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Please, don’t be a Covidiot

Monday, Mar 23, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Definition…


* It just boggles my mind that United States Senators were still having large lunch meetings as late as Friday and that the Senate’s pool was still open yesterday

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) has tested positive for the Covid-19 coronavirus, his office announced Sunday afternoon, bringing the pandemic into Congress’s upper chamber for the first time. […]

Reports from congressional insiders indicate a fair amount of worry among Paul’s colleagues about their possible exposure. Paul was at the Senate Republican lunch meeting on Friday and he was reportedly swimming in the Senate gym’s pool on Sunday morning.

1) Act like you’re a carrier;
2) Remember, you’re the virus’ food;
3) Practice social distancing;
4) Don’t be a Covidiot.

* Finke

Gov. JB PRITZKER has gotten generally good marks for updating people about the COVID-19 crisis.

Now think of one person whose deep thoughts on crisis management you wouldn’t give a plugged nickel to hear? Let’s stipulate a person not currently holding elected office.

If you thought former Gov. ROD BLAGOJEVICH, congratulations. We think alike.

Blagojevich offered his opinion on how to handle the coronavirus crisis in a letter in the Chicago Tribune. Now as multiple people have reminded us, testimony at his trial showed Blago hid in a bathroom to avoid dealing with complex issues, so maybe his insights are a bit clouded.

The Tribune is losing its mind.

* WIND radio host…


* All Illinois schools were ordered shut down as of March 17, but one defiantly remained open until it finally closed today

Kane County sheriff’s deputies spent Monday morning at Northwest Baptist Academy in Elgin, planning to ask parents to keep their children home from what was believed to be the last open school in the state, but school officials decided to move to e-learning before the start of the school day.

Undersheriff Patrick Gengler said his office had been in talks “all weekend starting Friday” with the school, which is part of the larger Northwest Bible Baptist Church community.

* Perhaps a drunken Covidiot

A man has been charged with aggravated battery to a police officer after yelling “corona” and coughing in a Chicago cop’s face, according to police.

Chicago police officers responding to a car accident in the Rogers Park neighborhood on Sunday saw Anthony Ponzi, 21, of Wilmette in a “highly agitated” state, slurring his speech and foaming at the mouth, according to an arrest report.

When an officer tried to check Ponzi’s eyes for signs of impairment, Ponzi yelled “Corona, OK” and coughed directly on the officer’s face —so close that the officer “immediately felt particles of saliva/breath,” according to the arrest report.

* The usual suspects

Chicago Police were called to a River West bar after neighbors say it was flouting the state’s mandatory shutdown of in-person service at bars as coronavirus continued to spread.

At about 9 p.m. Tuesday, officers were called to Richard’s Bar, 491 N. Milwaukee Ave., for a report of an ordinance violation, according to a law enforcement source. That was less than 24 hours after the Gov. JB Pritzker ordered all bars and restaurants closed for at least two weeks beginning Monday night.

* Another item

Chicago police broke up at least two house parties Saturday night as dozens of people there defied orders to stay at home and keep away from large groups during the coronavirus pandemic.

* But this goes way beyond all that. Way. From the ADL…

As the coronavirus continues to spread globally, ADL’s Center on Extremism is tracking extremists’ use of the virus to advance their racist, conspiratorial agendas.

In our recent blog entitled Coronavirus Crisis Elevates Antisemitic, Racist Tropes, ADL reviewed the rapid proliferation of online antisemitism, xenophobia, and conspiracy theories surrounding the coronavirus.

Such bigoted beliefs and conspiracies include ideas such as:

    Jews are using coronavirus to profit and expand global influence
    Chinese eating habits are responsible for the spread of coronavirus
    American diversity and immigration are contributing to the spread of coronavirus
    Humans made coronavirus as a bioweapon or to make money selling vaccines
    Governments are using coronavirus to implement martial law and confiscate guns

Some online extremists are even calling on those with symptoms to “weaponize” the virus and target “nonwhite” communities.

We are also following media reports of racist incidents targeting the Asian American and Jewish communities, in part based on these hateful beliefs.

Given this new reality, former presidential candidate Andrew Yang and ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt wrote a joint USA Today op-ed on the need to confront rising hate during this crisis.

       

35 Comments
  1. - Jocko - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 1:44 pm:

    ==if you say something pro socialist or stupid you get thrown out on your ear==

    Something stupid like, “Despite not following CDC and state guidelines, I should be given priority at my local hospital should I exhibit symptoms (exclamation point)”


  2. - Glengarry - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 1:49 pm:

    Urban Dictionary on Capitol Fax. Never thought I’d see that day. These are crazy times indeed.


  3. - JoanP - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 1:50 pm:

    =We are also following media reports of racist incidents=

    It doesn’t help that Trump keeps saying “Chinese virus” rather than “coronovirus”. That photo showing he had changed the text of his remarks was very telling.


