On March 20, 2020 at 4:00 pm, Damien Carbury wrote:
G'day Mark,
I notice the media rarely reports on people who recover from the coronavirus. Last week, one of Her Majesty's Australian Ministers was hospitalised with corona. He took a strong dose of paracetamol and is now back at work. In the absence of comprehensive statistics, why should we believe this virus is significantly worse than a bad seasonal cold or flu? As many club members have asked: can't Italy be explained by demographics and socialised medicine?
On March 20, 2020 at 4:01 pm, Zack wrote:
Statistically if not emotionally covid is proving to be just a new, or different culler of the herd. Targets the frail, old, sickly. Where it might have said heart, lung or cancer disease the death certificate will now substitute covid. The background death rate will be compressed for a time but likely not discernible against a rolling multi year average. Yet we are shuttering the economy and letting old people die in complete isolation without family or loved ones, where the last human touch is from the glove of an unknown astronaut.
There was life and society in days before anti biotics. Polio, poxes, plagues, they used to be just part of the many risks life presents. But for this one we are upending livelihoods, businesses, schools, relationships just so 80 year old sedentary ex smokers can make it to 81? And all with very little debate, just passive acquiescence.
On March 20, 2020 at 4:02 pm, Scott Schertzer wrote:
Dear Mark,
I feel as though I belong to the tiniest minority in thinking that we have overreacted by a factor of 100 to the Coronavirus. The stock market has dropped by a third, small businesses are closing, or being stressed to the breaking point and many at the lowest rung are now unemployed. In the face of this horrendous economic destruction the American populace has gone along meekly.
Those I speak with think I am crazy, but this current outbreak doesn't strike me as being any more lethal than the seasonal flu. I don't wish to minimize the grief of any families that have lost loved ones to Covid-19, but is it necessary to virtually shut down our entire economy in the face of this Pandemic? I fear for the future as it seems we have lost all perspective on how to manage risk in a rational manner.
Sincerely,
Scott Schertzer
Miami Beach
On March 20, 2020 at 4:04 pm, Benjamin Bumgardner wrote:
Hi Mark. Personally, I'm sick (pun intended) of hearing about the Chinese Flu. After reading "Call of the Wild" twice this week, inspired by your reading of my favorite short story, I have decided to live full speed ahead and spend time on the water fishing and enjoying the solitude as opposed to hiding in my home waiting for the plague to show up. The real question in my mind is will America form a collective backbone against the chinese aggression and take back our manufacturing and our lives regardless of the cost? More importantly, are there any leaders with the backbone to stand up to our ruling class and entrenched bureaucracy that can get this done without their feet being cut out from under them. PS I would love to hear you read "Big Two-Hearted River" by Hemingway. My second favorite short story. Thanks for all you do and keep up the good work!
On March 20, 2020 at 4:06 pm, peterl wrote:
Mark writes: "Meanwhile, over in Crazyland, an Islamic scholar says Covid-19 is a "soldier of Allah". If so, he's got a funny way of showing it. In Iran the health ministry now says that one person dies of Covid-19 every ten minutes."
The quote was courtesy Memri: "Pro-Al-Qaeda Writer Says Coronavirus 'Tiny Soldier Of Allah,' " Since Al-Qaeda is an extreme Sunni sect that considers Shia Muslims worthy only of death, maybe the death toll of Shias in Iraq is Allah's holy wrath on Shia apostates? I mean, from Al-Qaeda's PoV?
(Yours in despair :))
On March 20, 2020 at 4:08 pm, Grandma Judy wrote:
Mark-
Is the Chi-Vi worth destroying our economy? Hard to believe we are now printing enough cash to make the dollar more and more worthless. Am I not right about this. And BTW.. isn't just living a risk? Trying to remain calm.
Grandma Judy
On March 20, 2020 at 4:09 pm, Anne Pinkava wrote:
Hey Mark! Hope you are doing well.
I don't know what is scarier: our nations enemies taking advantage of our weak position during this time, the bureaucracy grabbing power, or scared people in general. At the same time I am grateful that we are under Trump, and not Obama, who stockpiled arms for odd government agencies. What do you think is the most likely conspiratorial concern?
At the same time, I'm glad to see that when I do go out, people are extremely helpful and chatty. Besides staying healthy, what do you think is the best thing we can do here on the ground?
And have you ever thought of starting up a Toby Young style free speech union?
On March 20, 2020 at 4:11 pm, Janet Long wrote:
Never mind reparations to undeserving folks here in America. How about reparations from China to the world in payment for the deaths and economic havoc that they alone are responsible for?
On March 20, 2020 at 4:13 pm, Peter Marsh wrote:
Hello Mark,
How long do you suppose Americans will put up with businesses being closed by order of the state and being told to stay indoors? In your opinion, what does that say about us being a 'free people'?
