COVID relief socialism vs the free market - Bill Wilson - www.dailyjot.com
The Democrat-controlled House of Representatives repeatedly is placing socialist elements in COVID-19 relief legislation. Things like guaranteed minimum wage (yes, that's where "stimulus" checks lead), vote by mail without voter roll clean ups, business bail-outs (targeting their favorite businesses, of course), and environmental (translated: groundwork for global warming/climate change taxes), among other things. They say all this is necessary to get the economy and the "little guy" up and running again when the country reopens. But all my sources in the nation's capitol say that the Democrats want to strangle the economy by putting off reopening to defeat President Trump and establish socialism.
In the interest of fairness, I don't like the idea of each week demonizing the Democratic Party for what they are doing. Trouble is, they are the leaders in falsifying information, rigging the vote, trying to tear down the free market system, encourage immorality and do whatever they accuse their opponents of doing. Trouble with Republicans, they don't do enough to point these things out and make their case to the American people. But one thing we know for sure, government at its best does not measure up to free market enterprise. And when we look at the current COVID-19 situation, where does government stack up against the corporate environment?
Well, the government has gone into tremendous debt to send out checks to everybody so they can live during this mandated quarantine of everyone. But those checks, if you have even gotten one (to date, neither my wife nor I have received anything from the government), wouldn't buy groceries for the month, let alone pay many bills. Yet in robbing Peter to pay Paul (taxing you and me to pay you and me, well, or maybe someone else), the government has created more debt and continues to make the case for more socialism. And some idiots are buying in. If you want to see what socialism does, look at Venezuela, a once prosperous and promising nation, now a crumbling monument to socialism.
But corporations in America, the gemstone of the free market, have actually made a difference to save lives and comfort the sick during this pandemic. Just one example: The NFL and NFL players alone have surpassed over $120 million. In addition to companies giving money, many have retooled to make life-saving equipment. The socialists say, "Well they get a tax break for doing this." Yes, exactly. That's the point. Socialism is forced, the free market is voluntary and based on incentive. As in Acts 2:44-45, "And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need." This worked because it was voluntary and there was a blessing in it for all. Socialism redistributes wealth by authority and force. It never works because of its authoritarianism and tyranny.
Trading freedom for fear - Bill Wilson - www.dailyjot.com
As we view the COVID-19 situation, we do not need conspiracy theories to bolster concerns about the curtailing of freedom. We just need to look at the facts before us. In no time in history has this nation been shut down for a flu. Since March 15, all people-carriers, the sick, the well-have been essentially locked down. It has changed our lives. The facts are that state governments, especially those with Democratic governors, have, in the very least, temporarily taken away freedoms. Fear has ruled over the hearts of many and still does. The question we must ask as Americans is: "How much freedom are we willing to trade for fear?"
The Centers for Disease Control, in its latest model has lowered death estimates and infection rates. In fact, the latest CDC statistics indicate fatality rates at 4 per 1,000, down from previous estimates of 10 per thousand-and those were estimated on data compiled before April 29, a month ago. Given the CDC infection rate vs fatality rates, the actual figure is less than 3 per 1,000, and this is 13 times lower than World Health Organization predictions. In other words, less that � of 1% of Americans are dying from this pandemic. One death is one too many, but based on facts has there been an over-reaction? Perspective: In 1918, for example, a worldwide flu epidemic attacked about 20% of the global population, leaving 675,000 deaths in the US-nearly 7 people per 1,000.
There are many news reports indicating that death tolls for this pandemic have been inflated, especially for states to money grab from federal government relief efforts. There are also reports saying the death estimates are too low. There are reports that the CDC's latest estimates are politically motivated. There are reports that Democratic governors, in collaboration with the Democratic National Committee, are purposely keeping lockdowns in place as long as possible to scuttle the economy in hope that President Trump can be defeated in November. More reports reveal another agenda: to put in place substantial socialist programs that expand government and its authority over citizens like you and me.
There are no sunset provisions in these new laws and regulations that are being passed at the state and federal levels. At some point, just based on the facts-not wild-eyed conspiracy theories-Americans need to decide how much freedom they are willing to trade for their fears. We are at a turning point in our Constitutional Republic. Freedom is difficult because it takes vigilant responsibility and constant care to preserve as people are always trying to take it away. Fear is often a lever to pry open the protective vault of liberty. As Christians, we are not to be swayed by silly doctrines and ear tickling. As in 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of a sound mind." We, above all, should not be trading freedom for fear.
