want to and you are ready.
Guidelines
Another complaint was a perceived lack of guidelines for reopening. Yet guidelines for how we all interact during the pandemic have been spelled out, repeatedly, by the CDC, the WHO, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, the Wisconsin Department of Health and the City of Milwaukee Health Department, to name a few. Wear a mask, stay 6 feet apart, wash your hands a lot, disinfect surfaces a lot, etc.
Milwaukee Releases Five Criteria To Open Up
5 Issues that Should Be Part of Efforts to Reform Policing in Local Communities
U.S. Police Shootings: Blacks Disproportionately Affected
Social media has been full of hashtags and finger-pointing. The righteous woke folk, cohorts of the cancel culture, are again calling for purity among the herd, while virtue-signaling their own superiority.
Most recently, in Milwaukee, the dust-up has been over Mayor Tom Barrett, on a Thursday, announcing that bars and restaurants could open to 25% capacity, on a Friday.
Complaints of this announcement ranged from a lack of notice, being a distraction, being political, to ... well, things really just went off the rails. This seems typical of liberals - the urge to eat their own. The immediate issue here would seem to be racism and/or police brutality. Yet somehow this has veered off into when and how restaurants should open up, how they're notified about such, the guidelines, how the mayor is a meanie, being a distraction or not, and so many other rabbit holes.
It became clear this was, again, another case of the self-superior types (and they all seem to be white) patting themselves on the back while, in essence, going after what would appear to be their allies because of a perceived lack of purity.
Lack of Notice
Many complaints were about the lack of notice regarding the reopening and their inability, thus, to prepare for such. But nothing said your bar or restaurant has to reopen right now. The mayor just gave notice that bars and restaurants could open at 25% capacity. After being closed for over two months (or just having curbside pick-up) one would think this would be good news for struggling bars and restaurants.
And, what exactly would have been the right amount of notice? How should this notice have been given? Is it a week? Two weeks? Was the mayor supposed to call each and every bar and restaurant owner to notify and or discuss.
If you don't want to open, don't. But know that you can when you want to and you are ready.
Guidelines
Another complaint was a perceived lack of guidelines for reopening. Yet guidelines for how we all interact during the pandemic have been spelled out, repeatedly, by the CDC, the WHO, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, the Wisconsin Department of Health and the City of Milwaukee Health Department, to name a few. Wear a mask, stay 6 feet apart, wash your hands a lot, disinfect surfaces a lot, etc.
Milwaukee Releases Five Criteria To Open Up
Milwaukee outlines plan to re-open city
Distraction
Others complained this was a distraction - to allow bars and restaurants to open up now - during a time of protest for racial justice and police accountability. So, my question here is, are businesses to stay closed until we have complete racial harmony? What is the time frame?
Do some think people don't have the ability to walk and chew gum? People can't be focused on societal improvement ... and occasionally go out to eat?
So, let me get this straight, the George Floyd murder, at the hands of a piece of shit cop (and his shitty accomplices), has inflamed our better senses, but if we can suddenly dine out again, we'll forget about that? If that's the case, you're not as righteous, woke, or enlightened as you think you are.
Pushing for people to concentrate on one thought, or being able to only hold one idea at a time, doesn't make you a woke warrior, it makes you a baby. People can do more than one thing. If the fact that the mayor announcing a 25% capacity reopening for bars and restaurants has distracted you from the fact that America is, and has been, extremely racist and has a lot of work do, you're not woke, you're not an adult, you're just a squirrel distracted by any sudden noise or light.
And, it appears most of the recent distraction and other complaints about reopening are coming from white people. Which begs the question, where have you been? There's a long history of racism, oppression, segregation and inequality in America. It didn't just start in May 2020.
If you're so woke, let's look through all of your Twitter, Instagram and Facebook posts over the years and see how much time and effort you put forth in seeking racial equality and justice. Some of these same people were complaining of the lockdown not too long ago. Being closed, or being deemed non-essential, not being able to operate, that was un-American. The government, in trying to manage the pandemic, was overreaching and putting businesses at risk.
Seems to be a lot of bandwagon-jumpers with slogans and hashtags, pretending they've been part of the solution all along, and then criticizing, what would appear to be, their allies for not being as perfect as them, in their little fictionalized, sanitized, revisionist world.
