At the state capital, a protest is planned to start at noon at the Capital Complex. Organizers have issued this statement:
“Government mandating sick people to stay home is called quarantine. However, the government mandating healthy citizens to stay home, forcing businesses and churches to close is called tyranny. Business owners are being forced to layoff employees while the unemployment system is failing those laid off as the economy free falls.
"This is a recipe for disaster with many in our society helpless. We cannot stand by and watch our neighbors suffer while the government considers prolonging these painful conditions. The economy should be reopened on May 1 for healthy citizens continuing enhanced sanitation habits to prevent any virus from spreading. Those with compromised immune systems should not have to re-enter the economy or workforce if they do not feel comfortable.”
"We will have endured nearly seven weeks of lockdown when May 1 arrives. It is not sustainable to continue this lockdown as the economic and societal consequences will be irreversible. Opioid deaths increase 3.6% for every 1% unemployment rises, as child abuse and domestic violence have spiked along with mental health ailments. It is time to roll back these restrictions on May 1.
"Protests are beginning to emerge across the country as concerned citizens strive to return the economy to normal. These protests have been peaceful as will this event. We invite the media to cover our protest at the State Capitol Building."
85 comments:
A recipe for disaster is reopening businesses and having people congregate, without readily available testing to see who may be infected, who might become infected, and who is infected. Bunch of idiots. It is amazing how Democrats believe in science and helping people, and Republicans ignore science and only care about making money and who the hell cares about people.
Not surprised. This is what happens when people value money over life. We are a "its all about me" society, so not giving a shit about healthcare workers, the sickly and the elderly is no surprise. I want my favorite Bar open so I can drink when I like. As I spread the virus and kill people, if its not me, who cares.
If you go about you can see many people already just walking around no mask, congregating. Who gives a shit. The following was posted as an observation on the Michigan protests. I am sure it will be the same in Harrisburg. selfish goofs. Our ancestors weathered the Great Depression and endured hardships on the beaches in France. You are asked to sit your asses down on your couch for a few months and you are crying like babies. As one fairly wealthy businessman said, it is unfair to me. And so it goes.
This is the port from the other topic which certainly applies to this protest.
"The Michigan poetasters show the true colors of the f#@k my neighbor crowd. They had kids, no masks, no distancing, Trump flags, confederate battel flags, AR-15's and back slaps and handshakes.
This has nothing to do with rational thought or the public well being. It is more of the same form the "me first" easily manipulated crowd who see everything as a black and white issue since they have no concept of nuance and moderation .
Sad state of affairs'."
I thought it was over Bernie endorsed Biden.
1:53 "You are asked to sit your asses down on your couch for a few months and you are crying like babies"
Well, You Know, That's Just, Like, Your Opinion, Man!!
easy way is let the protest happen and then quarantine all of them.
the courts have ruled the mitigation measures are backed by the force of law.
test all of them and require ankle bracelets while waiting results.
they want to risk their life fine.
risking everyone else's is another thing entirely.
People opposed: an authoritarian governor, a guy parading in a dress pretending to do medicine, and a host of government loafs who are on paid vacation eagerly awaiting the next episode of Tiger King.
People in favor: regular people in the real world.
Bernie, we can see that you don’t care for Wolf but that aside, I agree with 1:53, 1:55, and 5:57. Why is it that so many Michigan protestors showed us their automatic weapons at their rally? Why do I think many of these folks couldn’t, or didn’t pass high school biology? So grab your gun and get your picture taken on the Capitol steps. The PA case numbers are not really level yet, and what’s level, 1,000 cases a day? What if opening the state means a mask requirement? That’ll give them something else to protest.
Stay home, nothing to do in Nazareth !
7:17 Well Said!
But now we need to spread the pain equally across the spectrum. It is time for the US to get back to our grass roots and make these business owners pay a Real living wage salary For all workers. The Paid Time Off PTO syndrome does not work, people will always go to work sick rather than take a potential vacation day. Also, the 401k retirement savings is a joke. There is no safety net in this Great Country and that is a fact. It is time to bring back unions and defined pension plans.
