@PriceRip
Given the circumstance, I took it seriously.
He is a client/friend, has spoken with some of his military pals, and some of his dr. pals, and he called me OUT OF THE BLUE to tell me, said he would be at my door if I needed anything.
That is not a joke, at all.
He is educated, not some goober red neck...he wanted to help me.
He loves me, wants to keep us all safe.
what does this even mean, other than a joke.
I ask only because so much weird shit has hit the fan of late that it is not clear that this is to be treated seriously or what?
Inquiring minds want to know, or maybe not.
RIP
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11 users have voted.
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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
People not allowed out of their house? To starve because they can't get to the grocery store? That the military is going to patrol the streets? That something odd is happening in your town? what?
#1 Given the circumstance, I took it seriously.
He is a client/friend, has spoken with some of his military pals, and some of his dr. pals, and he called me OUT OF THE BLUE to tell me, said he would be at my door if I needed anything.
That is not a joke, at all.
He is educated, not some goober red neck...he wanted to help me.
He loves me, wants to keep us all safe.
@Shahryar
his friend who passed along the info was in the military. A man with rank . Something is going on in all bases here, and then he got the same vague answer from a cop pal, and it them matched up with what some of his dr. pals when he spoke to them. @Shahryar
People not allowed out of their house? To starve because they can't get to the grocery store? That the military is going to patrol the streets? That something odd is happening in your town? what?
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7 users have voted.
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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
@Shahryar
that all the people he had spoken to said they could not be specific. His cop pal in Houston even said "Man, I could get fired for talking to you about this."
I think I was on his list of people close to him that he wanted to forewarn.
I visited with my county judge yesterday afternoon, and he had just hung up from a conference call with 500 other judges from Texas, talking to Rep. Kevin Brady, and the judge said he suspected all hell to break loose, and wanted to take some aspirin, wash it down with a beer, and walk away from the responsibility.
I passed this info last night to my brother, wanted to pass it along to my friends on this site.
If it all turns out to be bullshit, and it might, forever disregard me.
I didn't want to keep this to myself anymore than my friend who called me last night.
We are trying to help, not hurt.
People not allowed out of their house? To starve because they can't get to the grocery store? That the military is going to patrol the streets? That something odd is happening in your town? what?
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18 users have voted.
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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Coming from you, otc, I don't take this as a joke. Doesn't sound as though a late night phone call from your friend would be a joke either.
Nevertheless, was the subject of the lockdown national? Texas only? Without some hint, I would assume national. If it's possible for you to convey additional information without compromising your friend, we would appreciate it.
I'm supposed to take a friend to the Houston Medical Center for emergency eye surgery Thursday morning, and I'm worried we won't be making that trip. We've already been told that I can not come into the hospital with my friend, that I have to wait outdoors in the car the entire time. This is unheard of behavior for the Med Center.
I live fairly close to Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport, and I can tell you that the flights have pretty much stopped. Not sure I heard even one today (Tuesday). The main Union Pacific freight line runs about a block from me (runs from north Harris county [Houston] up to College Station, then up to DFW) and a week ago we were still having trains on a regular basis – one every hour or so. Tuesday there were no trains whatsoever. Not one. None so far tonight, either. They've stopped.
#1 Given the circumstance, I took it seriously.
He is a client/friend, has spoken with some of his military pals, and some of his dr. pals, and he called me OUT OF THE BLUE to tell me, said he would be at my door if I needed anything.
That is not a joke, at all.
He is educated, not some goober red neck...he wanted to help me.
He loves me, wants to keep us all safe.
Coming from you, otc, I don't take this as a joke. Doesn't sound as though a late night phone call from your friend would be a joke either.
Nevertheless, was the subject of the lockdown national? Texas only? Without some hint, I would assume national. If it's possible for you to convey additional information without compromising your friend, we would appreciate it.
I'm supposed to take a friend to the Houston Medical Center for emergency eye surgery Thursday morning, and I'm worried we won't be making that trip. We've already been told that I can not come into the hospital with my friend, that I have to wait outdoors in the car the entire time. This is unheard of behavior for the Med Center.
I live fairly close to Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport, and I can tell you that the flights have pretty much stopped. Not sure I heard even one today (Tuesday). The main Union Pacific freight line runs about a block from me (runs from north Harris county [Houston] up to College Station, then up to DFW) and a week ago we were still having trains on a regular basis – one every hour or so. Tuesday there were no trains whatsoever. Not one. None so far tonight, either. They've stopped.
@travelerxxx@travelerxxx@travelerxxx
50 minutes from each other.
I am in Coldspring.
The guy, a former asst. high school principal, father of 4, has not had any reason to contact me in 6 or 7 months, and we have NEVER had a phone chat that wasn't about some on going case.
This was, given all the circumstances, a call to let me know I would be ok. His wife was in the room, saying take care, lady!
It will be nation wide, and he said I could take all of this with a grain of salt, that nobody he spoke with could tell him any solid details or they would get into some trouble.
It will keep us, if it happens, off the highways.
Everyone told him ONLY exempted persons would be able to drive.
I hope, and he hopes, his 6 or 7 or 8 people he had spoken to, who do not know each other, and who all told him essentially the same thing, were all being too cautious and conspiratorial.
I am going to try again to put this into perspective.
I have worked for him for about 8 years, maybe 3 cases.
He has NEVER called me about anything but his legal business.
If this doesn't happen, ok.
If it does happen, I hope everyone is prepared.
Coming from you, otc, I don't take this as a joke. Doesn't sound as though a late night phone call from your friend would be a joke either.
Nevertheless, was the subject of the lockdown national? Texas only? Without some hint, I would assume national. If it's possible for you to convey additional information without compromising your friend, we would appreciate it.
I'm supposed to take a friend to the Houston Medical Center for emergency eye surgery Thursday morning, and I'm worried we won't be making that trip. We've already been told that I can not come into the hospital with my friend, that I have to wait outdoors in the car the entire time. This is unheard of behavior for the Med Center.
I live fairly close to Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport, and I can tell you that the flights have pretty much stopped. Not sure I heard even one today (Tuesday). The main Union Pacific freight line runs about a block from me (runs from north Harris county [Houston] up to College Station, then up to DFW) and a week ago we were still having trains on a regular basis – one every hour or so. Tuesday there were no trains whatsoever. Not one. None so far tonight, either. They've stopped.
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18 users have voted.
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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Yes, we're pretty close. I'm in Spring, just west of I-45 and bordering the new Exxon emerald city.
Still hearing no airplanes or trains today so far.
#1.1.2#1.1.2#1.1.2 50 minutes from each other.
I am in Coldspring.
The guy, a former asst. high school principal, father of 4, has not had any reason to contact me in 6 or 7 months, and we have NEVER had a phone chat that wasn't about some on going case.
This was, given all the circumstances, a call to let me know I would be ok. His wife was in the room, saying take care, lady!
It will be nation wide, and he said I could take all of this with a grain of salt, that nobody he spoke with could tell him any solid details or they would get into some trouble.
It will keep us, if it happens, off the highways.
Everyone told him ONLY exempted persons would be able to drive.
I hope, and he hopes, his 6 or 7 or 8 people he had spoken to, who do not know each other, and who all told him essentially the same thing, were all being too cautious and conspiratorial.
I am going to try again to put this into perspective.
I have worked for him for about 8 years, maybe 3 cases.
He has NEVER called me about anything but his legal business.
If this doesn't happen, ok.
If it does happen, I hope everyone is prepared.
#1 Given the circumstance, I took it seriously.
He is a client/friend, has spoken with some of his military pals, and some of his dr. pals, and he called me OUT OF THE BLUE to tell me, said he would be at my door if I needed anything.
That is not a joke, at all.
He is educated, not some goober red neck...he wanted to help me.
He loves me, wants to keep us all safe.
@on the cusp
informed me yesterday a column of National Guard vehicles going up Hwy 33.
Don't know what to make of it.
#1 Given the circumstance, I took it seriously.
He is a client/friend, has spoken with some of his military pals, and some of his dr. pals, and he called me OUT OF THE BLUE to tell me, said he would be at my door if I needed anything.
That is not a joke, at all.
He is educated, not some goober red neck...he wanted to help me.
He loves me, wants to keep us all safe.
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8 users have voted.
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Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
walking. We have two critters who don’t really like doing most of their business in the yard. And the big one really needs a good run at least a couple times a week.
