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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsJust heard a disturbing phone call on a progressive talk show, a mother of a National Guardsman
Last edited Thu Mar 12, 2020, 03:04 PM - Edit history (1)
who is serving in Afghanistan said her son called, told her he is sick, everyone in his company is sick with fever, no one has been tested for covid, the nearest village had 5 to 6 reportedly sick with the virus. His commander was just sent to the states & has been visiting bases. I wonder if this is being covered up? I believe her because she has called the show before about her son joining the NG after serving in the Marines.
Thom said today he got Representative Ro Khanna in touch with her and his office is looking into it
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10142446246
Iliyah
(25,111 posts)covering up stuff, and that is fact.
ariadne0614
(1,737 posts)I heard it too. My first thought was that the POS Commander-in-Chief wont allow testing and wants to keep a lid on this.
yaesu
(8,020 posts)blueinredohio
(6,797 posts)Like somehow it will all magically go away. He could always try throwing paper towels at the virus!
Laura PourMeADrink
(42,770 posts)Because he doesn't want his numbers to look bad?
ariadne0614
(1,737 posts)Laura PourMeADrink
(42,770 posts)happens when you have a deviant in charge.
I did think it was odd that he was absent from corona presser today. It's like the fix is in...remove myself from it and blame Pence. Then Nikki for the win !!
They did get a couple zingers in. Like, gee it says don't shake hands on your poster of things to do there. Why does Trump still shake hands? And, why aren't we closing the borders to Italian and Japanese flights? Pence is amazingly attuned to saying the right answers to make his boss look better. Acting like he was a martyr for shaking hands and a genius who saved millions by shutting Chinese flights out.
AllyCat
(16,235 posts)They are still on FB and Twitter talking about how this is just the flu and nothing to be worried about and that the Democrats have ginned this up to make him look bad. If the Democrats had this much power to get the WHOLE WORLD in on the hoax, he wouldn't be IMPOTUS right now.
dewsgirl
(14,961 posts)yaesu
(8,020 posts)ask them plus the mother said she did contact her states governors office, I think she lives in Wisconsin but I may be wrong.
dewsgirl
(14,961 posts)Jan.20th we are now worried sick. They are still letting them leave base, in the past two weeks he has been to a theme park in Doha twice. We have finally convinced him not to leave again, it's incredibly frustrating.
mahina
(17,713 posts)dewsgirl
(14,961 posts)yesterday and said that on her son's base in Afghanistan, they're all sick and no one is doing anything. I wouldn't put it past Trump to try to bury something like this.
jberryhill
(62,444 posts)...and decides to give the troops a break after all these mothers report combat readiness updates to internet streaming radio.
Someone should tell Hartman to ask them to identify the units, locations and numbers, along with an estimate how how many troops are incapacitated.
That way the Taliban will know which units are sickest and should be left alone for a while. Maybe theyll bring some goddammed chicken soup.
These mothers, if real, are fucking morons who are endangering their children.
There are people in Afghanistan who want to kill them. This is useful information.
Jarqui
(10,130 posts)Is it any wonder with a buffoon at the helm?
CaptYossarian
(6,448 posts)This will outperform everything because of our idiots in charge.
Storms are regional--this is global.
Liberal In Texas
(13,590 posts)Our government is so fucked up.
metalbot
(1,058 posts)I'm not suggesting that her son isn't in Afghanistan, or that her son and his unit aren't sick. When I was in the military, it wasn't unusual for colds and other illnesses to work their way through whole units. If her son is stationed in a village, then his unit is spending a lot of time outside, getting little sleep, and under a lot of stress. Those are a recipe for illness independently of current events.
However, if she is asserting that Afghan villages have tests for Covid-19, that would be an extraordinary claim. The response of the US government to COVID-19 is inept, but the US is a well-oiled, compassionate efficiency machine compared to Afghanistan.