As more and more people start realizing that their health care has been cut, their unemployment is delayed and then when it comes find out its not enough, the debt collectors show up, the banks start foreclosures, evictions start all because Wolf and his ilk have a applied for nearly two months a one size fits all shut down, get ready for some real civil disobedience. Wolf is playing with fire and he doesn't even know it! He would do best by announcing he will be following the Federal Phasing Plan and be done with it.
Im curious all these people saying we need to stay home for months, do they have an income coming in? Are they getting social security or are a government worker, school teacher etc who are still getting paid? It must be nice to have that luxury and sit on your coach criticizing others for not supporting the community when in fact, you are not risking anything.
I was for the lockdown, i begrudging supported losing my job for the benefit of the community, with the understanding that unemployment would be available for me and my family. Yet, it isnt and the bills are still coming in and the kids still would like to eat.
The State cannot expect us to sit idly by and not work, if they do not provide a way to take care of our families
8:07
Unemployment Benefits
7:50 AM
Business owners?
Lots of luck finding any of those if the economy doesn't get going soon.
I guess you've just made the case for easing restrictions. Can't have a "living wage" without having a wage.
Let's see how many wear masks
@8:21 They are not processing any unemployment benefits and every indication is the backlog will not be alleviated for an additional 3 weeks.
Should i come over to your house to eat in these 3 weeks?
Arrest them all, or at least quarantine them for 30 days. Now is the time to get the Pa. State Police involved. The Police/Public Health partnership is the new normal for a new tomorrow.
You want a change of opinion on many of these people. lay off all government workers, not actually needed with a shutdown, lay off all teachers and suspend their benefits, The same situation as the private sector workers. Many would be happy if a shutdown continued for years, as long as they are being paid, by those whose jobs have been eradicated. We can work and adhere to guidelines.
8.38 are all rights suspended? are you suggesting martial law.?
8:41 AM
That's a good question for both "sides."
I believe returning to the original intent of "flattening the curve" is good societal target. Those who truly understand that term know that it has to do with the capacity of the health care system.
Of course that number will necessarily be greater than zero.
"Kill everyone so I can make a buck" or "every life is precious" are false choices. While every life is precious at an individual level, a viable society cannot exist without a balance.
7:17 I didn't see any automatic weapons? I saw a picture with a few guys holding semi-automatic weapons. I'm sure you're the same guy that gets his panties in a bunch when Trump is speaking in half truths. Try getting your facts straight and credibility will follow. People like to play dress up all the time, their little party is protected by the 2nd Amendment like it or not.
Until we have the capacity to test a wide swath of the population quickly, expect more of the same. Its a race against the clock as citizens are growing weary and poor. 1 in 7 out of work? Thing will get much worse than protests at the capitol if we don't get our collective shit together and solve the testing capacity shortfall.
It is just some freakish circus carnival sideshow advertisement with the man in the dress. 6:54am
It’s time to take a good look at the Bill of Rights and getting rid of some and modifying others.
Enough is enough.
Let’s do this thing!
Deleted a large number of comments from someone who makes heavy use of his CAP LOCK.
Trump Denied (and golfed 4x in Jan) - Trump Lied (and golfed 3x in Feb) - People Died (and golfed 2x in March)
34,784 Americans & Counting!
75% of Americans believe that the worst is yet to come!
Oh, brother. See ‘ya.
I plan on ignoring any coverage of these hopelessly ignorant mouth breathers. They can wave their penis extension guns and flap their gums about "freedom" and the evil government all they want. I don't care. They can keep on doing this as much as they want. Know what will happen eventually? A lot of them will get the virus and many of them may die. They are thinning out their own herd.
Those who wish death on others are the ugliest people in existence.