The Mayor
A lot of vitriol has been throw at Mayor Barrett. He may not be perfect, but he sure as hell just seems to be trying to do the right thing. But let me get this straight, he alone is supposed to run a major city, try to manage the pandemic and solve racism?
Further, the mayor is not the police. Tom Barrett doesn't make the call for tear gas, rubber bullets or the use of force. Tom Barrett has called for officers to be fired and he has marched with the protesters. Tom Barrett took a pipe beating at State Fair to protect a baby and her grandmother. He is not some insensitive, racist, political apparatchik. He's doing his best to try to keep the city safe while trying to figure out how to move forward and right the wrongs. But there are no guidelines for this (at least not as many clear and concise guidelines as there are for operating your business during a pandemic); sometimes you have to figure it out as you go.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett joins protesters in Wisconsin against police killing of George Floyd
The Police
I've long complained about the police. Not that they are all bad or that it's not a tough job. But their budgets take way too much money from municipalities, which could be used for economic development, training, education, small business loans, etc. Which could go a long way toward helping poverty and inequality.
Yet, there are a lot of bad police doing bad things and costing their municipalities millions of dollars for their criminality. They need better vetting, training and accountability. Our country needs a paradigm shift in how we look at and operate our policing and law enforcement.
Also, we just have too many police in too many communities. We need to focus on police serving and protecting rather than simply enforcing the law. Because their emphasis seems to be on the force part of enforcement.
In Closing
This country has a long way to go toward racial justice, fair pay, equal opportunity, health care as a right, giving voice to the voiceless, and numerous other issues where we sadly lag behind. So, by all means, peacefully protest, run for office, vote for candidates that will actually do something, join an advocacy or lobbying organization, or start a local group to focus on a particular issue. Focus on the issue(s), know your true enemy and don't cut off your nose to spite your face.
Proactive, Productive Ways to Help
Milwaukee Urban League using community roundtables to identify solutions to end injustice
4 Ideas That Could Begin to Reform the Criminal Justice System and Improve Police-Community RelationsDistraction
Others complained this was a distraction - to allow bars and restaurants to open up now - during a time of protest for racial justice and police accountability. So, my question here is, are businesses to stay closed until we have complete racial harmony? What is the time frame?
Do some think people don't have the ability to walk and chew gum? People can't be focused on societal improvement ... and occasionally go out to eat?
So, let me get this straight, the George Floyd murder, at the hands of a piece of shit cop (and his shitty accomplices), has inflamed our better senses, but if we can suddenly dine out again, we'll forget about that? If that's the case, you're not as righteous, woke, or enlightened as you think you are.
Pushing for people to concentrate on one thought, or being able to only hold one idea at a time, doesn't make you a woke warrior, it makes you a baby. People can do more than one thing. If the fact that the mayor announcing a 25% capacity reopening for bars and restaurants has distracted you from the fact that America is, and has been, extremely racist and has a lot of work do, you're not woke, you're not an adult, you're just a squirrel distracted by any sudden noise or light.
And, it appears most of the recent distraction and other complaints about reopening are coming from white people. Which begs the question, where have you been? There's a long history of racism, oppression, segregation and inequality in America. It didn't just start in May 2020.
If you're so woke, let's look through all of your Twitter, Instagram and Facebook posts over the years and see how much time and effort you put forth in seeking racial equality and justice. Some of these same people were complaining of the lockdown not too long ago. Being closed, or being deemed non-essential, not being able to operate, that was un-American. The government, in trying to manage the pandemic, was overreaching and putting businesses at risk.
Seems to be a lot of bandwagon-jumpers with slogans and hashtags, pretending they've been part of the solution all along, and then criticizing, what would appear to be, their allies for not being as perfect as them, in their little fictionalized, sanitized, revisionist world.
The Mayor
A lot of vitriol has been throw at Mayor Barrett. He may not be perfect, but he sure as hell just seems to be trying to do the right thing. But let me get this straight, he alone is supposed to run a major city, try to manage the pandemic and solve racism?
Further, the mayor is not the police. Tom Barrett doesn't make the call for tear gas, rubber bullets or the use of force. Tom Barrett has called for officers to be fired and he has marched with the protesters. Tom Barrett took a pipe beating at State Fair to protect a baby and her grandmother. He is not some insensitive, racist, political apparatchik. He's doing his best to try to keep the city safe while trying to figure out how to move forward and right the wrongs. But there are no guidelines for this (at least not as many clear and concise guidelines as there are for operating your business during a pandemic); sometimes you have to figure it out as you go.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett joins protesters in Wisconsin against police killing of George Floyd
The Police
I've long complained about the police. Not that they are all bad or that it's not a tough job. But their budgets take way too much money from municipalities, which could be used for economic development, training, education, small business loans, etc. Which could go a long way toward helping poverty and inequality.
