Simple Math

I am not a statistician, but I would guess there are statisticians working for the CDC and Johns Hopkins/Bloomberg, so I'll use the figures posted on those websites.

One of the most difficult aspects of this lockdown, I believe, has been the undercurrent of doubt, with the cloud of an overriding state of grief, with enduring anxiety of the collapse of the nation's economy.  We are mourning the loss of life while watching our nation crumble and further divide. In seeing all of this devastation, we just know in our spirit, we are not being told the entire story. 

As of 4:52 Monday morning, April 13, 2020. the Coronavirus COVID-19 Dashboard that I have followed since I found it, showed 1,859,011 confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide.  Cases in the US have risen to 557,590 with 22,109 deaths recorded.  According to the site, and basic math, the US has 29.99% of the world's confirmed cases, which is frighteningly close to 1/3!  Every life is important, there's no doubt; but up until two months ago, we knew we couldn't trust politicians or the media.  How do we know we are hearing the truth, now?  Interestingly the Governor that allows abortion through the third trimester, literally stated that if one life is saved through this "shelter in place," the economic cost will be worth it.  Many of our politicians are calling this lockdown a "temporary" inconvenience What the politicians and those associated with W.H.O call "temporary inconvenience," I call "loss of rights," and I'm not convinced that will be temporary!  Yet I digress . . .

I went to the CDC for some statistics, actually a specific one.  Realizing, I've already shared a bit of my own perspective, the following is math, based solely upon the information posted on the CDC website and the website linked in the previous paragraph. 

According to the CDC, 2,839,205 people died in the US in 2018.  When that number is divided by 365, the quotient is: 7778.6.  This figure is the statistical average of the daily mortality rate in America.  On average over 7500 Americans die, daily.  We've lived with that fact, and life has gone on.  I then took the figures in the previous paragraph and did a bit more math, upon checking the first reported death attributed to COVID-19, which was reported on February 29, 2020. 

Based upon the mortality report of 2018, statistically, 334,482 Americans died through the month of March and the first 12 days of April.  In that same time, 43 days, 22,109 Americans died of COVID-19.  The statistics are being registered differently.  Daily averages or annual reports are different than accrual.   

The infection rate has been no where near the projection of the models, but the fear and frustration has been exponential! 

I've been trying to keep record of the many redefinitions that are the fulfillment of Isaiah 5:20, in calling evil good and good evil.  "Shelter in place" is the euphemism/redefinition of "house arrest." 
 

No Longer Business as Usual

When this plandemic first hit the headlines, I made a curious observation.  At first, the reports were not in the health section of news sites, but rather on the business, finance, or economic pages . . .  Now it seems COVID-19 is the only topic in the news.

Earlier this week, it occurred to me that President Trump can promise anything knowing Nancy will refuse to cooperate with his idea.  She seems to have missed the memo in which we can all see, it doesn't look like an empty promise from him, it looks like sabotage from her!  Now, I see he has signed her pork ladened bill, with plenty of extras.  According to my mathematics, there is a lot more to this story problem!

Bill Gates is in the news quite a bit on this plandemic.  He is one rich, powerful man.  Of course, he's talking vaccines, but he's got another idea brewing.  He is "working on" digital records.  I'm not exactly sure what that means, but it doesn't sound good!  He's also funded the testing to be simplified, calling it "self-swab" to prevent transference, as well as reducing the amount of protective gear needed if the tests are administered by a health care professional.  Interestingly, a college dropout with an exorbitant amount of money, and honorary degree, and technology knowledge is considered a vital voice in this plandemic.

Social distancing is a notch above the SMART phone absorption.  Since we've already eliminated eye contact, folks need to look up from their phones often enough to make sure they are staying 6-10 feet from everyone else.  Phone rudeness is one of my pet peeves.  I wish I had a dollar for every time someone read a text or "had to see who was calling," in the middle of a conversation with me.  After a while, their pattern is recognized and I really don't bother communicating anything of any depth.  Apparently, I know a great many important people, or at least they think they are.  It is so common in our society, the people who do it, could read this, and never even see themselves in it.  Sad that our society lacks common sense, while so many people senselessly choose to just be common.