While "death statistics" are a necessary part of devising a government strategy, one does have to wonder about those who gleefully cheer for an increasing body count so they can enjoy their political pastime.
9:39 You keep shouting that from the rooftops. What a condescending attitude you have for these "mouth breathers". For your sake, you better hope the virus does take them. With an attitude like that you'll be first on the menu.
This order has impacted all in the Commonwealth. Have some manners your starting to sound like Don M.
Edit: you're
I find it interesting that people on here are posting that you are "greedy" and "selfish" if your life is circling the drain and you have kids to feed, can't get through to unemployment because of government incompetence, you're the bad guy here.
You can't frame a house, but my neighbor has a big landscape/hardscape project going on as we speak. This is why you have the protests, because the restrictions are not very well thought out. Michigan, you can go on a sailboat but not a motor boat, if you own a camp you can't go to it, you can go in HD but you can't buy paint. They let criminals out but close the gun stores. You can get an abortion but people with brain tumors have to wait to get their surgery. You can't got to the local appliance store, but I can get a refrigerator from HD delivered tomorrow. No wonder why there are protests!
As far as the people calling people who want to go back to work "selfish" they are most likely retired people who have fat 401Ks and get SS and Pension checks. Really, if you think about it, who are really the selfish ones here? I'm scared to get sick so your kids starve? Cower in your basement then if your so scared.
10:59 - Yes. 100 times, yes.
Bernie:
This is off topic but curious as to your thoughts since your dialed to the journalism community here in the Valley.
My friend got an email from the CEO of St Lukes, Richard Anderson, which was a rebuttal to some op ed that ran in the Morning Call which, according to the e-mail, called hospitals greedy. The e-mail is on St Lukes web site. Apparently the Morning Call refused to publish his rebuttal so he emailed it to the entire st Lukes community. I did not read the original op ed but did read the e-mail. If it's true I find it disturbing that the Call wouldn't want both sides to have a say, that they would refuse to publish a rebuttal to an opinion piece by the CEO of a top employer in the valley. In fact, I think it's disgusting!
https://www.slhn.org/blog/2020/open-letter-to-our-community
10:59-You nailed it. Also, lockdown supporters probably lefties from NJ where they can still buy marijuana, liquor and lottery tickets. Want to make Murphy governor for life.
I guess some of the commenters here would consider this to be just another "selfish" person.
https://www.wfmz.com/health/coronavirus/state-construction-restrictions-will-leave-hospital-nurse-without-a-home/article_bd3a7ebe-803b-11ea-9d18-4fddddec8064.html
"And as a nurse on the front lines, Aimee thinks it can be done. She's hoping the governor will reconsider.
“If the proper protective wear is worn and they are working in a close environment I think it should be safe. Limit the amount of people going in," she said.
She's been doing it every day at work. Contractors could, too."
No, no, no. We've been told by some of our best and brightest "nuanced" thinkers that construction workers are too stupid to do that.
In a state where we have to go to daddy for legal adult beverages, it's no wonder we're treated as children. Many vote for the nanny state for exactly this reason. They wish to be treated as children. Adulting is hard. For those not on the dole, or not relaxing on a public job vacation, things are getting very bad out here. Where you require permission and direction from someone you believe knows better, the rest of us are grown up and capable of making sound decisions about safety and wellness. Nobody cares more for my family's safety and mine, more than I. And the last person in the universe I'd take guidance from is some hideously unattractive man in a dress, who is apparently so disturbed he has his genitals removed. Dick don't know dick about the real world.
PA just bragged that state store online expanded volume and is up and running!
It crashed again in minutes. Our state government is a pig f in a dumpster fire. Wonder is dress doctor guy would like a cocktail?
Please tell me why public school teachers were not laid off and have to apply for unemployment benefits like the rest of us. Maybe if what they are doing is performing the same amount of work we may not need them as much. Maybe part time work and then have kids go day care rest of day. Think parents would be happy if that was subsidized. Right now with some of the test scores and low graduation rates it would be better to just pay for day care.
