Offside Chat Archives (2014-2021)

Anthony Jackson2 said:If we're really looking at 2,000 to 3,000 cases by the end of next month, we might as well all head out to the streets now and toast with champagne. The actual number will be much higher—if the trend doesn't shift, we're looking at 10,000 to 12,000 cases by the end of April, which is about the limit our healthcare system can handle.

If they actually start ramping up testing, realistic daily numbers should land somewhere around 200-250 infections—the only question is when they'll finally get moving on it.

In my experience, if the US even starts mass testing, it won't happen for another month or so, and once it does, everyone is going to absolutely lose their minds.
And you already know how this goes—as soon as those infection stats start climbing, people are just going to point fingers at anyone hanging out in Central Park.

Amanda Evans2 said:They went on absolute shopping sprees. It got to the point where major retailers had to start rationing certain goods just to keep the shelves from going bare.
It’s a perfect reflection of our national character.

I mean, honestly, are we really at a point where someone has to tell you to wash your hands, eat decent food, or stop breathing down everyone's neck during flu season?

You see people walking around in those flimsy N95 masks that don't protect anyone, wearing rubber gloves, and trying to maintain a ten-foot radius from one another.
We’ve turned into a society that demonizes its own neighbors while living in these twisted, delusional bubbles.

Look, I get it—war and economic crises tend to drag the absolute worst out of humanity, but you’d think every ten years we might actually remember how selfish and hypocritical we all truly are.

#stayhome

It isn’t just that the gear is useless; if you aren't wearing it, people look at you like you're some kind of biohazard intentionally trying to spread the virus...🙂

Amanda Evans2 said:They went on absolute shopping sprees. It got to the point where major retailers had to start rationing certain goods just to keep the shelves from going bare.
It’s a perfect reflection of our national character.

I mean, honestly, are we really at a point where someone has to tell you to wash your hands, eat decent food, or stop breathing down everyone's neck during flu season?

You see people walking around in those flimsy N95 masks that don't protect anyone, wearing rubber gloves, and trying to maintain a ten-foot radius from one another.
We’ve turned into a society that demonizes its own neighbors while living in these twisted, delusional bubbles.

Look, I get it—war and economic crises tend to drag the absolute worst out of humanity, but you’d think every ten years we might actually remember how selfish and hypocritical we all truly are.

#stayhome

It’s the worst, sure, but maybe also the best. I wouldn't go so far as to call the whole quarantine thing pure selfishness, though breaking isolation and spreading the virus around? Yeah, that's definitely selfishness—even by the standards of someone living in a total fever dream.

Laura Chavez93 said:It isn’t just that the gear is useless; if you aren't wearing it, people look at you like you're some kind of biohazard intentionally trying to spread the virus...🙂

Give me a break, man, nobody is staring at you just because you aren't wearing a mask. The real issue here is whether there are even any masks left on the shelves to buy.

ironpanther5 said:Alright, but the whole point isn't just about protecting yourself—it's about not being the one spreading it to everyone else. It feels like half the people in this thread completely miss that distinction.
Personally, I’m probably part of the high-risk crowd, so every winter is basically a high-stakes survival game for me because I have to dodge the flu while everyone else acts like common sense is optional.

Anyway, my plan is pretty simple: get some fresh air, hang out with fewer people, and try to avoid crowded spots like Central Park or large social gatherings.

I know exactly what we're talking about here, and I certainly understand the concept of social distancing.
What bothers me is the senseless attacking of people who simply want to go outside for some fresh air.
I was out in the city twice today and didn't see any massive crowds. I saw individuals out for a walk, which is infinitely healthier than standing in a cramped line at a Target.
But in this so-called "state of emergency" that politicians love to scream about, some people would love nothing more than to strip away every single freedom we have...
Even the basic right to move around freely, which is already being restricted as it is.

The constant shaming of people just for being outdoors is ridiculous.
I know people who haven't stepped foot outside in fourteen days. Not because they're trying to prevent transmission, but because they are absolutely terrified for their own skin after seeing the filth piling up everywhere.
Driven by pure fear, people like that would happily embrace mandatory vaccinations and authoritarian tactics reminiscent of a dictator. Don't be naive; they aren't doing it for the greater good...

ironpanther5 said:It’s the worst, sure, but maybe also the best. I wouldn't go so far as to call the whole quarantine thing pure selfishness, though breaking isolation and spreading the virus around? Yeah, that's definitely selfishness—even by the standards of someone living in a total fever dream.

