• About
  • The Poetry of Protest

Show Me Progress

~ covering government and politics in Missouri – since 2007

Show Me Progress

Monthly Archives: April 2020

In the warm afternoon sun

30 Thursday Apr 2020

Posted by Michael Bersin in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

birds, missouri, Mourning Dove, Zenaida macroura

In west central Missouri:

Mourning Dove. Zenaida macroura. Canon 5D III, 2.8 70-200 mm, 2x III. F 5.6, 1/1600, ISO 1600, 400 mm.
Mourning Dove. Zenaida macroura. Canon 5D III, 2.8 70-200 mm, 2x III. F 5.6, 1/1600, ISO 1600, 400 mm.
Mourning Dove. Zenaida macroura. Canon 5D III, 2.8 70-200 mm, 2x III. F 5.6, 1/800, ISO 800, 400 mm.
Mourning Dove. Zenaida macroura. Canon 5D III, 2.8 70-200 mm, 2x III. F 5.6, 1/800, ISO 800, 400 mm.
Mourning Dove. Zenaida macroura. Canon 5D III, 2.8 70-200 mm, 2x III. F 5.6, 1/1600, ISO 1600, 400 mm.
Mourning Dove. Zenaida macroura. Canon 5D III, 2.8 70-200 mm, 2x III. F 5.6, 1/1600, ISO 1600, 400 mm.

Mourning Dove. Zenaida macroura.
Canon 5D III, 2.8 70-200 mm, 2x III.
F 5.6, 1/2000, ISO 1600, 360 mm.

Missouri DHSS – COVID-19 Outbreak Statistics – April 30, 2020 – 2:00 p.m.

30 Thursday Apr 2020

Posted by Michael Bersin in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Corona virus, COVID-19, DHSS, missouri, pandemic, statistics

The most recent statistics on the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak for Missouri from the Department of Health and Senior Services:

Cases in Missouri: 7,562
Total Deaths: 329
Patients tested in Missouri (by all labs): approximately 82,152

9.20% of COVID-19 tests in Missouri have a positive result. 4.35% of all confirmed COVID-19 cases in Missouri have resulted in a fatality.

Stay Home. Wash your hands. Don’t touch your face. Good luck to us all.
#FlattenTheCurve

Campaign Finance: a bit of CLEAN

29 Wednesday Apr 2020

Posted by Michael Bersin in campaign finance

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

campaign finance, CLEAN Missouri, initiative, missouri, Missouri Ethics Commission, PAC, redistricting reform

Today at the Missouri Ethics Commission for the PAC protecting redistricting reform:

C161298 04/29/2020 CLEAN Missouri Missouri Wins 347 Hazel Ave Webster Groves MO 63119 4/29/2020 $25,000.00

[emphasis added]

Every little bit helps.

Previously:

Campaign Finance: Keep it CLEAN, folks (April 22, 2020)

On the edge of the storm

28 Tuesday Apr 2020

Posted by Michael Bersin in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

clouds, missouri, weather

This evening in west central Missouri:

To the west…

Campaign Finance: it sure looks like more teabagger astroturf money

28 Tuesday Apr 2020

Posted by Michael Bersin in campaign finance

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Astroturf, fake populism, missouri, Missouri Ethics Commission, PAC, rght wingnuts, Teabaggers

Yesterday at the Missouri Ethics Commission, from one right wingnut PAC to another:

C190964 04/27/2020 Don’t Tread on MO PAC American Democracy Alliance 1100 Main Street Suite 2700 Kansas City MO 64105 4/25/2020 $120,000.00

[emphasis added]

“Don’t Tread on MO PAC” couldn’t be more obvious. Well, alrighty then.

In 2019 the Don’t Tread on MO PAC received a starter contribution:

C180122 Chouteau PAC October Quarterly Report Don’t Tread on MO PO Box 26777 Kansas City MO 64196 08/21/2019 $500.00 Monetary

The address for Chouteau PAC (filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission)?:

MECID: C180122
1100 Main St Ste 2700
Kansas City MO, 64105

[emphasis added]

Wait, that’s the same address.

And in 2019 Chouteau PAC received money from:

C180122 Chouteau PAC 48 Hour Report of Contribution Received Over $5000 American Democracy Alliance – Ridgely PAC 1100 Main Street Suite 2700 Kansas City MO 64105 08/15/2019 $15,000.00

[emphasis added] [emphasis added]

Yep, it’s the same address.