Today (142 people tested total, but maybe this is one of three hospitals, so generously assume that they've tested 600):
https://tolonews.com/afghanistan/5-positive-coronavirus-cases-reported-afghanistan
Yesterday:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/coronavirus-disrupts-festive-season-in-afghanistan/1759483
Three days ago, only 36 people tested in Kabul:
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-healthcare-coronavirus-afghanistan/afghanistans-confirmed-coronavirus-cases-rises-to-four-health-ministry-spokesman-idUSKBN20U085
Two weeks ago, there's only one lab with three machines to do tests in the entire country.
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/feb/26/coronavirus-in-a-war-zone-afghanistan-braces-for-outbreak-after-first-case
Laura PourMeADrink
(42,770 posts)superpatriotman
(6,253 posts)CountAllVotes
(20,878 posts)When I opened the refrigerator door to get some milk I overheard two workers in the back talking.
One said, "I am so sick! God this is awful! I've never been so sick!". The other guy said, "Wow, sorry to hear that!".
Then lots of coughing and hacking.
800 cases my ass!
yaesu
(8,020 posts)I was the only customer which surprised me, one of the workers was sick also, sounded miserable while stocking shelves.
Laura PourMeADrink
(42,770 posts)coastal population areas harder. They have smarter and more concerned governments. If you are unfortunate, in this case, to live in a red state with less actively involved, proactive government and this thing spreads - we are screwed.
wnylib
(21,656 posts)Cuomo has taken a proactive position. He obtained test kits from non government sources. In Buffalo, they have CDC test kits. Cuomo has advised colleges to go to online courses. Just recently, he said that all schools where a student tests positive should shut down for 24 hours while deciding how to handle it. He is pushing for paid leave for people who have to miss work and for employers to let people work at home wherever possible.
A controversial decision is to convert state prison businesses into producing hand sanitzer to be distributed free to state offices and institutions. He says the purpose is twofold, to make sure it's availble and to threaten Purell with competition if they don't produce enough and don't avoid price gouging. The controversy is using prison labor at sub minimum wage.
Another controversy is the students brought back from foreign studies in countries where the virus is rampant. He is putting them in quarantine at empty dorms on state college campuses.
But he is at least taking charge.
PoindexterOglethorpe
(25,908 posts)Not everyone who gets sick will have corona virus.
Another issue is that a lot of people go to work sick even when they have sick leave. Don't know if that would be the case with the grocery store workers, but it happens all too often.
yaesu
(8,020 posts)any sickness. Even the common cold can be dangerous for some.
LiberalArkie
(15,730 posts)IthinkThereforeIAM
(3,077 posts)... I had my first big sneeze of spring this morning. Pollen sneezes are so peculiar...
Drahthaardogs
(6,843 posts)This time of year is mostly the gymnosperms (evergreens)
dhol82
(9,353 posts)Last week, all of a sudden, I started getting wheezy with a stuffed nose and a non productive cough.
I know its just a reaction to allergens but how do you explain that to hysterical residents?
NewDayOranges
(693 posts)Was referencing when he issued orders to military officers to hush up talk of Coronavirus a couple weeks ago!
I'm sure this caller's son's unit is not the only one affected and I'm sure it is not limited to the NG either...
Hortensis
(58,785 posts)Hartmann is working with and for these days isn't us and that Russia has jumped on COVID as another element to sow fear and chaos in America -- but always focused on keeping Republican in power as part of it.
Frankly, I can't imagine why anyone would risk watching Hartmann. It may be as entertaining as Fox, but lies and innuendo are stored as information in the brain, slowly turning all who indulge into Fox counterparts similarly incapable of understanding reality and telling truth from lies.
There's a lot on the web about the military and coronavirus, and no doubt personal accounts are being delivered through social media without filtering through Hartmann's lens.
Canoe52
(2,949 posts)Hortensis
(58,785 posts)exposure to those seeking to harness vulnerabilities far stronger than we realized. It's real and dangerous, and they've become very sophisticated. If a glance in the mirror doesn't reveal anything to worry, just turn to your right and take a clear look.
