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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton Close Pools

LVCI sums it up best - "Summer is Cancelled." Swimming pools in Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton are closed for the summer. So are most of this summer's activities, at least for now. I'm disappointed because I love watching high school hoops at Cedar Beach Park. But I really feel bad for the kids. Seniors have already been denied a prom and graduation, and because of the shutdown, it's hard for college students to find internships. This could spell trouble in our urban centers, where I can guarantee that kids will be mentored by troublemakers instead of responsible adults. All three mayors are themselves former teachers. They know this better than I.

Governor Tom Wolf has finally caved on real estate activities, including title insurance, but many small businesses are still shuttered. I like the way LVCI oputs it:

"Let the Coronavirus itself educate those foolish enough to disregard it's dangers. Government cannot change peoples' behaviors. Nor should government hamstring those of us who can act responsibly. Somehow government has taken it upon itself to try and save stupid people from themselves. I feel it has no such obligation. Let nature take it's course and allow the rest of us with common sense to get on with our lives in a prudent manner."

36 comments:

Doc Rock said...

Given decent weather, I predict the Atlantic beaches from Long Island all the way to Florida will be packed over Memorial Day weekend. What peace officer is going to try to enforce social distancing or mask wearing if that happens? Go ahead. Make my day.

Anonymous said...

"...urban..." "troublemakers"....what did he mean by this?

Anonymous said...

LVCI seemingly suffers from a severe case of TDS; however, in this situation, he is correct.

Anonymous said...

Yes, that obsession is laughable. Too much government intervention in our lives is, itself, dangerous to health.

Anonymous said...

There are 1000s of videos on YouTube on how to open a fire hydrant. Youthfulness will prevail!

Anonymous said...

These mayors all are hurting our kids way more than any good they think they do. The mayors are following some type of agenda of Wolf.

Anonymous said...

The cities closing their pools will force all the smaller towns and boroughs to close theirs as well so they are not overrun. Sorry not sorry if this sounds racist but it's a fact.

Anonymous said...

I'm disappointed because I love watching high school hoops at Cedar Beach Park

I thought you were going to say "I love watching Bikinis at the local pool"

Bernie O'Hare said...

Too old, lol.

Anonymous said...

Pools cost municipalities. Allentown loses at least $400 k a year. They need that money for more critical city services like fire fighters and police. Kids will have to get it out this summer.

Anonymous said...

Pools cost municipalities. Allentown loses at least $400 k a year.

Little inflated don't you think?

Anonymous said...

Many teens will not have summer jobs. Sad.

Anonymous said...

Little inflated? Read the story in today's Morning Call. The city's aquatic program costs 700 k a year and revenues are 310 k. It is a budgeted service to the community. But it is hardly as necessary as public safety costs.

Anonymous said...

"Where I can guarantee that kids will be mentored by troublemakers instead of responsible adults."

Are you kidding me with this dog-whistling bs?! Acknowledge your role in the system as you encourage struggling families to risk their LIVES to get back to work so that you can sit at the counter of some diner enjoying free refills of decaf with the regulars.

If establishments are able to reopen then the service workers must return to work or be rendered ineligible for unemployment compensation insurance, rent/mortgage assistance programs, etc. And despite what your core demographic believes, most people will not be exposing their loved ones to a dangerous virus so that they can shoot the shit with Earl at 7am on a weekday...people are scared and rightfully so. Now tell me how is a server who makes $2.83 per hour supposed to support a family on the tips of a couple of retirees who linger for 2 hours over their poached eggs and coffee? No. Make your breakfast yourself and keep nonessential workers at home as much as humanly possible.

Anonymous said...

Y'all complain about having to pay taxes over the little bit that goes towards food stamps, day care and housing assistance. Yet you love 2 eggs, bacon and some home fries for $4.99. What's the tip on that, $1? How is that even worth the gas it took me to drive here this morning, Sir? Make it make sense

Bernie O'Hare said...

You are a fear-monger and are, as Dr. Rhodes has expressly stated, allowing "fear to dictate the response," as opposed to science. If you are scared, stay home and let the rest of us make reasoned choices. As for a server who relies on tips, most of them would infinitely prefer to do that over waiting 9 weeks and more for unemployment from an unresponsive state.

Anonymous said...

For a restauranteur and small business owner, opening at 50% capacity is worse than not opening at all. I've got many Excel spreadsheets I could share with you if you'd like.

