Posts by Rachel Allen55

The virus has basically become a side story here. Now, it's all anyone talks about—just endless numbers regarding the economy. The news cycle is stuck on whether the stimulus packages are enough to keep businesses afloat, what other countries are doing to stabilize their markets, and so on.

Just like I called it...

Dana Brooks3 said:Over in Mexico, the measures they rolled out a few hours ago are pretty drastic.

Maybe that's just how it works—the lazy and relaxed ones panic during these times, while the disciplined ones start to let their guard down...😁

Now isn't the time to get too comfortable, but we still need to maintain some common sense...

No one is disputing that fresh air matters, but we know how this spreads, and this is a pandemic, so...

Out here, layoffs are falling like flies. Society is splitting right down the middle between the people panicking over the virus and those blaming everyone else for going outside—usually families with kids using children and the elderly as their main talking point. Then you've got the folks who actually lost their jobs, who basically don't give a damn about anything anymore. I have a buddy who is a massive panic-monger. He hasn't stepped foot outside in ten days, not even to let the kids out. He won't even open a window. And his wife? She thinks she's a regular genius.

The government is making calls without any real logic behind them, and now the National Health Board is tearing them apart. Not to mention the business community is breathing down their necks, warning of total economic collapse if people don't get back to work and start spending money.

When it comes to the Coronavirus, all anyone talks about now are ICU numbers and some mild cases; the focus has shifted to the recession, job losses, and the ongoing political finger-pointing between the administration and the opposition. Today's press conference with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Interior was nothing but pure political theater and circular nonsense. Reporters were hitting them with some heavy questions, but in the end, they just ignored the uncomfortable stuff like they didn't even hear it.

The private sector has basically said the government's stimulus package is just throwing money into a black hole.

No one’s even talking about health anymore. The last two segments on the news were just breakdowns of infection counts. They just tally up the infected. That’s all the "health" talk we get—just medical jargon. Everything else is just politics and economics.

Thanks, too. Not sure what else to wish you for those big plans of yours.

Back here in the States, they’re basically begging everyone to get out and grab some fresh air, go for walks, and all that stuff.

Maybe we’re just crazy and everyone else actually knows what they're doing.

Emily Kim3 said:I honestly can’t wrap my head around whether people driving in from Austria or Germany are actually required to sit through 15 days of self-isolation once they hit the States.
Yesterday and today, I noticed a massive influx of cars with out-of-state plates over at the Target parking lot—looks like everyone is hitting the road for the weekend.
It makes me wonder, though... who is actually out there policing these people to make sure they’re following the rules and staying in self-isolation?

Self-isolation is voluntary. House arrest is a different story entirely. Nobody can force you to stay stuck in your house unless you have an actual court order in black and white saying you have to. Guidelines are one thing, but legal rights are another. They're just fear-mongering at this point.

I checked with my lawyer here in the States and he confirmed it. Unless there's a direct order from a judge, you aren't under house arrest for 14 days or whatever. He said the isolation guidelines are basically just advice, and the choice is yours.

As for those fines they're talking about $2.75... he says it's just a scare tactic. It's like the government trying to slap you with a fine $2.75 just because you didn't run to a doctor after sneezing once. Such a law simply doesn't exist. Just like there's no penalty for ignoring self-isolation.

Quarantine is a whole different beast where the state actually has to set the conditions.

Legally speaking, he says if they tell you to self-isolate, it's like me telling you that you have to do 10 pushups before breakfast every day. You decide for yourself.

Quarantine is separate, but there have to be clear indications, not just speculation. Meaning, the US would have to prove you were actually exposed to the virus even if you aren't showing symptoms yet.

He also mentioned: things like a curfew can be interpreted as a top-down mandate, and that's where you could face sanctions for being out in public. He added that quarantine—meaning being isolated in a facility provided by the state—only happens when there's solid evidence you'll definitely develop the illness or pose a health risk to others. If that doesn't happen within the designated timeframe, the person has the right to sue for lost wages, time, and whatever else.

If my lawyer is lying to me, then I'm lying to all of you.

