Octopus Overlords

Posted: **Fri Dec 31, 2021 1:56 pm**

Trump created most of the ground conditions that made this unmanageable. When he could have promoted sensible preventative measures he said it'd magically go away. He refused to be seen wearing a mask. He indulged in fantasy thinking about magic cures. He politicized everything to the point that a strong predictor of vaccination and risk for dying from COVID became political affiliation. The man broke everything.

Still the Biden administration I'm sure will also be judged harshly (fairly) as well as time passes. From Biden's decision to install business leaders in key public health positions -- like Zients -- to how they ignored wide swaths of public health expertise and developed tunnel vision on vaccines as a quick fix sole solution. This was also aligned to messaging issues and an inability to look outside their bubble to source ideas. This led to a situation where they couldn't adjust or anticipate problems. And despite failure after failure Biden has shown he likely doesn't have the self-awareness to make changes to perform better. It's a bad situation.

Posted: **Fri Dec 31, 2021 2:01 pm**

Remember, it was a choice between Trump and Biden, not a choice between Trump and a great leader. We got an upgrade. Not a savior.

Posted: **Fri Dec 31, 2021 2:04 pm**

LawBeefaroni wrote: Fri Dec 31, 2021 2:01 pm Remember, it was a choice between Trump and Biden, not a choice between Trump and a great leader. We got an upgrade. Not a savior.

Yeah and it wasn't like we weren't warned. A good heart can make a great leader but he just isn't one.

Posted: **Fri Dec 31, 2021 3:17 pm**

LawBeefaroni wrote:Remember, it was a choice between Trump and Biden, not a choice between Trump and a great leader. We got an upgrade. Not a savior.

The problem that each Administration faced was completely different. One was in office when there were zero cases. The other took office in the midst of a massive national surge, fueled in part by the political environment stoked by the first Administration.

Has Biden’s management of this blown giant whale dong? Yes. I also think it’s a bit idealistic to think this was going to go any other way.

We are past controlling this. We were probably past controlling this last January. Because the problem is us.

Posted: **Fri Dec 31, 2021 4:51 pm**

malchior wrote: Fri Dec 31, 2021 2:04 pm
LawBeefaroni wrote: Fri Dec 31, 2021 2:01 pm Remember, it was a choice between Trump and Biden, not a choice between Trump and a great leader. We got an upgrade. Not a savior.
Yeah and it wasn't like we weren't warned. A good heart can make a great leader but he just isn't one.

It's a bit rich getting that from Robert Gates, though.

Posted: **Fri Dec 31, 2021 6:13 pm**

El Guapo wrote: Fri Dec 31, 2021 4:51 pm
malchior wrote: Fri Dec 31, 2021 2:04 pm
LawBeefaroni wrote: Fri Dec 31, 2021 2:01 pm Remember, it was a choice between Trump and Biden, not a choice between Trump and a great leader. We got an upgrade. Not a savior.
Yeah and it wasn't like we weren't warned. A good heart can make a great leader but he just isn't one.
It's a bit rich getting that from Robert Gates, though.

Sure. He has a very different political outlook and had some controversy himself. Though on the politics front he was pretty hard on all post-2000 civilian leadership of the military including Republicans. He also thought very highly of Hillary Clinton compared to Biden. I think his voice is worth hearing even if there has to be some salt taken for granted.

Posted: **Fri Dec 31, 2021 7:21 pm**

LawBeefaroni wrote: Fri Dec 31, 2021 2:01 pm Remember, it was a choice between Trump and Biden, not a choice between Trump and a great leader. We got an upgrade. Not a savior.

I was pleasantly surprised the first few months. He was much better than I had been anticipating. He was leading and he was leading well. Then he came around to be what I'd expect, which as bad as it is, is still head and shoulders above his predecessor. I don't know how he'd do better. Leading the democratic party seems to be nigh impossible. The far left believe they are conceding on every thing and the centrist/dis affected right don't want what the far left is selling at all.

Biden could have been the blue collar champion on the left and that is what he posed as. If he had succeeded, I think it would have gone a long way toward putting the brakes on rigging the polls that's coming in 2024. But he could not get everyone to play well in the sandbox and once the midterms bare this out, the voting laws are going to be nuts. Upgrading won't have been good enough.