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10 users have voted.
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"The object of persecution is persecution. The object of torture is torture. The object of power is power. Now do you begin to understand me?" ~Orwell, "1984"
The nation is getting ready - we've been getting ready. Even our city - Albuquerque is testing the homeless, which warms my heart.
I should survive for two weeks in my rural area. I'm 1/2 mile off the main road and hunkering down. We bought chickens yesterday - I was down to two, so now we'll have eggs if nothing else!
You take care, otc - and thanks for he head's up!
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17 users have voted.
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"The “jumpers” reminded us that one day we will all face only one choice and that is how we will die, not how we will live." Chris Hedges on 9/11
lockdown in Europe means 'don't leave your homes'. It is implemented right now. News come in over radio, TV news and internet sites that blog about the pandemic. It is real and on the go.
Not closed or locked up are:
Grocery stores
Pharmacies
You can leave your home to shop for those supplies (whatever you can find on the shelves)
Lock down of public transportation: ongoing, partially, targetted. To search for links takes me longer than the incoming news about them. I will be behind the curve the moment I have posted them.
The military in Germany at least will be ordered to help prevent that people gather in public. Numbers of people allowed to gather in public. I don't know, I think they are down now to five. Bars and Restaurants closed down.
German military has leased private airplaines for themselves and they sent them out to collect stranded Germans in foreingn countries (like over 30000 I think they said yesterday evening) and help to fly them home.
So, it's for real and it's hard to keep up posting relevant links on time before the content is already outdated.
Stay home, stock peanut butter and don't insist on 'freedom of movements' for now. Please. Fist Fights not wanted.
with the peanuts I harvested last year - guess I should try *making* some peanut butter ...
Please stay safe, folks.
“In the beginning was the thing. And one thing led to another.”
― Tom Robbins, Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas
lockdown in Europe means 'don't leave your homes'. It is implemented right now. News come in over radio, TV news and internet sites that blog about the pandemic. It is real and on the go.
Not closed or locked up are:
Grocery stores
Pharmacies
You can leave your home to shop for those supplies (whatever you can find on the shelves)
Lock down of public transportation: ongoing, partially, targetted. To search for links takes me longer than the incoming news about them. I will be behind the curve the moment I have posted them.
The military in Germany at least will be ordered to help prevent that people gather in public. Numbers of people allowed to gather in public. I don't know, I think they are down now to five. Bars and Restaurants closed down.
German military has leased private airplaines for themselves and they sent them out to collect stranded Germans in foreingn countries (like over 30000 I think they said yesterday evening) and help to fly them home.
So, it's for real and it's hard to keep up posting relevant links on time before the content is already outdated.
Stay home, stock peanut butter and don't insist on 'freedom of movements' for now. Please. Fist Fights not wanted.
What those in positions of power do under the cover of this lockdown is another matter altogether.
If the powerful continue to act in their own self interest, the rest of us are going to have to work together and support each other. Too bad we have been so well trained propagandized to mistrust so many by our minders of the fourth estate. Hopefully most will recognize our common interest as their own.
Fingers crossed.......
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18 users have voted.
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“ …and when we destroy nature, we diminish our capacity to sense the divine,and understand who God is, and what our own potential is and duties are as human beings.- RFK jr. 8/26/2024
@ovals49
but it is upon us. We are being driven by fear. This is never good and will not end well.
to begin to shutdown the pandemic.
What those in positions of power do under the cover of this lockdown is another matter altogether.
If the powerful continue to act in their own self interest, the rest of us are going to have to work together and support each other. Too bad we have been so well trained propagandized to mistrust so many by our minders of the fourth estate. Hopefully most will recognize our common interest as their own.
Fingers crossed.......
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16 users have voted.
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"The “jumpers” reminded us that one day we will all face only one choice and that is how we will die, not how we will live." Chris Hedges on 9/11
As to the PTB, bankruptcies to process, assets to hoover up, power to consolidate, necessities to gouge prices on, rights to trample on and politicians to accept pandering from and write checks to. Or, same as it ever was.
to begin to shutdown the pandemic.
What those in positions of power do under the cover of this lockdown is another matter altogether.
If the powerful continue to act in their own self interest, the rest of us are going to have to work together and support each other. Too bad we have been so well trained propagandized to mistrust so many by our minders of the fourth estate. Hopefully most will recognize our common interest as their own.
As to the PTB, bankruptcies to process, assets to hoover up, power to consolidate, necessities to gouge prices on, rights to trample on and politicians to accept pandering from and write checks to. Or, same as it ever was.
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12 users have voted.
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"The “jumpers” reminded us that one day we will all face only one choice and that is how we will die, not how we will live." Chris Hedges on 9/11
@travelerxxx@Raggedy Ann
Unfortunately, from what I'm seeing on line and hearing antidotally, people here simply aren't taking this seriously and staying home. Sadly, this is what it's come to.
#7.2
how much it is needed, only because I don't trust tptb. Control mechanisms concern me.
Coming from you, otc, I don't take this as a joke. Doesn't sound as though a late night phone call from your friend would be a joke either.
Nevertheless, was the subject of the lockdown national? Texas only? Without some hint, I would assume national. If it's possible for you to convey additional information without compromising your friend, we would appreciate it.
I'm supposed to take a friend to the Houston Medical Center for emergency eye surgery Thursday morning, and I'm worried we won't be making that trip. We've already been told that I can not come into the hospital with my friend, that I have to wait outdoors in the car the entire time. This is unheard of behavior for the Med Center.
I live fairly close to Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport, and I can tell you that the flights have pretty much stopped. Not sure I heard even one today (Tuesday). The main Union Pacific freight line runs about a block from me (runs from north Harris county [Houston] up to College Station, then up to DFW) and a week ago we were still having trains on a regular basis – one every hour or so. Tuesday there were no trains whatsoever. Not one. None so far tonight, either. They've stopped.
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12 users have voted.
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Idolizing a politician is like believing the stripper really likes you.
@on the cusp
and I feel that the emergency the gov. is prepared for was another OWS. A different lock down, and comply or die police response.
I imagine all the lines of communication will be swamped, endless busy signals or phone trees. When people go to hospitals there will be long lines just waiting in cars and police roadblocks. Many people will have no more than a passing glance with the health care system we have, being unable to access it in meaningful ways, and they'll be afraid.
In countries with developed health care systems people will mostly trust their health providers, having grown up seeing them most of their lives. Their politicians haven't been working against then to deny care.
Here there are many whose only major medical contact is through the ER and the business office, and when they're desperate there won't even be that. We don't trust our politicians, and a lot don't have doctors to develop trust with.
The only chance, it seems to be, is totally lock down everything that's not essential. If it were a forest fire that would be the firebreak. Make it so all you have to deal with is the flying embers and small fires. We have a "just in time" hospital system. Medicare long ago pushed for outpatient procedures to reduce hospital admissions, and penalized hospitals for "excess" bed counts. In Italy it was too many infections at once and it overwhelmed the system. If we can slow the infection rate enough, the health care providers may have a chance to keep up with treatment.
#7.2.1 is very concerning, RA.
This is nothing I, or you, or anyone in this country has ever experienced.
Not a deployment yet, but it will be relatively soon.
Other states will do similarly, I'm sure.
Looks like mostly will be focused on highway control--making sure people don't travel from one location to another without good reason (I'd assume hospital appointments would be a good reason).
Not a deployment yet, but it will be relatively soon.
Other states will do similarly, I'm sure.
Looks like mostly will be focused on highway control--making sure people don't travel from one location to another without good reason (I'd assume hospital appointments would be a good reason).
Things are gonna get interesting . . .
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10 users have voted.
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"The object of persecution is persecution. The object of torture is torture. The object of power is power. Now do you begin to understand me?" ~Orwell, "1984"
are all in daily contact with the government.
They do not know each other.
They live in different cities.
And they all gave the same vague hints.
How could it be some coordinated lie?
It does appear to be a highway control issue.
He said to be prepared for cops to be on every intersection.
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12 users have voted.
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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
they are not intending to *also* attempt to control the flow of information (any more than is already occurring).
Sites such as Pandemic News - which are already the subject of censorship, de-platforming and other attacks have been providing timely information and much not covered (or belatedly) by the MSM.