Today, Now: 35,394 - Monday? 65...?
Problem-Reaction-Solution
Wasn't it the one that stole all that money from the Bethlehem Steel museum? It looks the same only it's hair is now blonde.
Profoundness in this Dr's outlook:
There’s only one way truly out - the population must be exposed to develop immunity. I'm OK with that as long as there's a vaccine available so until then, play it safe. Oh, and by the way, it's going to happen again via a lab or wet market guaranteed!
wolf's press conference was a joke.
Speaks about shared sacrifices, yet no indication on how the state will help process the unemployment claims.
Wants businesses to pay a living wage to all workers, yet those businesses currently are not working, currently are incurring tremendous losses and may not even be in business.
If we are talking about shared business sacrifices, where are the furloughs of state and government workers? Where are the reduction in their salaries due to the economic downturn? How is the state reducing our tax burden's?
Commented that the re-opening will be data driven, what are the metrics that need to be hit before we open? is it 500 cases or less a day?
The blue collar individuals need to work, we need to pay our bills and take care of our families, there is work to be done and yet we are not allowed to do it.
"Oh, and by the way, it's going to happen again via a lab or wet market guaranteed!"
Every leap year.
SARS ———2004
AVIAN———2008
SWINE———2010
MERS———-2012
EBOLA———2014
ZIKA————2016
EBOLA———2018
CORONA——2020
Interesting, it's God!
Looks more like it's Congressional elections.
Statistics are showing that COVID 19 is the second biggest killer of people behind heart Disease in a week than Cancer! Yes it will die down, but don’t under estimate this, please!
Agree it should never be under-estimated, but there's no danger of that. The more sensational a headline, the more readers. And in the long term, Covid-19, will pale in comparison to ther causes of death. You are looking at a slice in time. What I find much more disturbing is that the models used by our experts have been flawed and have been largely responsible for a false sense of alarm. https://www.statnews.com/2020/04/17/influential-covid-19-model-uses-flawed-methods-shouldnt-guide-policies-critics-say/
Anonymous 11:13
i got the letter from St. Lukes, Mr. Anderson, and it seemed like Fox News talking points, and also, he protested too much, which makes me think he's angry because there is some truth to the accusation, but I really don't know, but I do know, before this, the hospitals, for being non- profit, were very wealthy and building like crazy.
This virus is very contagious, and loosening the restrictions will kill more people than if the restrictions are maintained. Instead of giving billions to the billionaires, and millionaires, they should have provided those affected financially via loss of job/income with guaranteed sustainable income, so this would include what most of us would consider small businesses, dbas and llps, not the 499 lawyer firms that have taken advantage of the "stimulus"
Deaths in the US are tracking toward the deadly '14-'15 flu season numbers. "Flattening the curve" was originally about not overwhelming hospitals. When did it morph into curing the virus? It's time to stop the nonsense and get back to work.
I've got some Trump potion in pill form, how many do you want so you can go back to work safely? I have kool-aid for sale too but only selling by the gallon and only have blue dream left so how many of them? Free shipping.
4:01 PM
Trump potion?
Presumably with TDS anti-bodies? Should be pretty potent for such a severe case.
Should save them for yourself.
And here's the flavor you can wash it down with.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3234/3110239911_4d93b5771d.jpg
Stop the false equivalencies. It is a dishonest form of argument.
Wolf is a coward and is operating in secret. I don't think he's opening anytime soon. To announce today would cause a bigger demonstration than the one coming already on Monday. He'll announce May 15 the minute the cars leave the capitol. He'll announce May 31, two weeks later.
3.54
"Social distancing is essential to limiting the death toll from COVID-19
because this pandemic spreads primarily through person to person contact, as many as
25% of those infected are asymptomatic, and the virus has an incubation period of up to
fourteen days. The virus can remain on surfaces for days and can spread through the air
within confined areas and structures."
from the PA supremes.
