Why are people angry about these restrictions?

Again I'm going to use KC as an example. In part because I know the political spectrum there extremely well. I lived in KC when I was a delegate for Missouri. I met and volunteered for candidates. I followed many of the elections of the current state reps and city reps that are still in place or have moved on to bigger roles. I attended city meetings and town halls. I polled people. I love KC, I have many many friends and loved ones there. Also in part, because they have thus far placed the most stringent restrictions in place along with Missouri.

As I've mentioned these restrictions do take away some rights. Some people are gonna be pissed at that. I would have been one of those people at some point. Honestly I'm a little surprised there aren't protests about this at this point. (but ya know, protesters would be 6 feet apart) 

Here is ONE specific section that causes a problem, and has a potential for vast abuse. It's no secret that people in a position of power have sometimes abused these powers. To think it couldn't happen with this is super naive. To believe it WILL happen is just silly too. However, to have some understanding of why people get really pissed about these measures and flock to Facebook comment sections with their anger is right here in black and white. Have some empathy for the fear and anger that drives these comments.

"Section Five. Violation of any provision of this Order constitutes an imminent threat, creates an immediate menace to public health, and shall be considered a violation of Section 50-
155 of the City’s Code of Ordinances."

 

Okay, that right there IS concerning. It's the ONE part of the entire document that is actually legitimately dangerous to freedom if it's abused. Big if, though not impossible.

So let's take a look at  

So let's take a look at Section 50-155 of the Kansas City code of ordinances. 

(My comments in pink)

 

 

Sec. 50-155. - Same—Issuance of proclamation of emergency; powers of mayor under proclamation of emergency.

(already in place nationwide, and statewide in 48 states as of 5 days ago, so likely by now all 54 have done this but I haven't checked since then since it's nationwide).

 

Whenever, in the judgment of the mayor, a state of major emergency or disaster as the terms are defined by section 2-85, Code of Ordinances, is imminent or exists, or an emergency exists as a result of mob action, riots, general civil disobedience or disorder, the mayor shall, in addition to all other powers granted by the laws of this state and the Charter and ordinances of the city, be empowered to issue a proclamation declaring a state of emergency to exist, and may thereby exercise the powers granted in the following subsections as necessary to protect people and property. (Basically saying that this power can be given in any emergency type) 

(1)

To temporarily waive routine administrative and budgetary requirements that may impede the effective delivery of essential public services. (this says they can waive all limits on financial assistance. This is what allows them to expand medicare and unemployement. Not so scary.)

(2)

To order the evacuation of areas where there is a threat to public health and safety, and to designate any public place, public street, thoroughfare, boulevard or parking area and any other place closed to motor vehicles, persons and pedestrian traffic; (okay this is not awesome. They can take any private area and make it whatever they need to assist in these efforts including but not limited to checkpoints, FEMA tents, temporary hospitals, supply distribution zones, etc. If not abused this is fine. If abused this is a major violation of rights. They can use your yard if they want to, or your place of business. Hopefully, they won't. Hopefully, they know how big of a deal this would become and simply only use places that people agree to let them use. Most places would agree to this I think, negating the necessity to take things by force. I am quite hopeful this won't happen)

(3)

To impose a curfew upon all or any portion of the city as designated therein as the mayor may deem advisable during such hours of the day or night as the mayor determines necessary in the interest of the public safety and welfare, and during which all persons shall remove themselves to their places of residence and remain off and away from the public streets, sidewalks, parkways, parks and all other public or open places, and no persons shall assemble, gather, loiter or otherwise congregate in any manner in groups, assemblies or meetings in any place for any purpose whatsoever; provided, however, that persons performing medical services, essential public utility services, public officials, police officers, firefighters, and all other persons explicitly enumerated in such proclamation may be exempted from curfew; Eesh. Curfews can restrict essential movement too. So with curfews in place, this could be bad. However, the current order for KC provides for a LOT of exemptions. Almost everyone would be okay in the current order. If the current order is limited further, this could be a big right taken away in terms of curfews being instituted. This is also another one that would need to be abused to be too scary, and I don't see this one happening either. (not saying curfews won't happen, just that it won't likely restrict most people from traveling about to do necessary things)

(4)

To order the closing of any and all business establishments throughout the city or any portion thereof during the period for which the state of emergency exists or during the curfew hours; Okay this one is bad. It gives them the right to close ANY and all businesses in a city. For any reason. For as long as they like. I have ZERO ideas what the risks of this actually happening are, and I'm hopeful that it wouldn't at any point.