I'm not saying quarantine isn't necessary or that the whole situation is manufactured - but authoritarians love to take advantage of this sort of situation (even when they haven't perpetrated it themselves) for nefarious purposes. And taking down what independent media is still standing is no doubt high on their agenda.
are all in daily contact with the government.
They do not know each other.
They live in different cities.
And they all gave the same vague hints.
How could it be some coordinated lie?
It does appear to be a highway control issue.
He said to be prepared for cops to be on every intersection.
@Blue Republic
"You never let a serious crisis go to waste. And what I mean by that it's an opportunity to do things you think you could not do before."
they are not intending to *also* attempt to control the flow of information (any more than is already occurring).
Sites such as Pandemic News - which are already the subject of censorship, de-platforming and other attacks have been providing timely information and much not covered (or belatedly) by the MSM.
I'm not saying quarantine isn't necessary or that the whole situation is manufactured - but authoritarians love to take advantage of this sort of situation (even when they haven't perpetrated it themselves) for nefarious purposes. And taking down what independent media is still standing is no doubt high on their agenda.
No telling how this cop military alliance will play out.
Thanks for the heads up on the cusp. I made a run to town this AM All seemed calm. No reported cases in the county, but just did the first tests yesterday (14).
I should be able to do fine for 2+ weeks. I can ride my bike to our small town w/ small grocery, PO, pharmacy, and dollar store if we need anything.
Wishing us all the best. The lock down might be better the the strategy of some countries to let this run its course and those that survive will be immune...the herd immunity hypothesis.
#9.1 "You never let a serious crisis go to waste. And what I mean by that it's an opportunity to do things you think you could not do before."
I don't think he meant that in a good way.
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12 users have voted.
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“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
@Lookout
I didn't know that. Well, it's nice to know where the 2 parties can claim bipartisanship.
The rest just makes me want to shoot myself in the head. The ideas lying around on both sides are many, but the one idea they share is that Bernies ideas never see the light of day.
No telling how this cop military alliance will play out.
Thanks for the heads up on the cusp. I made a run to town this AM All seemed calm. No reported cases in the county, but just did the first tests yesterday (14).
I should be able to do fine for 2+ weeks. I can ride my bike to our small town w/ small grocery, PO, pharmacy, and dollar store if we need anything.
Wishing us all the best. The lock down might be better the the strategy of some countries to let this run its course and those that survive will be immune...the herd immunity hypothesis.
@Blue Republic
She has a "keep calm but be alert" video out.
I hope we do stay calm and stay in touch with community and reliable sources --and double-check rumors. We each, by the decisions we make, can and will affect the social outcome of this. We matter, singly and collectively.
I'm of two minds when it comes to martial law -- if it deprives us of the most basic freedoms or is put in place for good -- then obviously it is to be questioned and challenged. But if it stops the pandemic and keeps the weakest among us safe from lawless panicked predation, should such a thing actually happen, then it could be temporarily allowed.
The government had better tell us exactly what they are doing, why they are doing it, what it entails and how long they expect it to last. They had better keep the channels of communication open on both sides.
they are not intending to *also* attempt to control the flow of information (any more than is already occurring).
Sites such as Pandemic News - which are already the subject of censorship, de-platforming and other attacks have been providing timely information and much not covered (or belatedly) by the MSM.
I'm not saying quarantine isn't necessary or that the whole situation is manufactured - but authoritarians love to take advantage of this sort of situation (even when they haven't perpetrated it themselves) for nefarious purposes. And taking down what independent media is still standing is no doubt high on their agenda.
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14 users have voted.
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Lurking in the wings is Hillary, like some terrifying bat hanging by her feet in a cavern below the DNC. A bat with theropod instincts. -- Fred Reed https://tinyurl.com/vgvuhcl
@laurel
about the martial law possibility. Not that "I" matter one iota, but on reconsideration, I think we should oppose any kind of martial law. Reason being, to allow them to do it for even a couple of weeks would be a "camel's nose under the tent" situation, and we shouldn't even allow that. It needs to remain outside the bounds of possibility. We can have community-led or government-community cooperative law and order, rules that are clearly explained, that we can agree to follow and enforce among ourselves through example and reminders.
#9.1 She has a "keep calm but be alert" video out.
I hope we do stay calm and stay in touch with community and reliable sources --and double-check rumors. We each, by the decisions we make, can and will affect the social outcome of this. We matter, singly and collectively.
I'm of two minds when it comes to martial law -- if it deprives us of the most basic freedoms or is put in place for good -- then obviously it is to be questioned and challenged. But if it stops the pandemic and keeps the weakest among us safe from lawless panicked predation, should such a thing actually happen, then it could be temporarily allowed.
The government had better tell us exactly what they are doing, why they are doing it, what it entails and how long they expect it to last. They had better keep the channels of communication open on both sides.
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13 users have voted.
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Lurking in the wings is Hillary, like some terrifying bat hanging by her feet in a cavern below the DNC. A bat with theropod instincts. -- Fred Reed https://tinyurl.com/vgvuhcl
had to come home to get my damn cell phone.
I had "that talk" with my staff.
My paralegal has known this client for 9 years, and she almost cried when I told her he said he would be here to help me.
This is as unexpected as anything we have heard, and we hear lots of weird stuff at the office.
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11 users have voted.
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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Text message rumors of a national #quarantine are FAKE. There is no national lockdown. @CDCgov has and will continue to post the latest guidance on #COVID19. #coronavirus
@Steven D
all but 1 felt there was a reason to believe it. The 1 who said it was bs then went on to say it was Trump and Putin trying to suspend the elections because they know Biden will win.
We switched the subject to her new haircut.
Text message rumors of a national #quarantine are FAKE. There is no national lockdown. @CDCgov has and will continue to post the latest guidance on #COVID19. #coronavirus
@Steven D
would want to take us by surprise. Of course they are trying to refocus us but we need to remain focused on what they're doing to us. I don't trust them AT ALL!
Text message rumors of a national #quarantine are FAKE. There is no national lockdown. @CDCgov has and will continue to post the latest guidance on #COVID19. #coronavirus
It is not inconceivable watching the panic at the upper government and 1% level. I will double check I have everything I need on the place for the next 4 weeks. If I am over preparing it will be considered unnecessary overwork. Like when I check the oil and tire pressure in the car and pack and emergency kit before a leaving trip in the car. Never needed that kit in all the years of travel, including some really nasty drives over winter passes.
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13 users have voted.
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Still yourself, deep water can absorb many disturbances with minimal reaction.
--When the opening appears release yourself.
... the growing coronavirus pandemic prompted the U.S. military to issue standby orders in case huge swaths of the executive branch or even Congress and the Supreme Court become infected — plans that include “evacuating Washington and “devolving” leadership to second-tier officials in remote and quarantined locations.”
...
“Above-Top Secret contingency plans already exist for what the military is supposed to do if all the Constitutional successors are incapacitated,” Newsweek’s William Arkin reports. “Standby orders were issued more than three weeks ago to ready these plans, not just to protect Washington but also to prepare for the possibility of some form of martial law.”
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13 users have voted.
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"The greatest shortcoming of the human race is our inability to understand the exponential function." -- Albert Bartlett
"A species that is hurtling toward extinction has no business promoting slow incremental change." -- Caitlin Johnstone
As a friend of mine said to me recently: “Shit. I hoped I’d be gone before the shit hit the fan.” Yeah, me too.
From what I’ve read this morning, it seems likely that a compete lockdown will happen, probably fairly soon. And that it will go on for much longer than 2 weeks. Life as we knew it is not coming back, not anytime soon, if ever. There will be no “return to normalcy” — sorry Joe Biden voters, but that ship has sailed.
There will eventually be a new normal. Many people will live to see it. Some of us will not. I am coming to terms with the fact that I am likely to be in the second group. My odds are not good. I hope my younger and healthier spouse will make it, and be able to somehow take care of himself and our pets through the coming madness. Today I am at home, alone, isolated, and very worried. I desperately feel I want to do something, but there’s nothing to be done right now.
I was just talking to my husband on the phone about all of this. I needed to hear a human voice. His work remains ‘business as usual’ and he’s not feeling the fear. Many people are just carrying on with life as per normal, and that is who he’s seeing so he doesn’t really get it. He’s also not reading the news. He’s head-down, one foot in front of the other, taking it day by day.