Yet, there are a lot of bad police doing bad things and costing their municipalities millions of dollars for their criminality. They need better vetting, training and accountability. Our country needs a paradigm shift in how we look at and operate our policing and law enforcement.
Also, we just have too many police in too many communities. We need to focus on police serving and protecting rather than simply enforcing the law. Because their emphasis seems to be on the force part of enforcement.
In Closing
This country has a long way to go toward racial justice, fair pay, equal opportunity, health care as a right, giving voice to the voiceless, and numerous other issues where we sadly lag behind. So, by all means, peacefully protest, run for office, vote for candidates that will actually do something, join an advocacy or lobbying organization, or start a local group to focus on a particular issue. Focus on the issue(s), know your true enemy and don't cut off your nose to spite your face.
Proactive, Productive Ways to Help
Milwaukee Urban League using community roundtables to identify solutions to end injustice
5 Issues that Should Be Part of Efforts to Reform Policing in Local Communities
Thursday, June 4, 2020
Weekend Reading
‘Rich Mitch’ Bashed In New Republican Lincoln Project Ad As Kentucky Suffers
Jared Kushner is a Know Nothing – not just because he has failed on so many fronts
The CDC Finally Released New Guidelines For Offices To Reopen Amid Coronavirus
Want to Fix Urban Sprawl? Ditch the Cul-de-Sac
Coronavirus May Be a Blood Vessel Disease, Which Explains Everything
These Hospitals Pinned Their Hopes on Private Management Companies. Now They’re Deeper in Debt.
How to reform American police, according to experts
Cities, including D.C, are closing streets to make way for restaurants and pedestrians
The Curious Case of the People Who Want to “Reopen” America—But Not Wear Masks
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Midweek Reading
State Sees Biggest Hike In New COVID-19 Hospital Admissions In 30 Days
Too Big to Fail: The Entire Private Sector
Covid-19 cases surge in some states as Americans celebrate Memorial Day weekend
White House Press Secretary: Golf Is Not OK While U.S. Mourns (Trump Exempt)
Scott Walker has a plan to make everything worse
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Midweek Reading
Bryan Adams apologises after 'bat eating' coronavirus rant
Rand Paul Tells Dr. Anthony Fauci He Should Have a Little “Humility"
Gov. Tony Evers: GOP Leaders 'Unconcerned' About Patchwork Of COVID-19 Response How the Coronavirus is Killing the Middle Class Trump calls coronavirus testing ‘overrated,’ claims U.S. would have ‘very few’ cases if no testing Politicians failed us. So it's up to citizens to protect Wisconsin We could stop the pandemic by July 4 if the government took these steps The Great Lakes are higher than they’ve ever been, and we’re not sure what will happen next The 12 deadliest viruses on Earth See which states still have increasing rates of COVID-19
Rand Paul Tells Dr. Anthony Fauci He Should Have a Little “Humility"
Gov. Tony Evers: GOP Leaders 'Unconcerned' About Patchwork Of COVID-19 Response How the Coronavirus is Killing the Middle Class Trump calls coronavirus testing ‘overrated,’ claims U.S. would have ‘very few’ cases if no testing Politicians failed us. So it's up to citizens to protect Wisconsin We could stop the pandemic by July 4 if the government took these steps The Great Lakes are higher than they’ve ever been, and we’re not sure what will happen next The 12 deadliest viruses on Earth See which states still have increasing rates of COVID-19
Monday, May 18, 2020
Conservative Chaos
Talk about a dereliction of duty. Conservatives at the Federal, State and Local level are acting irresponsibly, endangering people and completely ignoring common sense and good judgement.
Wisconsin's stay-at-home order has been overturned by the state Supreme Court; here's how people are responding
If some Americans won’t take COVID-19 seriously, they should agree not to be treated
Wisconsin's stay-at-home order has been overturned by the state Supreme Court; here's how people are responding
Wisconsin Supreme Court strikes down Wisconsin's stay-at-home order that closed businesses to limit spread of coronavirus
No. We cannot shut down parts of the economy and stay at home forever. But we are a large enough economy and have the expertise to figure this out. Another massive recession or thousands of deaths are not the only two choices. Leadership and decisive action are what's needed. Conservatives, thus far, have provided neither.