So the reason for restriction is limit the death toll.not to get under the capability of hospitals.
Cuomo, Wolf, and Murphy will be so disappointed when this virus becomes a memory because the three are so enjoying their daily news conferences and flexing of muscle.
3.46
"have been largely responsible for a false sense of alarm."
what defines a sense of alarm?
you use the best tools you have at the time.
wolf and his spokesperson--he or she says it all
anon 6L18, jealous little boy?
The governor can’t give us a good timeline, he’s too busy readying those select Wine & Spirits stores for curbside pickup starting this week, because he knows what is truly essential in this commonwealth.
Fear not Komrads. Just remain under your beds in the fetal position while sucking your thumbs. Herr Wolfe's troops will knock on your door when it's safe to come out. Lemmings Rule!
Pelosi will be the main speaker,her back will be aoc
Since even Trump can't pull off his golfing and mass adoration media events, this is his salvation. You are encouraging this behavior O'Hare. It has nothing to do with the pandemic. These "spontaneous" public gatherings are organized by right wing groups and extremists militias. Funded by ultra conservative money men.
This is a backdoor way of going after swing states whole letting Trump stay home.
Pure Bullshit, only swing states with Dem governors. They go waving Trump Flags, weapons and kissing each other especially the men.
About as genuine as the Tea Party.
Let them protest.
All the time they are there they can infect each other instead of responsible folks.
I will not speak top other states. I will speak to Pa. Governor Wolf imposed an unprecedented shutdown of most of Pa.'s businesses, something that wasn't even considered in 1918, when we had the Spanish flu. He did this with no regard to the people he was hurting. There were 1.3 million unemployment compensation claims, and the web site went down. No one ca call about their PIN bc the line is always busy/ It is also impossible to get help from online chat. In addition, he failed to even set up an application process for the self-employed and gig workers until today, a month after his shutdown. That is criminally irresponsible. It is only now that he is experiencing pushback that he is making some minimal effort.
One of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against him happens to be a Democrat. So am I. I have been on the Facebook pages promoting this protest. It's true many are Trump supporters. So what? That doesn't mean they are wrong.
Without doubt, Covid-19 needed some strict measures. I get the social distancing, the closure of restaurants (that are unable to keep social distances) or venues where large crowds would gather. But the closure of all business was an overreaction and completely counterproductive. It was done without a scientific basis. He used a cleaver instead of a scalpel.
And these are individual freedoms he is stepping all over. Authoritarian government is bad, regardless whether it comes from Trump or Wolf.
"Let them protest.
All the time they are there they can infect each other instead of responsible folks."
How very progressive and tolerant you are. I've seen these kinds of comments all over. They come from ugly people.
10.35
thanks for your view.
No point being tolerant with folks who refuse to see the facts.
it is an ugly truth
A group that violates distance measures and sans masks will earn their own fate.
(as other protests have shown)
If they want to protest while being safe i say go ahead and enjoy.
10.34
" he failed to even set up an application process for the self-employed and gig workers until today, a month after his shutdown."
https://www.dol.gov/coronavirus/unemployment-insurance
guidance on gig /self employed were issued on 4/16/2020
that explained who was eligible and what requirements were needed.
Granted that does not help paying the bills.
putting all fault on Wolf forgets the delay caused by the Feds.
Read Wolf's Plan to Reopen. He want minimum wage to $12 then $15 an hour. Mandated sick pay. WHAT? Governor Wolf, those of us who own our own companies are hurting enough. You want to kick us in the nuts to promote your lame duck agenda? Wolf, you will not to do my business what Levine did to the manparts. This is why we have a state and federal constitution. Where is the ACLU now? Only if we are illegal alien business owners? To hell with Wolf!!!
1.17
https://www.governor.pa.gov/plan-for-pennsylvania/#Phase1Relief
phase 2 is reopening.
phase 3 covers wage and sick pay.
reopening does not require wage increases.