Posted: **Sat Jan 01, 2022 3:15 pm**

https://twitter.com/Allie_Elisabeth/sta ... 7551438854

The city of Detroit bought ~4K Abbott COVID tests … for $888 per test

Shipping was free though, which is nice. We are so fuct.

Posted: **Sat Jan 01, 2022 3:43 pm**

CT was supposed to receive a shipment of 500,000 home test kits on Wednesday and most towns had announced plans to distribute them for free on Thursday. All those plans across the state were canceled Thursday morning when the governor announced that another buyer came in at the last minute and outbid CT. Apparently all those tests went to another state that was willing to pay more

Posted: **Sat Jan 01, 2022 3:47 pm**

Meanwhile NJ's school plans for every county being at very high transmission levels is to simply test more - test more kids, teachers and staff. It sounds like a great idea, but it's completely ignoring the fact that finding tests is difficult right now and results aren't going to be shared quickly. So instead of a parent trying to figure out how to have a child remote learning, the parent will be spending hours a day driving around with their kid looking for a place that can have them tested.

We are so broken and what's about to happen was once again largely manageable if we tried acting reasonable. Instead, we're just going to continue along like everything is fine...until it isn't. And then marvel at how much trouble we're in.

Posted: **Sat Jan 01, 2022 6:07 pm**

Smoove_B wrote: Sat Jan 01, 2022 3:15 pm https://twitter.com/Allie_Elisabeth/sta ... 7551438854

The city of Detroit bought ~4K Abbott COVID tests … for $888 per test
Shipping was free though, which is nice. We are so fuct.

What I see there is absolutely unacceptable profiteering. Vultures. The people involved should be named and shamed.

disarm wrote: Sat Jan 01, 2022 3:43 pm CT was supposed to receive a shipment of 500,000 home test kits on Wednesday and most towns had announced plans to distribute them for free on Thursday. All those plans across the state were canceled Thursday morning when the governor announced that another buyer came in at the last minute and outbid CT. Apparently all those tests went to another state that was willing to pay more

Same thing here. The Governor should transparently explain who did what. We need to at least have a chance of holding entities accountable for this garbage. This is the type of thing where the people involved deserve to be absolutely cancelled.

Posted: **Sat Jan 01, 2022 6:16 pm**

Smoove_B wrote: Sat Jan 01, 2022 3:47 pm Meanwhile NJ's school plans for every county being at very high transmission levels is to simply test more - test more kids, teachers and staff. It sounds like a great idea, but it's completely ignoring the fact that finding tests is difficult right now and results aren't going to be shared quickly. So instead of a parent trying to figure out how to have a child remote learning, the parent will be spending hours a day driving around with their kid looking for a place that can have them tested.

I mentioned it before but my neighbor is on the school board. They gave up on test to stay since they couldn't get anything but a small amount of tests. They're weighing virtual for a few weeks but he doesn't think it'll happen. Too many board members and parents against it.

Posted: **Sat Jan 01, 2022 6:35 pm**

Ontario to stop logging COVID-19 school cases, memo says

Ontario will stop reporting COVID-19 cases in schools and child-care settings, memos from the Ministry of Education say, prompting criticism from the opposition New Democratic Party, which called the move "terrifying for parents."

In memos sent to school boards and child-care licensees dated Dec. 30, the ministry said it is implementing new health and safety measures in schools and child-care facilities, citing recent changes to its case and contact management strategy. The memos were shared in a news release by the NDP on Friday.

On Thursday, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore announced that the province is shortening isolation requirements, limiting testing to high-risk groups and reopening schools next Wednesday, Jan 5., rather than Monday. Child-care programs, however, will be permitted to operate beginning Jan. 3.

Posted: **Sat Jan 01, 2022 7:00 pm**

malchior wrote: Sat Jan 01, 2022 6:07 pm What I see there is absolutely unacceptable profiteering. Vultures. The people involved should be named and shamed.