Our government has a responsibility to provide a safety net at this time, this is what we have paid for! The social safety net failed and it feels like the American people were scammed. But opening up prematurely will do more harm than good, that is a fact.

Anonymous said...

impeach Wolf now..

Anonymous said...

I'd venture to guess that unlike you, I know more people in the service industry and have more of a pulse on their thoughts on the matter. If you'd like, I'd be happy to start a Twitter survey on the matter or direct all of my followers to weigh in on the matter here?

Bernie O'Hare said...

That's a decision a small business owner should make, not Gov. Wolf or you.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"I'd venture to guess that unlike you, I know more people in the service industry and have more of a pulse on their thoughts on the matter. If you'd like, I'd be happy to start a Twitter survey on the matter or direct all of my followers to weigh in on the matter here?"

Your guess is wrong. You don't need to do a twitter survey. Just look at Facebook pages like Pa. Small Business Owners or Re-Open. Business owners should make these decisions themselves.f and his apologists like yourself have done enough harm.

Anonymous said...

What are these employees supposed to do about child care? How much are you able to pay someone to watch your kids for an hour while you're making less than $5 per?

Bernie O'Hare said...

They do what they've always done. Geez.

Anonymous said...

Agree to disagree, but I wasn't talking about business owners.

I was talking about the workers. The server's, line cooks, hostesses... These employees derive more than half of their income from tips. It is not logical or financially viable for them to come into work to serve an empty restaurant.

Bernie O'Hare said...

And that's why all business should be open.

Anonymous said...

In any case, I'm going out to enjoy the day now. I just want to say that my goal is not to argue, but rather to discuss. I sincerely believe that we both have the same goal forget the country back the normal as quickly as possible. Stay healthy!

Bernie O'Hare said...

And it's more like 90-% of their income.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"In any case, I'm going out to enjoy the day now. I just want to say that my goal is not to argue, but rather to discuss. I sincerely believe that we both have the same goal forget the country back the normal as quickly as possible. Stay healthy!"

You, too. I went 22 miles on my bike yesterday and feel it, but it's time to get out there.

Anonymous said...

22 miles?! Good for you, for real. I'm just walking a couple of blocks to grab a pizza lol.

Anonymous said...

I just read organ donations are significantly down due to fewer traffic fatalities; causing longer waits for transplants and increased deaths among those whose clocks ran out. More losers in the lockdown lottery.

Anonymous said...

1.23
" As for a server who relies on tips, most of them would infinitely prefer to do that over waiting 9 weeks and more for unemployment from an unresponsive state."
And when that server goes to work and only 30 percent of the normal crowd is there?
So tip income is way down.
The owner gets full relief under the current plans the worker not so much.

Anonymous said...

2.09
" More losers in the lockdown lottery."
So more traffic deaths are good for everyone?

Anonymous said...

The problem with the "irresponsible" is that they won't engender just themselves. Everyone is put at risk.

Anonymous said...

Oops. "endanger".

Anonymous said...

"Let the Coronavirus itself educate those foolish enough to disregard it's dangers. Government cannot change peoples' behaviors. Nor should government hamstring those of us who can act responsibly. Somehow government has taken it upon itself to try and save stupid people from themselves. I feel it has no such obligation. Let nature take it's course and allow the rest of us with common sense to get on with our lives in a prudent manner."

The idea that government can't change peoples behavior is ridiculous, one only needs to observe what has happened since Super Tuesday in this country to disprove such a absurd statement.

Scientists and Doctors can't agree, the numbers have been questionably tallied, in light of this confusion/deception responsible behavior is difficult to determined. When professionals disagree and with the government and the media's long history of deception, along with warnings of interference in the 2020 elections by the intelligence community, it's reasonable and responsible to dismiss the entire episode as political manipulation.

There is no centrist position on universally deadly viruses. It is, or it isn't.

Sounds like LVCI wants it both ways.
Virtue signaling with a mask on with no real sacrifice, while scoffing at those that have determine the whole thing is political and refuse to participate.

Anonymous said...

"Somehow government has taken it upon itself to try and save stupid people from themselves. I feel it has no such obligation."

What does "Promote the General Welfare mean?

The preamble to the U.S. Constitution cites promotion of the general welfare as a primary reason for the creation of the Constitution.

I agree we should open up but LVCI argument for doing so is ambivalent.