|
Welcome to the International Skeptics Forum, where we discuss skepticism, critical thinking, the paranormal and science in a friendly but lively way. You are currently viewing the forum as a guest, which means you are missing out on discussing matters that are of interest to you. Please consider registering so you can gain full use of the forum features and interact with other Members. Registration is simple, fast and free! Click here to register today. |
![]() |
#41 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 13,302
|
|
__________________
/dann "Stupidity renders itself invisible by assuming very large proportions. Completely unreasonable claims are irrefutable. Ni-en-leh pointed out that a philosopher might get into trouble by claiming that two times two makes five, but he does not risk much by claiming that two times two makes shoe polish." B. Brecht "The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is required for their real happiness. The demand to give up the illusion about its condition is the demand to give up a condition which needs illusions." K. Marx |
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#42 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 49,994
|
China now swiping from Stephen King: They are pushing a conspiracy theory that the US military is responsible for the Corona virus.
|
__________________
Pacifism is a shifty doctrine under which a man accepts the benefits of the social group without being willing to pay - and claims a halo for his dishonesty. Robert Heinlein. |
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#43 |
Lackey
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: South East, UK
Posts: 96,145
|
|
__________________
I wish I knew how to quit you |
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#44 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 13,302
|
It sounds like sarcasm to me: They've noticed that the U.S. administration is full of lies, that the "numbers" meant to make the (lack of) disease control in the USA appear to be efficient are based solely on the fact that hardly anybody has been tested yet, and that the racist attempts to blame the Chinese for the virus can be turned against them. It's the obvious thing to do! |
__________________
/dann "Stupidity renders itself invisible by assuming very large proportions. Completely unreasonable claims are irrefutable. Ni-en-leh pointed out that a philosopher might get into trouble by claiming that two times two makes five, but he does not risk much by claiming that two times two makes shoe polish." B. Brecht "The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is required for their real happiness. The demand to give up the illusion about its condition is the demand to give up a condition which needs illusions." K. Marx |
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#45 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Port Townsend, Washington
Posts: 30,675
|
|
__________________
Cum catapultae proscribeantur tum soli proscripti catapultas habeant. |
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#46 |
Philosophile
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Osaka, Japan
Posts: 29,007
|
Here’s an opinion piece: China bought the world time with the containment strategy. The world squandered it:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/13/o...nse-china.html |
__________________
"The thief and the murderer follow nature just as much as the philanthropist. Cosmic evolution may teach us how the good and the evil tendencies of man may have come about; but, in itself, it is incompetent to furnish any better reason why what we call good is preferable to what we call evil than we had before." "Evolution and Ethics" T.H. Huxley (1893) |
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#47 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 49,994
|
|
__________________
Pacifism is a shifty doctrine under which a man accepts the benefits of the social group without being willing to pay - and claims a halo for his dishonesty. Robert Heinlein. |
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#48 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 49,994
|
Just tead about the theory behind the UK;s government total inaction on the Virus, and, frankly, it isjust about the craziest damn thing I have read.
|
__________________
Pacifism is a shifty doctrine under which a man accepts the benefits of the social group without being willing to pay - and claims a halo for his dishonesty. Robert Heinlein. |
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#49 |
Philosopher
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 7,725
|
|
__________________
"I know my brain cannot tell me what to think." - Scorpion "Nebulous means Nebulous" - Adam Hills |
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#50 |
Philosopher
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 9,504
|
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#51 |
Lackey
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: South East, UK
Posts: 96,145
|
I agree but there really does seem some disconnect to me. It's about the testing. We need everyone who has to self isolate to be tested. That way we will know the extent of the infections and have an "army" of people that can ensure critical services and the like can continue because we know they have had the virus.
|
__________________
I wish I knew how to quit you |
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#52 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 31,406
|
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#53 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 31,406
|
Trump Retweeted
Kayleigh McEnany @kayleighmcenany When Joe Biden was in charge of the H1N1 Swine Flu epidemic, this happened in America: 60.8 MILLION infected 274,304 hospitalized 12,469 died By contrast, President @realDonaldTrump has led, taking unprecedented action to stop the coronavirus & protect Americans! Joe Biden just lied, saying coronavirus tests should be in the millions, not thousands. Has anyone told Joe that 1 million tests have already been distributed, with 4 million distributed by the end of the week? Team Trump (Text TRUMP to 88022) @TeamTrump MUST READ: Joe Biden Plagiarizes President @realDonaldTrump’s #Coronavirus Plan! Joe Biden Plagiarizes President Trump’s Coronavirus Plan Incompetent Biden bizarrely calls on President Trump to do things he’s already done. donaldjtrump.com |
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#54 |
Philosopher
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 9,504
|
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#55 |
Philosopher
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 9,504
|
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#56 |
Lackey
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: South East, UK
Posts: 96,145
|
This is meant to be the politics thread and I think that is a valid criticism.
