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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsReport: Trump Privately Asks Why Government Can't Just Let COVID 'Wash Over' The Country
President Donald Trump reportedly has been privately suggesting an eyebrow-raising solution to the COVID-19 outbreak consuming the nation: Let it keep doing that.
The Washington Post reported on Saturday that during a Situation Room meeting on the pandemic in March, Trump asked White House coronavirus task force member Dr. Anthony Fauci, Why dont we let this wash over the country?
Two unnamed sources told the Post that Fauci was stunned by the question.
Mr. President, many people would die, the doctor reportedly told Trump.
Other unnamed officials said that Trump has repeatedly (in the Posts words) asked the same question in the Oval Office.
Trump reportedly began mulling over the idea after hearing about the United Kingdoms now-abandoned mitigation strategy that would let COVID-19 spread throughout the country with few movement restrictions imposed on the population in the hopes of building a herd immunity against the virus.
https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/trump-ask-why-government-let-coronavirus-wash-over-country?fbclid=IwAR0zc2nYWRLNkieh-o47aHtUDZFXehRAIdDwrK23IU11_NLBj372suPpmwQ
Thomas Hurt
(13,903 posts)SoonerPride
(12,286 posts)The fundamental and easiest questions of avoiding mass death escape someone without a shred of empathy. His NPD is a clear and present danger to every living thing on the planet.
forgotmylogin
(7,539 posts)Let it wash over him.
The Magistrate
(95,264 posts)A mind and personality would have to be utterly incapable of empathy to imagine human beings could bear it.
TwilightZone
(25,512 posts)He might be a psychopath. He's probably a psychopath.
elleng
(131,292 posts)I've known one of those, and he would not have thought or said this.
Psycopath more like it.
keithbvadu2
(37,008 posts)Had to look them up. The differences seem minute.
They seem to do pretty much the same behaviors/actions but the psychopath seems to be slightly more deliberative and self-controlling.
Psychopathy is traditionally a personality disorder characterized by persistent antisocial behavior, impaired empathy and remorse, and bold, disinhibited, and egotistical traits. It is sometimes considered synonymous with sociopathy.
Psychopaths tend to be more manipulative, can be seen by others as more charming, lead a semblance of a normal life, and minimize risk in criminal activities. Sociopaths tend to be more erratic, rage-prone, and unable to lead as much of a normal life.
sociopath - a person with a personality disorder manifesting itself in extreme antisocial attitudes and behavior and a lack of conscience.
Laelth
(32,017 posts)... that there are no significant, relevant differences between any of the Cluster B disorders. Sociopath/Psychopath, Narcissist, Borderline, Histrionic ... they are all emotional children who are incurable, untreatable, and whose destructive behaviors get worse over time. Their condition is genetic and widespreadroughly 1 in every 8 humans. They cant be helpedonly avoided.
-Laelth
GreenPartyVoter
(72,384 posts)Not that you aren't wrong, exactly, but neither am I. *sigh*
Laelth
(32,017 posts)That I can say.
-Laelth
whathehell
(29,102 posts)Histrionics and those with Borderline Personality disorders are certainly not without empathy and they ARE treatable.
Laelth
(32,017 posts)Whereas those given the Sociopath/Psychopath and Narcissist labels are usually men.
That's the only difference that I can see.
-Laelth
whathehell
(29,102 posts)because they're women, they have empathy?
I'm not sure from what vantage point you "see" these
disorders, but it's likely not a professional.one.
Lack of empathy is simply not part of the symptomology of Hysteria or Borderline Personality disorder. Period. Full stop.
Laelth
(32,017 posts)There is an assumption that women must have empathy, and that assumption may prevent accurate diagnosis of persons who suffer from Cluster B personality disorders. That assumption is, tragically, embedded in a previous post of yours in this thread where you assert that Borderlines and Histrionics (mostly women) can be treated. At the same time, you make no allowance that the men who suffer from Cluster B disorders (Sociopaths/Psycopaths and Narcissists) can be treated.
In my opinion, lack of empathy IS a symptom of any person who suffers from a Cluster B personality disorder--male and female alike. They're all great actors, however. They can "display" empathy at will whether they actually have it or not, but our prejudices about women, perhaps, make the female displays of pretend-empathy more believable.
And, yes. I am an amateur. If that allows you to dismiss my contributions and insights, fine. I am merely doing my part to share what I have learned from extensive experience and extensive study.
-Laelth
TwilightZone
(25,512 posts)"A key difference between a psychopath and a sociopath is whether he has a conscience, the little voice inside that lets us know when were doing something wrong, says L. Michael Tompkins, EdD. He's a psychologist at the Sacramento County Mental Health Treatment Center.
A psychopath doesnt have a conscience. If he lies to you so he can steal your money, he wont feel any moral qualms, though he may pretend to. He may observe others and then act the way they do so hes not found out, Tompkins says.
