@18:32, , 3/27/20

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1

Thomas Massie, House’s ‘Mr. No,’ Tries to Force Vote on Coronavirus Aid Bill

Catie Edmondson at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

The Kentucky libertarian’s tactics failed, but not before forcing lawmakers back to the Capitol for passage of the $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package, infuriating them and President Trump.

 The effort failed.

2 

Wisconsin Won’t Delay Its Primary, So the Governor Wants to Mail Everyone a Ballot

Nick Corasaniti and Stephanie Saul at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

As many other states delay their presidential primary elections amid the coronavirus pandemic, Wisconsin is plowing ahead with plans to vote on April 7.

It should work if Wisconsin hurries.

3 

Pentagon Order to Plan for Escalation in Iraq Meets Warning From Top Commander

Mark Mazzetti and Eric Schmitt at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

A secret Pentagon directive orders planning to try to destroy a militia group backed by Iran, but America’s top general in Iraq cautions of the risks.

Iraq should do the operation.

4 

Don’t Need That $1,200 Stimulus Check? Here Are Places to Donate It.

Amelia Nierenberg at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

The federal government approved a $2 trillion stimulus package, which includes direct payments to millions of Americans to help get through the coronavirus outbreak. If you don’t need the money, here are some ideas to help you give it to someone in need.

I do not expect a reliefe check.

5 

In Abrupt Shift, Trump Cites Need for Ventilators and Criticizes G.M.

David E. Sanger, Maggie Haberman and Annie Karni at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 3 hours ago

The attack came hours after the president charged that states were inflating their needs and shortly before G.M. said in a statement that it would manufacture the devices.

Donald Trump loves the sound of his voice.

6 

Here's How the House Can Voice Vote on the $2 Trillion Stimulus Package

Sheryl Gay Stolberg at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 6 hours ago

Leaders in both parties were hoping to pass the measure by voice vote, highly unusual for such consequential legislation. But the plan could collapse if even one lawmaker objects.

The voice vote did not happen.  The bill passed and was signed.

7 

Can the House Pass a $2 Trillion Stimulus by Voice Vote? Here’s How It Works

Sheryl Gay Stolberg at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 6 hours ago

Leaders in both parties were hoping to pass the measure by voice vote, highly unusual for such consequential legislation. But the plan could collapse if even one lawmaker objects.

Passed.

8 

E.P.A., Citing Coronavirus, Drastically Relaxes Rules for Polluters

Lisa Friedman at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 7 hours ago

The agency said it would not penalize companies that violate rules on monitoring and reporting pollution discharges. 

Companies should have to apply individually.

9 

Morning Covid-19 USA Data

Ian Welsh at Ian Welsh - 8 hours ago 

A reader who wishes to remain anonymous is tracking Covid cases using the daily John Hopkins numbers and is now sending me the data, a very kind gift. These numbers are the confirmed numbers. Credible reports are coming in that not all deaths are being properly attributed, and of course, we really don’t know how […]

Numbers worth watching.

10 

Can Trump Break a 50 Percent Approval Rating?

Giovanni Russonello at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 10 hours ago

As the coronavirus rages, Americans’ views of President Trump have risen slightly to reach record highs, polls show. But he remains polarizing.

I hope not.

11 

The Most Powerful People in American Politics Are Over 65

Katie Glueck and Sabrina Tavernise at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 13 hours ago

President Trump is 73. His leading rival is 77. And many of their strongest supporters — vulnerable to the coronavirus but enormously influential politically — are eligible for Social Security.

Some of them can think.  A few can do arithematic.  

12 

$2 Trillion Coronavirus Stimulus Bill Passes House

Emily Cochrane and Sheryl Gay Stolberg at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 13 hours ago

Dozens of lawmakers rushed back to Washington to thwart a stall tactic from Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky.

The law is not a mistake.  It is not enough.

13 

Man Charged With Making Death Threats to Nancy Pelosi in Coronavirus Rant

Neil Vigdor at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 18 hours ago

Gavin Weslee Blake Perry, 27, of Wichita Falls, Texas, wrote on Facebook that Democrats were terrorists and should be shot on sight, prosecutors said.

Prosecute him for the car bomb.

14 

Trump Administration Pulls Back From $1 Billion Coronavirus Ventilator Deal

David E. Sanger, Maggie Haberman and Zolan Kanno-Youngs at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 21 hours ago

A deal with General Motors and Ventec Life Systems to produce tens of thousands of the critical lifesaving devices seemed imminent. Then the announcement was pulled back.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/27/us/politics/coronavirus-trump-ventilators-gm-ventec.html

Trump is holding virtual ralies.

15 

How Will the Spending Be Spun?

Lisa Lerer at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 21 hours ago

American politics were rewired after the Great Recession. The current crisis could shake things up again.

https://www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-stimulus-package-questions-answers.html

This disease should destroy the "government is the problem" myth.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/28/world/coronavirus-live-news-updates.html

• U.S. cases surpass 100,000 as Trump signs $2 trillion aid package into law.
• New York may fine people in parks and houses of worship to stem the outbreak.
• As deaths surge, Spain and Italy look for signs of a turning point.
• More experts say Americans should probably start wearing masks.
• Hong Kong and Singapore impose new restrictions as case numbers climb.
• The pope confronts the virus: ‘We find ourselves afraid.’
• Ireland enters a strict lockdown, and the U.K. checks its rule book.

16 

Venezuelan Leader Maduro Is Charged in the U.S. With Drug Trafficking

William K. Rashbaum, Benjamin Weiser and Katie Benner at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 21 hours ago

Federal prosecutors accused President Nicolás Maduro of participating in a narco-terrorism conspiracy, in a major escalation of the Trump administration’s efforts to pressure him to leave office.

Venezuela is a sovereign nation.
Venezuela should prosecute Maduro if there is any solid evidence.

17 

Coronavirus relief bill: What it means for business

Jim Tankersley, Alan Rappeport, David Gelles, Peter Eavis and David Yaffe-Bellany at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 22 hours ago

The $2 trillion aid package is expected to save jobs and bail out companies, but it reorders the relationship between government and private industry.

It should mean the end of the Tea  party.
Mainly we will wait and see.

18 

Trump Says He Will Label Regions by Risk of Coronavirus Threat

Annie Karni at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 22 hours ago

The federal guidelines are meant to help states decide whether to relax or enhance the quarantine and social distancing measures they have put in place.

That will be hard to measure.

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-us-cases.html#g-cases-by-county

I did not see a county without a case.

19 

Trump’s Baseless Claim That a Recession Would Be Deadlier Than the Coronavirus

Linda Qiu at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 22 hours ago

The opposite is more likely to be true, according to research and experts.

Unfought Covid-19 would be worse.
Trump could know if he asked.

20 

U.S. Officials Push for Expelling Suspected Chinese Spies at Media Outlets

Edward Wong and Julian E. Barnes at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Trump administration officials are discussing taking action after China said it would expel almost all American journalists for The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal.

China is a sovereign nation.

The U.S. is supposed to have no secrets that are known to the public.



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