For years now, I have written and told anyone who would listen, which are not many . . . Health care will be a strong arm of the New World Order.  Whether we are actually at the immediate threshold of the New World Order or just watching it come together, health care is leading the way!

Basically, in an already self-absorbed, rude, and basically unmotivated society, we have now eliminated handshakes, hugs, small businesses, jobs, and church!  Hopefully, this is temporary, but I have the feeling all of it isn't.  The backbone of America has been broken and the new normal is not looking to be even remotely recognizable.  If we do get a breather, be advised, TPTB are already talking about preparing for the next one.

And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of YHUH thy G-d, and wilt do that which is right in His sight, and wilt give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am YHUH that healeth thee.  Exodus 15:26

Try a Little Kindness

Now that panic has set in, and of all things, toilet paper is being hoarded, I'd like to offer my observation.

As we began to face this pandemic we were armed with SMART technology in hand, but no toilet paper in the stores!

The people are even becoming bitterly divided on the virus itself, and feel very strongly about their stance.  Some feel there is already too much overreach, while others feel there is not yet enough being done.  It's sort of a soft-serve martial law for health and safety, but it's still control of the masses, with authority and threat of consequences.  Our society has been based upon perpetual motion for so long, many do not know how to stop.

Nursing homes, without advanced notice, just said, "No visitors," except in the case of late-stage hospice; and that's that!  Some cities and states have now declared "voluntary isolation or it will be forced."  The ultimate in double message!

Some hospitals are establishing regulations with regard to visitors.  The new rules to allow no visitors in some hospitals and all nursing homes, especially nursing homes; make no sense to me.  The following information, in no way, is dismissive of the lives of the residents or the severity of the current health threat to the elderly.  The people who work in these facilities go home, live their lives, and come back for their shift.  Many have families, and those family members interact with their circle before coming home to share space with the health care workers.  Many years ago, I worked in long term health care.  Through that time, I had a child in school, who had friends visiting back and forth after school.  I was single, so I dated.  I wasn't much of a drinker, but I loved to dance, so I had a social life outside of my place of employment.  Perhaps regulations and restrictions have been put in place for the hours off the clock, but that would seem quite invasive, impractical, and downright impossible to regulate or enforce.  Obviously, most social life is curtailed at this point, but people still go to stores, gas stations, etc.  This is an airborne contagion.  Everyone out and about is breathing!

I realize this current situation has seriously curtailed socializing, but not all.  My point being, the staff comes and goes and interacts with their families, goes to the store, etc.  The families of the residents, however; cannot enter the facility for a visit with their aging loved one.  Chances are, the children of most of the residents are not spring chickens themselves, and in all likelihood, do not have children still living at home. 

I can understand, for the sake of safety, perhaps establishing some visiting hours or days, but to completely disallow visiting seems cruel and certainly lacking compassion for the residents and their families.  I understand the elderly are at greater risk, but being completely isolated from their loved ones may not be the protection they need.

People should certainly be able to be screened (temp, no cough) and allowed to visit.  I came across an interesting twist to all this . . . It's been suggested in a couple of states that non-violent prisoners should be released to home monitoring, to stop the potential spread of the virus in the prison.  I couldn't help but comment when I saw the link on social media.  Basically, asking who in the world would suggest freedom for prisons and lockdown for nursing homes?  Although the answer that stands out, wasn't worth the time to respond, I will share my comment and the response.

Eliza Beisinger Free criminals while nursing homes are locked down? Who is thinking this stuff up?

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• Dan Johnson Nursing homes can prevent people from coming in or out except for staff. They can’t do that with jail systems. This is about slowing down the spread of the virus in any way possible. Not about who gets to roam free.

So, this individual informed me that nursing homes can control and prevent people from coming and going, but that isn't possible in the jail system!  I reread it to make certain, I read it properly.  I believe I have a workable solution for both problems.  Obviously, family members are not going to want to make their loved one ill, so I'm sure they'd be agreeable to specified visiting hours/days for this problem and happy to have their temperature taken and stay home if they have a cough or sniffles.  As to the problem in the jail system, sounds like they need locks!