Continue Reading Below
A sociopath typically has a conscience, but its weak. He may know that taking your money is wrong, and he might feel some guilt or remorse, but that wont stop his behavior."
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/sociopath-psychopath-difference#1
Though, that's not a universal interpretation. Many use the terms interchangeably.
elleng
(131,292 posts)was easier to understand before, and more in keeping with my personal experience.
Eyeball_Kid
(7,440 posts)At the end of the day, both will do the same thing: offend victims deliberately when nothing will stop them. I won't feel any better if a sociopath murders a member of my family while feeling "some guilt or remorse" as compared with no guilt at all. The deed was evil and it was done. That's what matters.
Ohioboy
(3,248 posts)Literally, this is a discussion of where the leader of our country falls on the personality disorder spectrum. Think about that. At what point in this nation's history have we ever had to wonder if the president showed more signs of being a sociopath or a psychopath?
TwilightZone
(25,512 posts)Many presidents have had tendencies, but I think even the closest second is quite a distance from Trump.
MyOwnPeace
(16,949 posts)we have a part of our congressional body that refuses to do anything about it, even though they could (25th amendment).
What has become of the "ideals" of that great democracy "of the people, by the people, and for the people?"
Lincoln would cry.................
bdamomma
(63,955 posts)certain political congress people been briefed by Psychiatric and Psychology officials about this sick sick cretin? He is a threat to himself and others, when will this be shouted out or will we have to shout it out, how many more Americans will die because of this sick thing.
pandr32
(11,637 posts)When you look at the checklist he fits the bill--easily. If he hadn't been so wealthy and privileged from birth he likely would have spent most of his life incarcerated.
demtenjeep
(31,997 posts)or just a fucking asshole
klook
(12,174 posts)Blue_true
(31,261 posts)That is the only measure that he recognizes. He is a model for the saying "pennywise and pound foolish".
certainot
(9,090 posts)that's what the RW strategy is to prevent having to think about this complicated issue. just make it simple, ignore it.
so limbaugh cited a rw hack (victor david hansen or something like that) who wrote in the SF chronicle (i think) that may be why california is not as bad as NY - that the virus was spreading around california for a while before it was detected
the 'suggestion' is maybe that's the way to do it - ignore it and let it run it's course - so by ignoring it, or being really fucking stupid, or purposefully delaying action because even if it's not ebola it might just be usable to disrupt the elections -- and the the orange asshole was doing it right!
all ignoring that NY is much more densely populated - a lot more elevators and apartment halls etc, and that it was getting it from europe sooner than thought, and that maybe californians were taking the social distancing seriously at the same time
ignoring it also ignores the highly contagiouss nature of it, the toll it takes on a hospitals and staff and all the people who can't get care while the whole US does an italy
what really scares these fucking republicans is that it makes the real solutions and future prevention clear and escalates calls for what limbaugh was suggesting was the reason for the 'hoax' - to force big govt socialist solutions
Texaswitchy
(2,962 posts)What a sick bastard .
Disaffected
(4,572 posts)"Tell someone who cares".
TheBlackAdder
(28,242 posts)Iliyah
(25,111 posts)Why has it been so hard for doctors and nurses and other services to get PPEs and medical equipment. Hardly any testing equipment. Shows favoritism towards red states. Jared claiming the medical supplies were theirs not ours.
Republicans saying nothing, even backing him up. They have blood on their hands.
I sure can't rule it out
Meowmee
(5,164 posts)stopwastingmymoney
(2,042 posts)in New York and know that its coming to their states next
Right?
Siwsan
(26,315 posts)Unless and until it affects him or someone he cares about (meaning Ivanka) he's going to remain blindly ruthless.
sop
(10,284 posts)they deserve to be "washed over".
These are all criminals from the party of tRump, to these thuggish rich bastards who like to steal from us, steal our elections and treat us with disrespect and disdain, dumbing down the masses to further manipulate us to their sick selfish greed. The tables will turn they always do, it's a matter of time and our survival.
RockRaven
(15,062 posts)I don't have adequate words for how much a loathe him.
Bernardo de La Paz
(49,064 posts)liberalmuse
(18,672 posts)Perhaps I should learn Klingon.
The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,947 posts)niyad
(113,773 posts)all to die should now be forever buried.
WHAT A FUCKING MONSTER. MaY he, and all his enablers, contract fatal cases of this virus. A scourge for a scourge.
MineralMan
(146,345 posts)Before he kills us all!
bdamomma
(63,955 posts)will turn to anger, and it will be unleashed. I don't think we can wait for November's election. We here at DU can see what is happening, this is not normal, our medical professionals are crying out for supplies.