He says to me, “look, if they lock over 300 million people into their homes and just let everyone starve, it will kill far more of us than the virus. That makes no sense.” Even if it comes to a few million people dying from the disease, he does not think a long-term (months to a year or more) lock down will happen. He says, some people will get the virus and then get well, and they at least will have to be allowed out, and they can help provide help to all the people still stuck inside their houses.
He’s always been an optimist. I have excessive anxiety on a normal day. I am not doing well here at home alone. Thanks to you all in this virtual community for being here.
best as you can
many are freaking out over things both big and small
a healthy response is to limit anxiety
best as you can
PM me if that helps
As a friend of mine said to me recently: “Shit. I hoped I’d be gone before the shit hit the fan.” Yeah, me too.
From what I’ve read this morning, it seems likely that a compete lockdown will happen, probably fairly soon. And that it will go on for much longer than 2 weeks. Life as we knew it is not coming back, not anytime soon, if ever. There will be no “return to normalcy” — sorry Joe Biden voters, but that ship has sailed.
There will eventually be a new normal. Many people will live to see it. Some of us will not. I am coming to terms with the fact that I am likely to be in the second group. My odds are not good. I hope my younger and healthier spouse will make it, and be able to somehow take care of himself and our pets through the coming madness. Today I am at home, alone, isolated, and very worried. I desperately feel I want to do something, but there’s nothing to be done right now.
I was just talking to my husband on the phone about all of this. I needed to hear a human voice. His work remains ‘business as usual’ and he’s not feeling the fear. Many people are just carrying on with life as per normal, and that is who he’s seeing so he doesn’t really get it. He’s also not reading the news. He’s head-down, one foot in front of the other, taking it day by day.
He says to me, “look, if they lock over 300 million people into their homes and just let everyone starve, it will kill far more of us than the virus. That makes no sense.” Even if it comes to a few million people dying from the disease, he does not think a long-term (months to a year or more) lock down will happen. He says, some people will get the virus and then get well, and they at least will have to be allowed out, and they can help provide help to all the people still stuck inside their houses.
He’s always been an optimist. I have excessive anxiety on a normal day. I am not doing well here at home alone. Thanks to you all in this virtual community for being here.
New measures in Ecuador:
1. Ban on the arrival of international flights, buses or ships arriving at airports from Sunday March 15 for foreign citizens. For national citizens it applies from Monday, March 23.
2. The prohibition of massive events is ratified, this includes the Easter processions.
3. Mandatory Cremation of the person who dies from coronavirus.
4. They are going to present a protocol for entering and leaving the Galapagos Islands since the island is not ready to treat Covid patients19
5. The border crossings are closed except for a few such as Huaquillas.
6. Every 3 hours public transportation must be cleaned.
7. Visits or attendance at nursing homes are prohibited.
8. Special protocol for visits to social rehabilitation centers.
9. Those who impede the attention of a citizen in a health service will be punished with all the weight of the law.
10. Meetings of more than 30 people are prohibited, cinemas theaters gyms private parties circus functions and all places of mass attendance are restricted.
11. 5 laboratories are enabled in Guayaquil to do the tests. (31 in the country)
12. Obligation for all doctors and health professionals to pass the virtual course on covid 19.
That was the external ban of travel. Sunday night brought the internal restrictions in a presidential address to the nation. Before that #Quedarteentucasa went live, “Stay in your home” so I sort of had a feeling.
I’ll see if I can find a list of restrictions in effect since yesterday morning at 6:00. Essentially there is a ban on personal travel except for work, buying groceries, seeking medical help or medications, and limits in gatherings including grocery stores. All workers who are in contact with customers are wearing masks and gloves and they distribute hand sanitizer when you enter. Public transportation, what little is operating, has to sanitize every three hours. Personal auto movement is limited to specific days depending on license pate number. There’s more but you get the gist.
A good friend in Roma and some reading indicates this is a widespread strategy in the world. Social distancing has some decent underlying scientific basis that indicates it is better than quarantine. I hope so but get happy with it because I think the US will either adopt it or suffer more than the areas hard hit now.
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"Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now..."
in this country. In some metro areas, they could. But this country is very large, very spread out. Once you get out of the suburbs, there are many small roads. There are places in my state that have only 1 part-time policeman, one whole county that I'm aware of.
Also they want us to spend money, which we cannot do if locked down.
be ideal, though I'm sure TPTB have long had contingencies for various types of National Emergencies which would require suppression of many Constitutional rights.
These days, this year I'm slightly more concerned about what Trump might have planned for Nov. Especially if the virus comes roaring back as the weather turns cold, or has never gone away and we're still dealing with it 8 months from now. (some Southern Hemisphere countries, where it's late summer now, are also getting the virus.)
Suspend the election bec of C19 National Emergency? Claim the Dems rigged the vote in several key states and refuse to step down? Arrange for Repub state legislatures in WI, PN and NC to give him their electoral votes against the popular vote of the state? The Rs and Trump are perfectly capable of all these, including the last one, where they would cite the Constitution as allowing it.
from a good friends cousin who works at the Pentagon (CIA). The lockdown was going to happen in two weeks and would last for a month. Get all the food you can, it said. You won't be able to once this shit happens.
@Battle of Blair Mountain
I spoke with our County Judge and a Commissioner. The judge said he got calls sorta of changing the plans seemingly every few hours, felt there would be a time when the courthouse simply closed for 2 weeks. A person is confirmed with the condition, her mom is the commissioner's secretary. All precinct employees were sent home for 2 weeks, effective today. Law offices here and there are closing to the general public, and some just closed to go home.
Houston, I hear, is a ghost town.
from a good friends cousin who works at the Pentagon (CIA). The lockdown was going to happen in two weeks and would last for a month. Get all the food you can, it said. You won't be able to once this shit happens.
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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
And babies are going to die of starvation? Hmm....
from a good friends cousin who works at the Pentagon (CIA). The lockdown was going to happen in two weeks and would last for a month. Get all the food you can, it said. You won't be able to once this shit happens.
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There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier
@Anja Geitz
pantry as much as I have about food not being available for sale at the stores.
There might come a time when delivery trucks have nothing to deliver from the warehouse, or no drivers, or the store may have no stockers, etc...
My black humor is to tell everybody I must stock up sufficiently on beer!
I sent my brother around town today with my debit card to put the finishing touches on our pantries. He very thoughtfully shopped for little things, like condiments. He thought about flour, sugar, coffee, and, of course, Little Sister's beer.
He is such a good brother!
He very thoughtfully shopped for little things, like condiments. He thought about flour....
I tried to find flour today. Six stores in over three hours. None to be had. Not even yeast. We have both, but not enough to last for an extended lockdown of a month ...or more.
#20.2 pantry as much as I have about food not being available for sale at the stores.
There might come a time when delivery trucks have nothing to deliver from the warehouse, or no drivers, or the store may have no stockers, etc...
My black humor is to tell everybody I must stock up sufficiently on beer!
I sent my brother around town today with my debit card to put the finishing touches on our pantries. He very thoughtfully shopped for little things, like condiments. He thought about flour, sugar, coffee, and, of course, Little Sister's beer.
He is such a good brother!
@travelerxxx
I couldn't find any whole wheat flour yesterday at the two stores we went to. Well Aldi doesn't carry ww flour anyway, but there was still ap flour. Most bread was cleaned out, and no buns to be seen. I did get some yeast packets. Good thing I spent four years making bread from scratch; we have a lot of options.
He very thoughtfully shopped for little things, like condiments. He thought about flour....
I tried to find flour today. Six stores in over three hours. None to be had. Not even yeast. We have both, but not enough to last for an extended lockdown of a month ...or more.
@Anja Geitz
would do it but there’s nothing ominous about this.
It’s only day two and people are more tranquilo than Americans but everything looks smooth so far. One of the main focuses seems to be ensuring food and medical supplies are available. There was a run on supermarkets on Monday but now stores are better stocked than I’ve seen is normal. Only one family member is allowed to shop and there is a strict limit to occupancy. The limits seem reasonable. Two months from now it may well be different. Imported items will become scarce for sure. The markets are allowed to be open for food and certain other items. That is a potential chink in the armor though. The farmers on my road have offered veggies for sale too. Food doesn’t seem likely to be a problem.