(5)

To order the closing of all retail and wholesale liquor stores, taverns and other places dispensing, serving or permitting the consumption of intoxicating liquor or nonintoxicating beer; Yeah this one is real bad too if abused. Limited to drive through or delivery is one thing, closing them altogether is another. People WILL riot if this happens. They know this. They don't want this. So it's pretty unlikely I think, but not impossible. 

(6)

To order the discontinuance of the sale, distribution or giving away of intoxicating or nonintoxicating liquors; Prohibition is ALWAYS BAD kids. ALWAYS. DO NOT allow this in your city. Fight against this if it happens by calling your reps and state officials. If you have never called a state rep, this is easy to do, but painful nonetheless.

(7)

To order the closing of all private clubs or portions thereof wherein the consumption of intoxicating liquor or nonintoxicating beer is permitted; (See previous statements)

(8)

To order the discontinuance of selling, distributing or giving away gasoline or other liquid flammable or combustible products in any container other than a gasoline tank properly affixed to a motor vehicle; (This is TERRIBLE for farmers. Hopefully they would exclude farmers, and it's almost guaranteed they would.)

(9)

To order the closing of gasoline stations and other establishments, the chief activity of which is the sale, distribution or dispensing of gasoline or other liquid flammable or combustible products; (uh no. This is NOT okay. The fact that this exists at all is not okay tbh. I would think the probability of this happening on a widespread level is almost zero. People would for sure riot. Military vehicles still have to gas up. So this is so extremely unlikely it's not worth worrying about unless it actually happens, so stop thinking about it right now.)

(10)

To order all regular, special and auxiliary police officers, firefighters and other conservators of the peace to report for duty assignment, such reporting to be in accordance with prearranged plans or under the direction of lawful authority. 

  Okay so almost all persons listed here are going to gladly volunteer I think. However, for those that don't this could be a serious problem. Auxiliary officers are typically volunteers. They could have family at home that is high risk, or be high risk themselves. Ordering them to serve the public is not okay. I hope this doesn't get abused.

(11)

To issue orders deemed necessary to protect life and property and to preserve critical resources within the purposes of this ordinance. Well, that's pretty damn broad. This says they can do what they want if they deem it necessary to protect life and property or preserve critical resources (water, or food limits like the bread lines in the depression). This one is at high risk for abuse in a level 2 lockdown due solely to it's broad generalization.)

(c)

Any such proclamation of a state of emergency shall become immediately effective upon its execution and issuance by the mayor and the original thereof shall be filed and remain in the office of the city clerk. (Completely normal)

(d)

The proclamation issued in accordance with the provisions of this section shall remain in effect continuously from the date and time of the issuance thereof for such period of time as specifically prescribed therein or upon the issuance of a proclamation determining an emergency no longer exists, whichever occurs first. The city ordinances everywhere already either have dates or time frames attached to them, this is nothing that's not in the original orders.

(e)

It shall be unlawful for any person to fail, neglect or refuse to comply with the order made or prohibitions instituted by a proclamation issued under the provisions of this section, or for any person to otherwise violate or in any manner aid, assist, encourage, or support the commission or perpetration of a violation of such proclamation, (basically just says it's an actual law punishable by penalty of fines or imprisonment, varied by city, state, county, and nationwide levels, specifics to KC are below)

and upon conviction thereof any such person shall be punished by a fine of not less than $25.00 and not more than $500.00, or by imprisonment in the municipal penal correctional institution for a period of time not less than one day and not more than six months. Okay, so this means on a case by case basis they decide the punishment. If the judge you see doesn't like you, then you get 6 months in jail for violating these orders. a fine of $500 (plus court costs). If he does like you then you get 1 day. Some counties will suck. I know for certain Lawrence County MO will suck about this. So there's no reason to think this won't be heavily abused, as is the current system in many counties. I've seen this time and time again. However, even for rape in this state people don't often get more than a day or two in jail. But in some cases, they get 4 months for forgetting a court date. So who the hell knows.