201am - Its Phase 3, I do not care about phase, do not use a crisis for your lame duck agenda:
Phase 3: Recovery
Together we can build a safe, prosperous future for Pennsylvania. Over the coming weeks and months, the Wolf Administration will collaborate with the legislature, stakeholders, and Pennsylvanians to build on the governor’s ideas for recovery so that we can emerge from this pandemic stronger.
Recovery for Pennsylvanians
Developing a recovery framework and programs that make a difference for the people of Pennsylvania is paramount. That framework must include, at a minimum:
Fair, family-sustaining wages for all Pennsylvanians.
Increase the minimum wage to $12 with a path to $15.
Provide additional hazard pay for essential, front-line workers during a public health emergency.
Why does a high school student need a "family sustaining" wage? People, years ago, got an education, trade, or worked their way up to higher wages. Not government help.
2.24
from the original post"Read Wolf's Plan to Reopen. He want minimum wage to $12 then $15 an hour. Mandated sick pay."
again any wage increase and sick pay is undef recovery.
Pa can reopen without wage increases.
I support a living wage, but this is NOT the way to achieve that goal. He should not abuse his emergency powers to achieve political goals.
"No point being tolerant with folks who refuse to see the facts.
it is an ugly truth"
From an ugly person who fails to understand the First Amendment.
12:56 PM
Maybe you actually make your political case in a political arena and don't try to ramrod through your goals at the expense of the unemployed.
Especially when your political goals will most likely create more unemployed.
9.15
look in the mirror,
You posted a photo of a member of Wolf's cabinet for what reason?
a picture of health?
you slammed someone because you are pissed at the Governor.
you pulled a rush limbaugh there.
remember his deal- he was pissed at Clinton so he showed a picture of the White House dog --Chelsea .
an ugly thing.
Usually you "memory hole" things (deletion) if anyone questions what your motives are.
9.04
And at any time the legislature can stop Wolf's actions.
Wolf does not get to just raise wages on his whim.
Somehow i doubt the planned protest will mention the legislature's failings.
It is a political hit job.
Wonder how many traitor flags will be waving?
"Maybe you actually make your political case in a political arena"
I don't know what this means.? Can you explain?
"don't try to ramrod through your goals at the expense of the unemployed."
Strikes have been the traditional way for workers to extract concessions from owners.
Are you suggesting we wait until they tell us to go back to work an then refuse until concession are made?
Most people believe in a living wage as Bernie does, most believe healthcare is important to everyone, and sick-time is a component of healthcare we have learn from covid-19, this is true no matter your politics.
2:43, I explained pretty clearly why I posted a picture of Dr. Levine. She looks very unhealthy and is a poor choice as the face if this state's health. She inspires no confidence. I explained this, and you just don't like it so you anonymously assign base motives to me that I don't have. I'll leave your comment but will delete all your subsequent comments attacking everyone who does not share your world view 100%. I suggest you make an appointment with her to deal with your anger issues. She does psychiatry and pediatrics, and you are a crazy child.
Well at least the gun groups have a motive.
https://action.pennsylvaniafirearmsassociation.org/action/end-wolfs-shutdown/
and their mission
"As we grow and have the means to do so"--free air time waving guns might help them out.
and" Gun owners in our state are not feared" and " gun owners need to become a lethal political fighting force"--yep that sounds disturbing,
keep that in mind when they claim their motive is to open up PA for the working people.
wonder who is backing PA's protest
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/17/far-right-coronavirus-protests-restrictions
"The pattern of rightwing not-for-profits promoting public protests while still more radical groups use lockdown resistance as a platform for extreme rightwing causes looks set to continue in events advertised in other states over coming days.|
"Nevertheless, the ad for the rally on Rodriguez’s website advises, “We feel that wearing face masks and gloves is counterproductive to the movement, and should be avoided.”
yep there is a smart move.
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