The NHSs have always been lean and efficient and 10 years ago the NHSs were in a good place, excess capacity - which you need - fully funded, staffing was still a bit of an issue in some areas. In the last 10 years we have lost all of that. As I've described it elsewhere, there was never any fat to cut so the last ten years have been cutting the muscle of the NHSs away (and at times hacking into the very bones of the services) and we now are faced with a situation that requires a fit and fully functional NHSs and we no longer have them. |
__________________
I wish I knew how to quit you |
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#57 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 49,994
|
UK and Ireland just added to the US travel restrictions on Europe
France shutting down all entertainment facalities, even restaurants. I think Boris is going to have to do somethng now...as much as he hates to. |
__________________
Pacifism is a shifty doctrine under which a man accepts the benefits of the social group without being willing to pay - and claims a halo for his dishonesty. Robert Heinlein. |
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#58 |
Master Poster
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,169
|
2 days ago Ontario, Canada announced closure of public schools for 2 additional weeks (march break is about to start and lasts a week, each year). I'm guessing it will extend much longer, and things might convert fully to online education (now's the time).
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#59 |
Philosopher
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: UK
Posts: 5,479
|
|
__________________
So I've started a blog about my writing. Check it out at: http://fourth-planet-problem.blogspot.com/ And my first book is on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077W322FX |
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#60 |
Philosopher
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 9,504
|
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#61 |
Lackey
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: South East, UK
Posts: 96,145
|
Which has nothing to do with the decision to degrade our NHSs, no one forced the government to make such (effectively huge cuts), force absolutely stupid "reforms" onto the likes of GPs and create another tier of bureaucracy that adds in admin and management into non-medical areas.
In regards to the current situation it matters not one whit to me which party was in government - I'm concerned about what the government will do. Sadly the last few governments for ideological reasons decided to degrade our NHSs meaning they are now less able to cope with the current situation than they would have been 10 years ago. We are told "The NHS will get everything it needs". Unfortunately that would require a time machine to go back and undo all the stupidity and the ideological based cuts. |
__________________
I wish I knew how to quit you |
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#62 |
Illuminator
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,922
|
At least most of us in Europe can be assured of some form of accessible healthcare and the right to be paid if we're forced to sit at home. Though I realize that the slimming of both healthcare and social security by the various right wing governments has put a lot people out of reach of one or both.
In the US though? If the Democrats are smart they point out that taxing the rich to pay for a social security net and healthcare actually does mostly help people who are not at fault for their financial troubles. And given that a significant part of Trump's voters are people who will now face financial troubles due to having no healthcare it might help them. |
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#63 |
Critical Thinker
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: London
Posts: 309
|
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#64 |
Philosopher
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: UK
Posts: 5,479
|
Just to make matters a little worse:
Coronavirus: US airports in disarray over screening As the article points out:
Quote:
|
__________________
So I've started a blog about my writing. Check it out at: http://fourth-planet-problem.blogspot.com/ And my first book is on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077W322FX |
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#65 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Sir Fynwy
Posts: 31,072
|
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#66 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Sir Fynwy
Posts: 31,072
|
Nick Hancock, the UK Health Secretary is floundering as usual. He said this morning that all over 70s, and all other high risk individuals will have to self-isolate for an indeterminate period of time at an unknown point in the future....