So, now do you see why people are worried about these rules and laws being made. They seem fine until you read the fine print. Then they seem pretty damn worrisome IF any of them get abused. Considering the state of the stories of abuse of power, it's not paranoia to be at the very least concerned that these powers could be abused as well. Only time will tell. Keep your state reps on speed dial. ;)

 

This isn't even level 2 guys, let's chill a little.

 

Okay so in my earlier post I probably sounded a little apocalyptic and I had to re-read it to see that. I tried to tell everyone to stay calm too and that it would be okay. Things are still on track to happen as I've said they would, though I may have underestimated the length of time it would take to do this in smaller chunks and reach the 2/3rds theory. So Though these could happen by Monday, since KC set theirs to begin Tuesday, I think it could be Thursday before we see nationwide measures like KC's take place. I will provide updates on this as they happen.

There's been lots of activity as I said there would be, mostly larger numbers of videos with Tanks and other military vehicles being driven on trains and heavier laws and regulations in many cities and states. However, the restrictions coming out as of now aren't even level 2 restrictions. This would still be considered level 1 even though the media is calling these orders "lockdowns" and "Shelter-in-place" if you read the wording of the legislation it's a far cry from any of that. Please please be careful about being glued to mainstream media. There IS an agenda for all of them, and it's 100% legal for them to lie to you. Fact check EVERYTHING before you post it, or ask me to do it. Because I am happy to help stop the spread of misinformation. Avoid scary terms like "lockdown" until they become actual lockdowns (which we are still not near as a nationwide measure, but I know many of you are already on these measures in some cities). These types of orders like what KC will begin Tuesday, are no where near as scary as they sound.

As much as it pains me to say this as a libertarian, and a lover of the constitution (I have multiple pocket constitutions that are in every place I go for christ sakes, I have certifications in Constitutional studies. Trust me, I LOVE the Constitution). These KC restrictions are NOT that bad. 2007 Roxi would have 2020 Roxi's head for saying that.

Here is the document in full. Most people will barely be affected by these. A few people may lose their jobs that are considered non-essential. Those people may want to rethink their careers or find a way to offer products and services online. (As I'd mentioned before). Nail artists can offer instructional videos for example. Piano teachers can offer video lessons. There are many things these people can do, you just have to get creative! Redefine your careers! There's a lot of opportunity and tools available for this. 

Anyhow, everyone stays chill because it's starting to look like these lockdowns will never leave level 2, which is fantastic news. Does it suck to have rights taken away? Yes. Does it suck that we can't have funerals or weddings for a while? Yes. Are there bigger concerns to worry about right now? Also yes.

So hang in there, take my advice about preparing and just know that there are MANY MANY silver linings in all of this. See my personal Facebook post about this as well, though I do intend to write a post about it at some point.

This is not a drill

PSA: We will go into some type of nationwide lock down in one of many possible levels for sure. What level of a lock down I’m not 100% sure of, but everything I’m about to tell you are not things I think, they are things I know, so if you do not pay close attention and prepare your families and your household then you cannot say I didn’t try to warn you. As I have talked about many times in the last few weeks, there are about 4 levels to a nationwide lock down and this whole process for what it means to you. At this point in time things that have already been progressing more rapidly, will progress even more quickly in the coming days.

We are currently in level 1 – states having the ability to enforce laws at the municipal and county levels to prohibit gatherings (1^st amendment right) of more than 10 people. Enforcing and encouraging laws and “recommendations” at the city and county level to set food and product limits, change business hours, change work from home policies, and sending employees home, many permanently losing their jobs. Only essential businesses remain open in some places. Heavy lock down measures are being enacted everywhere along the coasts. Other lock downs, shelter in place type measures are being enacted on a county by county basis in Texas and other states in middle America. (Missouri is starting to do this as well starting yesterday).

