Covid and Crisis

Just Whoa!!!!!!

So last week, due to reports of Covid19 exposure at a local store which I do shop at, I got tested for the corona virus.  Six days later, I got a text and an email:  "A person with registration code [ ......] was tested on 7/15/2020, born in [XXXX] and your COVID-19 test results are negative. [Emphasis added.]  The test did not detect the virus. If you have any questions about the test or the result please call the NMDOH COVID-19 hotline at 855-600-3453 and press 1."   It referred to the code I received when I set up the testing and my year of birth.  So I'm negative.  Still being cautious and masked but relieved.......Thanks for all the good wishes!!

So now I'm going on a different rant---the erosion and destruction of our Constitution by the incredible idiot occupying the Oval Office and his dastardly crew.  As I'm sure you're aware, the Dept. of Homeland Security has sent troops into an American city, Portland OR, under the excuse of aiding the city in controlling the "anarchists of the radical left."  On July 20, he threatened to send “more federal law enforcement” to New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, Baltimore, and Oakland—cities run by “liberal Democrats,” he asserted.  There are already lawsuits filed against these actions and the Philadelphia District Attorney is threatening a step beyond lawsuits---arresting Federal agents who flout the law and Constitution.. I don't condone the violence and looting but I also don't believe in using Gestapo-like tactics to suppress either the violence or the mostly peaceful protests. The DHS, ICE, and CBP aren't the SS and shouldn't be employed as such.

Such over-stepping of the authority by this alleged president cannot be met with anything other than contempt and his removal from office.  He's already been impeached once and only a poor job of making the case by House Dems allowed rhe foller-dogs of the Senate to absolve him.  But today, even fools like Turtle McConnell opine that he might be going too far.  I'm not sure that our country can wait until November or January to rid ourselves of this constitutional menace.

I'm well aware that there are many citizens who might disagree with my position.  Such is the nature of our discourse since 2017---divisive, uncaring, overly aggressive.  See, he has had an effect--a thoroughly negative one, unfortunately.  Consider the history of Nazi Germany and the rhetoric of Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin.  Then consider the maxims espoused by Mandela, John Kennedy, FDR.  The current "president" certainly echoes the former, not the latter.  Time to wake up America!!!  Time for a new dawn in the shining city on the hill, as the conservative beacon Reagan asserted!!   The Federal government has already caused the death of thousands of Americans by its botched response to the novel corona virus.  Please let's not let its absurd and criminal treatment of its citizens to continue for another day!

The links in this post are from The Atlantic and Bloomberg.  I deliberately avoided articles/ op-eds from the  NY Times and Wa Post because I would hope that even conservative readers and/or friends would seek understanding of the issue without labeling them "fake news" and the other derogatory epithets that so pollute our national discourse.  I used enough inflammatory prose for all of us but if it makes even one person evaluate the condition we've sunk to, it's worth it.

Stay safe, wash your hands, don't touch your face, wear your mask!!

Adventures in Pandemerica

Wow, been awhile-- last post was in May.  How time flies when you're locked down and self-isolating!! Just so busy, busy, busy......

So this past week was a trying one.  As you're all aware, the pandemic is still growing.  Many states have rescinded their reopening plans.  For instance, here in New Mexico, the governor again closed restaurants and bars to in-house service.  So after a few weeks of relaxing on Friday mornings at Nellie's Cafe, it's back to curbside takeout.  The federal government has changed covid statistics reporting---now it will be handled by the DHHS rather than the CDC.  Some issues with transparency considering this is an election year and federal response to the pandemic hasn't exactly been stellar.....

I have been doing some shopping---essentials, like wine, beer, and green chile cheeseburger ingredients.  Still biking to the Las Cruces Farmers Market Saturday mornings.  Last Saturday we went on a little different route, ended up at a blind intersection, and I managed a very clumsy fall and face plant.  No pix because my knee and nose are too scabbed over.  No permanent damage either.

Of course, to add insult to injury, I woke up Sunday stiff and sore (more so than usual) and attributed it to the crash.  We have gotten into the habit of checking our temperature every so often.  To my shock, it registered 100degF Sunday morning.  Now it happened that the Walmart we frequent was ordered closed by the DOH because of virus infection.  It was recommended that any customers who visited within the previous month or so get a test.  I was there a week earlier.  That, added to the cough I woke up with, had me scramble to the Dept. of Health website.

Now New Mexico isn't known for being a leader in education, standard of living, or health care.  But I have to commend the Department of Health.  The website was easy to use and the information was easily found.  The CVS pharmacy chain has a testing location---couldn't get an appointment for over a week and lag times for results could be as long as 2 weeks!!  (There were disclaimers to this effect on several of the private providers information sections.)  I was able to schedule a test on Wednesday July 15 at the NM Dept. of Health office in Las Cruces.    They do from 170-200 tests per day, 7-9am.  I got there at 6:15 and was the 7th vehicle.  They started the testing a little early and, lo and behold, I was home in time for breakfast at 7:00 o'clock!!  Kudos on the testing program.  Should have results in 2-4 days---check a web page with name, age, test date and done!!!

Quite the contrast with the veterinary hospital later in the day.  Again, it's a curbside service--you call when you get there, they call when they're ready to come get your pet.  First, I had to call about 16 times before I got a live person--then was on hold for 7 minutes!!!  I realize the virus has caused changes in customer service but we have been involved with it long enough that I believe a business should have modified their procedures to make sure customers are taken care of in a prompt and efficient manner.  Doesn't seem to be the case for some--and the lesson they should learn is that poor service will cause a downward spiral just as fast as the pandemic and shut downs do.  And the Sharprador is fine and protected from parvo and rabies for 3 years.

Finally, this---Dr. Fauci has been maligned by the administration.  His response is to call it "nonsense".  Given the lack of empathy or understanding of the issues people are facing (and hurting!) of the resident of the Oval and his minions, I'd choose to listen to the scientist rather than the blowhards.

Y'all stay safe, wash your hands, wear your masks!!!!