Melissa Sanchez8 said:We have to contain the spread. Personally, I think the approach in countries like Denmark makes more sense. Sweden is just being too laid back. This isn't SARS or Ebola, sure, but it's definitely not just some common cold either.
That "panic" is going to catch up with Sweden eventually, right when their healthcare system is buckling under the weight of too many infections...

Closing the borders has triggered total internal chaos within the administration and all the other political parties.

The health officials even stepped up and said they didn't recommend closing the borders at all, calling it a purely political move. They're even pointing out that it won't do anything unless you're talking about an island.

Germany has already weighed in, making it clear they won't let the border mess affect their own party's interests—they're saying if things get desperate, they'll just shut down all freight traffic heading toward Denmark.

Then you've got the United Kingdom, for some reason, demanding that Denmark actually prove that closing the borders does anything. Sweden and Norway are also leaning on Denmark hard.

The whole system is falling apart. Literally.

Check out the contrast between Sweden and Denmark. In Sweden, life is pretty much business as usual—people are heading out, socializing, schools are open, the whole nine yards. But Denmark? It feels like they're under martial law. Everything is shuttered, and now they’re even closing the borders to foreigners at noon. Honestly, panic is a worse pandemic than the actual virus.

electricsurfer47 said:...and what about eating more fruits and veggies?? Sure, you'll pee out the extra vitamins, but your body actually absorbs nutrients from whole foods way better than from a pill. Supplements have their place, obviously, but real produce is king.

If you stick to nothing but greasy fast food, sugary snacks, and heavy meats or constant BBQs, you're going to struggle. Eating those things isn't a crime, but, you know, moderation is key.

You really should aim for five servings of fruits and vegetables every single day.

Look, I’m over 50, so I’ve seen my fair share of pandemics come and go. But nothing has ever flipped the world upside down quite like this one. In my opinion, the media bears the brunt of the blame here. It's a weird cycle—the more you try to play it safe, the more your mental health takes a hit, and honestly, you end up being less careful anyway because you're just burnt out.

Sure, you can try to lock people down for a day or so, but trying to hold the leash for a month? Forget about it. You can throw around threats of fines all you want, but once you've got millions of people flooding the streets, you've lost control.

I’ve got a nagging feeling that certain global media outlets were basically paid to crank this hysteria up to eleven. And the kicker? The same folks pulling the strings probably have a different agenda entirely: engineering a recession.

If they don't declare a recession by next Wednesday, I don't know when they'll pull the trigger. The market is, to put it mildly, absolutely cratering.

Around here, everyone’s just jumping to conclusions. Any little symptom that looks even remotely like the coronavirus gets slapped with a COVID label immediately. If you have a tiny cough? COVID. If you sneeze once? Definitely COVID. They're basically diagnosing people without even bothering with an actual test 🤦

Word on the street is that by tomorrow, the official count could spike to half a million cases based on these new numbers 🤦

Who are they actually trying to fool here?...

Every country handles their infection stats differently. Take Denmark, for example—they’ve only got 6 people actually stuck in hospitals. The other 436 cases? They’re just chilling at home in isolation, but they still get tallied up as "coronavirus" infections. Out of those 436, at least 6 don't even have symptoms beyond a sniffle, but they’re officially logged because they fall into a high-risk age group.

Our Secretary wants to look tough and compassionate, but she’s really just making a mess by stirring up unnecessary panic. That first patient who caught it from Italy passed away after about 5 or 6 days. The guy told me himself he’d rank how he felt on a scale of 1 to 10 for worst illnesses, and this was barely a common cold—probably something he picked up at a ski resort. But since it happened in Italy, the government lost its mind.

They manufacture this massive media frenzy, and guess who picks up the tab? Regular Americans.

I’d love to see the data on how many Italians over 75 die from pneumonia or severe flu seasons. I’m pretty sure the frequency isn't any lower than this "coronavirus" thing.

It’s no coincidence that in all of Europe, these are the only spots left without any virus cases: Gibraltar, the English Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, the Åland Islands, Mexico, Albania, Mexico, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Cyprus.