We have a very dangerous POS illegally in the WH. A lot of criminal activity is taking place, and we are being killed by an empty sick suit. He is no pResident, he is a criminal.
Cicada
(4,533 posts)Im not sure infecting people on purpose works.
OAN, a pro Trump outlet, has pitched this insane idea.
2naSalit
(86,897 posts)this is intentional, confiscation equipment that would help us and sending broken shit to hospitals in need not allowing testing by hampering the CDC and not cooperating with anyone but putin. Pretty clear and present danger there.
He wants to see if he can top his idol's death toll.
liberalmuse
(18,672 posts)And probably giving those respirators and other equipment to his donors and sychopants.
2naSalit
(86,897 posts)us taker out here in the real world need our government, whom we fund, has been overtaken by despots and is literally trying to kill us.
warrior1
(12,325 posts)Imagine if a democratic president were to say this.
NanceGreggs
(27,821 posts)
that Trump is SO stooopid, he believes that if the virus was allowed to spread unchecked, the survivors would mournfully bury their dead relatives, neighbours and friends and then rush to the polls in November to vote to re-elect him.
Marie Marie
(9,999 posts)elleng
(131,292 posts)Section 4.
Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.
Thereafter, when the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that no inability exists, he shall resume the powers and duties of his office unless the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive department or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit within four days to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. Thereupon Congress shall decide the issue, assembling within forty-eight hours for that purpose if not in session. If the Congress, within twenty-one days after receipt of the latter written declaration, or, if Congress is not in session, within twenty-one days after Congress is required to assemble, determines by two-thirds vote of both Houses that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall continue to discharge the same as Acting President; otherwise, the President shall resume the powers and duties of his office.
babylonsister
(171,106 posts)elleng
(131,292 posts)I've posted @ fb, and think EVERYONE must do EVERYTHING we can.
Will inform my Senators, Rep, and Governor (Hogan.)
DENVERPOPS
(8,888 posts)is going to have him removed????? Trump is their meal ticket to staying in Federal Office.
Even if they did go thru the 25th's drawn out process, I would be frightened to leave Trump in power for ANY length of time.
He's the kind of Psychopath that would probably like to go out with a bang......no pun attended.
And it's along way, from Nov 4th to January 20th, who knows what he could do during THAT amount of time, along with his administration and Republican Senators........
I keep saying, WASF
elleng
(131,292 posts)coming out of his mouth, it's time to make NOISE, and get the public inflamed enough to force action.
DENVERPOPS
(8,888 posts)are the key to this whole mess. Getting rid of just Trump doesn't get us anywhere.......
Without the Republican's control of the Senate, Trump evaporates in a second. If a Democrat get's elected, same as before Lardass was appointed president, the Republican Senate totally obstructed every thing Obama tried to accomplish......
WASF
elleng
(131,292 posts)stopwastingmymoney
(2,042 posts)TwilightZone
(25,512 posts)Nor are the GOP sociopaths in Congress.
is the only option left the 25th is needed, the election is in November and we see already they are continuing to steal the election again.
All roads lead to Putin. I don't doubt this for a minute.
Mr.Bill
(24,354 posts)and everyone who works at the White House. Then send them out into the masses to see what happens.
Totally Tunsie
(10,885 posts)patphil
(6,239 posts)Currently about 2% of the population has been tested, and over 500K cases have been found.
Those tested were ones with recognizable symptoms.
Assume 1 in 10 of the actual cases have been tested, that's 20 million of 325 million, or 1/16 of the population of the United States that has probably had the virus.
So, multiply 500,000 times 16 and we get 8 millions cases serious enough to warrant testing if we just let the virus rage through the population.
And we now have over 20,500 dead. Multiply that by 16 and we get 328,000 deaths.
Of course, without any efforts to mitigate the rate of infection, the real number of dead would be much higher due to massive overloading of the health care system.
I can't even imaging the number that would die with that approach.
And, don't forget, that a significant number of the survivors would have serious, long term health problems. Not to mention the psychological trauma the whole country would experience.
The damage to the economy would easily be just as severe, and the death toll would probably be 20 or more times higher.
This is hardly a reasonable alternative to shutting things down.
Unless you're a callous, unloving, uncaring, self-absorbed, greedy narcissist who doesn't give a shit about the country as long as the money kept flowing into the coffers of his businesses.
not fooled
(5,803 posts)Thom Hartmann yesterday said that given there's evidence trump knew back in late December, including about the significant impact coronavirus would have, the most likely explanation for him doing nothing is that he WANTED to let the virus run through the country to get to "herd immunity" ASAP so that businesses including his could get back up and running as soon as possible. Remember he's been in touch with fellow ahole Boris Johnson who believed the exact same thing. trump also knew the impact would hit worst among people who were not his supporters, so it's a twofer for the sociopath.
crickets
(25,989 posts)Without having to actually admit that it's what he is doing, the policy and behavior coming from the White House and some Repub governors has caused as much of a 'wash through' as he could possibly get away with up to this point.