Amaf, my husband's chatting with a RW gentleman out on the patio right now who knows the coronavirus danger is overblown as a conspiracy manufactured to elect Democrats. Information that the entire population of Italy is quarantined to halt spread can't break through the frames of belief he's been inculcated with over the yeras.
KY_EnviroGuy
(14,496 posts)for having to listen to all that crap. I hope that guy isn't feeling ill with a cough or fever......
The frightening thing is that these people will go around lots of other people in public without taking due caution. They may be the ones hit the hardest in their businesses, churches and GOP meetings and rallies.
Best of luck out there, Hortensis......
RealityChik
(382 posts)I've been a fan of Hartmann since early 2000s. Yes, he had a brief contract to use the RT studio for his program for a while when he relocated to DC, but he realized his mistake soon after, and returned to Portland, OR. Can't a guy make an honest mistake once in a while without being trashed for it years later?
His discussions are steeped in American history, with which no Trumper or Repub can hope to argue and win. His command of the constitution is phenomenal and he can counter any repubs misuse or misquote of the bible in a flash.
I'm really glad he's on our side. I live out in the sticks with slow internet so I only get to listen on my car radio when I drive into the city. He's one of the best we've got. You really aught to give him another chance. Thanx.
Blessings, KR
tblue37
(65,490 posts)call into question Trump's messaging on the corona virus.
gibraltar72
(7,513 posts)He was e mailing two congressman immediately. Was also going to follow up and reports findings tomorrow.
calimary
(81,527 posts)Please do keep up posted if you hear something.
jberryhill
(62,444 posts)The readiness level of a deployed unit with many sick troops and their location would be very helpful information.
...to anyone who wants to attack them now.
yaesu
(8,020 posts)OhNo-Really
(3,985 posts)No fun being sick but not lethal to most
I believe the story
yaesu
(8,020 posts)and he ended up in a hospital on a ventilator where he was interviewed. His lung was damaged, had some other issues.
OhNo-Really
(3,985 posts)Ilsa
(61,705 posts)to lungs, heart, and kidneys, from the virus. It might not kill you, but you may end up on an organ transplant waiting list.
Traildogbob
(8,830 posts)Had to get a hair cut at a local barber, he is dem, but his staff of others and clientele and basically small town GOP. One customer coming in right off the bat, said,we are all still alive with a he haw response. I kinda lost it right after hearing the Afcan troop story. I was respectful but explained I taught science in college for 30 years. You better wake up. Told them the soldier story, their faces changed a little. Then one said how long will the shots take? I said listen to the science, 18 months. They repeated trumps example. So, I said as leaving just pray, that shot stuff is science, lies from the gates of hell, as quoted from a former GOP congressman. May need a new barber, if the virus spars my 60 year old ass.
Bonx
(2,078 posts)ie The Grapevine
SammyWinstonJack
(44,130 posts)yaesu
(8,020 posts)jberryhill
(62,444 posts)Oh, I forgot, no enemy would ever think of looking for things like moms posting stuff on Facebook or calling into internet streaming shows about the combat readiness of troops deployed in hostile areas.
SunSeeker
(51,744 posts)KPN
(15,665 posts)that he heard from a federal law enforcement park ranger that he (the LEO ranger) was being detailed away from his normal national monument job site to help guard/provide security at some important but isolated military bases that may be impacted by or were contaminated with Coronavirus. He emailed me because I retired out of the federal agency this LEO worked for and thought I might have some insight.
The LEO Ranger was apparently upset about it.
Sounds like theres more than were being told going on. Havent been able to find out more myself.
riversedge
(70,346 posts)what.
jberryhill
(62,444 posts)Be sure to post updates!
And send emails to all your buddies with details.
yaesu
(8,020 posts)insider traded stocks.
blakstoneranger
(333 posts)DO NOT BELIEVE ANYTHING THAT COMES FROM THIS ADMINISTRATION!!! NOTHING, EVEN IF IT'S TRUE, THERE IS SOME LYING MIXED IN. THIS PRESIDENT AND THE PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT HIM ARE LYING.
wiley
(2,921 posts)Please. This is a serious national emergency.