And who funds the American Democracy Alliance PAC?:

C171141 American Democracy Alliance – Ridgely PAC 48 Hour Report of Contribution Received Over $5000 Herzog Contracting Corporation 600 S. Riverside Road St Joseph MO 65407 06/17/2019 $50,000.00

C171141 American Democracy Alliance – Ridgely PAC 48 Hour Report of Contribution Received Over $5000 Herzog Railroad Services, Inc. 700 S. Riverside Road St Joseph MO 64507 06/17/2019 $50,000.00

C171141 American Democracy Alliance – Ridgely PAC 48 Hour Report of Contribution Received Over $5000 Herzog Technologies, Inc. 600 S. Riverside Road St Joseph MO 64507 06/17/2019 $50,000.00

That’s just so…grassrootsie and…populist?

Funding astroturf is so easy, when you have a lot of money.

One B-2, two A-10s, and four T-38s

28 Tuesday Apr 2020

Posted by Michael Bersin in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

COVID-19, flyover, missouri, pandemic, Warrensburg, Whiteman AFB

A few days ago:

Whiteman AFB B-2 stealth bomber, A-10 and T-38 jets to fly over Kansas City in salute to COVID-19 essential workers
By Staff Report, 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs / Published April 24, 2020

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. —
[….]
Whiteman Air Force Base pilots are scheduled to fly over medical facilities in Kansas City, Missouri, April 28 to honor and express Team Whiteman’s gratitude for all medical and healthcare professionals, essential employees and volunteers in the fight against COVID-19.

The flyover will include a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing accompanied by A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the U.S. Air Force Reserve’s 442nd Fighter Wing and T-38 Talon’s assigned to the 13th Bomb Squadron, which will pass, in sequence, over Centerpoint Medical Center, Children’s Mercy Hospital North and South, Lee’s Summit Medical Center, St. Luke’s East Hospital, Research Medical Center, St. Luke’s Hospital Plaza, Western Missouri Medical Center and Bothwell Regional Health Center on Tuesday. In case of inclement weather, the flight will be postponed to April 29.

“We are in this fight together. We have deep gratitude for all doctors, nurses, medical personnel and other essential employees and volunteers who are confronting this challenge worldwide — but especially in our region,” said Col. Jeffrey Schreiner, 509th Bomb Wing commander and Independence, Missouri, native. “While defending the homeland has taken a new shape, we are proud to serve alongside those who serve in and out of uniform. This flyover is our way of sending a heartfelt salute and ‘Thank You’ to all those on the frontlines in the fight against this virus. Without their dedication and hard work, we would not be able to execute our vital, strategic mission.”

Kansas City and local residents can expect to see America’s stealth bomber from various vantage points across the city at approximately 10 a.m. as the B-2, A-10s and T-38s fly over major regional medical centers. All residents are encouraged to follow strict social distancing guidelines and refrain from gathering in large viewing groups.

[….]

The U.S. Air Force performs almost 1,000 flyovers each year, to include air shows, national-level sporting events, and any event in support of a patriotic holiday. Flyovers are fully functional training missions, designed to maintain the lethality and readiness of Air Force pilots and maintainers; they are conducted at no additional cost to taxpayers and are incorporated into existing flying schedules.

[….]

From a distance, this morning, over Warrensburg, Missouri.

B-2 bomber.

A-10s.

T-38s.

I’m certain the gesture was much appreciated.

Maybe next time someone could arrange an air drop of COVID-19 tests.

Stay Home. Wash your hands. Don’t touch your face. Good luck to us all.
#FlattenTheCurve

Will tours of the Governor’s Mansion be starting up, too?

27 Monday Apr 2020

Posted by Michael Bersin in Missouri Governor

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Corona virus, COVID-19, governor, Mike Parson, missouri, pandemic

You first.

Governor Mike Parson (r) [2018 file photo].

Today, from Governor Mike Parson (r):

April 27, 2020
Governor Parson Announces First Phase of “Show Me Strong Recovery” Plan to Begin May 4

Jefferson City – During today’s COVID-19 briefing, Governor Mike Parson announced the first phase of the “Show Me Strong Recovery” Plan outlining how Missouri will gradually begin to reopen economic and social activity on Monday, May 4, 2020.

Governor Parson was joined by Missouri Hospital Association President and CEO Herb Kuhn, MO HealthNet Director Todd Richardson, Missouri Department of Economic Development Director Rob Dixon, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) Director Dr. Randall Williams, and Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Sandy Karsten.

“With favorable data and approval from state health officials, we are ready to take another step forward in the recovery of Missouri,” Governor Parson said. “Today, I am announcing phase one of our ‘Show Me Strong Recovery’ Plan, which will begin Monday, May 4 and extend through Sunday, May 31.”