Give me a break, man, nobody is staring at you just because you aren't wearing a mask. The real issue here is whether there are even any masks left on the shelves to buy.

Who on earth is actually talking about violating isolation or spreading the virus here?
The way people are equating someone just walking down the street—someone who isn't under any restrictions at all—with an infected person causing panic and being unnecessarily obnoxious is ridiculous.
We aren't under a full lockdown; the freedom to move around your own city is still perfectly legal as long as you haven't been ordered into self-isolation.
It honestly irritates me every single time someone tries to question something so fundamental.
It's just so much
...

So, some cop kicked my buddy out of a parking spot yesterday just because he was grabbing a bite with his friend.

Like, sure, maybe it’s an issue—but it’s not like they were even sitting right next to each other or anything... they were practically in separate zip codes inside the car. 🙏 🙏

Amanda Evans2 said:I know exactly what we're talking about here, and I certainly understand the concept of social distancing.
What bothers me is the senseless attacking of people who simply want to go outside for some fresh air.
I was out in the city twice today and didn't see any massive crowds. I saw individuals out for a walk, which is infinitely healthier than standing in a cramped line at a Target.
But in this so-called "state of emergency" that politicians love to scream about, some people would love nothing more than to strip away every single freedom we have...
Even the basic right to move around freely, which is already being restricted as it is.

The constant shaming of people just for being outdoors is ridiculous.
I know people who haven't stepped foot outside in fourteen days. Not because they're trying to prevent transmission, but because they are absolutely terrified for their own skin after seeing the filth piling up everywhere.
Driven by pure fear, people like that would happily embrace mandatory vaccinations and authoritarian tactics reminiscent of a dictator. Don't be naive; they aren't doing it for the greater good...

Honestly, I’d take those shut-ins over the people organizing the Crown party any day. At least the fearful ones aren't actively endangering everyone else just to soothe their own anxiety.

I mean, please, go ahead and act like entitled teenagers—"Oh no, you're taking away my freedom!" or "It's an emergency, you're hurting others by being out!" Floods, earthquakes, pandemics... it's all the same drama.
That whole idea about using cell phones for tracking is dangerous, and it's staying right where it is.

Wow, Americans would absolutely lynch anyone who breaks isolation or starts echoing Putin's rhetoric. Don't even try to tell me it's different here. They'll be calling for things like Key West, Jonestown, or police brutality against sports fans and protesters.

Or they'll just lynch anyone who dares to have a different opinion, which is a total novelty. I still remember how everyone harassed Allyson Felix for years because of her stance; they even went after her Nike sponsorship by filing lawsuits.

Seriously, at least 70% of this country is just completely intolerant of anything they don't agree with—selfish, arrogant, the whole nine yards.

Amanda Evans2 said:Who on earth is actually talking about violating isolation or spreading the virus here?
The way people are equating someone just walking down the street—someone who isn't under any restrictions at all—with an infected person causing panic and being unnecessarily obnoxious is ridiculous.
We aren't under a full lockdown; the freedom to move around your own city is still perfectly legal as long as you haven't been ordered into self-isolation.
It honestly irritates me every single time someone tries to question something so fundamental.
It's just so much
...

Look, I took a stroll around the block about an hour ago and nobody tried to stop me; I saw at least a hundred people out and about, and everyone was keeping their distance. I really don't know who you're picking a fight with.

ironpanther5 said:Look, I took a stroll around the block about an hour ago and nobody tried to stop me; I saw at least a hundred people out and about, and everyone was keeping their distance. I really don't know who you're picking a fight with.

+1

Citizens have rights, but they carry obligations too. I guess we’re all just thrilled that things had to reach this point... 🙄

ironpanther5 said:Look, I took a stroll around the block about an hour ago and nobody tried to stop me; I saw at least a hundred people out and about, and everyone was keeping their distance. I really don't know who you're picking a fight with.

