The Coronavirus - Two Weeks Later

As of about 4pm today, the total worldwide cases numbered 716,101, with worldwide deaths totaling 33,854. The total number of cases in the US was at 137,294, with 2,414 deaths. Obviously, those numbers have become outdated as I am typing this. The New York Times reported yesterday that the death rate in Italy was 10.8%, in Spain 8%, and in Germany only 0.72%. Based on the US numbers above, the death rate here is 1.7%. With the focus on cases and deaths, it is easy to forget that the majority of cases involve mild to moderate symptoms, with most people recovering.

It remains the case that older people are more at risk, but there has been an increasing number of cases and deaths among people under 60 years old. Men are apparently somewhat more vulnerable than women. Those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk, as are those with certain pre-existing conditions, such as cardiovascular disease (congestive heart failure and clogged arteries, although I have read hypertension as well). Diabetes seems to be another pre-existing condition increasing one's risk.

As happens with a national crisis, the President's approval rating has improved. A Gallup poll from 3/13-3/22/20, reflected 60% approved of President Trump's handling of the virus. Broken down by party, 94% of Republicans approve, 60% of independents approve, but only 27% of Democrats approve. Trump's overall approval rating was at 49%. In an ABC/IPSOS poll from 3/18-3/19/20, 55% approved of Trump's handling of the virus. A Fox poll had Trump's approval at 51%. A Pew Research poll from 3/19-3/24/20 showed 48% saying Trump was doing an excellent or good job, with Republicans at 83% and Democrats only at 18%. Significantly, however, Pew had Trump's approval among blacks up from 8% in January to 18%, among Hispanics up from 27% to 37% and among women up from 37% to 44%. If the Democrats simply disagreed with Trump's policies or simply disliked him, Trump's overall approval rating would be even higher. But we know that many Democrats have a visceral hatred of the President - which nothing can change.

Case in point: Nancy Pelosi, who said: "His (Trump's) denial at the beginning was deadly, his delaying of getting of getting equipment...to where it is needed is deadly..." Yeah, thanks Pelosi for leaving town and delaying a final vote on the 2 trillion dollar stimulus. Not to mention that Pelosi and Schumer held up the Senate's vote on the stimulus until they were able to throw in some money for left-wing causes unrelated to the virus. Pelosi has frequently said she prays for Trump. I'm sure. And I'm sure she passed on those same sentiments on to her daughter Christine, who recently said "Rand Paul's neighbor was right." Paul tested positive for the coronavirus, and delayed his self-quarantine. But to say that Paul's neighbor was right? That guy broke 5 of Paul's ribs and Paul had to have part of his lung removed. What a lovely family.

Another hater, Chris Cuomo of CNN, said this: "The President should say himself what his fringe friends are saying...they're okay with a certain number of the frail and the greatest generation dying off to make the economy come back sooner...your actions show the same inclination." My apologies, but what an asshole! So, a few people on the "fringe" may have said what Cuomo claims, and therefore that is what the President wants. Trump had expressed his hope that churches could be full by Easter Sunday, two weeks from today on April 12. Today, however, based on the recommendation of both Dr. Fauci and Dr. Birx, the President announced that the social distancing policies will remain in place through the end of April, and possibly beyond.

Of course, the Democrats and the mainstream media have another agenda beyond their hatred of Trump. We still have an election coming up in November. As presumed Democratic candidate Joe Biden is much less in the news these days, they clearly see a need to continue their non-stop attacks on Trump. Here's Rachel Maddow of MSNBC: "If he (Trump) keeps lying like he has been every day on stuff this important, all of us should stop broadcasting it (it being the now daily press briefings by Trump and the rest of his coronavirus team)." Funny. Not that long ago Trump was criticized for ending the White House daily press briefing. Now that Trump is doing it, Maddow does not want the media to broadcast it. She does not want the American people to even be able to hear from Dr. Fauci and Dr. Birx. Another elitist who does not trust the American people to decide for themselves. And, of course, she wants to deny Trump the media attention while Biden is mostly sidelined.

The unemployment numbers for the week ending 3/21/20 reached 3.283 million people. That number far exceeded the prior record of 695,000 in one week. The states suffering with the most claims were Pennsylvania with 378,908, Ohio with 187,784, California with 186,809, Texas with 155,657 and New Jersey with 155,454. Eventually, the 2 trillion dollar stimulus was passed. The Senate voted in favor 96-0. The House approved it on a voice vote. It is my understanding that the payment being made to individuals may be based on your 2019 income if you have filed your tax returns. Otherwise, it is based on one's 2018 income. Individuals who earned up to $75,000 will get $1200, and if married filing jointly will receive $2400 if the total earnings were under $150,000. But the amount of the check is decreased for earners between $75,000 and $99,000, with those earning more getting zero. Those receiving unemployment benefits will receive an extra $600 a week for up to 4 months.

$377 billion will be allotted for federally guaranteed loans to small businesses. $117 billion is earmarked for hospitals. $500 billion is for a government lending program for companies in distress. But there is a catch for some businesses as the government will be able to take an equity share in some of those businesses, such as airlines. This is somewhat reminiscent of the 2008 bailout of banks and the auto industry. It seems, however, that government involvement will be far more significant this time. While I support the government's involvement in trying to financially help individuals and businesses, I hope the involvement does not need to be more than a temporary fix. When we are past this, business people should be running businesses, not government bureaucrats.