Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	Interesting Statistics
Date:	5/17/2021 2:21:36 PM

Governor Abbott of Texas reported on his state today:

"* 0 Covid related deaths--the only time that's happened since data was tracked in March, 2020.

* the fewest Covid cases in over 13 months

* the lowest 7-day Covid positivity rate ever

* the lowest Covid hospitalizations in 11 months."

And that comes two months after he opened up Texas, removed the mask madate, and businesses returned to normal operations.

Oh yes, and actions which prompted the liberal Messiah Biden to accuse Abbott of "Nenderthal thinking".  

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Interesting Statistics
Date:	5/17/2021 2:33:44 PM (updated 5/17/2021 3:50:53 PM)

Just spent a long weekend in Austin with my adult children and have a few observations.  Many businesses in the Austin area still have the mask required sign up....I'd put compliance at around 50%, enforcement at close to zero.  Still tons of morons driving or walking around outdoors alone and wearing a face diaper. I suspect they do so in order not to be confused for a Republican that can think critically and understand the futility of masks.  Went to mass on Sunday.  No social distancing requirements in the pews although their dispensation from weekly mass goes to Pentecost (next Sunday) so there were a fair amount of open pews.  Again, about 50% masks....mostly younger people as I suspect they may not yet be vaccinated.  Restaurants were full and traffic was awful all weekend....so pretty much back to normal.  Went to a neat place west of Austin called Jester King Ranch for dinner on Saturday.  All outdoor seating.  Packed despite being out in the middle of nowhere. Very few masks, no social distancing, good music in the bier garten and people generally having fun and enjoying the experience.

Again, this experiment in actually following the science once again proved who actually believes in science.....and it isn't Democrats.  They believe in emotion, virtue signaling and a pure projection of power over the masses.......just like the good little Marxists they are.

Name:	wix -	Reply
Subject:	Interesting Statistics
Date:	5/17/2021 3:40:27 PM

Today’s stats were collected yesterday (Sunday) so watch Texas on Tuesday…bet it’ll be up a bunch.  Most data collection is off on Sunday!  At least that is how data for Alabama works….there’s been several “0” days, usually on Sundays…

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Interesting Statistics
Date:	5/17/2021 3:53:05 PM

I stopped following the numbers very closely but you are correct, they do drop on the weekends and pick up again during the week.  Regardless, those numbers are way below the usual weekend results.  All in all good news on the virus front.  Here's hoping it continues to improve across the country.

Name:	Talullahhound -	Reply
Subject:	Interesting Statistics
Date:	5/17/2021 5:49:43 PM

I heard today that people are "confused" about the new CDC mask recommendation.  Not sure why there would be confusion - if you are fully vaccinated, you don't need to wear a mask - unless you go into a business that requires a mask.  Individuals businesses still have the right to make their own rules.  I guess it is the liberals that are confused.  

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	Interesting Statistics
Date:	5/17/2021 8:28:57 PM (updated 5/17/2021 8:29:54 PM)

The Right has never been confused...no mask..no vaccine....it's my Freedom...screw everyone else...it's all about me.

Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	Interesting Statistics
Date:	5/17/2021 8:56:57 PM

RMB did you forget who you were signed in as?  This is a post I would expect from GoofyFishin. 

Name:	Talullahhound -	Reply
Subject:	Interesting Statistics
Date:	5/17/2021 9:06:20 PM

For me, it was never a political issue.  It was always a public health issue.  I'm not interested in a debate.  But we all know that the majority of the media leans liberal and they are the ones reporting "confusion".

Name:	wix -	Reply
Subject:	Hod…are you responding to me?
Date:	5/17/2021 9:41:26 PM (updated 5/17/2021 9:43:04 PM)

Or someone else?  Who/what is RMB?

Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	Hod…are you responding to me?
Date:	5/17/2021 10:16:19 PM

Is my post under yours, which is completely out of character for "wix'?

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Interesting Statistics
Date:	5/18/2021 8:32:46 AM

For the left everything is about politics.  For us it has always been about the science as opposed to emotion and slavish obedience to whatever the govt and govt media tell us regardless of whether it makes a lick of sense.  That is the lens the Goofy and his fellow travelers see just about everything. 

The reality is that Governors like Kemp, DeSantis, Abbot, Noem, etc all followed the science, all were called irresponsible neanderthals and all were in the end proven to be completely correct.  And idiot/evil Dem Governors like Cuomo, Newsome, Whitmer, et al needlessly killed senior citizens to save a few bucks on Medicare and to obey their hospital lobbyists.  We follow the science.  They follow something else, but it isn't science.

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	OK, so who/what is RMB?
Date:	5/18/2021 8:59:35 AM

RMB is the initials for Goofy.  I think he was kidding about your post being from Goofy and not from you.

