A few days ago, in a coordinated effort not just to lower the bar for Donald Trump, but actually burry it, some on the right began floating the ridiculous idea that any American president capable of facing our current circumstances, and coming out of it with fewer than 200,000 dead, should be resoundingly hailed as a hero. Well, as someone who’s old enough to remember, back during the Obama administration, when just four dead Americans was considered absolutely unacceptable, I found this a pretty interesting subject for exploration. So I sat down this evening to write about this strange phenomenon, starting with Trump supporter Bill Mitchell, who, earlier this week, asked his Twitter audience, “So, if we get less than 200,000 COVID-19 deaths in America, can we all agree that Trump is the greatest president of all time?”
Well, I was making some pretty good headway with it. I was sitting here, writing all the usual stuff that you might expect — all the links to stories about intelligence warnings that Donald Trump had ignored, his long list of lies downplaying the severity of what was headed our way, and the all the rest of it — but, out of the corner of my eye, I just kept looking at this picture that our old friend D’Real Graham had sent me a few days ago, along with a note about how he’s been restocking this River Street pantry every day between 12:30 and 2:30 during this COVID-19 crisis of ours, and it got me wondering why in the fuck I’d spend any more time outlining the lies of Donald Trump when I could be sharing things like this instead… So I just stopped mid-post… I know I’ll eventually get caught back up in it, but, for now, I’m happy to let go of the idea, at least temporarily, that anyone could consider the deaths of 200,000 American citizens a victory, and just focus instead upon the fact that there are good people out there in the world like D’Real, putting food on the shelves at 315 River Street for anyone who might need it, without question.
If you’d like to visit the grab-and-go pantry, to either take a non-perishable item, or leave one, I’m told by D’Real that it’s open 24/7, every day.
Also, if you’re interested in finding out about other resources that are available in the area, I visited the community pantry a few days ago and took a photo of the sign out front, which lists all the local food distribution points and times… If you know of other resources, please leave a comment, OK? And best of luck, everyone.
49 Comments
Don’t forget to wear a face covering to protect others from yourself. I would very much prefer to see that.
I dove by the us127 Jackson Meijer yesterday and the parking lot was full. That store serves a huge rural area for folks with few choices who must congregate to get supplies. Just guessing that masks are not being worn and that transmission is occurring.
I went to Busch’s for groceries yesterday. One customer was moving all the milk containers around apparently to choose some particular one, and then didn’t choose one to purchase anyway. Earlier there was some person just standing right in front of the milk cooler talking on the phone for a half hour or so.
From what I watched people doing, I can definitely understand why the virus is spreading so quickly.
Please only touch the containers you are going to keep. Also, please don’t loiter in places where people are coming and going.
I went through the parking lot at Meijer and saw about 300 to 400 cars and about a dozen people walking in and out, a few coughing.
Aloha, I guess you guys missed the call to not shop April 1-3. SNAP recipients get there monthly allotment on the first and there is a fear that prosperous folks will hoard cheaper foods (SNAP recipients can only purchase approved items) not leaving any for the folks who can only purchase the SNAP items.
Busch’s was well stocked. Only toilet paper is sold out.
What are the SNAP items, Wobblie?
Aloha iRobert, Supplemental Nutritional Assistances Program is what we call food stamps now. I know at Meijer’s they indicated on the shelf tab if the item is SNAP eligible.
It has been decades since I received Food stamps. I have been told by friends that getting into the system can be a protracted process.
These types of no question asked food pantries can be critically important for some who have just lost there jobs and have zero savings to tide them through the two or four weeks before anybody gets any government assistance.
Wobblie— that well shared advisory re food stamps does not apply in MI where benefits are rotated throughout the month in order to prevent runs on goods.
One thing shoppers can do is avoid buying WIC qualifying foods which have a yellow WIC shelf tag in most places that accept the cards.
I had an allergic reaction at the grocery store the other day (disinfectants aren’t great for my allergies) and had to run into the bathroom to sneeze. I covered my nose with my elbow but it was inadequate. I had to notify staff so they could sanitize. It was embarrassing and stupid. So yes to masks. I’m making some now. And I’m taking allergy medicine before I go out. I have never been more conscious of how often I’m inclined to touch my face or how often I sneeze and cough.
Was that at Busch’s, Jean? We’re you on the phone in front of the milk cooler at the time?
