(04-02-2020, 04:08 PM)Gabe Wrote:

(04-02-2020, 03:53 PM)jagibelieve Wrote: Okay, I'll bite.  What is upsetting in general about it?

For me, it's upsetting because of the obvious (dow performance) but primarily upsetting because this entire situation was not necessarily wholly avoidable, but definitely could have been mitigated early on - preventing the fallout in which we are all experiencing. This goes into my earlier posts (about a week to two weeks ago) that are critical of this administration's very lax approach at a) containing COVID-19 and b) combating it - while taking a month to downplay its seriousness. I don't lay the blame at Trump's feet for COVID-19, but this was a top-down failure at controlling a controllable situation - despite claims otherwise. 

However, given those things and the now mind-boggling 6.5m unemployment claims, approval ratings remain in the 40s. Not going to point out which way RCP leans in its approach to data aggregation, but more in the sense that it's upsetting in that leadership approval ratings predictably jump in general during times of crisis - more of a snapshot of the range of general critical thought in this country.

That's why I view it as upsetting, JIB. Not because I'm an anti-trumper. You recently asserted that I was sensible. I like to think that I am, but probably am not as much as I think I'd like to think I am. Even so, I try to give benefit of the doubt as much as possible. I've put a lot of critical thought into this situation, especially with it directly affecting my family (physically as well as financially).

First and foremost I didn't intend to come across as hostile.  I understand that we my not have the same political viewpoint, and I certainly meant it when I expressed that you seem to be sensible (assuming you are on the other side of the political aisle from me).

As far as the President's handling of the situation I must disagree.  I think that he has done a very fine job handling a very tough and difficult situation.  Remember, he not only has to deal with this he also has to deal with the multitude of other world events at the same time.  I also disagree that it was a "controllable situation".

The task force assembled by the President is top notch and is being led by a very capable person (Vice President Pence).  They have much more data and information than the general public has and the President has taken their advice.  Some people may think that he "downplayed" the seriousness of what we are going through while others of us perceive it as him trying to maintain calm and order.

The anger by people both left and right should be directed at Congress and the media.

I agree with you regarding the DOW and the stock market in general.  Our economy has been brought to a halt when we were seeing record gains and lots of prosperity.  What saddens me the most is that many businesses and a majority of them small businesses may not come back from this.  I feel for the workers who suddenly are without a job and may fall on hard times.

I would write so much more but I don't want to bore everyone (which I've probably already done).  On a last note I do hope that you and your bride are doing well.

We will get through this and beat it.  After all we are all Americans.

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