Actually, I was talking to you.
I was responding to Elizabeth Mendoza's comment about people finally heading outside...
Maybe try scrolling up just a little bit...

nimblemarlin9 said:So, some cop kicked my buddy out of a parking spot yesterday just because he was grabbing a bite with his friend.

Like, sure, maybe it’s an issue—but it’s not like they were even sitting right next to each other or anything... they were practically in separate zip codes inside the car. 🙏 🙏

Funny enough, you can spend the entire day in an office cubicle practically breathing down someone else's neck
but the moment you step outside, you apparently need a six-foot buffer zone from everyone else... 🤦

Amanda Evans2 said:Who on earth is actually talking about violating isolation or spreading the virus here?
The way people are equating someone just walking down the street—someone who isn't under any restrictions at all—with an infected person causing panic and being unnecessarily obnoxious is ridiculous.
We aren't under a full lockdown; the freedom to move around your own city is still perfectly legal as long as you haven't been ordered into self-isolation.
It honestly irritates me every single time someone tries to question something so fundamental.
It's just so much
...

You can spread the virus even if you don't have symptoms, totally without realizing it.
For example, you go for a stroll, sit on a park bench, touch the wood with your hands, and then an elderly man walks by later, sits on that same bench, touches it, picks up the virus, and dies.

Besides, I’ve said it several times already: there is no ban on walking or sports. You can go out for a run or take the dog for a walk. Nobody is stopping you from doing almost anything—going to the grocery store, hitting the pharmacy... You can enjoy the outdoors, maybe even take your wife along.

The only thing being asked is for people to act responsibly. If you're out with the dog, keep him on a leash, stay away from crowds, maintain distance, and try not to touch public surfaces. It’s really that simple; nobody is demanding you be locked in your house 24/7 without seeing sunlight.

But you contrarians have convinced yourselves that people are actually demanding that, so you've started stirring up panic. You could even host a BBQ in your own backyard with the family—maybe some ribs or a roast. The only catch is keeping it to the family so twenty neighbors don't show up. Or you can grab the kid and play ball in the yard; as long as the field doesn't suddenly get swarmed by 200 other people, nobody is going to bother you. Just throw on some disposable gloves just in case, and you're good to go.

Of course, there are plenty of idiot cops, just like everywhere else and in all times, who will try to flex their authority. But you just explain it to them nicely, or call them what they are right to their face: a bunch of amateur civilian security.

The whole thing with masks and the absolute idiots is just peak comedy.

I went to grab some groceries at the grocery store, and this guy practically breathes down my neck, standing inches away. Of course, he’s wearing a mask.

So I tell him, "Your mask doesn't mean much if you're still crowding everyone."

And he snaps back, "I've got mine on, so why don't you get one too and stop worrying?"

First off, he clearly doesn't get that the mask is supposed to protect me, not him. Second, he's actually part of the problem because he thinks having a mask makes him invincible, like he's Jesus Christ or something. Third, he couldn't care less if someone else gets sick; he only cares about himself.

Personally, I don't wear a mask. I just keep my distance from people—which, honestly, hasn't been bad for me—I don't touch things unnecessarily, and I follow the rules. Maybe even more than necessary.

I'm not really the type to join in on all this hysteria, but I'll play along until the end. The issue is that so many people don't follow any rules at all, and that's how you end up with a mess.

Amanda Evans2 said:Actually, I was talking to you.
I was responding to Elizabeth Mendoza's comment about people finally heading outside...
Maybe try scrolling up just a little bit...

Yeah, fair enough, I got a little carried away there. 🙂

Paul Martinez73 said:You can spread the virus even if you don't have symptoms, totally without realizing it.
For example, you go for a stroll, sit on a park bench, touch the wood with your hands, and then an elderly man walks by later, sits on that same bench, touches it, picks up the virus, and dies.

Besides, I’ve said it several times already: there is no ban on walking or sports. You can go out for a run or take the dog for a walk. Nobody is stopping you from doing almost anything—going to the grocery store, hitting the pharmacy... You can enjoy the outdoors, maybe even take your wife along.