Realizing that many people literally live paycheck to paycheck, stocking up on extra food may be difficult.  Then there is the reality that those who are living paycheck to paycheck can't afford to lose any pay, so they may be hesitant to call in sick.

Any event that involves a crowd larger than 10 has been canceled.    The duration of this crisis remains to be seen, but when and if the reprieve comes, there will be new "normal."  Life as we know it has changed dramatically. 

We all have our theories, so as we lambaste the comments and theories of others, let's try a little kindness.

Coronavirus Has Gone Political . . . Naturally

At this point, I believe the only thing natural about this virus is the obvious polarized politicizing of the problem in the US.  The polarized division is what comes naturally, in America!  I'm guessing other countries aren't even suggesting this virus be named for someone in the "other" party, much less their leader!

This country is divided and polarized on almost every issue.  Does that mean America is bipolar?   I'm really having difficulty writing this blog.  The headlines and comments about the Coronavirus are mind-boggling.

When the entire world is seeing things of Biblical proportion, leave it to America to make it political!  As per the current trend in America, the plagues of fear, blame, and hate seem to be spreading more rapidly than the coronavirus or locusts.

There are a few conspiracy theories, as well as some seriously compelling reports that do not put the conspiracy theories to rest . . . I found an interesting coincidence, at least I think the timing is interesting.  Mike Bloomberg officially entered the primary about the same time the Coronavirus entered the headlines.  Just a guess here, but I would guess that Johns Hopkins has ties with WHO (the World Health Organization) and Johns Hopkins has another name in the title.  Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.  It would seem Mr. Bloomberg has made serious contributions to this organization.  Johns Hopkins added Mr. Bloomberg's name in 2001.   

Quote from the page linked above.
"GDEC graduates enjoy careers in academia, government and nongovernment sectors, and industry. Alumni hold faculty appointments at leading universities and ministries of health on five continents and positions at major global health organizations, including WHO, CDC, FDA, NIH, the World Bank, and the International Vaccine Institute."

To further my conspiranoia, on another tangent, Mr. Bloomberg has now discontinued his candidacy and has endorsed Biden.  Biden has a history of off the wall comments, but he truly seems to be struggling with cognition.  I feel sorry for him.  I'm guessing Bloomberg will be instrumental and $upportive of the VP choice . . . I'd wager to say Mr. Bloomberg has more power with his money behind the scenes than any president could imagine.

Back to the politicizing of the Coronavirus.  Until someone figures out how to capture this virus, contain it, and put a lid on it, there will be blame.  Let's be honest, if President Trump managed to accomplish that, a loud voice in America would still complain.  There is no reason, whatsoever, that an illness has been politicized!

When he restricted air traffic between the US and China, now various other countries; he was ostracized as . . . I can't remember if it was xenophobia, germaphobia, or something; and now the complaint is:  he didn't act swiftly enough!  Come on people.  Americans cannot even remain consistent in political complaints.

At the risk of sounding political myself, I have something to say.  I may lose friends from both sides of the aisle on this.  To be honest, through his 2016 candidacy I was not a Trump fan, and I'm really not sure what all his Presidency has accomplished; but the Democrats have certainly made him look good!  He is our president, not a doctor!  As we've heard from divisive media, nobody knows much about this novel coronavirus.  If we can't be united in this country, we certainly could stop looking for reasons to be divided and accusatory.  Politicizing this virus is a new low.

Even though Americans vary in their beliefs and I am not saying "there are many paths to heaven," if Americans spent as much time and energy praying as they do disputing and blaming, this nation would be different.

















  

Woke or Awakened?

I'm treading lightly here, as folks categorize themselves and others based upon social offenses and disagreements.  The term"Woke" is political, of African-American origin, but in the last couple of years has become the unifying cry and claim of the SJW (social justice warrior,) who are predominantly blue!  (Politically speaking, that is.)