Not seeing any shame here

https://www.abbott.com/corpnewsroom/str ... dance.html

Posted: **Sat Jan 01, 2022 7:39 pm**

School starting on time here. No special testing and masking is optional. Only a matter of time before we get it I guess.

Posted: **Sat Jan 01, 2022 8:47 pm**

No school for us Monday or Tuesday with Wednesday to Friday being virtual and next week tbd. Other districts in the area are full steam ahead and damn the torpedos. So happy to be where I am.

Posted: **Sun Jan 02, 2022 12:29 pm**

One of Marjorie Taylor Greene's verified Twitter accounts permanently suspended from Twitter

Twitter has permanently suspended Georgia GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's Twitter account @mtgreenee, the company confirmed to CNN Sunday morning.
A Twitter spokesperson said the company "permanently suspended" the account "for repeated violations of our COVID-19 misinformation policy."

Rep. Greene released a statement after the ban, part of which said: "Social media platforms can't stop the truth from being spread far and wide. Big Tech can't stop the truth. Communist Democrats can't stop the truth. I stand with the truth and the people. We will overcome!"

Posted: **Sun Jan 02, 2022 2:40 pm**

Chuck Norris doesn't get COVID.....COVID gets Chuck Norris.

Posted: **Sun Jan 02, 2022 2:51 pm**

https://twitter.com/ThisWeekABC/status/ ... 6900277270

As children are set to return to school amid spike in COVID cases, Dr. Anthony Fauci says “it’s safe enough” with precautions like masks and testing.

“I plead with parents to please seriously consider vaccinating your children.”

And as we know, schools have been exemplary institutions in making sure masking is happening and that testing, processing and reporting are all occurring on a timely schedule - because schools apparently have their own in-house testing laboratories.

It feels like the disconnect between the federal government and the local reality is greater than ever.

Posted: **Sun Jan 02, 2022 3:11 pm**

We'll just sweep those dead teachers under the gym..no one will notice.

We Feel Your Grief: Remembering the 1,000 Plus Educators Who’ve Died of COVID-19

Posted: **Sun Jan 02, 2022 4:15 pm**

Continuing to inspire confidence and trust:

Anthony S. Fauci said Sunday that U.S. health officials are considering recommending that Americans get tested for the coronavirus before going back to work under the shortened isolation protocol they recently introduced.

Appearing on ABC News’s “This Week,” Fauci acknowledged the backlash over the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reducing the recommended isolation period after a positive coronavirus test from 10 days to five. Fauci said officials may soon add a testing component at the end of the five-day period. The CDC’s shortened isolation protocol applies only to asymptomatic people.

“There has been some concern about why we don’t ask people at that five-day period to get tested. That is something that is now under consideration,” said Fauci, the chief medical adviser to President Biden. “The CDC is very well aware there has been some pushback about that. Looking at it again, there may be an option in that — that testing could be a part of that. And I think we’re going to be hearing more about that in the next day or so from the CDC.”

I really would love to be a fly on the wall because whatever is happening behind the scenes is clearly (to me) chaos.

But also - get back to school and work on Monday. Don't look up at the hospitalizations.

Posted: **Sun Jan 02, 2022 4:56 pm**

At this point, I would push back on anyone requiring that I get tested.

Posted: **Sun Jan 02, 2022 7:09 pm**

It does seem like absolute chaos. I think they see what's coming and are trying furious to control the descent. They are beyond avoiding the descent.

Posted: **Sun Jan 02, 2022 8:52 pm**

If I wasn't seeing so many hospital workers saying that they're overwhelmed and in crisis (plus governors activating military reservists to assist hospitals), I'd almost believe the feds truly think this is "just a flu" for most and they're hedging a bet that for vaccinated people everything will be super. I can't believe they're written off people that refuse to vaccinate but it sure seems like they expect our medical systems to be able to handle it.

Completely ignoring unvaccinated kids, partially vaccinated adults, immunocompromised people of course, but otherwise thinking it'll be a quick surge and everything will be ok-terrific at the end of this week. I'm not going to claim I have access to data that can disprove that, but I really haven't seen any one working in state and local health saying anything close to what the feds and state leaders are projecting - it's actually the opposite. And when front-line hospital workers are begging for help, I wanted to believe we would listen. But apparently not.