Thanks!
yaesu
(8,020 posts)radio stations, sat radio. Not sure if there will be updates but if there are I will post to this thread.
If you hear anything about troop numbers, locations, and estimates of percentage incapacitated, make sure it gets posted.
We cant count on the Taliban listening regularly to Thom Hartman, but if enough people post those sorts of things, maybe the Taliban will get clued in and decide to go easy on the troops, being that theyre sick and all.
jberryhill
(62,444 posts)PoindexterOglethorpe
(25,908 posts)There's just a lot here that simply doesn't make sense. Everyone in his company is sick? Really? The nearest village "reportedly" has five or six cases. Have they been confirmed, or is someone just assuming that's what they have? And the son's company would still have commanding officers, and I find it not credible they'd be doing nothing at all.
In short, I'm highly suspicious of one unconfirmed anecdote.
Somehow, everyone seems willing to believe we are in the middle of an apocalyptic novel or movie, when the reality is, at least so far, a tiny minority of people have gotten sick. And a minority have died.
If every single flu death were reported each year with such breathlessness, no one would leave home during flu season. Or maybe if every single death from a firearm, whether suicide, a murder, or accidental, were likewise reported, people would finally get the need for genuine gun control. Or if every single death from smoking were reported . . . well you get the idea.
Yes, this is somewhat worse than a normal influenza, but so far it's killed far, far fewer than die every year during flu season. Plus, the vast majority of people who get it seem to have few or no symptoms. Which is in part why it is spreading so far and wide, but the very vast majority of people are not going to die.
Unfortunately, our health care system (and that pretty much everywhere on the planet) is set up to handle a fixed number of sick, seriously ill, and dying people at anyone time. It really doesn't take much of an increase to overwhelm hospitals and doctors. Any normal flu season sees emergency departments flooded with people, at least some of whom don't even need to be there.
Right now it seems as if every even slightly ill person is assumed to have Covid-19, which is utter nonsense. Yeah, some of them might have it, but probably far fewer than you think.
mr_lebowski
(33,643 posts)jberryhill
(62,444 posts)Is that people readily swallow the idea that a soldier deployed in a hazardous area would not only report that his unit is well below fighting strength, his mother would report that to a streaming radio show, and that people on DU would hope that further details are reported.
What the fuck is wrong with people?
I swear the earth must have recently passed through a region of space containing a dense concentration of stupid gas, which has polluted the atmosphere.
For fucks sake, why dont we get an interactive map of troop deployments in hostile areas, their locations, numbers, and combat readiness.
Oh, oh, I know! How about we spread the rumor that ALL the troops in Afghanistan are really sick and immobilized, and see if the Taliban are in a gambling mood.
Jesus.
hellno45
(67 posts)daily basis, mingling with the troops. They would sell goods, work as mechanics, all kinds of jobs so it is very easy for something like this to spread on bases just like its easy for it to spread here. This break down of communications happens when you have a criminal organisation running the country, dismantling, destroying everything connected to our security & the trust in MSM is zero . Plus we are a leaderless country so any trust is non - existent.
mahina
(17,713 posts)Love to them.
Can you imagine?
jberryhill
(62,444 posts)Its good to have that information on the internet so everyone can plan accordingly.
Mom sounds pretty fucking stupid, but it apparently runs in the family.
sarisataka
(18,819 posts)She had defected many years before we met. She described her job, it was gathering open intelligence.
At the time she was active, there was no internet but there were newspapers and magazines. Her group of about 50 would get US subscriptions and simply read them looking for classified military and industrial information. They would find many leads that would go to the KGB or GRU for covert follow up but much didn't need more effort as they could find full details in print.
Our media at that time was a gold mine of information. She knew her group was not the only one in the Soviet Union who was engaged in this intelligence gathering and with the internet as an additional source, she figures the number of people doing the same thing in Russia is greater today.
jberryhill
(62,444 posts)mucifer
(23,576 posts)knowledge about how to control it.
yaesu
(8,020 posts)when soldiers were coming home, was much worse and when it caused the most deaths.