Name:	wix -	Reply
Subject:	OK, so who/what is RMB?
Date:	5/18/2021 9:22:41 AM

That’s what I thought, but I wanted Hodja to admit it.  He still thinks I am Goof’s alternate ego???  Typical for a gubment consultant to be so off base!!

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	OK, so who/what is RMB?
Date:	5/18/2021 10:33:32 AM

I don't think that's what he thinks.

Name:	wix -	Reply
Subject:	OK, so who/what is RMB?
Date:	5/18/2021 12:06:33 PM

That’s what he has stated several times in the past.  Makes no difference to me, but he seems to obsess sometimes….

Name:	MountainMan -	Reply
Subject:	Interesting Statistics
Date:	5/18/2021 10:44:39 PM

Unfortunately, it's (masks) become a political issue. It's really a global health issue. Some believe masks don't help; others do.  @ this point there seems to be no easy way to resolve. Each side feels it has science on its side. We need to figure out so all 50 states can open @ 100%

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Interesting Statistics
Date:	5/19/2021 8:07:58 AM

It is unfortunate but who is to blame for it becoming a political issue?  Answer is the media and the left.  When GOP Governors made sensible, science based decisions they were pilloried by the left and the media, accused of being neanderthals and murderers.  Why?  To score political points, at least in their minds.  All the while ignoring the awful results in states led by Democrat Governors who did the exact opposite with the carnage to show for it.  As I said to Hound above, for the left everything is political.  It's their religion.  For me it has always been about the science.

And if everyone had followed the science there would have been no mask controversy and no mask mandates, or at least not for long once they understood they have zero impact on the rates of infection.  But many people would have still worn them in the vain hope that they might help, which is perfectly fine.  I followed the science and was roundly criticized here by many.  And when I presented the science and asked for contradicting studies all I got was more insults.  But in the end it turns out I was right about masks but probably wrong about social distancing and personal hygiene, which I faithfully observed.  

Name:	Talullahhound -	Reply
Subject:	Interesting Statistics
Date:	5/19/2021 10:31:23 AM

Funny, but now the social distancing and hand washing is being called into question.  There is nothing magical about 6 feet - you could be in a room with someone infected and still get sick if it is, in fact, an airborn disease.  As far as hand washing - while it is a good hygenic practice, once it was determined that Covid did not transmit on surfaces, your hands were not the problem.  

I don't know MM, I still think masks helped.  It may not be 100% effective, yet I think it was protective to some extent.  We did see a dramatic reduction in colds and flu - and the medical community in general, wear masks to prevent illness.  

I'm just glad that Trump pushed big pharma on the development of the vaccine.  Biden can try to take credit for it, but Trump pushed and then Biden whined that there was no distribution plan in place.  I will give Biden credit for pushing it out there and making it available.  And I'm glad that the FDA allowed it to be distributed.  I have had Drs. tell me that the FDA can be positively pedantic in their testing requirements and prevent a lot of good drugs from hitting the market sooner.  My own Dr. told me he reviewed the studies done on the Covid vaccine and saw no reason to be concerned about taking it.  He said the stuides were amazingly good.

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Interesting Statistics
Date:	5/19/2021 10:46:20 AM

Yep, it seems the social distancing and personal hygiene don't seem to matter.  We will have to agree to disagree on the masks but it seems my biggest concern with them, the false sense of security causing people to ignore the other measures I thought actually worked (social distancing and hygiene), was probably true but in the end really didn't matter. That's the most disturbing part of this entire mess, how pretty much everything we were told by the "experts" at CDC and NIH was either wrong or a lie.  And even when they turned out to be correct their messaging was such a mess that they created doubt about anything they say.

Soon enough the mask wearers will be limited to those that deny the science and probably don't want to be identified as Republicans.  Some insight into how these people really think.  As for the vaccines, I agree that for most people they are worth the additional risk.  But you can be sure that the number of adverse reactions and deaths from the vaccines are vastly higher than the normal flu vaccine.  The numbers I saw is around 160M Americans get the flu vaccine every year and the number of deaths associated with them are probably around 10% of what we are seeing with these mRNA vaccines.  I have no idea why this is the case but it is worrisome.  But again, if you are older and/or have one or more co-morbidities the vaccines seem well worth the risk of an adverse reaction versus the risk of getting the virus.  I do think giving it to children is absolutely unecessary.  They don't transmit the virus and they don't die from it.  But that battle is probably lost and my only hope is that there are no long-term negative impacts that we will not know about for some time.  

Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	Seems to me the problem with masks
Date:	5/19/2021 11:51:34 AM

The problem with "masks" is that there is no minimum standard for their construction, and someone could wear a single layer of gauze and be considered "in compliance".  I agree with Hound that a proper mask will get a lot of the bigger droplets but also agree with MM that the microscopic ones most likely escape.  

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Seems to me the problem with masks
Date:	5/19/2021 12:29:11 PM

I totally agree that the only value of masks is they will stop droplets but so will covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze.  But even the N95 mask allows particles that are 1,000 times larger than the virus to enter or escape....and that doesn't include what goes in and out of the sides of the mask. Just wear one with glasses and you will see how much of your exhaled air just flows out the sides when they fog up.  Same amount enters through the sides when you inhale as it is the path of least resistance.  Common sense tells you they do little to nothing to prevent inhaling or exhaling airborne virus particles, which is why studies using meta data have universally demonstrated no difference in infection rates based on mask usage.

The reality is that there is zero chance they can design a mask that works for the masses.  In our business where we deal with chemical and biological hazards we are required to wear full face respirators that are fit tested annually and have the proper cartridges to eliminate the chemical or biological hazard at a site.  No facial hair allowed.  And that's just for Level B.  Level A, the really nasty stuff, requires use of an impermeable suit with supplied air and a full face, fit tested respirator under the suit.  None of that would work for hundreds of millions of people.....and absent these measures no mask is going to work.

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	Children and COVID
Date:	5/19/2021 12:58:52 PM

"I do think giving it to children is absolutely unecessary.  They don't transmit the virus and they don't die from it."?

Article of interest dated May 3?

The number of children contracting COVID-19 in the U.S. is much lower than the record highs set at the start of the new year, but children now account for more than a fifth of new coronavirus cases in states that release data by age, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. It's a statistic that may surprise many: Just one year ago, child COVID-19 cases made up only around 3% of the U.S. total.

On Monday, the AAP said children represented 22.4% of new cases reported in the past week, accounting for 71,649 out of 319,601 cases. The latest report, drawn from data collected through April 29, illustrates how children's share of coronavirus infections has grown in recent weeks.

Experts link the trend to several factors – particularly high vaccination rates among older Americans. The U.S. recently announced 100 million people were fully vaccinated against COVID-19. But other dynamics are also in play, from new COVID-19 variants to the loosening of restrictions on school activities. ?

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	My statement stands
Date:	5/19/2021 1:59:16 PM

I suggest you go look at the actual data from the CDC website and you will see how misleading this is, why my statement is accurate and why they do not need to be vaccinated.  Here is the CDC source if you want to play with it.

https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#demographicsovertime

On the number of cases of children ages 13 and younger, the current infection rate is generally less than 100 per 100,000 in population, which is well below the averages in the past and still far below the infection rates per 100K in older populations.  Saying they represent 22% of the new cases is wildly misleading because while their infection rates have gone down over time, the rates for older adults have gone down dramatically.  I suspect the children infection rates are going down because they are no longer being infected by adults.  Of course none of this directly answers the question of whether they transmit the virus.  Everything I have read says that they represent a negligible source of transmission.  With those low infection rates is it any wonder?

But more to the point, the maximum deaths per 100K in that age group is generally around 0.4 or less per 100K in population.  So less than one child died with the virus for every 100K in population.  Recent data has it at 0.0/100K.  

So my comment stands, they don't need to be vaccinated because they don't transmit the virus nor do they die from it.  That is what you get for copying and pasting something from nprBS without looking at the underlying data.  I can assure you if adults had the same infection rates and death rates from the ChiCom virus there would have never been a pandemic.  The ordinary, run of the mill flu is harder on kids than this virus.....way harder.

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Interesting 2017 article from Japan
Date:	5/19/2021 3:34:12 PM

Just saw a summary of a 2017 article from Japan and their use of masks.  In essence the article claimed that mask wearing in Japan has devolved into an addictive mental illness.  Even when there was no reason to wear a mask many Japanese felt a compulsion to wear them when out in public.  Part of that could be cultural but it is telling that mostly leftists (who we know from prior studies have much higher rates of mental illness than independents and conservatives) are claiming they will continue to wear their masks despite the science.  It will become a new way to meaninglessly virtue signal.  Ya can't make this stuff up!  LOL....

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	Children and COVID
Date:	5/19/2021 4:30:42 PM

The information, while reported by NPR, came from The Academy Of Pediatricians....glad to see you now have faith in data from the CDC.

You remind me of a chameleon.

You need to complain to the Academy if you have an issue with their report. Complaining to me gets you nowhere dude.

American Academy Pediatricians

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Thread drift warning
Date:	5/19/2021 4:44:43 PM

I don't have a specific issue with anything other than the misleading statement about the 22%. Makes it sound like kiddos are all of the sudden getting the virus in droves when in fact their infection rates per 100K are dropping.  It sure fooled you...which admittedly is pretty easy since about all you can do is find something you like and cut and paste it. 