Sorry. My autocorrect is making more work for me.
Was that at Busch’s, Jean? Were you on the phone in front of the milk cooler at the time?
Washington Post: “Opinion: We must hold politicians responsible for deaths they could have prevented”
Read more:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/04/01/we-must-hold-politicians-responsible-deaths-they-could-have-prevented/
No iRobert. I said I went to the bathroom to sneeze.
If you were in far corner of the ladies’ bathroom at Plum Market, you saw me.
Your heightened anticipation around a possible gotcha moment is noted though. You must have been charming in middle school.
I just wanted everyone here to know where you shop so we all can avoid you.
The person at Busch’s camped out in front of the milk cooler did remind me of you though. Still, I knew it wasn’t you. They weren’t that horrible.
“The country has conducted over 300,000 tests, for a per-capita rate more than 40 times that of the United States.”
That seems a bit off. LOL. South Korea has a pop 1/6th ours and we have done 3x the tests.
If you want to know what the next round of bullshit they are going to try to sell you always read MMeta. There are amazing insights to be gleaned every time.
He’s not going to be held accountable, Mark. It’s just not going to happen. The electorate is not listening. Many are getting paychecks. Many low wage workers will be getting more money than they were earning before. This is a good thing that they deserve, but it’s also going to make them like Trump. The Dems did the right thing by putting together a workable (for most) the relief package, but it will likely cost them the presidency for another 4 years.
Had they passed the GOP one, they might have won re-election.
Trump is doing all he can to take credit for the passage of the Dem designed CARES Act. He’s on the air daily controlling that message. Unless something else happens we’re going to have another 4 years of Trump. He will have the honor of presiding over a recession and my bets are he’ll use this or it as justification to enact martial law.
Here’s some clarification FF. Lots of spin going on. Mark cited an earlier stat, we are catching up but too little too late. When in the course of the pandemic the tests were conducted is as important than how many. South Korea got in early with a higher number per capita. They still have double the number of tests per capita.
https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/03/30/824202653/fact-check-trumps-claims-on-u-s-testing-and-seoul-s-population
Does Double as a multiplier matter? Or are you trying to do that thing you do where one thing supposedly wrong (usually not actually wrong) is used to dismiss the larger point.
Tell me, FF, as a man of reason, do you think Trump has handled this well?
Personally I’m looking at Taiwan as the model. Kind of amazing how prepared they were and how quick to respond effectively.
40 is not 2
“The person at Busch’s camped out in front of the milk cooler did remind me of you though.”
How can someone remind you of me when you don’t know me, iRobert?
You’ve reported that you are symptomatic, iRobert. (I’m not)
What were you doing at Busch’s?
Early on in the pandemic, with less warning, they were testing at 40 times our rate at the equivalent time in our outbreak, FF.
Not now.
Do you understand why that matters?
Again: Tell me, FF, as a man of reason, do you think Trump has handled this well?
Someone else asked you many times.
Also, you have yet to explain your use of the Cassandra nickname for Lynne.
Asked several times…
You do realize that for every thing I comment on there about 20 other pieces of nonsense propaganda I don’t bother to address right?
Mark is part of a network of propagandists. I hope he is getting paid for it. You are just one of his goons.
I answered already though Jean. God bless Trump! He is doing a great job. The guy is amazing. Not perfect. Not particularly good at the emotional stuff but he has been excellent!
Do you want me to give you weekly updates on whether or not I think Trump is doing great?
“Also, you have yet to explain your use of the Cassandra nickname for Lynne.
Asked several times…”
LOL.
JH: lHow can someone remind you of me when you don’t know me, iRobert?”
You’re a very public person, Jean. Most people around Ann Arbor politics and active in the local community know who you are.
JH: “You’ve reported that you are symptomatic, iRobert. (I’m not) What were you doing at Busch’s?”
I’ve had very mild symptoms. I’ve had them for 10 days. I haven’t been coughing, and have not had a fever in many days. When I did, it was momentarily and very mild. I’m suspecting I’ve simply had a common cold. I have to get my own groceries, and I’m not an idiot who doesn’t understand how viruses are spread. I took considerable care not to touch anything or get within 10 feet of anybody. I also went when Busch’s had less than a dozen people in the entire store. I didn’t sneeze and consider a person who would without anticipating it, an idiot.