The following is the definition I found on the Google page.  Social Justice Warrior:  a person who expresses or promotes socially progressive views.  Here is the list (same source) of social justice issues:  Race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, education, mental and physical ability.

There are, of course, racial issues that still exist, but certainly not to the social level they did when the term was originally coined.  According to a very brief Google search, "woke" is now a term meaning:  alert to injustice.  Does this mean the SJWs look for things about which to be offended?  I think so. 

Often the SJWs prove themselves to be among the least tolerant, yet; "tolerance" is also one of their cries for the cause.  I'll include this quote from the article in Wikipedia:  "healthy paranoia, especially about issues of racial and political justice"  Apparently, the tolerant woke, have determined paranoia can be healthy.

Awakened is not a racial term, but rather usually refers to those who realize we've been lied to!  Awakened is usually used along the lines of religion, politics, or nationalism.  Many of us who use the term, have awaked to the fact, we have not been privy to the facts!  Many of us are also "walk away Democrats."  I, personally walked away from the Democrat party in November of 1992, but did not join the Republican party.  It was no Republican that inspired my "walk away!"  The Clintons, themselves inspired my walk away, right after I voted for Bill . . . I was probably what would now be termed a "Kennedy Democrat" and Bill was no JFK.  JFK had said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."  I heard a very different message from Bill C., when he needed a place to stay for three months between the governor's mansion and the White House.  The Clintons were dependent upon "public housing" at its finest.

The "woke" party claims that rich, old, white guys are what's wrong with America.  Seeing some of their candidates and reading their quotes, I can see why the "woke folk" would feel that way.  With Bernie Sanders leading in the primary at this time, perhaps the "Woke" party hopes he will divulge his skill set as to becoming a millionaire politician while spending his early adult years couch surfing?  I'm not even "Woke," and I'd be interested in hearing the chronology of that bio!
Since we are divided on nearly every front, I'll add my latest observation of the division!

This division seems to be along party lines, but I think it's more deeply entrenched with potential for tributariness.  Even though the talking points all sound like scripted sound bites, the Woke folk hammer the word diversity, while those who have been awakened have diverse views, on different topics.

If we were to view the embodiment of the terms, I'd suggest that Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez seems to be the picture of "woke."  The image of Candace Owens Farmer is the face of "awakened," and has actually confessed that she only became awakened less than four years ago!

That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:  from a Psalm of Holy Scripture

The State of the Union

  Dear Nancy,

Like a turtle on a fencepost, you, as well as most of us; did not get where we are, by ourselves!   That being said, I have a few things to say, woman to woman.  If your recent behavior draws the approval of your constituents, G-d help us all!  As a former Democrat, the decline of the party is very, very obvious.  By decline, I am not referring to relevance or even popularity, but to the standard of civility.  The example you set in behavior, I'm afraid is quite relevant to the direction of this county.    

The behavior that has been demonstrated by several individuals on the left side of the aisle has simply not been fit for polite society.  In all honesty, I did not see the entire State of the Union Address.  I do not have a television.  I prefer to read articles, or in this case, the transcript.  As I'm sure you are aware, ripping up the President's speech, certainly made you a viral sensation on youtube.  Your attitude last year was appalling.  I had no idea you'd outdo yourself this year.  This grudge you are choosing to carry must be getting quite heavy.  

The party of "tolerance and compassion" and for "minorities" seemed incredibly intolerant and discompassionate, not to mention most of your party sat motionless as individuals of color were recognized by the President, and applauded by at least half of those in attendance.  Do you want respect as Speaker of the House, while you were openly disrespectful of the highest office in the land?  Is "disrespect" now considered to be politically correct?  The lack of compassion by the majority of your party, for an ill human being, also spoke volumes!  

To be honest, I was not really a Trump fan.  I know he's done some very kind things for a number of people, without making great fanfare, but his style of conduct concerned me.  I wondered if a man who cannot be bought would be accountable.  Thus far, he's looking pretty good!  The way he's handled the house partisanship and your attitude is reflective of a man who does not participate in political theatrics and actually appears to carry himself well above the hateful pettiness that you have chosen to display.  I have respect for the Office and he is the President.  In the past few months, however; you have made him look like a persecuted saint!