A proper Federal response would have been to take this seriously in January, start getting everyone tested, begin contact tracing, restrict travel and begin staying at home. At the same time, invoke the Defense Production Act to produce ventilators, masks, personal protective equipment and any other items the pandemic response team or medical professionals feel are necessary.
Also, this can't be a state-by-state decision. A pandemic needs a Federal, if not global, response. Due to the travel of people and goods, we need everyone operating by the same rules.
Safer-at-home order extended in Brown County after state Supreme Court overturns it
No. We cannot shut down parts of the economy and stay at home forever. But we are a large enough economy and have the expertise to figure this out. Another massive recession or thousands of deaths are not the only two choices. Leadership and decisive action are what's needed. Conservatives, thus far, have provided neither.
A proper Federal response would have been to take this seriously in January, start getting everyone tested, begin contact tracing, restrict travel and begin staying at home. At the same time, invoke the Defense Production Act to produce ventilators, masks, personal protective equipment and any other items the pandemic response team or medical professionals feel are necessary.
Also, this can't be a state-by-state decision. A pandemic needs a Federal, if not global, response. Due to the travel of people and goods, we need everyone operating by the same rules.
Safer-at-home order extended in Brown County after state Supreme Court overturns it
And, if you're not going to take this pandemic seriously, don't bother going to the hospital or taking the time of medical professionals if you're infected or experiencing symptoms. Since you think you know more than the actual infectious disease experts, you're on your own. Curl up in your MAGA hat, cling to your gun, and pray for relief. Ya know, thoughts and prayers.
If some Americans won’t take COVID-19 seriously, they should agree not to be treated
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Midweek Reading
States are opening up as their COVID-19 numbers rise
Supreme Court Chief Justice Roggensack blasted as 'elitist,' 'out of touch' for meatpacking remark
Just how contagious is COVID-19? This chart puts it in perspective.
Death of the office
“It’s a Huge Job”: The Only Way to Contain the Coronavirus Is by Contact Tracing
Supreme Court Chief Justice Roggensack blasted as 'elitist,' 'out of touch' for meatpacking remark
Just how contagious is COVID-19? This chart puts it in perspective.
Death of the office
“It’s a Huge Job”: The Only Way to Contain the Coronavirus Is by Contact Tracing
Brains Misinformed By Republicans Shouldn't Get A Public Platform
The cognitive dissonance is great in this one.
Scott Walker, former Wisconsin governor and Milwaukee county executive who left both those posts in worse fiscal shape than he found them and the bozo that gave away billions to Foxconn, opines States mismanaged by Dems shouldn't get a bailout over pandemic.
Yes, like his dear leader Donald Trump, Walker believes that if you're not on his team - if you're a Democrat - your state shouldn't get help from the Federal government. Which is just what we all want in a leader, right? If you didn't vote for him/her, you're on your own.
Walker oddly cites Kevin Hassett as support for his rant, as if, by association, this bolsters his argument. Kevin Hassett, if you'll remember, is the same right-wing, know-nothing apparatchik that wrote Dow 36,000 - one of the worst and most laughable pieces of economic forecasting ever published.
These few lines from Walker were especially laughable, "Instead of bailing out state and local governments, the federal government should continue to support programs to keep workers on the payroll and to keep small businesses alive. While so many workers are experiencing layoffs, closures, furloughs or pay cuts, many state and local governments have yet to make meaningful reductions — even in “non-essential” areas."
This from the same guy that made Wisconsin a right-to-work state and gave away billions to a massive foreign corporation. Part of Walker's budgetary game-plan as governor were lay-offs and firings. It doesn't take a genius to cut programs and fire people to make budgetary numbers look better. It looks particularly worse when you turn around and take some of that money and give it to your cronies in the form of tax breaks and subsidies.
This is all typical Republican blathering. Talk about how much you care about workers and the little guy, and then turn around and give tax breaks, cut regulations and bend over backwards for big corporations and the wealthy.
Finally, if these Democratic ("blue") states are so mismanaged, why is it that these states are the ones subsidizing the Republican ("red") states? As an article from the Business Insider details, "Red States — the ones governed by folks who think government is too big and spending needs to be cut — are a net drain on the economy, taking in more federal spending than they pay out in federal taxes. They talk a good game, but stick Blue States with the bill."