By the way, Jean, a person doesn’t have to be symptomatic to be infected and highly contagious. In fact people who do show symptoms, were highly contagious for one or two days before they showed any symptoms. So going around sneezing in grocery stores is kind of a no-no. Be more proactive next time. It’s not all about you.
Hahaha. I have friends on my facebook shaming the fuck out of other people at the grocery store and it cracks me up. I just put comments in like, “How did you see them at the grocery store if you are staying at home self-quarantining?”
Of course, they reply, as iRobert has, that they need to go to the grocery store to eat. That is why the grocery stores are still open after all! Once it resulted in a very interesting conversation about how it is much easier to perceive the bad behavior of others (i.e. touching things unnecessarily, talking on the phone in front of the milk, touching your face and then the car, etc) while simultaneously ignoring one’s own similar behavior. Most of the time though, people still don’t get it.
I have figured out how to get Shipt delivery slots. They seem to open them around 3am so I have been setting up my order and then waking up around then to place it. Even so, there are just some things they can’t get so I may need to venture out soon. It is what it is.
I am mostly in shock still about the deaths. Another one this morning although not someone I knew. I had 10 mutual facebook friends with the guy though so lots of shock and mourning going on. It is very sad. And worrying.
iRobert– I had no idea I would sneeze at the grocery store. Asymptiatic people are not being asked to stay home. You are symptomatic and you should not have been at that grocery store, much less judging people. The quarantine time is 14 days except for emergencies. There is food delivery and many mutual aid resources.
I’m not a moralistic person and I’m not seeking to judge others because I actually place high value on being a decent human being in the world; Being judgmental is just pride and righteousness, not decency. I keep my own moral calculus about my own behaviors not others… which is why I try to be honest here when I screw up even though y’all love to pounce on any human vulnerability.
You threw stones from a glass house, iRobert.
Find something better to do with your time.
And you got caught and still couldn’t look at your own behavior with honesty and integrity.
It has been nice to see how many people are out there helping. I actually went to the Red Cross website here to see about donating blood but couldn’t sign up because all of the slots are full until July. :)
Again, again: Tell me, FF, as a man of reason, do you think Trump has handled this well?
Also, I would prefer to see people wear some sort of eye protection, whether they be regular eyeglasses or safety goggles. Contacts are not so great. A ziplock bag to keep the phone in is also good idea.
There is probably sufficient spread in metro Detroit that the chances of running into an asymptomatic infected individual is significant. I’m following the lead of our infection prevention nurses and infectious disease physicians, who I deem to be reasonable and have good judgement. As they ramp up for themselves, I mimic a couple of days later.
A better term than social distancing would be droplet mitigation, whether that be through physical distancing or physical barriers. Mask and eye protection also reduces the number of hand-face touches, and you should be washing your hands often.
FF, answered your question, Jean. Did you not notice?
As far as symptoms go, I’ve only had some minor congestion early in the morning. I’m not sneezing. I’m not coughing. The virus I had, which I’m thinking may likely have just been the common flu, has long since run it’s course.
It doesn’t take a genius to understand viruses and how they work, what they can do and can’t do, and when they are actively being ejected from your respiratory system. When a person is not sneezing or coughing, and don’t have a runny nose, it is practically only through touch that they could even conceivably transfer the virus.
You know you are allergic. You know you sneeze when around various things, yet you didn’t come prepared. You’re a selfish asshole.
I don’t remember ever snezing in stores before. It’s the extreme levels of sprayed disinfectants being used that got to me. They can get to anyone. This is all new.
I know you are super eager to judge me, but why don’t you stick to political arguments.
PS I thought FF’s answer was sarcastic. It’s unimaginable to me. It leaves me even less inclined to take him seriously. I guess I thought if he wanted to be taken seriously he would have indicated what exactly he thinks Trump has done well– beyond the ’emotional stuff,’
In the hospital, we are treating it as aerosol precautions rather than droplet precautions. Hence the N95 rather than standard surgical mask for patient room entry.
iRobert– if you have nasal congestion in the morning–which most people do this time of year– and you are in a store and exposed to cleaning agent irritants, you are likely to sneeze.
So how about we all just agree to wear glasses and masks and gloves and clean our phones and carts with sanitizing wipes before using or moving around? (I use my phone to access coupons and pay for groceries so as to avoid swiping cards. Does that work through a plastic bag? Hard enough to get the keypad to work with gloves on.
