Have we as a nation become inured to mass death? Also, Sen. Chris Murphy makes the case for decreasing the US footprint in the Persian Gulf and your semi-regular reminder to never tweet.
While Texas is, indeed, closing the barn door after the cold has gotten in, this weather situation is likely to happen again - and sooner than the ten year gap that just passed between the last two. So if Texas will 1) properly insulate their power structure; 2) connect to the two national grids so help can be provided; and 3) revamp their fees structure so nobody gets any of the ridiculous bills that we've seen, this "left-wing radical" will approve.
This just goes to prove Stalin's adage that "a single death is a tragedy; a million deaths is a statistic": Americans, especially right-wing ones, seem to be unable to process large numbers of illnesses or deaths ... statistics sound "elitist" and therefore are ignored or dismissed as "hoaxes". And, as to the lady who thought a 1% death rate was ok, I recommend the article in the current New Republic on after-effects of Covid suffered by "long haulers" who survive, but sometimes wish they had not done so.
In all honesty, I thought about using that Stalin line in the piece. I don't think it's just conservatives. I think for all us it's very hard to contextualize this kind of mass death.
Wanted to support you, Michael. I feel for your personal situation and have always thoroughly enjoyed your Thursday email, Michael. I had my own business in Portugal in the 80s and 90s, so I know it can be a lonely road. Best of luck. Rosemary Sullivan
I'm not surprised. Women are held to a higher standard. But at the same time I think Neera could have handled this situation better and taken the advice of those who suggested she spend less time on Twitter
While Texas is, indeed, closing the barn door after the cold has gotten in, this weather situation is likely to happen again - and sooner than the ten year gap that just passed between the last two. So if Texas will 1) properly insulate their power structure; 2) connect to the two national grids so help can be provided; and 3) revamp their fees structure so nobody gets any of the ridiculous bills that we've seen, this "left-wing radical" will approve.
This just goes to prove Stalin's adage that "a single death is a tragedy; a million deaths is a statistic": Americans, especially right-wing ones, seem to be unable to process large numbers of illnesses or deaths ... statistics sound "elitist" and therefore are ignored or dismissed as "hoaxes". And, as to the lady who thought a 1% death rate was ok, I recommend the article in the current New Republic on after-effects of Covid suffered by "long haulers" who survive, but sometimes wish they had not done so.
In all honesty, I thought about using that Stalin line in the piece. I don't think it's just conservatives. I think for all us it's very hard to contextualize this kind of mass death.
Wanted to support you, Michael. I feel for your personal situation and have always thoroughly enjoyed your Thursday email, Michael. I had my own business in Portugal in the 80s and 90s, so I know it can be a lonely road. Best of luck. Rosemary Sullivan
Rosemary, that means a lot. Thanks for saying it!
Women are easy targets. Men do far worse than Neera Tanden with little to no consequence. Are you surprised or disappointed?
I'm not surprised. Women are held to a higher standard. But at the same time I think Neera could have handled this situation better and taken the advice of those who suggested she spend less time on Twitter