  4. - Sayitaitso - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 1:53 pm:

    We know there are many idiots out there, and while pointing them out is intended to shame them (right?), these are the same idiots who glory in the spotlight - welcome it - need it. Take that convicted felon “B”…..he shouldn’t get a seconds worth of notice. ANY mention of him spells “Victory”. ( Yeah, I know, ‘Bite Me”. Lol


  5. - Batman - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 1:54 pm:

    Going on a ventilator to own the libs


  6. - Ducky LaMoore - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 1:57 pm:

    Because drowning in my own mucus to make some silly political point is more important than my life.


  7. - Steve Rogers - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 2:07 pm:

    I still can’t find toilet paper in Springfield. It’s not a supply problem, it’s a covidiot problem.

    And to the Elmhurst cigar shop, I must be stupid, because I don’t understand why they say don’t spend your government handout money here, but when you get your government handout money, come visit us. Covidiots….


  8. - Demoralized - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 2:17 pm:

    In reference to the religious school that was refusing to close, I can tell you that some churches have been indignant over what is happening. My pastor went on a 15 minute tirade two weeks ago about how their 1st Amendment Constitutional rights of freedom of religion weren’t going to be violated.


  9. - Grandson of Man - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 2:18 pm:

    “It doesn’t help that Trump keeps saying “Chinese virus” rather than “coronovirus”. That photo showing he had changed the text of his remarks was very telling.”

    Yep. He’s doing it purposely and repeatedly, to stoke hatred and foment violence. Such a small person for such a big moment in history.


  10. - Live Wire - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 2:22 pm:

    #2 in Senate GOP, Sen. Cornyn, blames the Chinese for their “diet”. The “We the People” crowd are following his lead.
    https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/03/18/coronavirus-sen-john-cornyn-says-chinese-eating-bats-spread-virus/2869342001/


  11. - Rudy’s teeth - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 2:23 pm:

    I’d rather take my chances at Richard’s bar than the Red Line any day.


  12. - Huh? - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 2:31 pm:

    “1st Amendment Constitutional rights of freedom of religion weren’t going to be violated.”

    Public health law probably supersedes just about everything.


  13. - Ducky LaMoore - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 2:33 pm:

    @Grandson

    He is not doing it to stoke hatred and foment violence. Those are just the side effects. He is doing it to try to distract us from the horrible job he has done up to this point handling the federal government’s response to the virus.


  14. - Rod - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 2:52 pm:

    My friends who are still on the CPD believe there are many house parties happening in Chicago that are not being reported to 911. Because they are organized by local street gangs in the community and residents are intimidated about calling CPD in. It is believed that in some cases the gangs are charging admission, providing DJs with sound systems, illegally selling drugs and alcohol. Some of these CPD members want the stay at home order to have more teeth, something closer to what Italy is doing. Where there are road blocks and ID checks with serious consequences for violating the stay at home orders, along with a mandatory curfew established.


  15. - First Amdt Lawyer - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 3:05 pm:

    Demoralized, your pastor may be on to something.

    Any law, EO , etc. that purports to distinguish between religious organizations as the Stay at Home order does–allowing those that distribute food, shelter and social services to the economically disadvantaged to operate, while designating those who do not as non-essential–would not last five minutes in federal court.

    After all, the police, fire department and military have chaplains, right? Ever see a hospital without a chapel? Don’t they call counselors to public schools after shootings?

    The governor should have exempted all religious organizations rather than only the limited groups mentioned.


  16. - Jocko - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 3:08 pm:

    ==America would do well to emulate their system==

    Before or after Li Wenliang (and the other seven whistleblowers) were admonished by local authorities?


  17. - Demoralized - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 3:11 pm:

    ==he governor should have exempted all religious organizations==

    You think people should still be congregating in church?

    But you go ahead and be that guy that challenges this in court.


  18. - Rasselas - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 3:19 pm:

    First Amdt Lawyer - let me guess, you’re also an epidemiologist? An order that allows certain social services to continue, regardless of whether provided by a church or not, but prohibits large gatherings, regardless of whether a church or not, is church-neutral on both scores. Don’t waste the courts’ time.


  19. - First Amdt Lawyer - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 3:28 pm:

    ===You think people should still be congregating in church?===

    Demoralized, of course not. Neither do I believe that you think they should be congregating at religious organizations that give out food, shelter, and social services to the needy.

    Yet that is what the EO as currently written allows.

    The Governor should not be designating essential/non-essential religious functions. That’s a major First Amendment no-no.

    And yes, I’d welcome taking up the cause if they approached me. It’s a winner in Federal Court.


  20. - Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 3:31 pm:

    - First Amdt Lawyer -

    The Catholic Church, in Italy, in Rome, aren’t opening churches.

    I’m confused why any church right now would want an infected congregation.

    “We’re fighting to go against what’s happening globally and in religion, because… “

    Probably a textbook definition of Convidiot wanting places of worship open.