As usual Scott Walker and the Republicans are just wrong. And, they are lying about their policies and the outcomes. They don't give a shit about workers, the little guy, small business, budgets, etc. They only care about themselves and power.
Scott Walker, former Wisconsin governor and Milwaukee county executive who left both those posts in worse fiscal shape than he found them and the bozo that gave away billions to Foxconn, opines States mismanaged by Dems shouldn't get a bailout over pandemic.
Yes, like his dear leader Donald Trump, Walker believes that if you're not on his team - if you're a Democrat - your state shouldn't get help from the Federal government. Which is just what we all want in a leader, right? If you didn't vote for him/her, you're on your own.
Walker oddly cites Kevin Hassett as support for his rant, as if, by association, this bolsters his argument. Kevin Hassett, if you'll remember, is the same right-wing, know-nothing apparatchik that wrote Dow 36,000 - one of the worst and most laughable pieces of economic forecasting ever published.
These few lines from Walker were especially laughable, "Instead of bailing out state and local governments, the federal government should continue to support programs to keep workers on the payroll and to keep small businesses alive. While so many workers are experiencing layoffs, closures, furloughs or pay cuts, many state and local governments have yet to make meaningful reductions — even in “non-essential” areas."
This from the same guy that made Wisconsin a right-to-work state and gave away billions to a massive foreign corporation. Part of Walker's budgetary game-plan as governor were lay-offs and firings. It doesn't take a genius to cut programs and fire people to make budgetary numbers look better. It looks particularly worse when you turn around and take some of that money and give it to your cronies in the form of tax breaks and subsidies.
This is all typical Republican blathering. Talk about how much you care about workers and the little guy, and then turn around and give tax breaks, cut regulations and bend over backwards for big corporations and the wealthy.
Finally, if these Democratic ("blue") states are so mismanaged, why is it that these states are the ones subsidizing the Republican ("red") states? As an article from the Business Insider details, "Red States — the ones governed by folks who think government is too big and spending needs to be cut — are a net drain on the economy, taking in more federal spending than they pay out in federal taxes. They talk a good game, but stick Blue States with the bill."
As usual Scott Walker and the Republicans are just wrong. And, they are lying about their policies and the outcomes. They don't give a shit about workers, the little guy, small business, budgets, etc. They only care about themselves and power.
Friday, May 8, 2020
More Weekend Reading
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Weekend Reading
The Politics of The Pandemic
Miscalculation at Every Level Left U.S. Unequipped to Fight Coronavirus
If Americans were healthier, we could have been better prepared for this pandemic
The wealthy face ‘one clear implication’ from the coronavirus, says man who led 2008 crisis restructuring efforts
Wisconsin’s Supreme Court Is Going to Use Fox News Arguments to Undo the State’s COVID-19 Restrictions
Jared Kushner’s Young Consultant Army Was Clueless On Coronavirus
Meet the Shadowy Accountants Who Do Trump’s Taxes and Help Him Seem Richer Than He Is
Miscalculation at Every Level Left U.S. Unequipped to Fight Coronavirus
If Americans were healthier, we could have been better prepared for this pandemic
The wealthy face ‘one clear implication’ from the coronavirus, says man who led 2008 crisis restructuring efforts
Wisconsin’s Supreme Court Is Going to Use Fox News Arguments to Undo the State’s COVID-19 Restrictions
Jared Kushner’s Young Consultant Army Was Clueless On Coronavirus
Meet the Shadowy Accountants Who Do Trump’s Taxes and Help Him Seem Richer Than He Is
Ad Nauseam Entrepreneurialism
John Torinus has an interesting article, UW System Needs New Kind of Leader, which raises pertinent issues and offers some reasonable options.
The only area I have strong disagreement with is his recommendation to "Emphasize entrepreneurship on each campus. Entrepreneurs re-invent economies, which Wisconsin will need in the rebound from our deepening recession. Some campuses are well down this path."
Entrepreneurship, entrepreneurialism, etc. has been pushed ad nauseam over the past few decades. This serious-sounding talking-point has little supporting evidence. This idea that everyone is a business mogul and everyone should be investing and/or starting a new business or venture, is a big reason this country is so ill-informed, ill-prepared, has crumbling infrastructure, and has seen the environment continually degraded.