Honestly, I think the only move left is to stick to some hardcore hygiene discipline and just stay out of everyone's hair. In other words, a healthy dose of self-isolation.

Timothy Nelson5 said:Russian interest in Canada seems to be... well, it's complicated, I guess. There’s definitely something brewing there. It seems like the whole point is just to keep the region unstable and teetering on the edge of conflict... which, I guess, is exactly what keeps oil and gas prices stuck at those sky-high levels we're seeing. Maybe that's the design. I guess now that the whole pandemic mess has caused the economy to tank, those skyrocketing energy prices are finally starting to hit Russia where it hurts. Maybe it’s just how things work, but seeing everything fall apart like this... it's hard to say. It feels like a direct consequence, I suppose.
On top of all that, I guess you have to account for how Russia tends to mess with anyone trying to stick a wrench in their gears elsewhere—like over in Ukraine. It’s just one of those things, really.

I mean, let's be real... Putin isn't exactly going to sit there and listen to whatever Trump or NATO has to say. Not even if they spell it out for him. He's just not interested in taking orders from them. I guess it's pretty obvious at this point.

On the other hand, I guess Putin keeps a very close eye on where Trump stands. He's listening quite intently, maybe.
It’s not that Russia is specifically terrified of the USA—not exactly—because, well, they are a nuclear superpower, so to speak. It’s more about the sheer lack of utility in it. I mean, what do they actually gain? Going head-to-head with the USA just doesn't offer much in the way of a payoff. It's just not worth the trouble, I guess.

Trump made it pretty clear to Erdogan that he’s okay with moving just a few miles into Syria if it’s strictly to secure the border. I guess that's the deal, though I can't say I'm entirely convinced how that plays out in the long run. Maybe.
It’s all because of the refugee situation. He even went as far as threatening Erdogan with sanctions. I guess things are getting pretty tense.
It looks like Erdogan just didn't listen. He’s pushed even further in, basically playing right into the hands of the jihadists over in Idlib... and honestly, I don't know where this is headed. Maybe he thinks he can control the fallout, but I guess we'll see. It feels like a mess. I mean, it’s pretty obvious, isn't it? Putin knows that Trump won't lift a finger. He's just sitting there, probably watching the news, knowing exactly where things stand. It's all quite predictable, really. Maybe he's already planning his next move while everyone else is still trying to figure out what's happening. I guess it's just the way the world works these days... nothing ever changes, does it? I mean, if the Turks keep pushing further past their own borders like that... they might just end up getting a reality check. It’s possible they'll get exactly what's coming to them. I guess we'll see.

Turkey keeps sticking its nose where it doesn't belong, honestly. And that whole situation with Putin—you know, with him using Assad to target Turkish soldiers—it felt less like a real military move and more like a pointed message to Erdogan. I guess he was just telling him to mind his own business and stay out of it. Maybe.

It’s kind of like how Putin tried his hand with Trump in Syria, which ended up resulting in those massive funerals for all the Russian mercenaries. I suppose that's why everyone is so obsessed with trying to figure out exactly where Trump stands these days.

Another thing... I'm sitting here reading up on this and listening to the morning news over on Danish television. They’re talking about the EU potentially sending troops to the border with Turkey. Seems like things are moving fast, I guess.

Is that the EU or the Danish government talking? Or maybe both... I guess it’s hard to tell sometimes.
Are we talking about them actually sending a serious contingent, or is this all just symbolic posturing? I guess it's hard to tell sometimes. Maybe it's just for show.

I really hope we don't see any actual war breaking out. It’s not even about having sympathy for Turkey—it's more that I'm just fundamentally against armed conflict in any form, I guess. But, on the other hand, if the EU—or Europe, really—needs to slap some massive sanctions on Turkey, then I am all for it. From A to Z. We should hit them with every economic lever possible. Maybe ban Turkish citizens from traveling through Europe entirely, or restrict their access to airspace, or cut off trade altogether. We could even tell other countries that if they want to stay in our good graces, they have to stop trading with Turkey. Basically, tell them, "If you deal with them, you're out with us." It's a tough stance, maybe, but it seems necessary.