Just know iRobert–you can call me a selfish asshole anytime really. I’m fine with it. It colors you in a remarkable light.
Until we can all get N95 masks without shorting health care workers, the other kids will have to do.
I can understand you thinking FF was being sarcastic. I’m actually in considerable agreement with you on that one. I find it unimaginable as well. I don’t know what to make of it, really.
To me, it just appears as someone denying the obvious. When a person does that in real life, they’re usually being sarcastic. So it’s just sort of dead-ends the conversation. It reminds me of that Monty Python bit where the Parrot salesman (Michael Palin) denies the parrot the customer (John Cleese) is trying to return, is in fact dead. It just sort of renders the conversation absurd at that point.
Jean,
You truly have been given a ton of clues on this site that you could use toward self-improvement. Why don’t you slow down and think about all the stuff you say?
I was not being sarcastic. Trump has been doing a very good job. He has not been perfect. Only fools fail to see how this requires a balanced approach. So many babies. It’s just a fact. Hindsight is 20/20. Quit supporting people who are playing little games. Quit supporting people who are playing large games. Support your president now! Then vote him out in 5 months if you can. Go for it!
You can carry a handkerchief at the very least, Jean. Pretending you couldn’t have anticipated that you would sneeze doesn’t make sense. Did it never happen to you before?
I think I was unable to get an answer to the questions, “Is Trump’s behavior at all inappropriate?” and “Is Trump’s behavior at all counterproductive?”
I also wanted to ask Trump supporters here if they at times behaved in the ways Trump does. It seems that I can’t get answers to those questions.
I don’t get when people fear answering questions honestly. It’s especially odd to me on a blog where people are anonymous.
But my asking those questions seemed to also trigger you the other day, Jean. You seemed to think it doesn’t make sense to ask questions…or maybe these particular questions. I don’t know what bothered you.
It’s not important to me to ‘fight’ with people. I don’t really feel invested enough here to fight with people.
You, Jean, on the other hand, seem to want to fight with just about everyone, almost all the time. It’s a reputation that precedes you. It doesn’t seem like a great thing to be doing. I suspect it causes you a lot of unnecessary stress.
iRobert— you’re bullying now. Just so you know. I’m not biting. You don’t ever make me angry except that one time you suggested looking for me in person at some event. I like to argue about politics. That doesn’t make me different from anyone here. It’s why I’m here yes. And you might note that I State my point of view no matter who I’m talking to online. And disagree with everyone sometimes. I welcome political disagreement.Social media has been a great outlet for my political thinking and for organizing action. But most of my close friends aren’t especially political and I don’t talk politics with them unless they ask. Most aren’t on social media much either. I’m not even slightly argumentative in regular life about regular things. I’m actually conflict avoidant by nature but I’m getting over that. (Doesn’t work) Politics is the right place for disagreement and sometimes it matters enough to get angry about. Just like personal boundaries are worth asserting. And sometimes getting angry about.
I don’t know what your after iRobert but take it elsewhere. I’m done playing.
You’ve never fought with Flower Grandpa in person? What about Pat Lesko?
You attack people in ways that suggests you prefer to simply fight with them. That’s how you’ve been with HW. You even chose to falsely accuse Mark here very publicly on his blog, rather than talking with him in private. All of this looks to me like a person who wants to fight and very publicly all the time. That’s what I’m getting at. But that is obvious.
I’m friends with Alan Haber. We get on quite well in person. He was my neighbor for 30 years. I have never met Pat Lesko to my knowledge. She sends me harassing emails every once and a while and I ask her firmly to stop. That’s the extent of my non-social media interaction with her. I don’t believe I’ve ever had a public political argument with anyone. I have called out racist or other bigoted behavior when I’ve seen it, but I don’t stick around for the ‘discussion.’ I spent years in the service industry. I know how to let things slide and to suck it up and I know when to take responsibility. When I make mistakes, I self-assess and I apologize with sincerity.
Sorry to disappoint.
Ugh.
Came here to post this handy dandy DIY UVC sterilization chamber for people wanting to disinfect keys, masks, phones, etc at home.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/17XiLwBOAOTTDpKUrLzDgqcG8395uCITgciHltdbeoG8/edit?fbclid=IwAR2pQvAmPEaOE2sla–3m0fbjds2Pb5iTu_2RZpG1Bj1uO7pbbaMOlrt6mE
It must be a conspiracy when medical boards warn doctors to prescribe appropriate rather than selfishly.