  21. - Demoralized - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 3:32 pm:

    ==And yes, I’d welcome taking up the cause if they approached me. It’s a winner in Federal Court.==

    You’re a heckuva guy taking that on in the middle of a national crisis. Nice to see where your priorities are. Your the reason people don’t like lawyers.


  22. - Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 3:33 pm:

    === religious organizations that give out food, shelter, and social services to the needy.===

    Many times, those places of worship and religions are involved as, you guessed it, contracted social services for Illinois.

    They can decide to not have those contracts.


  23. - First Amdt Lawyer - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 3:37 pm:

    Oswego Willy, I’m just stating what the law is. Italy doesn’t have a RFRA.

    I agree, if I was a church I’d want to do everything I can to mitigate.

    But we have a law on the books that has not been repealed.

    Demoralized, thanks.


  24. - Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 3:42 pm:

    === But we have a law on the books===

    Convidiots seem to think the law is on their side.

    Ok, but right now, that law will exacerbate the community to get sick or worse… but “the law”

    Not the best looking argument to seem smart to the crisis at hand, but as I started… Ok.


  25. - Demoralized - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 3:55 pm:

    ==But we have a law on the books that has not been repealed.==

    We have laws on the books right now that are being ignored. Licenses are being extended without statutory authority to do so. Other things are being done as well without repealing any laws. That’s what happens during disasters. You don’t stop and say, “well, gee, the law needs to be changed first.”


  26. - fedup - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 4:01 pm:

    Legal does not mean correct or just. I’m no lawyer but if I were one I might counsel my client to think a little more about how they choose to proceed. “Do you really want to risk your congregation infecting each other, be it legal? That might put a dent in your donations when a bunch get sick and possibly die.” But that’s just me…


  27. - First Amdt Lawyer - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 4:13 pm:

    Demoralized, tell that to the US Senate. Do you really want Trump exercising power, fundamental rights be damned? I don’t think so.

    Fedup–that’s exactly what I tell clients. How would you like to be the marketing manager at the nursing home in Washington state with 12 dead/40+ employees infected?


  28. - Southwest Sider - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 4:21 pm:

    The real estate industry needs to shut down. Realtors still out showing properties. Because they legally can. Bringing in customers to other people’s houses is plain risky.


  29. - First Amdt Lawyer - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 4:29 pm:

    ===All Illinois schools were ordered shut down as of March 17===

    Rich, I think there’s a misunderstanding about the scope of the Governor’s EO closing public and private schools.

    First, his COVID-19 Executive Order No. 4 Dated March 15, 2020 excludes three classes of public schools. From the EO:

    “Schools operated by the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Illinois State Board of Education, or the Illinois Department of Human Services may remain open for educational purposes provided that these schools are able to exercise the necessary precautions to protect the health and safety of students and staff.”

    In other words, this school in Kane County may not be the only one that stayed open past Tuesday for educational purposes.

    Second, if you read the guidance from the State Superintendent of Schools, all public schools were to remain open for non-educational purposes, specifically to allow teachers to be available for distance learning, for the distribution of food, and to supervise children whose parents are not able to watch their own children during the school day.

    Looks like this school’s mistake was educating children rather than feeding them or babysitting them. /s


  30. - Demoralized - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 5:31 pm:

    We have a lawyer like you on our staff and I can tell you to a person that not one of us like him. You reinforce why that is.

    I’m just glad you aren’t in charge of disaster response


  31. - Huh? - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 6:04 pm:

    Public health law supersedes just about anything.

    In the citation below, search for the word “quarantine”. Specifically where it reads “Contacts to persons who become ill due to an outbreak shall comply with restrictions specific to each etiologic agent.”

    http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/077/077006900D05650R.html

    So the religious institutions claiming 1st amendment rights are jeopardizing the health of their parishioners.

    Just another reason why I am an atheist.


  32. - Cadillac - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 8:05 pm:

    === - Demoralized - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 5:31 pm:

    We have a lawyer like you on our staff and I can tell you to a person that not one of us like him. ===

    Great argument. /s


  33. - Captain Obvious - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 10:29 pm:

    FAL - kudos to you for pointing out that while church congregations should not be meeting, they have the absolute right to do so as public health law does not supersede the US Constitution like someone in the comments above apparently believes. Demoralized may not like competent lawyers, but that does not make you wrong.


  34. - Da Big Bad Wolf - Wednesday, Mar 25, 20 @ 8:06 am:

    === Yet that is what the EO as currently written allows.
    The Governor should not be designating essential/non-essential religious functions. That’s a major First Amendment no-no. And yes, I’d welcome taking up the cause if they approached me. It’s a winner in Federal Court.===

    First, the church would have to be fined for you to “take up the cause”.
    And that’s the crux. So far no one has been fined for anything violating the EO.


  35. - Da Big Bad Wolf - Wednesday, Mar 25, 20 @ 9:32 am:

    Never fear First Amdt Lawyer you might not make any money from churches but the federal gag order on unemployment statistics (a felony, 5 years and $250k fines) might keep you busy.


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