Regards,
Pete Marsh
On March 20, 2020 at 4:16 pm, Mick Wenlock wrote:
So, Mark, in addition to being sentenced to relive Edgar Allen Poe's Masque of the Red Death in our daily lives thanks to the high twattage of the Media - we are now being subject to the inane celebrities singing "Imagine"? Can you imagine the planning meeting for that piece of strategic brilliance? Gawd almighty is there no rest for the weary?
On March 20, 2020 at 4:18 pm, Laura Rosen Cohen wrote:
Hi Mark do you think China has already been absolved in part by the media and leftists as evidenced by the fact that it's now supposed to be called COVID-19. Poof-the Chinese origins has evaporated from the narrative. Second question, which numbers do you think will be bigger when we get through this-baby boom or divorce rates. Lastly, could the government of Canada possibly be filled more imbecilic, lying scumbags who continue to endanger all of our lives?
On March 20, 2020 at 4:19 pm, Todd Williamson wrote:
Hi Mark-
The hypothesis that COVID 19 made the jump to humans from the critters called "pangolins" seemed to come out a little too soon after this virus was recognized. I am reminded that, before the smoke had cleared from our embassy in Benghazi, Susan Rice was blaming the attacks on an obscure YouTube video. This story was ready a little to fast and it was obviously an attempt to hide the truth.
I read that Wuhan is the location of China's bioweapons research lab. I'm not prone to blame the Devil for those things that can be attributed to stupidity, but all this does sound fishy. Your thoughts?
Thanks!
On March 20, 2020 at 4:20 pm, George Pereira wrote:
I try not to be paranoid.
I also try not be get wrapped up in conspiracy theories.
Too many people on the left and much to their shame and disgrace many on the right have stated that if the economy needs to collapse and whatever the cost to people be damned, as long as it take out President Trump it will be worth it.
The China Virus, Kung Flu or whatever the most racist name that offends the wokey woke, and the panic that is engulfing the world seems set to collapse the economy of the entire world.
Is President Donald Trump that much of a menace to the global elites?
As I have said in previous posts, the lack of information on the China Virus is intentional and malevolent.
On March 20, 2020 at 4:22 pm, Timothy McDonnell wrote:
Greetings from the ultimate Stay-cation of California. As we are going to be at home for a while and may want to catch up on our reading: What do you think are the five most important books written this century, and why?
On March 20, 2020 at 4:23 pm, Eddie wrote:
Greetings, Mark! This is the first time I have been able to participate in one of these as I have been switched to working from home until further notice. I'd like to shift away from all the doom & gloom current event questions by asking why have you not written much on the Kinks? That is, the British rock band, not what sort of acts people enjoy whilst wearing bunny suits, garters, etc.
I greatly enjoy your posts about music, but in searching your archives I found only a passing mention of Ray Davies, and that was in a post about the death of Whitney Houston. I recently went through the Kinks' discography and was absolutely floored to find a plethora of thoughtful, dare I say "right-leaning" songs.
They even did a rock opera called "Preservation" which has a decidedly anti-communist theme where the "People's Revolutionary" turns out to be a bad guy and, at the end, implements martial law & draconian rationing (although the anthem the new government plays right after these measures are announced is the paradoxically upbeat "Salvation Road"). Even Kinks songs which seem to have a leftist bent are balanced out by others in their catalogue; for every "Big Sky" there is a "God's Children".
I could go on, but to keep this lengthy comment as brief as possible I'd like to float "Here Come the People in Grey" from the album "Muswell Hillbilles" (the same album the song "20th Century Man" is on, which you may be familiar with). The lyrics to "People in Grey" stand out to me particularly during the treatment of GEN Flynn and Roger Stone:
"The people in grey have gone and taken away my right to voice my complaint,
Her Majesty's Government have sent me a form I must complete it today.
But it's making me blue, don't want to tell all my secrets to
The people in grey."
As President Trump might tweet, "Many such examples!" but that's all I got for now. Cheers, thanks for all you do, and God bless!
On March 20, 2020 at 4:24 pm, Left Coaster wrote:
Mark,
I enjoy your "Song of the Week" and wonder if you have ever featured Alan Parsons and Eric Woolfson. Your take on their music and Eric's wonderful grasp of subject, theme and lyric would be greatly appreciated.
From a fan way out West,
L.C.
On March 20, 2020 at 4:25 pm, Thomas Gaydos wrote:
Mark, great to hear you on Rush!
In the midst of all this virus mess, I think the DNC will look to cancel future primaries and declare Biden the winner.
The DNC will choose Biden's running mate who will wear marionette strings.
The puppet master will be Barak O.
Maybe 2 years, maybe 6. Jackpot is 6 in charge.
Your thoughts?
On March 20, 2020 at 4:26 pm, Stanley R wrote:
In memory of the "Pocket Rocket," what was your hockey career like?