The one I'm really puzzled over is the teacher's union in my state - not a peep. If the teacher's union isn't going to stand up for them now, I've got nothing.

Posted: **Sun Jan 02, 2022 11:48 pm**

RunningMn9 wrote: Sun Jan 02, 2022 7:09 pm It does seem like absolute chaos. I think they see what's coming and are trying furious to control the descent. They are beyond avoiding the descent.

They see what's coming and realize that all of the bridges have been burned. There is no way to control the descent anymore.

Smoove_B wrote: Sun Jan 02, 2022 2:51 pm And as we know, schools have been exemplary institutions in making sure masking is happening and that testing, processing and reporting are all occurring on a timely schedule - because schools apparently have their own in-house testing laboratories.

Schools here say that masks are probably a good idea, if you really want to wear them. And the only testing going on results in a letter grade, not a diagnosis.

Posted: **Mon Jan 03, 2022 9:08 am**

Smoove_B wrote: Sun Jan 02, 2022 8:52 pm If I wasn't seeing so many hospital workers saying that they're overwhelmed and in crisis (plus governors activating military reservists to assist hospitals), I'd almost believe the feds truly think this is "just a flu" for most and they're hedging a bet that for vaccinated people everything will be super. I can't believe they're written off people that refuse to vaccinate but it sure seems like they expect our medical systems to be able to handle it.

Completely ignoring unvaccinated kids, partially vaccinated adults, immunocompromised people of course, but otherwise thinking it'll be a quick surge and everything will be ok-terrific at the end of this week. I'm not going to claim I have access to data that can disprove that, but I really haven't seen any one working in state and local health saying anything close to what the feds and state leaders are projecting - it's actually the opposite. And when front-line hospital workers are begging for help, I wanted to believe we would listen. But apparently not.

The one I'm really puzzled over is the teacher's union in my state - not a peep. If the teacher's union isn't going to stand up for them now, I've got nothing.

A small part of me is kind of rooting for hospital workers to pull an "Atlas shrug" in the hopes that it will get the Feds to finally wise up and do something.

Posted: **Mon Jan 03, 2022 9:16 am**

They already have. Some reports estimate that 20% have left the field over the last 2 years. Part of why not supporting them again is baffling.

Posted: **Mon Jan 03, 2022 9:29 am**

It’s ok, according to Twitter, apparently at least 30% of hospitalizations are actually people that showed up to the hospital for other appointments and happened to test positive for COVID. So everything is Kool and the Gang.

Posted: **Mon Jan 03, 2022 10:03 am**

The Today Show did a segment on kids returning to school and the different plans around the country and then had a pediatrician on to talk about it. He said he thought it was fine and talked for a bit. Then they asked if he would send his kids and he said yes - if the school took it seriously, it they mandated teacher vaccinations and masks, if the students were masked, if the school had upgraded it's ventilation systems - then yes, he'd feel fine with it. He said if that hadn't happened, then parents should be very, very concerned. From the people whose area has done none of that: Gee - thanks.

Posted: **Mon Jan 03, 2022 1:57 pm**

Good luck NYC. You're going to need it.

https://twitter.com/therecount/status/1 ... 0624748545

“When a mayor has swagger, the city has swagger. We’ve allowed people to beat us down so much, that all we did was wallow in COVID.”

— NYC Mayor Eric Adams (D)

EDIT: Just realizing now that I need to update my model on communicable disease theory to include swagger.

Posted: **Mon Jan 03, 2022 2:09 pm**

NY city can't seem to elect a non-idiot Mayor as of late.

Posted: **Mon Jan 03, 2022 2:35 pm**

And the NJ governor just doubled-down on schools being open. His reasoning? Because current testing data suggests levels of COVID-19 in the schools is below the magical number he would consider concerning. Ok, that sounds terrific...until you realize he's including data from 12/23-12/31 in his calculations - when schools were all closed for winter break.

This house here isn't on fire, no. I see the one across the street and note the wind is now blowing in our direction, but the house we're all in is not on fire so continue to act like everything is fine.