..... making it up as they go along as usual. ![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#67 |
Lackey
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: South East, UK
Posts: 96,145
|
|
__________________
I wish I knew how to quit you |
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#68 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 13,302
|
Sorry about that, NZ: Coronavirus in NZ: Danish tourist visited Queenstown adventure attraction, restaurant (NZ Herald, March 15, 2020)
Dansk kvinde bringer coronasmitte til New Zealands største ø (DR.dk, March 15, 2020) |
__________________
/dann "Stupidity renders itself invisible by assuming very large proportions. Completely unreasonable claims are irrefutable. Ni-en-leh pointed out that a philosopher might get into trouble by claiming that two times two makes five, but he does not risk much by claiming that two times two makes shoe polish." B. Brecht "The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is required for their real happiness. The demand to give up the illusion about its condition is the demand to give up a condition which needs illusions." K. Marx |
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#69 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 13,302
|
Grotesque! Tætte køer og timelang ventetid: Hjemvendte amerikanere strandet i lufthavne (DR.dk, March 15, 2020) |
__________________
/dann "Stupidity renders itself invisible by assuming very large proportions. Completely unreasonable claims are irrefutable. Ni-en-leh pointed out that a philosopher might get into trouble by claiming that two times two makes five, but he does not risk much by claiming that two times two makes shoe polish." B. Brecht "The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is required for their real happiness. The demand to give up the illusion about its condition is the demand to give up a condition which needs illusions." K. Marx |
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#70 |
Lackey
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: South East, UK
Posts: 96,145
|
Could be some very nasty business between the USS and Germany
https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/artic...off-Firma.html |
__________________
I wish I knew how to quit you |
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#71 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 13,302
|
|
__________________
/dann "Stupidity renders itself invisible by assuming very large proportions. Completely unreasonable claims are irrefutable. Ni-en-leh pointed out that a philosopher might get into trouble by claiming that two times two makes five, but he does not risk much by claiming that two times two makes shoe polish." B. Brecht "The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is required for their real happiness. The demand to give up the illusion about its condition is the demand to give up a condition which needs illusions." K. Marx |
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#72 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 13,302
|
|
__________________
/dann "Stupidity renders itself invisible by assuming very large proportions. Completely unreasonable claims are irrefutable. Ni-en-leh pointed out that a philosopher might get into trouble by claiming that two times two makes five, but he does not risk much by claiming that two times two makes shoe polish." B. Brecht "The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is required for their real happiness. The demand to give up the illusion about its condition is the demand to give up a condition which needs illusions." K. Marx |
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#73 |
Philosopher
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 9,504
|
I believe they really are trying to follow the scientific advice and do the best they can. Unfortunately for the politicians that scientific advice is a bit out of sync with the rest of the world, so they have to keep telling the population that the measures that are currently in force in many countries around the world are coming to the UK soon.
The plan requires quite careful timing to work; we want the peak to be around spring and early summer. Plus they are taking advice from behavioural psychologists as to how long the British public will stick to the more draconian measures. But if your brain is wired to hate the conservatives irrespective of the issue then nothing I or anyone else says will change your attitude and beliefs. We really need to be working together as a country on this, not bickering based on our ideological biases, pointing the finger before it's even started to get really bad... |
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#74 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 31,406
|
Trump had a negative test result apparently.
He was definitely infected but after spending 10 minutes in him the virus took its own life. |
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#75 |
Lackey
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: South East, UK
Posts: 96,145
|
What need to being doing is preparing. Government should be in parliament tomorrow getting legislation passed to take extreme measures. I'd like to see them request the power to grab the delivery services such as Amazon and Tescos. If over 70s have to self isolate for months we need to be delivering them food and other supplies. If we need more hospital beds get the power to requisition them from the private companies. And so on.
Times like this we need to be able to act like a "control economy " and they need to start doing that now. If the plans never need to be put in place fantastic, but we need them ready and waiting to kick in the day they are needed. We can be doing so much more than we are apparently doing. |
__________________
I wish I knew how to quit you |
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#76 |
Philosopher
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 9,504
|
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#77 |
Loggerheaded, earth-vexing fustilarian
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Usk, Wales
Posts: 26,257
|
My arse. It's nothing to do with ideological bias, just science.
I’m an epidemiologist. When I heard about Britain’s ‘herd immunity’ coronavirus plan, I thought it was satire. |
__________________
"Even a broken clock is right twice a day. 9/11 truth is a clock with no hands." - Beachnut |
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#78 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Port Townsend, Washington
Posts: 30,675
|
|
__________________
Cum catapultae proscribeantur tum soli proscripti catapultas habeant. |
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#79 |
Philosopher
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 9,504
|
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#80 |
Penultimate Amazing
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 31,406
|
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | |
|
|