On March 20, 2020 at 4:27 pm, Andrew A wrote:
Mark,
What do you think of Trudeau closing the border to everyone except illegal immigrants? Do you think one could get across with a little blackface, no documents, and feigned ignorance of English and French?
On March 20, 2020 at 4:28 pm, Deborah McKenzie wrote:
Hi Mark,
The Covid 19 virus is powerful indeed! It has managed to do what millions of Canadians could not - convince Justin Trudeau and his government to turn back irregular border crossers at Roxham Road! However, JT says this is only a temporary measure. Do you think there is any hope that Canadians can convince him to keep this measure going even once the threat of Covid 19 has lessened a bit?
Cheers,
Deborah
p.s. thanks for doing another ripping yarn by John Buchan for Tales for our Times!
On March 20, 2020 at 4:29 pm, Raymond Swenson wrote:
Mark, as a former resident of the San Francisco Bay Area who arrived just in time for the 1989 earthquake, I would like your thoughts on the longer term political repercussions of the Wuhan virus for jurisdictions like California, where the stupidity of their policies is being starkly illuminated by the pandemic. Governor Newsom, former mayor of San Francisco, has ordered everyone to stay at home, but he has 150,000 homeless people whose camps on the lawn of the San Francisco city hall have been a recurring hotbed of infectious diseases. Newsom was mayor of a Sanctuary City, inviting mass illegal immigration not only across the Mexican border but also on ships from China. He has attacked clean disposable plastic straws, ruling them illegal, just when hospital patients need them. All of these dire consequences were foreseeable, but Newsom personally and his Democrat cohorts let them fester, and now they are reaping the whirlwind. Will he or his Democrat counterparts in other states ever admit their policies were stupid and not sustainable in the real world, or will they just blame Trump and Republicans for bursting their fantasy bubble of belief that Nature is benign and will protect the sincere worshippers of political correctness?
On March 20, 2020 at 4:32 pm, Glen Flint wrote:
Hi Mark,
Coronavirus hysteria and global warming hysteria seem eerily similar. We don't have enough information to make an informed decision, but don't let that stop us from doing something now that will cost us trillions later.
When will Greta Thunberg drop by in a hazmat suit to say we've not only stolen her childhood, we've stolen her future as well? If they can link coronavirus to global warming, we'll be living in quarantine for the rest of our lives.
Are we living out Michael Crichton's State of Fear?
On March 20, 2020 at 4:34 pm, Calvert Whitehurst wrote:
The estimate that 25.5 million Californians could be infected with the coronavirus seems excessive - that's about 60 percent of the state's population of 40 million. Do you think Governor Newsom is using that figure to justify his edict that people can't leave their homes without his permission? Or is he worried that with its large homeless population and even larger population of recent immigrants crowded into multi-and-extended family housing, the Golden State is a potential petri dish for spreading the disease? Or both?
On March 20, 2020 at 4:35 pm, Jill Felzan wrote:
Hi Mark,
Looking into the daily published numbers on the Coronavirus in the U.S., it seems at present to be specifically a regional problem, notably affecting just 7 states, all of them east coast, west coast or south coast (Louisiana).
One salient fact is that there have been no deaths from the virus in 22 of 50 states, and another 14 have 2 or fewer deaths. Thus, the virus has a relatively low presence in 71% of states plus DC (36 states), while another 14% (8 states +DC) have only 3-5 deaths from the virus. The identified cases in those 44 states + DC are also relatively small, at 28% of total cases. The larger number of cases (72%) and larger number of deaths (74%) have occurred so far in just 7 states, again all of them coastal. I've done this analysis over the last three days, and the same distribution has prevailed. (Data is taken from Worldometers site.) The major change is that New York now drawfs WA in number of cases (7,102 vs. 1,374) and WA is noticeably slowing while NY is surging. ¬
Right now, while the distribution of cases could of course change, the regional confines of the virus should give us a lot of encouragement that it is not, in fact, spreading wildly, and that the social distancing and lack of travel are having the desired effect of not allowing it to spread to areas in the interior where it is still only modestly present.
I'm a numbers person, so I start doing this kind of digging down almost on autopilot. Unsurprisingly, I have seen no press or internet accounts that engage in such analysis. I know the media don't want to be saying anything or bringing up stats that could sound like downplaying the crisis, but still. When will there ever be journalism again?
Sheltering in place in CA
Jill
On March 20, 2020 at 4:38 pm, Owen Morgan wrote:
In the name of supposedly controlling the pandemic, bureaucracies around the world are enthusiastically curtailing liberties. When the Chinese virus has passed, what will be our chances of recovering our lost freedom?