But do let us keep on task here Goofy.....my statement stands, children do not need to be vaccinated.  Now that you've seen the data do you agree or disagree and if the latter, on what logical, scientific basis?  

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	Thread drift warning
Date:	5/19/2021 7:02:54 PM

I posted an article...I did not suggest it was an increase or decrease...just that 22% of those testing positive are children. Up or down was not the purpose just the fact from Academy of Pediatricians. You don't have to accept it...

STAY SAFE

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Thread drift warning
Date:	5/20/2021 8:08:34 AM

C'mon Goofy....none of us are really that dumb.  You posted the cut and paste for a reason so what was it?  I presumed it was to respond to my comment about children not needing the vaccine and why.  If that was the intent it didn't work although I can see how you fell for it. 

I could care less whether it came from the APA, AARP, SPCA or whatever, their cherry picking of the 22% number was intentionally misleading and intended to alarm the gullible masses.  Seriously, if they had written accurately that the number of cases for adults and children are way down from their peak and that children have almost zero chance of dying with the virus who would care, right?  No clicks.  No leftists breathlessly posting this alarming fact that children represent 22% of the new cases which is way up from the peak!!!!!  Typical media panic porn for those that want to remain scared or are unwilling to think for themselves.  Leftists really are sheeple.  You want to be led around by the nose, told what to think, say and do and have all your needs taken care of by someone else.

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	Thread drift warning
Date:	5/20/2021 8:12:14 PM (updated 5/20/2021 8:26:08 PM)

 You like to make a big deal out of nothing. It is no big dark secret or liberal conspiracy why I posted it as I started the post on May 19th quoting you….

“”I do think giving it to children is absolutely unecessary.  They don't transmit the virus and they don't die from it."?

Deaths from the virus for kids is very low. Most kids in the the US have not attended school this year and keeping a safe distance has not been an issue. That will change in the fall as it will be difficult maintain safe distance is schools. I encourage that those eligible kids receive the vaccine. You can argue with the source and disagree with the source but it is the source for my opinion. 

For some strange reason, I trust my source more than I trust the above statement from the self annointed forum genius.

SOURCE 1

SOURCE 2

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Thread drift warning
Date:	5/21/2021 2:31:57 PM

Actually a majority of kids have attended school this year, except in a few states and cities.  The spring and fall of 2020 not so much but the winter and spring of 2021 a whole bunch.  And this is particularly true for the millions of private schools that fully opened in 2021.  And the cases have been going down and the deaths remain exceedingly low despite them being back in school. The vast majority of states have no order regarding school closures, only five have partial closing orders and five have orders to open.  So as further evidence, despite the ever larger number of students attending school, the number of cases continue to go down and deaths are nearly non-existent.

As I said, I stand by my opinion that kids do not need to get vaccinated.  Nothing you have shown me has changed that view.  But again, the problem with what you cherry picked out of the nprBS article implied a dramatic change in kids getting the virus as evidenced by the 22% of all cases focus.  And as I pointed out, you were fooled by the misleading statistic because you never look at things critically.  Had you done so you would not have taken my quote and put this portion of the article below it.  It was not even a weak argument, it was misleading and dishonest in its framing because had they told the truth it would have supported my view, not contradicted it.

Name:	Talullahhound -	Reply
Subject:	Interesting 2017 article from Japan
Date:	5/21/2021 4:37:44 PM

Actually, there have been some interesting articles about the psychological dependence on masks.  Some people are literally afraid to take them off.  I have a friend who I consider to be a logical and intelligent woman, yet she wrote me this morning and said that despite being fully vaccinated, she intends to continue to wear her mask in public.  

Name:	Buteye -	Reply
Subject:	Thread drift warning
Date:	5/21/2021 10:43:28 PM

Your mention about private schools remaining open is really dear to me and my family. I have a granddaughter who is a senior this year and I got to watch her play volleyball and soccer this year. I wouldn't trade anything for the wonderful times seeing her play these two sports, especially watching her perform while winning the Alabama 3A State Championships in both sports(all of this while obtaining a superb education during the many months of the virus). What a wonderful way to be able to finish her successful senior year with experiences and memories that will last a life time. It is hard to envision the "lasting" negative affect that will be experienced by the thousands of students whose right to an education was so seriously abused.

state

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Thread drift warning
Date:	5/24/2021 8:01:04 AM

Yep, once again the gov't screws over the middle and lower classes that have to rely on the govt school system.  And predictably these very same govt officials likely send their kids to private schools.  It's a real blessing to be able to afford private school, something out of reach for most Americans.