Level 2 is more restrictive. Things get serious now because everyone will be on the same level of lock down at this level. All states will be required to comply. At this level only essential businesses are open. Luckily, many, many states have already begun enacting measures to warrant giving “essential” status to many people you would never even realize could be considered essential. Grocery store clerks are now considered “emergency workers” at this level (something we’re already seeing happen today). Mail workers are still essential so people can eat. Gas stations will be open as they will provide gas and supplies to the National guard, military, etc. Many restaurants will be allowed to both deliver food and have open drive-through. Almost no one will be out and about anywhere. Ghost towns at night and virtual communication for almost everyone that isn’t a necessity. If you’re lucky enough to have an “essential” job and get one of the passes through National guard roadblocks at this level, Level 2 will not affect you as much.  If your spouse or roommate is lucky enough to have this type of job, you will not be as affected in level 2 as anyone else. Consider yourself VERY lucky if your household has one of these passes being given out. The passes are issued by FEMA under the directive of and with the authority of the Defense Production Act (which I talk about in this blog here and explain it)

No inside dining options at this level. Whether or not states can allow this for less than 10 people is still in question. Many banks will be closed at level 2. I am seeing friends everywhere say their bank put up a sign that they would be closing temporarily. Some of these signs have said they will close at end of business day Saturday. This could become a widespread thing. That is also still in question, but I think it’s likely personally. As more and more people flock to get their money from their accounts, small branch banks will run out of money. The Federal Reserve has just agreed to give a Trillion dollars a day to banks in the US. Do you KNOW how much a trillion dollars actually is? Watch this video, seriously. So in level 2, many small bank branches could be closed to the public. I don’t think there’s a risk of running out of money at level 2.

I have believed since last Friday that I was seeing signs of a level 2 becoming reality. I am now seeing the proof needed to feel confident in that. I warned my sister last Saturday to be prepared for this. And a few others as well. Many of you already know a lot about this because we work together or are friends that I consider “my circle”. Some of you will not have heard this from me personally. Mostly because of the fact that most of my life I have been treated like I was crazy or stupid for believing any of this was possible or could happen in today’s world. So I’m careful who I tell things to now. If I didn't share this blog with you, consider it likely that you're one of those people. Just sayin. (some that I haven't shared it with are simply people who don't know me well enough to know why they should believe me and some are simply people who live in areas already under level 2 type restrictions). 

I think at this point it’s going to be public knowledge very soon. I don’t know how soon, but I believe this will occur by Sunday, Monday possibly, but Wednesday of next week by the latest. Level 2 isn’t that scary and while it does take away lots of rights, it isn’t nearly as bad as level 3 and if we never get past level 2 I’ll be thankful for that alone. I don’t know what the potential is at this point for level 3, I see it possible that we could get there if people don’t comply with level 2. After enough annoyances from the people not complying, they will get fed up and start Level 3 proceedings. Laws have to be made and enacted before level 3 can happen but we’ve already paved the way for this possibility in the ones we’ve evoked thus far (like the DPA, the Patriot Act, The Stafford Act, etc.). I see the probability of full compliance to be low. I believe Anonymous was right in many of their predictions. I won’t link those here, but you can google them yourself.

Level 3 is much more restrictive than level 2. Level 3 means everyone forced to stay home at all times except for the most essential workers. Healthcare and law enforcement, a FEW government workers and supply distribution are mostly handled by FEMA at this point. Only they can decide who can distribute goods. This will be massively mishandled like we’ve seen with other disasters in history like Katrina. They also took 20k guns in New Orleans during Katrina. Level 3 is scary because they can do whatever they like at this point and though they will attempt to make it look a lot less scary than it really is using the news and media as well as celebrities to keep the public calm and this will work on the majority of society. It will not work on the people who are paying close attention and ready to fight for their civil liberties and rights. We see lots of looting and riots at this level. In every city. Not just LA and NYC. At this level the world we live in now is very different and extremely different from the world we lived in just one month ago. At level 3, guarding your home and family is essential. Nothing is safe outside your home at level 3 because you are at a very high risk of becoming a victim of a burglary or worse. I hope like hell my own people have plans in place that will protect them from this in level 3 because it WILL get worse and affect your family. I am not sure yet what the risk is for level 3 is a real possibility because again, it is highly dependent on compliance levels.