On March 20, 2020 at 4:40 pm, Scott Barnhouse wrote:
Mark
After shutting everything down and quarantining everyone for one, two, three months, who knows how long, what do you think the new "normal" will look like in the USA when it is over? I don't know that looking to China is a good example, as I know people who have manufacturing plants in Wuhan they have told me that they never stopped production. They had difficulties in logistics, but their workers came to work every day and they continued to produce. We seem to be potentially be going more draconian than even them.
Here, we are shuttering the entire economy in what seems to be a very effective effort to tank the economy. Having this happen in March will give the Dem's plenty of time to stir dissent and dissatisfaction between now and the election and it could well undermine Trump's reelection hopes. Tell me I'm wrong please.
Thanks
Scott Barnhouse
Hudson, OH
On March 20, 2020 at 4:41 pm, Paul Harmon wrote:
I think it is very significant that the Baby Boomers are using WWII metaphors to rally the USA for the Wuhan flu restrictions on their freedoms, and can't find any analogy in their own time to rally people around in a time of crisis. Their entire relationship with the Republic, over 5 decades, has revolved around "burn baby burn". Not very inspiring.
On March 20, 2020 at 4:42 pm, Paul Harmon wrote:
Is globalization dead? Global, just-in-time supply chains have always been fragile, and the weirdly severe drop in the stock exchange for a flu-like virus is an outsized example of that fragility. Earlier drops around flareups in the Persian gulf and Venezuala descending into socialism are other examples. That a sovereign nation loses its independence depending on other people for fundamentally important goods and services is obvious, but unappreciated by many.
Like the British, and Brexit, I think the world will come out of this with a renewed sense of the importance of independence for their liberty; at least, I hope so.
On March 20, 2020 at 4:43 pm, e_pluribus_unum wrote:
25.5 million in California may be infected? How many will die? Perhaps the Census should be put on hold until after this settles? A snapshot of today's population will be very different from next year at this time.
Contrary to the government mailings I received, the one and only Constitutional reason for the census is to apportion Congressional Representatives by state. One mailing did not even mention Congressional apportionment but did brag about all the money my state bureaucracies would get when I complied.
People today are too preoccupied with staying alive to go online and deal with the census. Postpone the Count until next year, I say.
On March 20, 2020 at 4:44 pm, Alex wrote:
Hi Mark,
Have you noticed that there is currently a big divergence between the spot price for gold/silver (that is, the price to own it "on paper") and the price to actually obtain it physically? In other words, the price of silver has dropped significantly over the past week to around $12.50 an ounce, but good luck actually finding any 1 ounce silver coins for less than $19 an ounce, if you can find any at all. What do you make of this?
Regards,
Alex
On March 20, 2020 at 4:46 pm, Johnny B wrote:
Hi Mark, Just eighteen months ago Bill Maher was hoping for a crashing economy as one way to get rid of President Trump. He was kind enough to add 'sorry if that hurts people'. Do you think anyone in the media will ask him if he's happy to be getting what he's wished for? I think we know the answer. Best wishes, John
On March 20, 2020 at 4:47 pm, Mark F wrote:
Mark,
The Dems have finally achieved their goal, destroying the stock market and inducing a recession. All because 3.5 years in they still can't over Trump's win.
Do you think they will ever regret or feel the slightest bit of remorse for whipping up the mass panic, using this virus as another bat to beat Trump over the head with; wiping out trillions, unemploying countless Americans and wiping out millions of retirement accounts?
Thanks
Mark F, Colorado Springs
On March 20, 2020 at 4:48 pm, Brian W. wrote:
Hi Mark, Keeping on the general topic of pestilences, any dispatches from the Cockwomble front recently? I'm of course speaking of Steyn et al vs CRTV and I'll include Mann vs Steyn, as it's coming up to eight years ago that you wrote that NR Corner post. How time flies when one is in court!
Cheers,
Brian W
On March 20, 2020 at 4:49 pm, Peter Duncan wrote:
Mark! Am I correct in saying that you're a tad bit tired of talking exclusively about this COVID-19 business? What do YOU want to talk about, sir? Much thanks for all you do - Peter from Shoreline, Washington
On March 20, 2020 at 4:50 pm, Toby Pilling wrote:
Some people doubt the veracity of the computer modelling around the Coronavirus spread. Do Michael Mann and other climate alarmists share the blame for that, through the manipulation and misuse of data?
On March 20, 2020 at 4:57 pm, Perry Pattetic wrote:
Pedro Alameda - per my point that sending troops and police into battle against the Wuhan Virus is merely delivering thousands of noses, throats and lungs to host said virus.
On March 20, 2020 at 4:59 pm, Craig Flynn wrote:
China's One-Belt-One-Road scheme put 300,000 Chinese workers in Lombardy from about 2018—large numbers in Iran—quite large numbers in Africa. Do you think this was a contributor to the high infection rates (unknown yet for Africa)? Great show-regards-Craig