Food can be troublesome in the US. Plus most people won’t take kindly to not getting everything they desire and so many are just plain contrary to be contrary. I’ve seen a hint of it here. A few expats peddling conspiracy bullshit and locals not really understanding the threat mostly. The locals will listen however. The lack of a culture that recognizes we’re all in this together is missing in the US but not here.
The alternative to living a minimalist existence for a few months is millions sick which has the potential to collapse the infrastructure that support society and the basics for life. What will that look like in a country with a couple guns for every person and a nasty attitude where nobody matters but them? I don’t think it’s hard to imagine a lockdown happening anyway but with everyone for themselves. It looks like a clear choice to me.
@vtcc73
to be in Ecuador.
I may yet ex-pat there.
Take good care!
#20.2 would do it but there’s nothing ominous about this.
It’s only day two and people are more tranquilo than Americans but everything looks smooth so far. One of the main focuses seems to be ensuring food and medical supplies are available. There was a run on supermarkets on Monday but now stores are better stocked than I’ve seen is normal. Only one family member is allowed to shop and there is a strict limit to occupancy. The limits seem reasonable. Two months from now it may well be different. Imported items will become scarce for sure. The markets are allowed to be open for food and certain other items. That is a potential chink in the armor though. The farmers on my road have offered veggies for sale too. Food doesn’t seem likely to be a problem.
Food can be troublesome in the US. Plus most people won’t take kindly to not getting everything they desire and so many are just plain contrary to be contrary. I’ve seen a hint of it here. A few expats peddling conspiracy bullshit and locals not really understanding the threat mostly. The locals will listen however. The lack of a culture that recognizes we’re all in this together is missing in the US but not here.
The alternative to living a minimalist existence for a few months is millions sick which has the potential to collapse the infrastructure that support society and the basics for life. What will that look like in a country with a couple guns for every person and a nasty attitude where nobody matters but them? I don’t think it’s hard to imagine a lockdown happening anyway but with everyone for themselves. It looks like a clear choice to me.
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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
@on the cusp
but it sure suits us. I don’t want to live anywhere else. I don’t mind watching the rest of the world go insane from afar. I don’t even really watch. At least it’s better than being in the middle of the mess.
#20.2.2 to be in Ecuador.
I may yet ex-pat there.
Take good care!
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"Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now..."
@on the cusp
Let me know if you come near Cuenca to see for yourself. I’ve recently spent sizable amounts of time with and helping new arrivals and those looking around with intent to “buy”. I can certainly get you started off in the right direction for Cuenca and Vilcabamba.
#20.2.2 to be in Ecuador.
I may yet ex-pat there.
Take good care!
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"Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now..."
#20.2.2.1 Let me know if you come near Cuenca to see for yourself. I’ve recently spent sizable amounts of time with and helping new arrivals and those looking around with intent to “buy”. I can certainly get you started off in the right direction for Cuenca and Vilcabamba.
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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
I realize we are a pretty dark crowd when it comes to these things, but I don't have that DNA.
#20.2 would do it but there’s nothing ominous about this.
It’s only day two and people are more tranquilo than Americans but everything looks smooth so far. One of the main focuses seems to be ensuring food and medical supplies are available. There was a run on supermarkets on Monday but now stores are better stocked than I’ve seen is normal. Only one family member is allowed to shop and there is a strict limit to occupancy. The limits seem reasonable. Two months from now it may well be different. Imported items will become scarce for sure. The markets are allowed to be open for food and certain other items. That is a potential chink in the armor though. The farmers on my road have offered veggies for sale too. Food doesn’t seem likely to be a problem.
Food can be troublesome in the US. Plus most people won’t take kindly to not getting everything they desire and so many are just plain contrary to be contrary. I’ve seen a hint of it here. A few expats peddling conspiracy bullshit and locals not really understanding the threat mostly. The locals will listen however. The lack of a culture that recognizes we’re all in this together is missing in the US but not here.
The alternative to living a minimalist existence for a few months is millions sick which has the potential to collapse the infrastructure that support society and the basics for life. What will that look like in a country with a couple guns for every person and a nasty attitude where nobody matters but them? I don’t think it’s hard to imagine a lockdown happening anyway but with everyone for themselves. It looks like a clear choice to me.
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There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier
@Anja Geitz@Anja Geitz
Social distancing, AKA hunkering down, is probably the least objectionable and disruptive approach. Unless there is a cure or widely available vaccine this thing is going to spread through a major portion of the human population. There is nothing easy about building an adequate plan and enforcing it but it doesn’t have to be perfect to work well enough.
A quick update on Ecuador. Day three here and the number of businesses, utilities, and government functions who are working from home, offering free delivery, and converting to takeout services is increasing. Recognizing that many people are going to be out of work I continue receiving notices that disconnections of service for nonpayment are suspended.
I never cease to be amazed by a culture and people who operate like we’re all in this together and never stop looking for and finding solutions. Just making life work despite minimal resources and everything being more difficult in some ways is a way of life. There’s no bitching about it that I’ve been able to understand. What a fucking concept!
I find this statement really sad: “ I don't have that DNA.” It’s even sadder that I understand it’s true for most people. I used to think like that. There’s no offense intended.
I misunderstood your viewpoint. I thought you were saying that you believed the US was going to send the military in to barricade us in our homes for a month and starve us to death. My comment was in response to that belief. Not about the necessity to social distancing.
#20.2.2.2#20.2.2.2 Social distancing, AKA hunkering down, is probably the least objectionable and disruptive approach. Unless there is a cure or widely available vaccine this thing is going to spread through a major portion of the human population. There is nothing easy about building an adequate plan and enforcing it but it doesn’t have to be perfect to work well enough.
A quick update on Ecuador. Day three here and the number of businesses, utilities, and government functions who are working from home, offering free delivery, and converting to takeout services is increasing. Recognizing that many people are going to be out of work I continue receiving notices that disconnections of service for nonpayment are suspended.
I never cease to be amazed by a culture and people who operate like we’re all in this together and never stop looking for and finding solutions. Just making life work despite minimal resources and everything being more difficult in some ways is a way of life. There’s no bitching about it that I’ve been able to understand. What a fucking concept!
I find this statement really sad: “ I don't have that DNA.” It’s even sadder that I understand it’s true for most people. I used to think like that. There’s no offense intended.
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There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier
@Anja Geitz
The US being what it is leaves me with little doubt that any lockdown in the US will involve riot police and the National Guard. That should cause concern.
That’s far from how it is in Cuenca. The mayor said that in extreme cases violators might be arrested and cars confiscated of those violating travel restrictions. The preferred action is to escort violators home. That’s as it should be but so far people seem to be complying peacefully. There are cities in Ecuador where it is certain to be different.
The difference is that people are on board with the restrictions despite how heavy the burden is for most. The standard monthly salary for s $394 in 2020 and a lot of people are out of work. And they help each other out.
I misunderstood your viewpoint. I thought you were saying that you believed the US was going to send the military in to barricade us in our homes for a month and starve us to death. My comment was in response to that belief. Not about the necessity to social distancing.
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"Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now..."
message very closely resembles the one I received.
A week has passed since BoB listened. My message of 2 days ago said it would start in about a week.
My local store is fairly well stocked. I am thinking of a few items I forgot to get.
Another day in Paradise.
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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Comments
And ...
what does this even mean, other than a joke.
I ask only because so much weird shit has hit the fan of late that it is not clear that this is to be treated seriously or what?
Inquiring minds want to know, or maybe not.
RIP
@PriceRip Given the circumstance, I
Given the circumstance, I took it seriously.
He is a client/friend, has spoken with some of his military pals, and some of his dr. pals, and he called me OUT OF THE BLUE to tell me, said he would be at my door if I needed anything.
That is not a joke, at all.
He is educated, not some goober red neck...he wanted to help me.
He loves me, wants to keep us all safe.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
still, what are you talking about?
People not allowed out of their house? To starve because they can't get to the grocery store? That the military is going to patrol the streets? That something odd is happening in your town? what?
He said
his friend who passed along the info was in the military. A man with rank . Something is going on in all bases here, and then he got the same vague answer from a cop pal, and it them matched up with what some of his dr. pals when he spoke to them.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
He emphasized
that all the people he had spoken to said they could not be specific. His cop pal in Houston even said "Man, I could get fired for talking to you about this."
I think I was on his list of people close to him that he wanted to forewarn.