Level 4 is too scary to even talk about. Think, Nazi Germany without all the murder. If you don’t know what life in Germany was like for its citizens, use the next few days to teach your children the history of World War II while they’re being homeschooled this week. Not even joking. This is what America looks like at level 4. And all the movies you have ever seen about this become reality. We do NOT want level 4. I don’t see level 4 happening at all either. I think level 3 would be bad enough that people would pay fucking attention and not let it get to that point.

Now for the proof that level 2 will start VERY soon.

Someone I am very close to was briefed last night. Thanks to his company doing mail trucks along with many others he got a pass for driving back and forth. And one has to be put in every truck when they are done with it. Another friends husband was briefed as a unit and are doing exercises for looters and riots – which we’ve been hearing about from libertarian groups on social media for a week now, but all “hearsay” until these two things that simply are not, as I saw this proof with my own eyes and am not 100% confident it is true. and shit preparing this shit. They are allowing family on bases to drive home to their families if wanted for quarantined while their husbands/wives are sent out to deploy. There are teams being sent to every state and we will def have a federal lockdown. That is straight from the mouth of a woman whose husband is a decorated marine officer and was just briefed yesterday morning. They also were made to sign NDA's. My closest friend's husband got a pass last night as well (though I haven’t seen this one). Several of my liberty memes friends are starting to get them today. Those of you with military families, ask them if they got one, they probably did. Many of them will have also signed NDA’s and will not want to risk telling you, because they could get in serious trouble from their superiors, and are likely being monitored. So don’t be upset with them if they can’t tell you or say they can’t give you that info. They are trying to protect themselves and their own children and families so cut them some slack. Their passes look very similar to the one pictured here:

What do you need to do to prepare? Many of the things you've already been doing, but if you don't have a pass like the one above by tomorrow, then you better make the last trips you need to at the store by then. If this doesn't happen tomorrow, the likelihood of it happening by Wednesday is extremely high. It's almost guaranteed by the end of the coming week, but tomorrow could be the last time you leave your home for anywhere from 14 to 30 days. Get enough food, water, medicine, and necessities for each person in your family for 30 days. Make lists of each person and what they use weekly. Do not under-prepare for this part. And don't underestimate what your family uses. Do the math. It's not that hard.

Be prepared to find something you can do from home to make a little money. Find anything you have to get rid of, clean it up and take pics of it. You'll be happy you had this ready.

Make schedules for kids. Get them on a real home routine. You've probably been lax up until now with your kids being at home and calling this a break or a "wellness" break. And that's good. It gave their minds time to prepare for the other coming changes to their lives. You don't need to tell them everything, but do things that help prepare them for the changes because they will suffer too and be very confused by all this. 

Sit down and really think about what all this means for your specific family's needs. Gather the materials necessary to be in very close quarters for 30 days. You will need to prepare for this too because we're not used to being all huddled together 24/7 and you will not realize how much that is true until you're all driving each other nuts. We are all joking about "day X of the quarantine" right now and that's good because we need to keep our humor about us. But know that after a few weeks you WILL be thankful for the small amounts of alone time and space you get. Introverts will already be used to this feeling. This will affect everyone in different ways though, factors like personality type will be huge. If your Briggs-Meyers score is similar to that of your family or housemates, you're probably gonna be fine. If they're vastly different, you may want to schedule some personal time. Whether or not you are on the Autism Spectrum will make a difference too. So sit and use your family's personality types to plan for what you will need to keep each other entertained and self soothed. Because this will be a huge factor in how well you handle this new world. 