Azathoth
(4,611 posts)nt
sop
(10,284 posts)the process and hoping all the deaths will be forgotten by November. I guess Trump's counting on Americans having really short memories, and tragedies being quickly forgotten. Either that, or the guy's a f***ing psychopath.
Flaleftist
(3,473 posts)I know not everyone who has the chance to be in a meeting or within earshot is a sycophant, but anyone who does and realizes what he is should try to get a record.
greatauntoftriplets
(175,766 posts)underpants
(182,988 posts)That being said, I think this is based on the fact that if he did anything it would mean he was initially wrong. I think he knows he makes mistakes but I know that he simply cant ever acknowledge them. Its not how he works. Always positive. The Church of Norman Vincent Peale.
subana
(586 posts)remember before he went into office, he asked, "if we have nukes, why can't we use them?"
that's what this quote reminds me of!
milestogo
(16,829 posts)keithbvadu2
(37,008 posts)"now-abandoned" - That should be a hint.
But he never checked that far?
WVreaper
(623 posts)Trump will soon be bankrupt if this goes on much longer. He has to get his properties opened back up ASAP. He is knee deep in debt. Why do you think that he does not want his tax returns released.
Blue Owl
(50,547 posts)Cha
(297,935 posts)shanti
(21,675 posts)millions to die. OK then.
Arkansas Granny
(31,538 posts)Rebl2
(13,583 posts)President, you and your family go first as well as your whole administration and their families. Go right on ahead. You go first.
gristy
(10,667 posts)BootinUp
(47,209 posts)Zambero
(8,978 posts)Enough already!
Celerity
(43,682 posts)Hoyt
(54,770 posts)But, REPEATEDLY. Christ.
GaYellowDawg
(4,452 posts)And then all the Executive branch, and then all of his sycophants at Faux, and then all the Republicans in Congress, and then all his billionaire backers, and then let's see what the fucker would think of that.
Rebl2
(13,583 posts)Beringia
(4,316 posts)Response to CatWoman (Original post)
Hotler This message was self-deleted by its author.
ooky
(8,933 posts)TheFourthMind
(343 posts)Lancero
(3,017 posts)kairos12
(12,892 posts)PoindexterOglethorpe
(25,926 posts)And the country of Sweden. Alas, Trump is not the only one.
Dem2
(8,168 posts)End of argument.
Baclava
(12,047 posts)Turbineguy
(37,392 posts)for him.
peggysue2
(10,848 posts)When he claims 'some people said?' Always remember, it's Donald Trump who said, claimed, insisted that the country should just ride this pandemic out. Despite the deaths, the suffering and national anxiety. He and his enablers sat on their hands while Americans sickened and died. He did nothing when he could have prepared the country and lessened the effects of the viral spread. Which would have lessened the economic result. He did nothing because that's what he wanted to do: NOTHING.
This is what happens to those drawn to magical thinking, gut instincts and aversion to facts.
Never forget, never forgive.
I sure as hell won't!
InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,123 posts)Cha
(297,935 posts)Assface
dalton99a
(81,673 posts)Gothmog
(145,794 posts)This approach would result in millions of dead Americans
MFM008
(19,827 posts)Expect a genocide.
rocktivity
(44,583 posts)rocktivity
Ohioboy
(3,248 posts)Mc Mike
(9,115 posts)Give me the football.
littlemissmartypants
(22,852 posts)The rest of his ilk can bring up the rear.
doc03
(35,431 posts)would be better than hurting Wall Street. I think Limbaugh has made similar comments. I heard Tucker Carlson
spouting the same line a day or two ago.
warmfeet
(3,321 posts)to perhaps over 10 million dead Americans. Beyond insanity, beyond evil. These fuckers all need to go. They want us dead.
blakstoneranger
(333 posts)Make no mistake, he never once considered the fact that his own family might be seriously affected. Why, because in his mind, his family would not suffer from infection. AS LONG AS THE TRUMP FAMILY IS OK, HE COULD CARE LESS ABOUT THE REST OF US AND THAT INCLUDES HIS SUPPORTERS!!!
TheReckoning
(15 posts). . . during a Trump golf weekend with a few hundred of his friends.
colsohlibgal
(5,275 posts)Not only a terrible President but a terrible human. Not one bit of empathy in his demented head.
And dumb as a box of rocks too.
There is something really wrong when tens of millions will still vote for that in 2020.
KayF
(1,345 posts)Trump has fallen in love with the Invisible Enemy.
VOX
(22,976 posts)Most of whom vote mainly Democratic. I would NOT put it past 45 & his ghouls to calculate how many Democrats (vs. Republicans) might be eliminated.