I visited with my county judge yesterday afternoon, and he had just hung up from a conference call with 500 other judges from Texas, talking to Rep. Kevin Brady, and the judge said he suspected all hell to break loose, and wanted to take some aspirin, wash it down with a beer, and walk away from the responsibility.
I passed this info last night to my brother, wanted to pass it along to my friends on this site.
If it all turns out to be bullshit, and it might, forever disregard me.
I didn't want to keep this to myself anymore than my friend who called me last night.
We are trying to help, not hurt.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Specifics are terrific
Coming from you, otc, I don't take this as a joke. Doesn't sound as though a late night phone call from your friend would be a joke either.
Nevertheless, was the subject of the lockdown national? Texas only? Without some hint, I would assume national. If it's possible for you to convey additional information without compromising your friend, we would appreciate it.
I'm supposed to take a friend to the Houston Medical Center for emergency eye surgery Thursday morning, and I'm worried we won't be making that trip. We've already been told that I can not come into the hospital with my friend, that I have to wait outdoors in the car the entire time. This is unheard of behavior for the Med Center.
I live fairly close to Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport, and I can tell you that the flights have pretty much stopped. Not sure I heard even one today (Tuesday). The main Union Pacific freight line runs about a block from me (runs from north Harris county [Houston] up to College Station, then up to DFW) and a week ago we were still having trains on a regular basis – one every hour or so. Tuesday there were no trains whatsoever. Not one. None so far tonight, either. They've stopped.
Same rule at my hospital
I have to have my dressing changed and get fitted for a brace, I hope. I hope my partner can come in, but maybe it's best if she can't.
I couldn't go in with
Mr. RA when he had a procedure Monday. Ran errands for two hours until I could pick him up. Better that way - stay away from others for now.
"The “jumpers” reminded us that one day we will all face only one choice and that is how we will die, not how we will live." Chris Hedges on 9/11
You and I are about
50 minutes from each other.
I am in Coldspring.
The guy, a former asst. high school principal, father of 4, has not had any reason to contact me in 6 or 7 months, and we have NEVER had a phone chat that wasn't about some on going case.
This was, given all the circumstances, a call to let me know I would be ok. His wife was in the room, saying take care, lady!
It will be nation wide, and he said I could take all of this with a grain of salt, that nobody he spoke with could tell him any solid details or they would get into some trouble.
It will keep us, if it happens, off the highways.
Everyone told him ONLY exempted persons would be able to drive.
I hope, and he hopes, his 6 or 7 or 8 people he had spoken to, who do not know each other, and who all told him essentially the same thing, were all being too cautious and conspiratorial.
I am going to try again to put this into perspective.
I have worked for him for about 8 years, maybe 3 cases.
He has NEVER called me about anything but his legal business.
If this doesn't happen, ok.
If it does happen, I hope everyone is prepared.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Thanks
Thanks for the clarification, otc.
Yes, we're pretty close. I'm in Spring, just west of I-45 and bordering the new Exxon emerald city.
Still hearing no airplanes or trains today so far.
Air traffic lower than normal in my area.
But it had already been decreasing over the last few weeks so nothing drastic at this point.
You can check air traffic in your area with the following web site.
https://www.flightradar24.com
Friendly skies
This evening I finally heard about ten or so flights go overhead. That's better, but a far cry from normal. Of course, things aren't normal.
No trains for two days now, though.
Thanks for the context.
I have no idea of what is happening.
RIP
My brother in Ojai, Ca.
informed me yesterday a column of National Guard vehicles going up Hwy 33.
Don't know what to make of it.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
Thanks
otc for the heads-up. Best to you up there in N. Texas.
I don’t mean to be facetious, but what about dog
walking. We have two critters who don’t really like doing most of their business in the yard. And the big one really needs a good run at least a couple times a week.
"The object of persecution is persecution. The object of torture is torture. The object of power is power. Now do you begin to understand me?" ~Orwell, "1984"
Thanks, otc ~~
The nation is getting ready - we've been getting ready. Even our city - Albuquerque is testing the homeless, which warms my heart.
I should survive for two weeks in my rural area. I'm 1/2 mile off the main road and hunkering down. We bought chickens yesterday - I was down to two, so now we'll have eggs if nothing else!
You take care, otc - and thanks for he head's up!
"The “jumpers” reminded us that one day we will all face only one choice and that is how we will die, not how we will live." Chris Hedges on 9/11
Heh, you citizens ... it is real ... seriously.
lockdown in Europe means 'don't leave your homes'. It is implemented right now. News come in over radio, TV news and internet sites that blog about the pandemic. It is real and on the go.
Not closed or locked up are:
Grocery stores
Pharmacies
You can leave your home to shop for those supplies (whatever you can find on the shelves)
Lock down of public transportation: ongoing, partially, targetted. To search for links takes me longer than the incoming news about them. I will be behind the curve the moment I have posted them.
The military in Germany at least will be ordered to help prevent that people gather in public. Numbers of people allowed to gather in public. I don't know, I think they are down now to five. Bars and Restaurants closed down.
Car manufacturig companies like BMW, VW locked up and not producing anymore. For how long unknown but at least for two to three weeks.
VW, Renault, Opel, Mercedes, Ford, Airbus: Coronavirus sorgt für Stillstand in der Produktion = shut down their production
German military has leased private airplaines for themselves and they sent them out to collect stranded Germans in foreingn countries (like over 30000 I think they said yesterday evening) and help to fly them home.
So, it's for real and it's hard to keep up posting relevant links on time before the content is already outdated.
Stay home, stock peanut butter and don't insist on 'freedom of movements' for now. Please. Fist Fights not wanted.
https://www.euronews.com/live
I haven't done anything
with the peanuts I harvested last year - guess I should try *making* some peanut butter ...
Please stay safe, folks.
“In the beginning was the thing. And one thing led to another.”
― Tom Robbins, Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas
I have no doubt a lockdown is necessary
to begin to shutdown the pandemic.
What those in positions of power do under the cover of this lockdown is another matter altogether.
If the powerful continue to act in their own self interest, the rest of us are going to have to work together and support each other. Too bad we have been so well
trainedpropagandized to mistrust so many by our minders of the fourth estate. Hopefully most will recognize our common interest as their own.Fingers crossed.......
“ …and when we destroy nature, we diminish our capacity to sense the divine,and understand who God is, and what our own potential is and duties are as human beings.- RFK jr. 8/26/2024
I don't know if it is necessary
but it is upon us. We are being driven by fear. This is never good and will not end well.
"The “jumpers” reminded us that one day we will all face only one choice and that is how we will die, not how we will live." Chris Hedges on 9/11
The lockdown is needed
3 weeks ago would have been better.
As to the PTB, bankruptcies to process, assets to hoover up, power to consolidate, necessities to gouge prices on, rights to trample on and politicians to accept pandering from and write checks to. Or, same as it ever was.
I'm not so sure
how much it is needed, only because I don't trust tptb. Control mechanisms concern me.
"The “jumpers” reminded us that one day we will all face only one choice and that is how we will die, not how we will live." Chris Hedges on 9/11
I don't trust TPTB either
Unfortunately, from what I'm seeing on line and hearing antidotally, people here simply aren't taking this seriously and staying home. Sadly, this is what it's come to.
Idolizing a politician is like believing the stripper really likes you.
The coordination of the police and military
is very concerning, RA.
This is nothing I, or you, or anyone in this country has ever experienced.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Exactly, otc ~
I keep telling folks that this is going to change our lives forever. I don't know how, but it just IS!
"The “jumpers” reminded us that one day we will all face only one choice and that is how we will die, not how we will live." Chris Hedges on 9/11
Yes
and I feel that the emergency the gov. is prepared for was another OWS. A different lock down, and comply or die police response.
I imagine all the lines of communication will be swamped, endless busy signals or phone trees. When people go to hospitals there will be long lines just waiting in cars and police roadblocks. Many people will have no more than a passing glance with the health care system we have, being unable to access it in meaningful ways, and they'll be afraid.
In countries with developed health care systems people will mostly trust their health providers, having grown up seeing them most of their lives. Their politicians haven't been working against then to deny care.
Here there are many whose only major medical contact is through the ER and the business office, and when they're desperate there won't even be that. We don't trust our politicians, and a lot don't have doctors to develop trust with.