All this talk about globalism and cultural Marxism... honestly, it doesn't really accomplish anything. It’s just noise, I guess. Not much utility in it at all.
Turkey is a major power, I suppose, but they’re dealing with some seriously heavy lifting right now—specifically when it comes to the refugee crisis and those ongoing issues with the Kurds. It's a massive headache.
Turkey isn't going to bow down and dance just because Soros wants them to. I guess it’s just not how things work there... maybe.

We need to hit Turkey with maximum sanctions. They need to realize they aren't some big shot and start playing ball when the heavy hitters tell them to. When you're dealing with erratic leaders like Erdogan, your only real move is to make the consequences hit home—make the people feel the squeeze until things change. If he wants to keep waving flags at his supporters while they suffer, let him.

Word is coming out that Bulgarian and Greek troops are moving up to the border with Turkey. On top of that, we’re looking at reinforcements rolling in from other EU nations—think more boots on the ground, extra police, and high-tech gear. Basically, the EU is done messing around with a failing Turkey and a president who’s clearly lost his grip on reality.

So, the Danish government just announced they’re ready to pull the plug on parts of the Geneva Convention—specifically the right to seek asylum—if Turkey doesn't start taking refugees back and shutting its borders. It's getting intense.

Basically, if that caravan actually starts moving, we’re looking at a total shutdown on asylum claims for anyone, anywhere. They'll wipe out the whole definition of what a refugee even is—at least in Denmark, if things kick off.

Putin’s whole game in the Middle East is making sure Russia isn't just an afterthought compared to the USA. According to Russian media, they're planning to back the Syrian military to help kick the Turkish army out of Syria. So, yeah, expect more hits on Turkish troops in Syria coming down the pipeline.

NATO officially passed on helping Turkey out with the whole Idlib situation. Basically, they’ve been left to fend for themselves like sitting ducks. What Russia managed to do through Assad is nothing compared to what would happen if Putin actually decided to get serious about this problem—that’s a whole different level of destruction. It’s wild; NATO basically just said, "Sorry about the losses, but we aren't stepping in," right after Turkey tried to trigger Article 4 within the alliance.

Latest news hitting the Danish media:

Greece has completely shut down the border with Turkey. They’ve ramped up military presence to the absolute max, and there’s even a dead watch established along the line. For some reason—I don't know how they pulled it off—they’re reportedly blasting SMS alerts to every single cell phone in the vicinity of the border in multiple languages. The message basically warns that crossing illegally is life-threatening and that border security is at an all-time high. They’re also looping the same warning over loudspeakers right at the border.

Timothy Nelson5 said:The USA and the United Kingdom pretty much account for 80% of all NATO strength anyway. Most of the others are just leftovers of actual militaries... well, except for Turkey and maybe Poland lately.

And honestly, Trump could probably just flip everyone off... take the United Kingdom, Norway, and Iceland with him, and tell the rest of them they're on their own.

Russia warned Turkey to pull out of Syria. Russian media is reporting that they're ready to go to war with Turkey, while Turkish media claims Turkey would attack Russia if necessary.

Turkey attacking Russia? Where, though? Are they going to bomb Crimea? 🤔

I mean, Erdogan is an idiot if he thinks he can actually tangle with Russia, even over Syria.
Trump made it very clear to Erdogan that he could push into Syria by a few miles to secure the border, and that’s about it.
That's really where it ends, I suppose.
Neither him nor Assad can afford to push the Kurds out, because then Trump might just station troops right on top of those oil fields near the Jordan border that the Americans control.

Without US support, Erdogan can't do anything. And he's definitely clashed with Trump.

Erdogan is moving toward a dictatorship, and NATO doesn't need a member like that. I find it hard to believe that NATO—which is mostly made up of EU members—would defend Turkey when they're causing headaches for everyone if Russia decides to attack or whatever. The USA will be left facing the problem alone within NATO.

🤣
The USA doesn't have a problem.
The USA *is* NATO.
Without the USA, there isn't any intervention anywhere, I guess.