The California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) is aware of recent news and social media reports of prescribers wrongfully hoarding and prescribing for themselves and family members certain medications referenced in the media relating to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Several states have recently issued emergency restrictions on how the drugs can be dispensed. Many require that medications be prescribed and dispensed only to patients with a legitimate and current medical condition. Further, the FDA recently issued an Emergency Use Authorization to allow for the use of hydroxychloroquine sulfate and chloroquine phosphate products donated by the Strategic National Stockpile for certain hospitalized patients with COVID-19.
DCA, the Medical Board of California, and the California State Board of Pharmacy remind health care professionals that inappropriately prescribing or dispensing medications constitutes unprofessional conduct in California. Prescribers and pharmacists are obligated to follow the law, standard of care, and professional codes of ethics in serving their patients and public health.
Anonymous,
As I said above it is obvious that the “reminder” was in part to prevent hoarding. In ADDITION it was also obvious that the “reminder” was being used as an opportunity for the Michigan administration to show an opposition to Trump as part of the Trump is “anti-science” narrative. These are my opinions that I formed from reading the reminder and thinking about the intentional wording. My opinions/ interpretations are up for debate. I can even think of things you might be able to say to prove I am wrong—if you had the info—but watching you try to ignore that specific aspect of my criticism leads me to believe you don’t think through things all the way. It’s strange. But everything is strange with you.
So it’s looking like a whole lot of the CARES relief aid for small businesses is going to be mightily delayed. That’s going to create a problem. I’m advising people to furlough their staff rather than keep them on payroll, because most small businesses including non-profits (still a business) simply can’t afford to make payroll and other obligations (even with some deferrals) for the month it looks like it will take to get loans funds.
Maybe Trump’s re-election isn’t so certain. The American people are easily bought off, but they aren’t going to like delays. Noether will the economy. BTW people who don’t have direct deposit info with the IRS will be waiting until August to get their $1200 relief checks.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/02/opinion/coronavirus-economy-stimulus.html
Via Washtenaw County Environmental Health:
COVID-19 data broken down by zip code and race is now available on our website: http://www.washtenaw.org/3108/Cases . The data shows COVID-19 is present in every local zip code, but also highlights disparities within the county.
COVID-19 is disproportionately affecting some communities in Washtenaw County, including Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti township zip codes and our county’s African American population. Due to structural and environmental racism, African Americans are more likely to have underlying health conditions like heart disease, asthma, and diabetes, and are less likely to have access to healthcare in both Washtenaw County and across the country. These factors may be able to explain some, but not all of the disparate effects coronavirus is having on our African American communities. Additional societal and economic factors may also be putting people of color and low-income individuals in our community at greater risk of infection. Across the country, Black and Latino workers are more likely to work in lower-wage service, production, and transportation jobs, compared to White workers. It is more difficult to tele-work or take time off from these professions. People in lower-income communities also tend to live closer together, increasing the potential for spread.
The Washtenaw County Health Department continues to work with leaders from communities facing health inequities to address disparities playing out in real time during this outbreak.
People of every race, economic status, and age are at risk for coronavirus and should continue taking every precaution to help slow the spread of illness. Stay home whenever possible, and keep at least six feet between people, wash your hands, and avoid touching your face when you must be out. We must also continue to push for policies that address the inequities that this pandemic has brought to light.
Read more about why these inequities may be present, how the Washtenaw County Health Department is working with communities facing health disparities, and community resources: https://www.washtenaw.org/DocumentCenter/View/15936/Washtenaw-County-Health-Department-Provides-COVID-19-Data-by-Zip-Code-and-Race
Individuals in need of essential resources can view Washtenaw County Office of Community & Economic Development’s list of community services at http://www.washtenaw.org/3100 or call 2-1-1. United Way of Washtenaw County has established the COVID-19 Relief Fund to help nonprofits and groups ensure people and families in need can access food, housing, health care, financial resources and other supports. You can visit their website to apply or donate: http://www.uwwashtenaw.org/covid19. Mutual aid networks have also been created locally to provide support to community members.
Almost as many in 48197 as in 48103, 48104, and 48105 combined.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIue359_ZN4