“Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.” — Benjamin Franklin
We are in the midst of a pandemic that has everyone scared. Why is that so? Because politicians have flipped and flopped on how to combat it? Because of the over estimation, vastly incorrect estimation of those contracting the virus and those dying because of it? The continuous and pounding message from the media about how catastrophic it is or will be?
Let’s back up to late January when President Trump stopped flights to and from China. He was called racist, xenophobic, and every other vile description thrown at him. I’m not here to defend the President, but he did the right thing. Imagine if he would not have closed the flights? How many more would be presently infected with this virus? Thousands, millions?
No “Thank you,” no “We were wrong,” no “Sorry Mr. President.” Just more of the same hurling invectives from the media.
Then the order to stay at home and social distance of six feet minimum, wearing of masks, gloves, etc., Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordering us to stay at home until April 30. And most Americans obliged the politicians. Why? Was it the fear of contracting the virus and the possibility of dying? Many Americans have faced danger throughout history and didn’t think twice about possible outcomes to their safety. They just did it because that was what was required at the time. They didn’t hem and haw about the possibility of injury or dying.
Is this generation of Americans so afraid that they will not live as they have in the past? Will they show the Chinese that the virus they unleashed on the world will destroy the American backbone and economy?
Make no mistake about it, and it is becoming obvious to many experts, this was an engineered virus that either escaped the confines of the lab or was intentionally unleashed. The Communist Chinese are responsible for this virus. Don’t call this the COVID-19 virus. What claptrap and politically correct media spin!
It is the CCC — Communist China Coronavirus. The communist Chinese have lost thousands if not millions of citizens. We will never know because they know nothing but to lie when asked. There is no truth in the Communist Chinese Party.
I will take a swipe at our lying and deceitful governor because she deserves it. Former Attorney General Bill Schuette, in running his campaign, said if she was elected, she would raise the gas tax at least $0.25 – 0.30 per gallon. She demurred and sidestepped. Of course, no pushback or questions by the compliant liberal media.
What happened? She couldn’t get her way with the state house/senate for a $0.45 increase (Schuette, you are acquitted of your assertions, you were a little low!). Now we are saddled with billions of dollars in a bond she signed us up to pay.
Because of CCC, she had to shut down all businesses with the exception of “essential businesses,” gas stations, grocery stores, supply stores, etc. If you own a bar or restaurant, too bad with the exception of takeout. To all the rest, tough toenails. No barbers, hairstylists, repair shops, auto dealerships, manufacturing, etc.
If you are like most, if you can’t work, then work around the house on projects you never had time for. But don’t try to go to a big box store to buy paint. Maybe fishing instead? That bass boat in the garage is ready to go, but no, the governor says that is verboten. You can fish from shore, a rowboat, canoe, or kayak only. I’m surprised she didn’t come down on hunting for turkeys and buying ammunition for hunting or target shooting.
Damn, I hope she doesn’t read this. I’ve given her more things to shut down.
She certainly didn’t like the demonstration last week of Americans using their right to protest. There were reports of Confederate flags and blocking the way to Sparrow Hospital. I saw the media presentation of the protest and didn’t see any Confederate flags or mentioning blocking of Sparrow Hospital. If you saw any of the aformentioned, please forward proof to Townbroadcast.
I know people with the virus, and I know people having loved ones dying from the effects. They were older folks and having compromised immune systems or were close to the end of life. While those lives are precious, viruses target everyone, but the weak and infirm are most vulnerable.
Are we to become comfortable with instructions from politicians (who don’t know diddly squat) or are we ready to get the country moving forward, energizing the economy, getting people back to work? Or will we huddle in our homes, afraid to go out and live again?
I know, there are those who say health experts like Dr. Anthony Fauci and others saying how many would become infected and die. Their predictions were wildly inflated. Don’t believe me, look it up.
“Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.” That statement pretty much sums up our situation. You’re Americans with liberty and freedom — start acting like Americans!
The rotting of America from within continues… But China is rotten to the core.
I would put forward to you, RR, that I have a Constitutionally protected right to life, not death. If that means some extraordinary measures need to be taken (and I’d wager that there are many who deem precious their right to life, not death), we have that right, too.
There are compromises that can be made so that each side of the issue can be placated. I think the only reason home improvement stores are open here (AZ) is that the weather allows for normal construction to continue, and those businesses who build need to be able to access materials. I can’t say how much such closings impact builders in MI.
Anyway, your reaction of anger out of your own fear is noted. These are horribly uncertain times, and our emotions can get away from us.
A few mental deep breaths may help. Staying off the TV tube may help. Not logging on every day may help, too.
Logic and reason and education will get us through if we make the effort.
Peace and health to you, RR.
Weeks ago the author was telling anyone who would listen that the coronavirus, know known as COVID-19, was merely another illness equivalent to H1N1 flu that was being overhyped by media who don’t like President Donald Trump.
When Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order that closed bars and restaurants, the author questioned if such action was needed because those in the service industry needed their jobs, regardless of health risks.
He’s repeated that President Trump was called a xenophobic racist. I subscribe to the New York Times and the article that Sean Hannity and other talking heads on Fox News cited about the New York Times making those charges appeared in the Opinion section on Feb. 5, 2020, edition. It was authored by Rosie Spinks, an employee of Skift, a media company that reports on global tourism for the tourism business and promotes global tourism for its clients that include international airlines and cruise ships. Her opinion was tainted by an interest in global tourism.
Now he’s repeating the “conservative” talking point that COVID-19 is an “engineered” virus developed in a Chinese lab. According to Peter Daszak, PhD in Infectious Disease who specializes in the area of infectious disease zoonosis, COVID-19 is a zoonotic virus which is present in animals that has crossed over species from bats to Sunda pangolin, a reptile found in China that was sold for food in Chinese “wet” markets and now humans.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. We are not entitled to our own facts.
Mr. Couchman,
Sir,
You stated “Weeks ago the author was telling anyone who would listen that the coronavirus, know known as COVID-19, was merely another illness equivalent to H1N1 flu that was being overhyped by media who don’t like President Donald Trump.” Please be so kind as to give us a date and full quote, thank you.
Ranger Rick
Excellent article… sadly, we have given up so much without asking any questions.
Those of us… (me) in the latter time of life… due to this lockdown have lost experiences, never to see again.
They (those encouraging isolation and closure of some businesses) are just as selfish as I.
Operating under the premise it is for us to ” live longer.” So I can’t visit my children, grandchildren, or friends… I can not work to pay my debt and other bills. I can not enjoy things that make these last years enjoyable.
Why? Because everyone fears death, be it theirs or someone else’s. Some, like myself, accept the fact I will die, but do not know how. where, or when. I do know I will never see my granddaughter graduate from college after four years of hard work. I never got to see a friend who was dying from cancer, but is listed as a COVID-19 victim. Did I see my other grandchildren in their plays, concerts, or sporting events? Could I attend church?
I am selfish because the majority of you are so willing to give up experiences you will never experience again. You are willing to never hug a distant family member or dear friend. You are willing to do everything through technology giving up human contact.
You hopefully realize that if you passed away, just how many things that you would have enjoyed, family or friends you should have hugged, or spent quality time with.
Yes, I am selfish, but how so many of you are willing to give up all these never to see again experiences? This is truly beyond my ability to comprehend.
I suspect that the reason you’re too cowardly to put your name on your diatribes is because you know that every single paragraph here is dishonest or ignorant.
Whitmer is following the advice of University of Michigan epidemiologists. While you’re too big of a coward to tell us who you are, it’s pretty obvious what you’re not—and that’s someone that has any scientific intelligence to share with the public.
Ranger Rick and I eight years ago came to an agreement in which he would write a weekly column as long as I kept the identity a secret. So I am just as much a coward as he.
Mr Gless
Ranger Rick must have hit a real soft spot in your opinionated amour. Noo ne has asked you to agree with and article or rebuttal to an article . So what’s up with the attitude? Suddenly. You because you heard or read about what these U of M epidemiologists have advised it is the gospel and we just blindly follow.
Calling a writer a coward because they use a pen name speaks loads about the amount of wonderful literature written by many authors not using their given name. Just to refresh your memory a lot of outstanding books and articles have been penned by those you label cowards.
Everyone has a reason to use what ever name they want… you see I assume you are who you say you are. But you may not be.
You are incorrect to call someone a coward unless you personally saw them run in fear and leave a buddy to die.
Mr. Gless, of all who write for this publication I only know one person from years ago. If I were in a fight physical or verbal there is not one of the writers I would not welcome to stand with me. If you follow this publication at al,l you know I do not agree with all the writers… but I surely would never call any of them a coward.
RR isn’t writing “wonderful literature.” He’s hiding behind his pseudonym to spread slander, vitriol, and fake news that is easily refuted with a 30-second Google search. There’s nothing courageous or honorable about doing that.
I know Ranger Rick, a good man who served his nation honorably in uniform for many years. Other columnists for this paper do not use their own names, your vitriol explains why. Interesting thing you never call those who agree with you and use a pen name vile names?
Shame on you, sir, shame.
Robert,
You once again are spot on! Reel em in, hook line and stinker………How many times have you heard CNN saying “unnamed sources”…….
Cheers!!
Hey Army Bob, Basura doesn’t write hateful divisive fake news like RR does. I don’t write hateful divisive fake news—I only call out RR from time to time for his continuous stream of filth. It’s not a matter of “agreement” with RR, it’s a matter of his dishonesty and ill will. For instance, your own columns can be woefully out of touch, Bob, (a matter of agreement) but I perceive you to write with sincerity and integrity—a natural byproduct of having to stand behind your words. But the shame is not mine. If I had anything to be ashamed of, maybe I’d use a pseudonym!