The Washington Post had a story yesterday about this photo taken at an anti-social distancing protest in Ohio. This particular photo is a thing because zillions of people noted how much it looks like a scene from a zombie movie. It really does!
As you’ve no doubt heard, there were similar protests in other states, and more are planned for the days ahead. It’s AstroTurf bullshit like the tea party nonsense — a nascent rebranding.
MAGA swag was a common denominator at the protests, from Michigan to California. In open carry states, the protesters showed up with guns.
Trump’s own task force supports stay-at-home orders, and Drs. Birx and Fauci credit social distancing with bending the curve. But Trump believes “restarting” the economy can save his ass politically, so he’s openly fomenting the protests.
The crack New York Times Beltway team is as obtuse about this dangerous, irresponsible turn of events as can be imagined. I mean, fucking hell:
Openly supporting those who challenge the stay-at-home orders could help the president re-energize the coalition of conservative Republicans and working-class populists who fueled his 2016 victory. @shearm @smervosh https://t.co/baFDkYFkjn
— Peter Baker (@peterbakernyt) April 18, 2020
We’re going to get the worst of both worlds, I fear: a ravaged economy AND out-of-control spread of the virus. Trump can’t make governors and mayors lift restrictions, but Republicans will go along with the coming monumentally stupid decision to reopen without the testing, tracking and tracing regime that every expert on infectious diseases says we need to have in place to resume normal activities safely.
I live among pig-stupid Trump voters, and during a grocery run, I noticed a marked decrease in the number of people wearing masks. That must mean Fox News is calling the pandemic a hoax again.
Turns out there is a looming zombie apocalypse, and it’s caused by viral stupidity. Dog help us.
Open thread.