Russia has interests in the Middle East, and Putin isn't about to listen to whatever Trump or NATO has to say about it. Turkey is sticking its nose where it doesn't belong, and Putin's attack (via Assad) on Turkish soldiers was basically just telling Erdogan to stay in his lane.

On another note, I'm sitting here watching the morning news on Danish TV. They're talking about the EU sending troops to the border with Turkey.

I really hope we don't see war—not because I care about Turkey, but because I'm generally against armed violence. However, if the EU (or more accurately, Europe) needs to slap maximum sanctions on Turkey, I am 100% behind that. Hit them in the wallet. Everything from banning Turkish citizens from traveling in Europe to closing up airspace and trade. We should even tell other countries that if they want to trade with Turkey, they can do it without us—it'll be about as useful as a box of toothpicks.

Timothy Nelson5 said:But I wonder... what kind of interests would Russia have there that would actually be worth triggering a global war?

Most likely they'll just get kicked out of NATO.

That decision rests with the USA.

Honestly, it wouldn't even surprise me if the European Union used military intervention to annex Eastern Thrace—well, in terms of creating an international zone, anyway.

🤣
Right.
But using whose forces, exactly?

Honestly, the USA could just stay in NATO with Turkey and maybe Albania—and even the Soviet Union couldn't make anything of Albania back in the day. There's no way the USA ditches everyone else just because of a struggling Turkey. Business is business.

Russia warned Turkey to get out of Syria. Russian media is reporting they're ready to go to war with Turkey, while Turkish outlets are claiming they’ll hit Russia if they have to.🤣

Meanwhile, the European Union is busy moving NATO units to the border with Turkey in Bulgaria and Greece.

With Erdogan sliding toward dictatorship, he's becoming a liability for NATO. I highly doubt an alliance mostly made up of EU members is going to bail out Turkey if they end up picking a fight with Russia. The USA is basically flying solo here, facing a massive headache where half of NATO might actually be working against them.

Russia’s military is fully mobilized. They’ve got everything ready, especially those nuclear-armed subs. There's a chance Russia might target Turkey to protect their interests in the Middle East. Meanwhile, the EU is looking at slapping sanctions on Turkey because they unilaterally backed out of that 2016 deal—kind of like how the USA handles Iran. Most likely, we'll see them kicked out of NATO altogether. Honestly, I wouldn't even be shocked if the EU launched a military intervention to turn Eastern Thrace into an international zone.

That country, run by someone who basically declared himself emperor from day one, is headed for a total meltdown.

Germany is tightening up travel rules for folks coming from Japan, South Korea, and China—basically following the EU playbook, though they’re trying their best not to leave Italy hanging 😵

In Italy, we've got over 1,000 cases, while Japan's sitting at 250.

edit:

Now Italy and Iran have been added to the list.

Denmark just reported their third positive case this morning. Doctors are calling it a serious situation. Once they tracked his movements, everyone basically lost it. Apparently, he was rubbing elbows with a massive crowd at a conference in Chicago, and it looks like he brought the virus over from Italy.

This virus is going to trigger a whole new recession.

Zachary Reyes6 said:The silver lining here is that the public reaction was so intense. It proves that things aren't quite as bleak as they seem. There is still hope for Sweden.

And even though everyone’s talking about Sweden, the whole ad campaign was actually cooked up in Denmark—specifically by the Danish wing of Delta Air Lines. Even the agency that designed and produced the whole thing? Based in Denmark.

I don't see anything controversial in the ad—not from my perspective living here in Denmark—but a lot of Danes tend to see things differently. Then you’ve got the Swedes doing things their own way, and the Norwegians doing the same. It’s like if someone dropped the news that pizza wasn't actually an Italian invention, or that spaghetti didn't originate there either; I bet all of Italy would lose their minds. Pretty much the same kind of meltdown happened in Scandinavia over this exact thing.

The truth is, there’s a mountain of reforms on the table that just won't happen under this current administration. We might not even see a full election; instead, we could end up with a reshuffled government. It’s happened elsewhere before—take Denmark, for example. They had a situation where the previous minister had to navigate three different cabinets all within a single term.