Resting on four essential pillars, the “Show Me Strong Recovery” Plan is intended to protect those most at risk of exposure to COVID-19 while returning Missouri to a new normal:
Expand testing capacity and volume in the state
Expand reserves of PPE by opening public and private supply chains
Continue to monitor and, if necessary, expand hospital and health care system capacity, including isolation and alternate care facilities for those that cannot self-quarantine at home
Improve ability to predict potential outbreaks using Missouri’s public health data

This framework will allow the state to work through a gradual reopening, leading to broader economic recovery.

During phase one of the plan, citizens may begin returning to economic and social activities but must adhere to social distancing requirements, including maintaining six feet of space between individuals in most cases. There are currently no limitations on social gatherings as long as necessary precautions are taken and six feet of distance can be maintained between individuals and/or families.

Additionally, all businesses can be open provided that the social distancing guidelines set forth in the new health order are followed. Some businesses will be required to take additional precautions to protect their employees and the public, such as occupancy limits at retail locations.

“All of Missouri’s businesses, employers, and employees are vital to our state’s economy and well-being,” Governor Parson said. “Opening these businesses is going to look very different for awhile, but I’m confident Missourians will abide by the guidelines as we move forward.”

This will be a deliberate and data-driven process that allows for flexibility based on changing situations.
Some communities may be able to reopen at a faster rate than others. Local officials will have the authority to put further rules, regulations, or ordinances in place so long as they are not inconsistent with the statewide order.
Even as Missouri gradually reopens, citizens are encouraged to continue taking precautions to protect themselves and others:
Stay home if sick
Wash hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer
Avoid touching your face
Sneeze or cough into a tissue or the inside of elbow
Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces
Avoid socializing in groups that do not readily allow for appropriate social distancing
Minimize travel to the extent possible

Additionally, all businesses are encouraged to do the following:
Implement basic infection prevention measures informed by industry best practices
Modify physical workspaces to maximize social distancing
Minimize business travel
Develop an infectious disease preparedness and response plan
Do not allow symptomatic people to physically return to work until cleared by a medical provider
Encourage telework whenever possible and feasible with business operations
Return to work in phases and/or split shifts
Limit access to common areas where personnel are likely to congregate and interact
Ensure that sick leave policies are flexible and consistent with public health guidance

“As we begin to reopen, we will be prepared, but the virus is still here. Protect yourself and the people you love. Take care of each other,” Governor Parson said. “Together, we will defeat COVID-19. Together, the state of Missouri will come back stronger than ever before.”

Favorable data? There are over six million people in Missouri. To date Missouri DHSS reports that only 73,371 people have been tested. That’s 1.19% of the population. Do you like those odds?

Governor Mike Parson (r) [2018 file photo].

Revised, from a social media comment:

Uh, no.

Does anyone really believe that there’s any real will to enact meaningful protocols which will enable safe and effective mitigation in public and private spaces while maintaining business as usual? A Level 4 biohazard suit, anyone?

I don’t buy lottery tickets, nor do I bet with the bookies. I know it’s my lot in life to contribute to someone else’s winnings (Math!). I’m not going to gamble with my life.

It ain’t over ’til it’s over.

That means there must either be 1) a safe, effective drug treatment, or 2) a safe, effective vaccine. The latter will be twelve to eighteen months. Get used to that.

Advocating that we “open up” before either of the above just means, as a society, we’re willing to sacrifice the elderly, the vulnerable, the sick, the poor, and anyone unfortunate enough to encounter an anti-shutdown protesting moron in public.

Putting people at risk (Science! Math!) because a few are impatient for some semblance of “normalcy” threatens the continued existence of everything for everyone else. For the economy? Dead people don’t buy things. Actually, the real reason for this rush to open is because we really don’t value people. However, if it’s for a profit margin it is another matter. “It cost too much” will be engraved on our headstones.

Bringing people together in physical proximity, no matter how “protected” they are, is insanity under any rational understanding of our present circumstances.

If you believe otherwise, I suggest you volunteer to work in a hospital (yes, with all the gear) right now. Let’s see if you’re willing to gamble it all.

You first, Governor Parson (r).

Meanwhile, we can all call the the Governor’s Mansion to book a tour after May 3rd.

Missouri DHSS – COVID-19 Outbreak Statistics – April 27, 2020 – 2:00 p.m.