I just...I can't anymore. I can't do this.

Posted: **Mon Jan 03, 2022 2:46 pm**

Smoove_B wrote: Mon Jan 03, 2022 2:35 pm And the NJ governor just doubled-down on schools being open. His reasoning? Because current testing data suggests levels of COVID-19 in the schools is below the magical number he would consider concerning. Ok, that sounds terrific...until you realize he's including data from 12/23-12/31 in his calculations - when schools were all closed for winter break.

This house here isn't on fire, no. I see the one across the street and note the wind is now blowing in our direction, but the house we're all in is not on fire so continue to act like everything is fine.

I just...I can't anymore. I can't do this.

As I mentioned last night the Woodbridge NJ system high school closed (my wife relayed that from the MIL wrongly) - turns out it is for 3 days so far. The staffing shortage is severe from what I'm hearing from my MIL. I guess that data didn't make it to Murphy's...oh who are we kidding. He is just making the decision and justifying with whatever he can.

The Woodbridge public school district — one of the largest in the state — is doing its very best to remain in person and not go virtual, vowed superintendent Joe Massimino in a letter sent home to parents over the New Year's weekend. However, on Sunday night, it was announced that the three high schools had to be virtual for three days, Jan. 3, 4 and 5, due to COVID-related teacher shortages.

Woodbridge schools are also currently experiencing a shortage of school bus drivers and buses were late picking kids up Monday morning, the first day back from winter break, parents reported.

Posted: **Mon Jan 03, 2022 3:00 pm**

Meanwhile in FL:

https://twitter.com/therecount/status/1 ... 7478333441

As Omicron surges, Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo says the state is working to "unwind" the COVID "testing psychology" that the federal government has prioritized.

Medical board should be suspending his license.

Posted: **Mon Jan 03, 2022 3:11 pm**

I like how the podium below him says "early treatment saves lives". It's a nice ironic touch.

Posted: **Mon Jan 03, 2022 6:28 pm**

El Guapo wrote: Mon Jan 03, 2022 3:11 pm I like how the podium below him says "early treatment saves lives". It's a nice ironic touch.

"Sir! Sir! OO-reporter here. How do you plan on administering early treatment if you're not planning on testing people?"

Posted: **Mon Jan 03, 2022 7:06 pm**

RunningMn9 wrote: Mon Jan 03, 2022 9:29 am It’s ok, according to Twitter, apparently at least 30% of hospitalizations are actually people that showed up to the hospital for other appointments and happened to test positive for COVID. So everything is Kool and the Gang.

People don't realize the problems this causes. Yes, they don't require the intensive care needed for those really sick with Covid, but hospital workers still need to suit up, still need to take all the extra precautions, and are still at risk of being infected. Again, it's not just about the patients. It's still further stress on the system.

Posted: **Mon Jan 03, 2022 7:08 pm**

El Guapo wrote: Mon Jan 03, 2022 3:11 pm I like how the podium below him says "early treatment saves lives". It's a nice ironic touch.

This guy is just a political hack. He should be sued for malpractice at a state level. I can't believe that someone would sell their soul and professional reputation like this. But then again, after 4 years of Trump and Jan 6, I shouldn't be surprised.

Posted: **Mon Jan 03, 2022 11:33 pm**

Isgrimnur wrote:At this point, I would push back on anyone requiring that I get tested.

Would you stay home from work and self quarantine if you knew you had been exposed?

Posted: **Mon Jan 03, 2022 11:58 pm**

So, a Tuesday? Yes.

Octopus Overlords

The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process

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Re: The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process

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Re: The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process

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Re: The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process

Re: The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process

Re: The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process

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Re: The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process

Re: The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process

Re: The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process

Re: The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process

Re: The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process

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Re: The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process

Re: The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process

Re: The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process

Re: The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process

Re: The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process

Re: The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process

Re: The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process

Re: The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process

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Re: The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process

Re: The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process

Re: The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process

Re: The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process

Re: The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process

Re: The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process

Re: The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process

Re: The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process

Re: The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process

Re: The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process