US coronavirus death toll crosses 100,000 in harrowing milestone
The U.S. reached yet another harrowing milestone on Wednesday as the coronavirus death toll topped 100,000. Globally, COVID-19 has been linked to over 353,000 fatalities and over 5.6 million cases, according to the Johns Hopkins University heat map.
On Wednesday evening, the Johns Hopkins tally showed 100,047 U.S. coronavirus deaths. The United States has seen more coronavirus deaths than any other country, according to the data -- although analysts and critics frequently have questioned the numbers of cases and deaths reported in other countries.
As virus-related deaths continue to rise, the U.S. saw just 500 new deaths Monday, its lowest daily total since March 28, and 693 more on Tuesday, according to Johns Hopkins University. The number of confirmed infections has reached over 1.66 million.
New York, the hardest-hit state, has seen more than 363,000 coronavirus cases and over 23,000 deaths, according to recent estimates, followed by New Jersey, with reports of over 155,000 cases and over 11,100 deaths.
The news comes as the majority of states begin reopening their economies to a number of businesses.
States across the country have begun easing restrictions on businesses and home quarantines meant to curb the spread of the virus. These states have said data shows they have �flattened the curve� of infections enough to phase in their economies under new health guidelines and restrictions.
Countries in Europe and Asia have also begun lifting restrictions that brought daily life to an effective halt for almost two months in some parts as a critical tradeoff to protect citizens. More than 2.3 million have recovered from the virus.
However, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Sunday warned that the world is still in the midst of a �first wave� of the pandemic.
�Right now, we're not in the second wave. We're right in the middle of the first wave globally," said Dr. Mike Ryan, executive director of WHO.
�We're still very much in a phase where the disease is actually on the way up,� Ryan told reporters, pointing to South America, South Asia, and other areas where infections are still on the rise.
India saw a record single-day jump in new cases for the eighth straight day. It reported 6,387 new infections Wednesday, raising its total to 151,876, including 4,346 deaths.
Brazil has 375,000 coronavirus infections � second only to the 1.6 million cases in the U.S. � and has counted over 23,000 deaths. Many fear Brazil's true toll is much higher.
Worldwide, the virus has infected over 5.6 million people, killing over 350,000, according to Johns Hopkins University. Europe has had about 170,000 deaths.
The least of these - Bill Wilson - www.dailyjot.com
While America was celebrating the Memorial Day weekend with cookouts, burgers and dogs (even in semi-lockdown mode), across the world in Ghana, West Africa, there were people who were wondering where the next meal was coming from. Families struck not only by poverty, forgotten by the church, but also the hardships caused by COVID 19 disruptions in the food supply, were somewhat stranded in time. But something historic is going on. Aided by readers of The Daily Jot, our partner ministry Lifetree Foundation, under the leadership of Pastor William Agbeti, is delivering food to the most needy of the needy in underserved remote areas. So far, over 1,300 have received foodstuffs lasting at least a week.
Agbeti writes: "The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a drastic change in our Ministry's modus operandi-At least for the foreseeable future. From a ministry that was cooking hot meals for malnourished children, we have now become an organization that is supplying fortified and nutritious food items to needy children and their families. Thus, instead of feeding beneficiaries with a meal for lunch, these same beneficiaries now go home with foodstuffs that can feed them for a whole week. Besides, rather than depending solely on volunteers to identify the needy and serve them, the needy can now also contact us directly and volunteers move in to ascertain needs and supply the same.
"Perhaps the most critical turn around in this whole development, in the wake of the CORONAVIRUS pandemic, is the Ministry's immediate response to pleas from hungry folks who could not be reached by Government with assistance. Without our intervention, volunteers testify that many would suffer the pangs of hunger, possibly leading to deaths. Another significant milestone COVID-19 has brought about our way is the development of our very first small food bank. Owing to price gouging, hoarding and profiteering by farmers, middlemen, transporters, wholesalers, retailers and speculators, we developed a storehouse where we source foodstuffs and keep/hold them for distribution/delivery. The price differentials between foodstuffs in our storehouse and the open market prices often constitute 10-25% off market prices.
"Items in our small food bank include rice, eggs, grated cassava, milk, sardines, ground pepper, onions, tin tomatoes, salt, honey, etc. We are beginning to work with small rural farmers to grow specific food items and sell directly to us. This helps the farmers generate steady incomes, whilst we will be having reasonably priced foodstuffs and regular supplies to serve the needy in rural Ghana. As is written in Mat 25:40: "Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me." This is exactly what we feel like saying to all stakeholders in our service - donors, volunteers, officials, suppliers, delivery folks, well-wishers, etc. Together, we are serving the Lord. It's all about Jesus - sharing, caring and serving with Christ-like love!" This is made possible by readers like you!!!!
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