The only thing being asked is for people to act responsibly. If you're out with the dog, keep him on a leash, stay away from crowds, maintain distance, and try not to touch public surfaces. It’s really that simple; nobody is demanding you be locked in your house 24/7 without seeing sunlight.

But you contrarians have convinced yourselves that people are actually demanding that, so you've started stirring up panic. You could even host a BBQ in your own backyard with the family—maybe some ribs or a roast. The only catch is keeping it to the family so twenty neighbors don't show up. Or you can grab the kid and play ball in the yard; as long as the field doesn't suddenly get swarmed by 200 other people, nobody is going to bother you. Just throw on some disposable gloves just in case, and you're good to go.

Of course, there are plenty of idiot cops, just like everywhere else and in all times, who will try to flex their authority. But you just explain it to them nicely, or call them what they are right to their face: a bunch of amateur civilian security.

Look, I guess you have to ask yourself who’s actually being more reckless here. Is it the old man, or is it ESPN—assuming they're the ones who just showed up and took a seat on the bench? Maybe it's both, I don't know.

urbanhawk17 said:The whole thing with masks and the absolute idiots is just peak comedy.

I went to grab some groceries at the grocery store, and this guy practically breathes down my neck, standing inches away. Of course, he’s wearing a mask.

So I tell him, "Your mask doesn't mean much if you're still crowding everyone."

And he snaps back, "I've got mine on, so why don't you get one too and stop worrying?"

First off, he clearly doesn't get that the mask is supposed to protect me, not him. Second, he's actually part of the problem because he thinks having a mask makes him invincible, like he's Jesus Christ or something. Third, he couldn't care less if someone else gets sick; he only cares about himself.

Personally, I don't wear a mask. I just keep my distance from people—which, honestly, hasn't been bad for me—I don't touch things unnecessarily, and I follow the rules. Maybe even more than necessary.

I'm not really the type to join in on all this hysteria, but I'll play along until the end. The issue is that so many people don't follow any rules at all, and that's how you end up with a mess.

🤣🤣🤣

man, he really shut you down there 😂😂

Thomas really nailed it by summarizing all the threads from the last few days

Amanda Evans2 said:At this rate, we might as well just bury ourselves under our blankets at home and stay shut in for two months straight.
Everyone needs to pull themselves together...
Even medical professionals are stating that being outdoors is healthy, yet here we are with people who think they should only be allowed on a balcony.

The sheer level of panic that has gripped everyone—this idea that you have to fear leaving your own little shell just to survive—is still frankly staggering to me.
I truly hope this never becomes a permanent way of life where you end up living like Gregor Samsa.

Some people simply refuse to accept this miserable, hiding-away lifestyle just to avoid a virus. If you're that terrified, then by all means, lock yourselves away. No one is going to come barging into your little rooms...

That’s not panic. It’s just being smart and staying cautious.

There is zero point in heading out if the highways are absolutely packed with people; things will never settle down if everyone rushes out at once.

urbanhawk17 said:Look, I guess you have to ask yourself who’s actually being more reckless here. Is it the old man, or is it ESPN—assuming they're the ones who just showed up and took a seat on the bench? Maybe it's both, I don't know.

I’d say the ESPN guy, since he's younger, sharper, and more responsible—I actually expect him to grasp the fallout from what he does.

What am I supposed to explain to a 70-year-old? If you have grandparents still around, you already know how stubborn they can be... that old-age obstinacy is real. That's why we, the younger and smarter generation, have to act a bit more responsibly and look out for them.

Honestly, I think people would have way more empathy if this disease could jump from humans to dogs. People would keep their pups inside, avoid all contact, wear NASA spacesuits just to go home, and weep when their pets passed away. But as it stands, it’s just some old folks, so who cares...

Hope you get my point...

If an old man—one who sits on eight different bank boards and spends his entire life doing nothing more than watching cable news and reading the paper, where they've been obsessing over this pandemic for a month straight
if that man decides to head out into a crowd anyway—fully aware that he’s already battling three or four chronic illnesses and has a remarkably frail immune system
then the responsibility lies squarely with him... at the end of the day, everyone is accountable for their own choices, and getting older isn't some kind of free pass.