Keep up with your local updates. Follow your city management pages. pay attention to new laws and regulations that affect you. Don't mess around on this part. You don't want to be hassled by people at checkpoints in front of your kids. Watch your attitudes. Things could escalate to points that aren't good at all for your families to witness. Don't take these risks. Don't be a hero, and don't underestimate their power or authority. Know that they mean business and just be smart with your decisions. Keep your windows and doors locked. Be cautious of people coming around asking for help. You can still be a helper and take steps to protect your family. Don't be scared of helping people, but please, be cautious and aware. 

Set a schedule for yourself that includes mental health breaks. Write it down just like any other task. Every 2 hours a 15-minute disconnection from electronics will be good for you. Use this time to de-stress, stretch, sing, listen to a song, call a loved one, whatever makes you feel good. Then, 1 hour periods through the day/eve too. Pick 2 or 3 times during your waking hours to pencil this hour in. Then during the 1-hour sessions per day, like one from 12 to 1 and one from 8 to 9, or whatever works with your schedule, and use that hour to totally unplug, turn everything off, get outside, away from electronic devices, listen to nature, feel the dirt, plant some flowers, read a book, have a glass of wine, take a bath, or any number of things you can do. Stick with your schedule and do it just like it's any other task that needs to be done. Because this situation is taking its toll on everyone. And mental health experts are URGING people to pay attention and practice self-care because if not, mental degradation WILL occur. Every mental health expert in the world is in agreement on this. Without this self-care practice, we will see a major increase in suicides and even crimes due to mental degradation, but within your own families, you will see mood swings, grumpiness, rebellion, anxiety, depression, and anger. A little bit of planning can prevent this or at least make it milder.

This isn't the end of the world. But it is the beginning of a new one. Lots of positives will come out of this too. Look for them. Find ways to get creative in the new world. Stop complaining about small shit and worry about that which you can control. Take control of the things you've wanted to, and drop some bad habits. There are silver linings in everything, pay attention to them. 

Most importantly of all. Stay calm. Don't panic. Take only what you need. Be nice to people. Be understanding and patient. Think of others. Remember that everyone will handle this differently. Pay attention and you will come out of this JUST fine, I promise.

Stafford Act and son

I've received dozens of messages today asking me about a viral post making its way around social media. Its message of warning does exactly what it is intended to do. Strikes fear in the hearts of Americans by starting the first paragraph with the words "Homeland Security is preparing to mobilize the National Guard" Here's the post










The messages I have received have all had the same question attached - "Is this true?" The answer to that question isn't a simple one. Each line has it's own agenda so to dissect it properly we will go through each, followed with why it is or isn't bad. A lot of it is misinterpreted, some, taken out of context.




"Homeland Security is preparing to mobilize the National Guard" We've already done this. For close to a week? I'd have to go look, but we always mobilize the NG when there's any kind of a national disaster (and many states of emergency). Hurricanes, fires, everything. This is the entire purpose of the National Guard. Not scary. However, these activations have "levels". Most disaster response levels are level 1. Katrina was a level 2. During this time in New Orleans, soldiers took away guns and all sorts of other grievances on civil liberties. If I recall, there hasn't been a level 3 activation since WWII.





Preparing to dispatch them across the US along with military Again, already done, there are NG armory's in all states, they're pretty well ready for activation at any time. When not activated, they practice drills and do all sorts of other training.





They will also call in 1st responders - Well duh, this is a national health crisis. This message implies the 1st responders and military, and National Guard is doing something other than what they're already doing, but at this time, no they are not, they're just doing what they were put in place to do. All that said, these guardsmen have been training heavily for weeks. On active-standby with fueled up vehicles. They are ready to serve the needs of whatever directives are given by the president.