27 Monday Apr 2020

Posted by Michael Bersin in Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Corona virus, COVID-19, DHSS, missouri, pandemic, statistics

The most recent statistics on the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak for Missouri from the Department of Health and Senior Services:

Cases in Missouri: 7,171
Total Deaths: 288
Patients tested in Missouri (by all labs): approximately 73,371

9.77% of COVID-19 tests in Missouri have a positive result. 4.02% of all confirmed COVID-19 cases in Missouri have resulted in a fatality.

Stay Home. Wash your hands. Don’t touch your face. Good luck to us all.
#FlattenTheCurve

Missouri DHSS – COVID-19 Outbreak Statistics – April 26, 2020 – 2:00 p.m.

26 Sunday Apr 2020

Posted by Michael Bersin in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Corona virus, COVID-19, DHSS, missouri, pandemic, statistics

The most recent statistics on the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak for Missouri from the Department of Health and Senior Services:

Cases in Missouri: 6,997
Total Deaths: 274
Patients tested in Missouri (by all labs): approximately 70,932

9.86% of COVID-19 tests in Missouri have a positive result. 3.91% of all confirmed COVID-19 cases in Missouri have resulted in a fatality.

Stay Home. Wash your hands. Don’t touch your face. Good luck to us all.
#FlattenTheCurve

Saturday visitors

25 Saturday Apr 2020

Posted by Michael Bersin in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

birds, Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis, Carpodacus mexicanus, House Finch, missouri

Today in west central Missouri:

Cardinal. Cardinalis cardinalis.
Canon 5D III, 2.8 70-200 mm, 2x III.
F 5.6, 1/500, ISO 400, 400 mm.

Cardinal. Cardinalis cardinalis. Canon 5D III, 2.8 70-200 mm, 2x III. F 7.1, 1/200, ISO 400, 400 mm.
Cardinal. Cardinalis cardinalis. Canon 5D III, 2.8 70-200 mm, 2x III. F 7.1, 1/200, ISO 400, 400 mm.
Cardinal. Cardinalis cardinalis. Canon 5D III, 2.8 70-200 mm, 2x III. F 5.6, 1/500, ISO 400, 400 mm.
Cardinal. Cardinalis cardinalis. Canon 5D III, 2.8 70-200 mm, 2x III. F 5.6, 1/500, ISO 400, 400 mm.
Cardinal. Cardinalis cardinalis. Canon 5D III, 2.8 70-200 mm, 2x III. F 5.6, 1/500, ISO 400, 400 mm.
Cardinal. Cardinalis cardinalis. Canon 5D III, 2.8 70-200 mm, 2x III. F 5.6, 1/500, ISO 400, 400 mm.
House Finch. Carpodacus mexicanus. Canon 5D III, 2.8 70-200 mm, 2x III. F 5.6, 1/640, ISO 400, 400 mm.
House Finch. Carpodacus mexicanus. Canon 5D III, 2.8 70-200 mm, 2x III. F 5.6, 1/640, ISO 400, 400 mm.
House Finch. Carpodacus mexicanus. Canon 5D III, 2.8 70-200 mm, 2x III. F 5.6, 1/640, ISO 400, 400 mm.
House Finch. Carpodacus mexicanus. Canon 5D III, 2.8 70-200 mm, 2x III. F 5.6, 1/640, ISO 400, 400 mm.
← Older posts

Subscribe

  • Entries (RSS)
  • Comments (RSS)

Archives

  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008
  • March 2008
  • February 2008
  • January 2008
  • December 2007
  • November 2007
  • October 2007
  • September 2007
  • August 2007

Categories

  • campaign finance
  • Claire McCaskill
  • Congress
  • Democratic Party News
  • Eric Schmitt
  • Healthcare
  • Hillary Clinton
  • Interview
  • Jason Smith
  • Josh Hawley
  • Mark Alford
  • media criticism
  • meta
  • Missouri General Assembly
  • Missouri Governor
  • Missouri House
  • Missouri Senate
  • Resist
  • Roy Blunt
  • social media
  • Standing Rock
  • Town Hall
  • Uncategorized
  • US Senate

Meta

  • Log in

Blogroll

  • Balloon Juice
  • Crooks and Liars
  • Digby
  • I Spy With My Little Eye
  • Lawyers, Guns, and Money
  • No More Mister Nice Blog
  • The Great Orange Satan
  • Washington Monthly
  • Yael Abouhalkah

Donate to Show Me Progress via PayPal

Your modest support helps keep the lights on. Click on the button:

Blog Stats

  • 771,813 hits

Powered by WordPress.com.

 

Loading Comments...