In compassion for your hissy fit, I tried to seek a different perspective.  Realizing you will be 80, I considered the possibility of a medication problem or even some cognitive issues.  When you still defended your behavior the next day, you made it clear that you were intentional about your behavior and not confused the night before.  

You said the Impeachment will stand forever.  Bill Clinton's impeachment is still standing as well, but it's not in his way . . . Mr. Trump stated the Acquittal stands forever, which is also true.  I have a "forever" observation as well.  Anytime I hear the term "witch-hunt," you will come to mind! 

 Every wise woman builds her house, But the foolish one tears it down with her own hands.  a Proverb of Holy Scripture.

   

Coronavirus Questions

There are just so many questions running through my mind, about this plague which could potentially become a pandemic.  From a spiritual perspective, I'd say we are watching prophecy being fulfilled as the end of days unfold . . . So, that's one question I do not have!

When I first read about this illness, and of course, I can't find the articles now, but when news of this was first breaking, there was reported to be a patent on a Coronavirus with plans to make a vaccine for SARS.  Now "they" say it was a different Coronavirus.  Personally, I believe, we may never know!

The name of this virus caught my attention.  Perhaps it's the writer in me, but I noticed the word "Novel" is a part of the label carried by this dreaded illness.  Officially, the CDC lists it as 2019-nCoV.  The "n" stands for "novel."  Most of us associate the word "novel" with a work of fiction.  How "novel" became part of the name of this illness, began to weigh on my mind.   Novel just kept crossing my mind, seemingly out of nowhere.  Knowing, "novel" is both a noun and an adjective, I found myself leaning a little toward conspiranoia.  Upon opening Wordweb, both definitions seem possibly applicable . . .

Noun:  An extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story.

Adjective:  Original and of a kind not seen before.

Obviously, from news reports, it is original and of a kind not seen before, so the definition of an adjective certainly applies, but it also seems to bear a lack of credibility or "transparency" in the entire circumstances.  There is a piece of this puzzling plague that is missing or manufactured.  I am not, for a moment, doubting that people are sick and some are dying.  I feel horrible for those people and their families.  I am, however; in full skeptical mode that 2019-nCoV originated at a seafood shop, or bat soup diner, or local market.

 I believe we are possibly looking at the definition of "novel" to be a noun, as well:  "an extended work" that was conceived in the mind of humanity.  Then, there are reports of a more nefarious possibility, such as a biological weapons program!

Of course, many are asking, if not aloud, at least in their own thoughts, "Just how intensely will this virus spread?"  "Will we ever actually know the original source of this illness?  "How many people will die before it stops?"  "What is the difference between those who are recovering and those who are dying?"  Is the difference age, general health, diet, faith?

My next question is absolutely rooted in skepticism.  When will the vaccine become available?  The idea that the "measles scare" wasn't enough to sway the masses has crossed my mind, more than once.  What is the timeframe, before a vaccine is introduced and becomes mandatory?  Without a doubt, vaccines will become more polarizing than our politics!  My family is absolutely polarized when it comes to the subject of vaccines, and I've read about many others in this same situation.  Is there coming a time when those of us who are not pro-mandatory vaccine will have to wear some sort of identifying badge?  Since the scarlet letter has already been used, as well as a yellow star, and pink triangle; perhaps the powers that be will be a bit more creative . . . or will we see history repeat itself!

Since many of the articles and reports on this virus are featured in business and finance sections, will this potential pandemic be used for a greater purpose?  Is it possible, all we ex-vaxxers will, at some point, be unable to participate in commerce and travel without proof of vaccination?  Quarantine is commanded in Scriptural, exclusion for trusting our Creator is also noted in Scripture, but far from commanded.

And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of YHUH thy God, and wilt do that which is right in His sight, and wilt give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am YHUH that healeth thee.  Exodus 15:26