They are preparing to announce a nationwide 2-week quarantine for all citizens, all businesses closed. Well I mean, this has been hinted by the White house at press conferences for a week now. They're currently attempting to get states and counties to convince people to do this voluntarily. So far, people aren't listening. Some cities and counties have gone on "shelter in place" or "mandatory lockdowns" already. San Francisco most famously, but a directive was announced tonight for a mandatory shelter in place for all of California. Chicago is considering all restaurants and some other businesses, and the Governor of NY is pushing for doing this for NYC. Other states have stopped all non-essential businesses from being open. Ohio closed all entertainment businesses. The links within this paragraph will take you to news stories about these events. The federal government is pushing hard for states to do this, and many are making efforts to do exactly that. Others are doing absolutely nothing. It's most likely that the Federal government doesn't want to do a nationwide lockdown. Many libertarians would disagree with me on this, and there's no way to know the truth. But I've been paying attention, and I'm really good at reading people, and it really seems to me like they do not want to do this.

Think of all the crazy people out there. The angry. The anti-government. There are a massive amount of people out there that have hated what the government does for a long time. Some of these people will be VERY angry. Those people could become dangerous. Many won't, but when we live in a society that finds razor blades in playgrounds and kids shoes at Walmart, we never really know what society is capable of. I personally get their anger, but I also know it's pointless. Like all anger is. Anger only hurts you, not the other person. It simply amuses the other person. And obviously, any action on anger is an NAP violation. So why even be mad. Walk away, be chill. Plus, anger is really bad for your brain. So is guilt, which usually comes after whatever dumb thing you did because you were angry. (Here's a really great medical journal article on what negative feelings do to your neurological system)





Everyone at home - again, they've been saying this a long time. Begging even in recent days, 24/7 news coverage with people ALL begging to shut everything down, stay home, social distance, don't go to school, don't gather, stay 6 feet (personally, 600 feet is better for me thanks) so this is legitimately old old news. Now, is it oversaturated in the media? Yes, because they want you to listen, and no one is listening. (okay, some of YOU are, but lots of people are definitely not. Some people are doing the very opposite.)





They will announce before the end of the weekend - announce what? All of the above? There have been daily announcements for quite a while now. Like, I'm surprised my favorite daytime show is still even on. Again, there will be many announcements this weekend, many of them will be about lockdowns. Entire states are starting to announce them. Go look at the map at the bottom of this site and pay attention to the colors. Those are the orders in which states will impose statewide measures, varying in severity, the states with least number of cases will probably leave it up to counties and cities or other less harsh measures than a statewide lockdown. (or any of the other nice terms the media or states are using for this).





Within 48 to 72 hours the president will evoke what is called the "Stafford Act" Okay so yeah, this one's pretty much true. The President has already said this publicly, and has even written a letter here on the white house website.




So, what IS the Stafford Act? The wiki definition is "The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) is a 1988 United States federal law designed to bring an orderly and systematic means of federal natural disaster assistance for state and local governments in carrying out their responsibilities to aid citizens." i.e., this is what is allowing them to give you money, unemployment, and other assistance during this crisis. That's not scary right? Who manages federal natural disaster assistance? FEMA. The Federal Emergency Management Agency. Okay so there are things about FEMA that are uncomfortable, but we won't get into that. Right now, let's just say they plan to use the Stafford Act for exactly what the President says he wants to use it for. And these are REALLY broad and expansive terms.




In the letter he says that he thinks this virus warrants the evocation of the Stafford Act. Like I explained with the DPA yesterday, there are levels of many of these laws put in place in a disaster, and the Stafford act is no different. So basically if they wanted to abuse it they could. The abuse could be big. Like, start civil wars big. He also says that the Stafford Act will give him to grant the Federal government the "authority (power) to regulate matters (make laws) related to interstate matters and foreign commerce (products from overseas) and to conduct the foreign relations of the United States. (basically, all the power to do whatever, both interstate and on national borders)




For example, the Federal Government, through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its component, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has authority (power) to take the necessary steps “to prevent the introduction, transmission, or spread of communicable diseases from foreign countries into the States or possessions, or from one State or possession into any other State or possession,” 42 U.S.C. § 264(a), in close coordination with State, local, and tribal officials." In addition, the Federal Government has responsibility for securing our borders and overseeing entry of foreign nationals into our country in the interest of the United States







Laymen's terms? (definitions in parenthesis above) They can do anything they like to stop this virus, they can grant the powers to do anything they like to the CDC or HHS if they like, They can tell the states, cities, and even tribe leaders of Native Nations what to do with their own property and lives. If they wanted to. Not saying they do, because as I said above, I think they probably don't. Many of my friends would disagree with me on that. Many people I look up to disagree with me on that. My own instinct and experience disagree with me on that, but I have a feeling, backed by observable evidence, that this isn't what they want. Is it possible? Sure, why not. Anything is possible. There are many reasons they wouldn't want to, and a few possible reasons they would. I've said this before, but I certainly don't get shocked by anything anymore.




