Mike Pompeo's disturbing actions

https://edition.cnn.com/2020/05/20/opinions/mike-pompeos-disturbing-actions-ghitis/index.html

 

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has surged into the headlines atop a geyser of revelations so dramatic that they may even help President Donald Trump distract the public from his disastrous pandemic response. 

Investigations by a number of news organizations allege a pattern familiar in the Trump administration: possible abuse of power for personal gain; disdain and circumvention of accepted procedures, and a propensity to treat a government position as a personal fiefdom with little regard for both the taxpayers' money and common decency.

 

In short, it looks like Pompeo brought the swamp to Foggy Bottom.

 

One of the most distinctive and harmful traits of the Trump administration is its disdain for ethics and integrity in government. But another, is its pattern of leaving political appointees stained, their reputation in tatters, a prospect that should worry Pompeo.

Priest: Mr. President, we don't need to open churches to practice our faith

https://edition.cnn.com/2020/05/22/opinions/churches-reopening-trump-covid-19-beck/index.html

What most of us have not done is put ourselves and our parishioners in danger by gathering in large groups for Mass or other religious services "as usual." That would have been — and would continue to be, in this time of contagion — irresponsible and sinful. It would also violate the right to life of many. Yes, responsible action with regard to religious organizations during this pandemic is a right-to-life issue. This is a right that needs to apply to those who live after birth, too. 

I don't see the logic there. No one is prohibiting the free exercise of religion. Though we are in the teeth of a pandemic, in which a very dangerous coronavirus can be transmitted by, among other things, close physical proximity, people can and do continue to worship, albeit in temporarily altered circumstances and in novel ways. To use the "freedom of religion" argument to demand carte blanche the opening of religious venues is to proffer a fallacious argument that can potentially lead to physical harm and, in the worst case, death. 

President Trump wants governors to "allow churches and places of worship to open right now." That would be foolhardy and dangerous. Most churches and places of worship are not yet ready to fully implement the most recent guidelines from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which serve only as recommendations. Some congregations, particularly in areas with high infection rates, are not willing to risk reopening even with the new guidelines.

C.D.C. Test Counting Error Leaves Epidemiologists ‘Really Baffled’

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/22/us/politics/coronavirus-tests-cdc.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage

The Centers for Disease Control has been lumping together tests for active coronavirus with tests for recovered patients, boosting testing totals but muddying the pandemic’s course.

Hydroxychloroquine in patients with mainly mild to moderate coronavirus disease 2019: open label, randomised controlled trial

https://www.bmj.com/content/369/bmj.m1849

Conclusions Administration of hydroxychloroquine did not result in a significantly higher probability of negative conversion than standard of care alone in patients admitted to hospital with mainly persistent mild to moderate covid-19. Adverse events were higher in hydroxychloroquine recipients than in non-recipients.

"לנהוג במשנה זהירות, שלא ניפרד שוב מבית הכנסת"

https://www.kikar.co.il/360978.html

הגאון רבי אשר וייס מתייחס לפתיחת בתי הכנסת ומספר על הדילמה שלו כיצד להגיד למרבית המתפללים שאסור להם להגיע עקב חוסר המקום בבית מדרשו • צפו בוידאו

67 NJ Pastors Say They'll Sue if Not Allowed to Reopen, Question Why People Can Go to Home Depot but Not Church

https://www.newsweek.com/67-nj-pastors-say-theyll-sue-if-not-allowed-reopen-question-why-people-can-go-home-depot-not-1506187

Sixty-seven New Jersey pastors said they will sue the state if they are not allowed to reopen their churches to in-person services, according to a letter sent to Governor Phil Murphy Thursday.

Agudath Israel Welcomes NYS Religious Gatherings Update

https://agudah.org/agudath-israel-welcomes-nys-religious-gatherings-update/

Today, Governor Cuomo announced that beginning Thursday, May 21st, religious gatherings of up to 10 people in a house of worship will be allowed, statewide, if strict social distancing measures are enforced and all participants wear masks.

We thank the governor for his attention to Agudath Israel’s and others’ advocacy on this important issue. With Shavuos and Kabolas HaTorah soon arriving, we look forward to the day when our batei knessios and batei midrashim will once again be lively centers of Torah and tefillah.

Trump’s Demand That Houses Of Worship Reopen Met With Dire Warnings | MSNBC

'Things Are Looking Swampier And Swampier': Pompeo Under Fire Amidst Growing Scandals | MSNBC

Data goes against Trump's fear of mail-in voting

Reporters band together, FORCE press secretary to answer how Trump can “override” governors

Appeal Court orders Flynn judge to explain himself

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/05/21/appeal-court-flynn-judge-273967

A panel of judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia say district court judge Emmet Sullivan must respond within 10 days to a request by Flynn that the higher court force him to drop the case. The appeals court order is the latest twist in a remarkable series of events that have thrown the Flynn case into turmoil on the eve of his sentencing for pleading guilty to lying to the FBI.

Will the Coronavirus Kill What’s Left of Americans’ Faith in Washington?

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/23/us/coronavirus-government-trust.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage

In 2019, just 17 percent of Americans said they trusted the federal government to do the right thing. The pandemic appears to be eroding their faith even more.

US synagogues demur as Trump demands states let houses of worship reopen

https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-synagogues-demur-as-trump-demands-states-let-houses-of-worship-reopen/

Many Jewish leaders reject president’s entreaty as evidence shows group prayer conducive to outbreaks; debate over how to resume services divides some observant communities