The only chance, it seems to be, is totally lock down everything that's not essential. If it were a forest fire that would be the firebreak. Make it so all you have to deal with is the flying embers and small fires. We have a "just in time" hospital system. Medicare long ago pushed for outpatient procedures to reduce hospital admissions, and penalized hospitals for "excess" bed counts. In Italy it was too many infections at once and it overwhelmed the system. If we can slow the infection rate enough, the health care providers may have a chance to keep up with treatment.
California Preparing National Guard
Gov. Newsom Prepares National Guard
Not a deployment yet, but it will be relatively soon.
Other states will do similarly, I'm sure.
Looks like mostly will be focused on highway control--making sure people don't travel from one location to another without good reason (I'd assume hospital appointments would be a good reason).
Things are gonna get interesting . . .
The House in our state legislature
tried to limit the governor’s emergency powers to a couple months, but the senate overruled them. I thought that sounded bad.
"The object of persecution is persecution. The object of torture is torture. The object of power is power. Now do you begin to understand me?" ~Orwell, "1984"
My client/friends
are all in daily contact with the government.
They do not know each other.
They live in different cities.
And they all gave the same vague hints.
How could it be some coordinated lie?
It does appear to be a highway control issue.
He said to be prepared for cops to be on every intersection.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
I hope
they are not intending to *also* attempt to control the flow of information (any more than is already occurring).
Sites such as Pandemic News - which are already the subject of censorship, de-platforming and other attacks have been providing timely information and much not covered (or belatedly) by the MSM.
I'm not saying quarantine isn't necessary or that the whole situation is manufactured - but authoritarians love to take advantage of this sort of situation (even when they haven't perpetrated it themselves) for nefarious purposes. And taking down what independent media is still standing is no doubt high on their agenda.
My favorite Rahm quote
"You never let a serious crisis go to waste. And what I mean by that it's an opportunity to do things you think you could not do before."
I don't think he meant that in a good way.
that is Milton Freidman too
in the first min or so and again at the end...
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niwNTI9Nqd8]
Payroll tax cuts set them up to cut social security. Massive give aways to the big corps. They are screwing us for sure.
More details here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmhsNdW24BM&t=26m02s
No telling how this cop military alliance will play out.
Thanks for the heads up on the cusp. I made a run to town this AM All seemed calm. No reported cases in the county, but just did the first tests yesterday (14).
I should be able to do fine for 2+ weeks. I can ride my bike to our small town w/ small grocery, PO, pharmacy, and dollar store if we need anything.
Wishing us all the best. The lock down might be better the the strategy of some countries to let this run its course and those that survive will be immune...the herd immunity hypothesis.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
It figures
I didn't know that. Well, it's nice to know where the 2 parties can claim bipartisanship.
The rest just makes me want to shoot myself in the head. The ideas lying around on both sides are many, but the one idea they share is that Bernies ideas never see the light of day.
Naomi Klein's "Shock Doctrine" comes to mind.
She has a "keep calm but be alert" video out.
I hope we do stay calm and stay in touch with community and reliable sources --and double-check rumors. We each, by the decisions we make, can and will affect the social outcome of this. We matter, singly and collectively.
I'm of two minds when it comes to martial law -- if it deprives us of the most basic freedoms or is put in place for good -- then obviously it is to be questioned and challenged. But if it stops the pandemic and keeps the weakest among us safe from lawless panicked predation, should such a thing actually happen, then it could be temporarily allowed.
The government had better tell us exactly what they are doing, why they are doing it, what it entails and how long they expect it to last. They had better keep the channels of communication open on both sides.
Lurking in the wings is Hillary, like some terrifying bat hanging by her feet in a cavern below the DNC. A bat with theropod instincts. -- Fred Reed https://tinyurl.com/vgvuhcl
Shower thinking changed my mind
about the martial law possibility. Not that "I" matter one iota, but on reconsideration, I think we should oppose any kind of martial law. Reason being, to allow them to do it for even a couple of weeks would be a "camel's nose under the tent" situation, and we shouldn't even allow that. It needs to remain outside the bounds of possibility. We can have community-led or government-community cooperative law and order, rules that are clearly explained, that we can agree to follow and enforce among ourselves through example and reminders.
Lurking in the wings is Hillary, like some terrifying bat hanging by her feet in a cavern below the DNC. A bat with theropod instincts. -- Fred Reed https://tinyurl.com/vgvuhcl
I went to the office,
had to come home to get my damn cell phone.
I had "that talk" with my staff.
My paralegal has known this client for 9 years, and she almost cried when I told her he said he would be here to help me.
This is as unexpected as anything we have heard, and we hear lots of weird stuff at the office.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
FWIW NSC says it's a false rumor
https://heavy.com/news/2020/03/nsc-national-quarantine-fake/
Consider the source, as always.
"You can't just leave those who created the problem in charge of the solution."---Tyree Scott
I called a few close friends,
all but 1 felt there was a reason to believe it. The 1 who said it was bs then went on to say it was Trump and Putin trying to suspend the elections because they know Biden will win.
We switched the subject to her new haircut.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
I believe the NSC
would want to take us by surprise. Of course they are trying to refocus us but we need to remain focused on what they're doing to us. I don't trust them AT ALL!
"The “jumpers” reminded us that one day we will all face only one choice and that is how we will die, not how we will live." Chris Hedges on 9/11
Thank you for the heads up
It is not inconceivable watching the panic at the upper government and 1% level. I will double check I have everything I need on the place for the next 4 weeks. If I am over preparing it will be considered unnecessary overwork. Like when I check the oil and tire pressure in the car and pack and emergency kit before a leaving trip in the car. Never needed that kit in all the years of travel, including some really nasty drives over winter passes.
Still yourself, deep water can absorb many disturbances with minimal reaction.
--When the opening appears release yourself.
I'm glad you have good friends
Who are so willing to help you, should you need help. Thank you for the heads up.
For the record
and with all due respect, I'm not on board with this. But this popped up and I'm sure everyone needs a bit more anxiety this morning:
Military has emergency plan for shadow government
"The greatest shortcoming of the human race is our inability to understand the exponential function." -- Albert Bartlett
"A species that is hurtling toward extinction has no business promoting slow incremental change." -- Caitlin Johnstone
Things fall apart
As a friend of mine said to me recently: “Shit. I hoped I’d be gone before the shit hit the fan.” Yeah, me too.
From what I’ve read this morning, it seems likely that a compete lockdown will happen, probably fairly soon. And that it will go on for much longer than 2 weeks. Life as we knew it is not coming back, not anytime soon, if ever. There will be no “return to normalcy” — sorry Joe Biden voters, but that ship has sailed.
There will eventually be a new normal. Many people will live to see it. Some of us will not. I am coming to terms with the fact that I am likely to be in the second group. My odds are not good. I hope my younger and healthier spouse will make it, and be able to somehow take care of himself and our pets through the coming madness. Today I am at home, alone, isolated, and very worried. I desperately feel I want to do something, but there’s nothing to be done right now.
I was just talking to my husband on the phone about all of this. I needed to hear a human voice. His work remains ‘business as usual’ and he’s not feeling the fear. Many people are just carrying on with life as per normal, and that is who he’s seeing so he doesn’t really get it. He’s also not reading the news. He’s head-down, one foot in front of the other, taking it day by day.
He says to me, “look, if they lock over 300 million people into their homes and just let everyone starve, it will kill far more of us than the virus. That makes no sense.” Even if it comes to a few million people dying from the disease, he does not think a long-term (months to a year or more) lock down will happen. He says, some people will get the virus and then get well, and they at least will have to be allowed out, and they can help provide help to all the people still stuck inside their houses.
He’s always been an optimist. I have excessive anxiety on a normal day. I am not doing well here at home alone. Thanks to you all in this virtual community for being here.
keep it together
best as you can
many are freaking out over things both big and small
a healthy response is to limit anxiety
best as you can
PM me if that helps
question everything
Not a joke or a bad idea
From Saturday translated:
New measures in Ecuador:
1. Ban on the arrival of international flights, buses or ships arriving at airports from Sunday March 15 for foreign citizens. For national citizens it applies from Monday, March 23.