Okay so in his letter he also says that this is absolutely necessary and basically says that they've (the CDC, NIH, WHO, and the White House) have been trying to tell us for days now to just stay home. It's like when a parent says "HELLOOO I just told you to clean your room 3 times, and I even had your dad tell you how important it was!" If I haven't mentioned it (I have) I've actually been telling my friends for a lot longer than a few days but whatevs. But since Friday, everything has changed. It's taken a lot of people a lot longer to catch up, but by now we should be all aware that we're supposed to stay home as much as possible. Anyone who doesn't know this, lives under the biggest rock in America. The Plymouth rock of ignorant bliss. Anyone who knows this and doesn't care, should probably listen to the Italians saying they wished they could go back and tell themselves not to underestimate this thing. That will be those guys in a few weeks. I'm already seeing some get it now, especially in the last few days but many don't. I told a guy, do you really think we'd close the LV strip for a cold? Would we shut down San Francisco? Would we halt all sports leagues and close all schools? Would we just hand out money and forgive student debt? Would we halt trading on the NY stock exchange floor?? Like, what planet are you on?




So, this Stafford Act basically just says to the Administration "These people aren't listening, I think we're gonna have to take drastic measures". IF nationwide lockdowns and severe civil liberties are stripped it WILL be your faults. It WILL get blamed on you too. But you do you. For what it's worth, there's also this:









In the letter, he also asks for relief from tax deadlines and says "I encourage all governors and tribal leaders to consider requesting Federal assistance under this provision of the Stafford Act, pursuant to the statutory criteria. I stand ready to expeditiously consider any such request."




So this is the permission, from the administration to do whatever they want. Let's hope they don't abuse it. I mean, they haven't really abused it in history, right? ;)




Well, here are several articles about that:




https://www.heritage.org/budget-and-spending/report/congress-must-stop-the-abuse-disaster-and-emergency-spending




https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/03/trumps-emergency-declaration-coronavirus/608083/




and here's a document from the Congressional Research Service that outlines what it has been used for from called "Trends, Analyses, and Implications for Congress




and here's the FEMA fact sheet.




Feel free to ask what anything means in the comments.







The president will order a two-week mandatory quarantine for the nation. Yeah, if you fuckers don't listen they'll probably do this. It literally hasn't been decided for sure though as far as I can tell. I'll update you if that changes of course. We're close though, I'd think if people still aren't listening in a week or two it will. And by then the numbers will already be outrageous. The thing about pandemics is that they're not a big deal until they are. We have seen this in China, France, Italy, and Spain..and now California as of this update.





Stock up on whatever you need to make sure you have a 2 week supply of everything - Jeez, again, we've been saying this for a LONG TIMEEEEEE. The CDC started saying a while ago to stock up on THIRTY days supply. Department of Homeland Security has said this since 9/11. This isn't news, it's called disaster preparedness. MANY people do this. I used to be one of them, but then I was poor for a while, and I'm also lazy. I also let everyone convince me I was crazy for thinking this could happen. Well jokes on me huh? You normies call them "preppers" There are reality shows about the super extreme ones and now everyone thinks "preppers" is a bad word. The problem is, that's like thinking all Christians are crazy because the Westboro Baptist church is insane. There is not only nothing wrong with being prepared for any disaster, but anyone who isn't prepared for at least normal disasters are kind of ignorant.




So anyhow, I hope that explains, probably doesn't make most of you feel much better, but at least it's honest and understandable. (I think?)