The UWM Center for Economic Development performed an exhaustive study debunking the myth of the entrepreneurial university. The Hechinger Report echoed similar findings in Think universities are making lots of money from inventions? Think again. Derek Lowe found similar results for his article Innovation, at Universities and in Industry. Two others whom have studied the issue extensively, Matthew Wisnioski and Lee Vinsel, have noted identical results, most recently in The Campus Innovation Myth.
The "entrepreneurialism" drum is one that we should have stopped pounding long ago.
The only area I have strong disagreement with is his recommendation to "Emphasize entrepreneurship on each campus. Entrepreneurs re-invent economies, which Wisconsin will need in the rebound from our deepening recession. Some campuses are well down this path."
Entrepreneurship, entrepreneurialism, etc. has been pushed ad nauseam over the past few decades. This serious-sounding talking-point has little supporting evidence. This idea that everyone is a business mogul and everyone should be investing and/or starting a new business or venture, is a big reason this country is so ill-informed, ill-prepared, has crumbling infrastructure, and has seen the environment continually degraded.
The UWM Center for Economic Development performed an exhaustive study debunking the myth of the entrepreneurial university. The Hechinger Report echoed similar findings in Think universities are making lots of money from inventions? Think again. Derek Lowe found similar results for his article Innovation, at Universities and in Industry. Two others whom have studied the issue extensively, Matthew Wisnioski and Lee Vinsel, have noted identical results, most recently in The Campus Innovation Myth.
The "entrepreneurialism" drum is one that we should have stopped pounding long ago.
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Midweek Reading
Injections of Bleach? Beams of Light? Trump Is Self-Destructing Before Our Eyes
'It's overhyped': Trump Mega-Donor Pushes to End Wisconsin's Stay-at-Home Order
The Junk Science of Robin Vos
The Pandemic Has Led to a Huge, Global Drop in Air Pollution
Stunning CNBC Anchor, Venture Capitalist says Let Hedge Funds Fail and Save Main Street
President’s Intelligence Briefing Book Repeatedly Cited Virus Threat
Tyson Foods Helped Create The Food Crisis It Now Warns Against
The Pandemic Shows What Cars Have Done to Cities
Scott Walker Loses Again
'It's overhyped': Trump Mega-Donor Pushes to End Wisconsin's Stay-at-Home Order
The Junk Science of Robin Vos
The Pandemic Has Led to a Huge, Global Drop in Air Pollution
Stunning CNBC Anchor, Venture Capitalist says Let Hedge Funds Fail and Save Main Street
President’s Intelligence Briefing Book Repeatedly Cited Virus Threat
Tyson Foods Helped Create The Food Crisis It Now Warns Against
The Pandemic Shows What Cars Have Done to Cities
Scott Walker Loses Again
Sunday, April 26, 2020
Coronavirus Is Much, Much Worse Than The Flu
The Daily Mail bluntly described the situation, Coronavirus has killed more Americans in one month than both flu and car accidents do in an entire YEAR.
As John McCormack noted:
Although there is still much we don’t know about the coronavirus, we know enough to say that it is far more dangerous and deadly than the flu. It took twelve months and 61 million infections for the H1N1 swine flu to kill 12,500 Americans in 2009–10. The Centers for Disease Control estimated that the seasonal flu killed 34,200 Americans during the 2018–19 flu season. In 2019, car crashes killed 38,800 Americans.
As for the new coronavirus? On March 20, the death toll in the United States was 225. By April 20, the coronavirus had killed more than 42,000 Americans.
Donald Trump, Republicans and the right-wing media have done such a disservice to this country by muddling this discussion with all their lies, misinformation and nonsense. This is the height of irresponsibility for those with a public platform. Turn off Fox News. Turn off Donald Trump. Listen to the experts.
Stick To Manufacturing & Commerce
WMC Unveils It's Plan To Reopen Wisconsin Business
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) - the name says it all. WMC are not infectious disease experts. Why should anyone care what their pandemic-opinion is?
They're more worried about their bottom-line (which is understandable) than the people who help make that possible for them. The WMC is fighting to make it harder for police and fire fighters to get workers compensation. I've had my issues with the pay-structure of police and fire departments. But using a pandemic to suppress others while lobbying for your own pocket-book, that's pretty low.
WMC, stick to manufacturing and commerce. We'll let the scientists, doctors, nurses and experts handle the pandemic. We'll let them decide when things can get back to "normal".
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