2. The prohibition of massive events is ratified, this includes the Easter processions.
3. Mandatory Cremation of the person who dies from coronavirus.
4. They are going to present a protocol for entering and leaving the Galapagos Islands since the island is not ready to treat Covid patients19
5. The border crossings are closed except for a few such as Huaquillas.
6. Every 3 hours public transportation must be cleaned.
7. Visits or attendance at nursing homes are prohibited.
8. Special protocol for visits to social rehabilitation centers.
9. Those who impede the attention of a citizen in a health service will be punished with all the weight of the law.
10. Meetings of more than 30 people are prohibited, cinemas theaters gyms private parties circus functions and all places of mass attendance are restricted.
11. 5 laboratories are enabled in Guayaquil to do the tests. (31 in the country)
12. Obligation for all doctors and health professionals to pass the virtual course on covid 19.
That was the external ban of travel. Sunday night brought the internal restrictions in a presidential address to the nation. Before that #Quedarteentucasa went live, “Stay in your home” so I sort of had a feeling.
I’ll see if I can find a list of restrictions in effect since yesterday morning at 6:00. Essentially there is a ban on personal travel except for work, buying groceries, seeking medical help or medications, and limits in gatherings including grocery stores. All workers who are in contact with customers are wearing masks and gloves and they distribute hand sanitizer when you enter. Public transportation, what little is operating, has to sanitize every three hours. Personal auto movement is limited to specific days depending on license pate number. There’s more but you get the gist.
A good friend in Roma and some reading indicates this is a widespread strategy in the world. Social distancing has some decent underlying scientific basis that indicates it is better than quarantine. I hope so but get happy with it because I think the US will either adopt it or suffer more than the areas hard hit now.
"Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now..."
Yesterday, I took tomato plants to friends . . . .
Some I spoke to at a distance. Others, I just left them at an obvious spot. It felt good.
One friend said that we need to activate a bartering system.
Marilyn
"Make dirt, not war." eyo
I don't think they can pull off a total lockdown
in this country. In some metro areas, they could. But this country is very large, very spread out. Once you get out of the suburbs, there are many small roads. There are places in my state that have only 1 part-time policeman, one whole county that I'm aware of.
Also they want us to spend money, which we cannot do if locked down.
That scenario wouldn't
be ideal, though I'm sure TPTB have long had contingencies for various types of National Emergencies which would require suppression of many Constitutional rights.
These days, this year I'm slightly more concerned about what Trump might have planned for Nov. Especially if the virus comes roaring back as the weather turns cold, or has never gone away and we're still dealing with it 8 months from now. (some Southern Hemisphere countries, where it's late summer now, are also getting the virus.)
Suspend the election bec of C19 National Emergency? Claim the Dems rigged the vote in several key states and refuse to step down? Arrange for Repub state legislatures in WI, PN and NC to give him their electoral votes against the popular vote of the state? The Rs and Trump are perfectly capable of all these, including the last one, where they would cite the Constitution as allowing it.
Last week I got to listen to an encrypted message
from a good friends cousin who works at the Pentagon (CIA). The lockdown was going to happen in two weeks and would last for a month. Get all the food you can, it said. You won't be able to once this shit happens.
That sounds ominous.
I spoke with our County Judge and a Commissioner. The judge said he got calls sorta of changing the plans seemingly every few hours, felt there would be a time when the courthouse simply closed for 2 weeks. A person is confirmed with the condition, her mom is the commissioner's secretary. All precinct employees were sent home for 2 weeks, effective today. Law offices here and there are closing to the general public, and some just closed to go home.
Houston, I hear, is a ghost town.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
So, the grocery stores are going to close for a month
And babies are going to die of starvation? Hmm....
There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier
I haven't thought about this as running out of food in my
pantry as much as I have about food not being available for sale at the stores.
There might come a time when delivery trucks have nothing to deliver from the warehouse, or no drivers, or the store may have no stockers, etc...
My black humor is to tell everybody I must stock up sufficiently on beer!
I sent my brother around town today with my debit card to put the finishing touches on our pantries. He very thoughtfully shopped for little things, like condiments. He thought about flour, sugar, coffee, and, of course, Little Sister's beer.
He is such a good brother!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Milling around
I tried to find flour today. Six stores in over three hours. None to be had. Not even yeast. We have both, but not enough to last for an extended lockdown of a month ...or more.
Flour
I couldn't find any whole wheat flour yesterday at the two stores we went to. Well Aldi doesn't carry ww flour anyway, but there was still ap flour. Most bread was cleaned out, and no buns to be seen. I did get some yeast packets. Good thing I spent four years making bread from scratch; we have a lot of options.
This shit is bananas.
I don’t know how the US
would do it but there’s nothing ominous about this.
It’s only day two and people are more tranquilo than Americans but everything looks smooth so far. One of the main focuses seems to be ensuring food and medical supplies are available. There was a run on supermarkets on Monday but now stores are better stocked than I’ve seen is normal. Only one family member is allowed to shop and there is a strict limit to occupancy. The limits seem reasonable. Two months from now it may well be different. Imported items will become scarce for sure. The markets are allowed to be open for food and certain other items. That is a potential chink in the armor though. The farmers on my road have offered veggies for sale too. Food doesn’t seem likely to be a problem.
Food can be troublesome in the US. Plus most people won’t take kindly to not getting everything they desire and so many are just plain contrary to be contrary. I’ve seen a hint of it here. A few expats peddling conspiracy bullshit and locals not really understanding the threat mostly. The locals will listen however. The lack of a culture that recognizes we’re all in this together is missing in the US but not here.
The alternative to living a minimalist existence for a few months is millions sick which has the potential to collapse the infrastructure that support society and the basics for life. What will that look like in a country with a couple guns for every person and a nasty attitude where nobody matters but them? I don’t think it’s hard to imagine a lockdown happening anyway but with everyone for themselves. It looks like a clear choice to me.
"Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now..."
You are so lucky
to be in Ecuador.
I may yet ex-pat there.
Take good care!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
It’s far from perfect here
but it sure suits us. I don’t want to live anywhere else. I don’t mind watching the rest of the world go insane from afar. I don’t even really watch. At least it’s better than being in the middle of the mess.
"Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now..."
One more thing otc
Let me know if you come near Cuenca to see for yourself. I’ve recently spent sizable amounts of time with and helping new arrivals and those looking around with intent to “buy”. I can certainly get you started off in the right direction for Cuenca and Vilcabamba.
"Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now..."
@vtcc73 Absolutely!
Absolutely!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Sorry, I just don't see that happening
I realize we are a pretty dark crowd when it comes to these things, but I don't have that DNA.
There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier
I hope that you’re wrong.
Social distancing, AKA hunkering down, is probably the least objectionable and disruptive approach. Unless there is a cure or widely available vaccine this thing is going to spread through a major portion of the human population. There is nothing easy about building an adequate plan and enforcing it but it doesn’t have to be perfect to work well enough.
A quick update on Ecuador. Day three here and the number of businesses, utilities, and government functions who are working from home, offering free delivery, and converting to takeout services is increasing. Recognizing that many people are going to be out of work I continue receiving notices that disconnections of service for nonpayment are suspended.
I never cease to be amazed by a culture and people who operate like we’re all in this together and never stop looking for and finding solutions. Just making life work despite minimal resources and everything being more difficult in some ways is a way of life. There’s no bitching about it that I’ve been able to understand. What a fucking concept!
I find this statement really sad: “ I don't have that DNA.” It’s even sadder that I understand it’s true for most people. I used to think like that. There’s no offense intended.
"Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now..."
From your response, it's clear
I misunderstood your viewpoint. I thought you were saying that you believed the US was going to send the military in to barricade us in our homes for a month and starve us to death. My comment was in response to that belief. Not about the necessity to social distancing.
There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier
That makes sense Anja.
The US being what it is leaves me with little doubt that any lockdown in the US will involve riot police and the National Guard. That should cause concern.
That’s far from how it is in Cuenca. The mayor said that in extreme cases violators might be arrested and cars confiscated of those violating travel restrictions. The preferred action is to escort violators home. That’s as it should be but so far people seem to be complying peacefully. There are cities in Ecuador where it is certain to be different.
The difference is that people are on board with the restrictions despite how heavy the burden is for most. The standard monthly salary for s $394 in 2020 and a lot of people are out of work. And they help each other out.
"Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now..."
Well, I slept on this and Battle of Blair's
message very closely resembles the one I received.
A week has passed since BoB listened. My message of 2 days ago said it would start in about a week.
My local store is fairly well stocked. I am thinking of a few items I forgot to get.
Another day in Paradise.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981