In an emotional appeal in Washington, D.C., former President Donald Trump rallied Christians to engage vigorously in the forthcoming November elections, expressing deep concerns over threats to their religious values.

According to The Western Journal, during his address at the Faith & Freedom Coalition's Road to Majority conference, Trump accentuated the pivotal role of Christian and evangelical votes in ensuring the protection of Christian doctrines in the U.S.

Trump opened his keynote speech at the conference by underlining the importance of Christian engagement in political processes. He stressed that the current administration under President Joe Biden poses significant threats to the core values held by the Christian community.

Accusations were abundant as Trump criticized Biden's stance towards Catholic Americans, highlighting the case of Mark Houck, a pro-life activist who faced legal challenges. Trump depicted this as a broader campaign against religious freedoms by the Biden administration.

The former president did not shy away from controversial topics, touching on issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and transgender rights. He contended that these were areas where Christian values were being directly challenged under the current leadership.

Trump Spotlights Perceived Persecution Of Catholics

Trump also engaged with the audience regarding what he perceived as direct attacks on Catholic Americans, suggesting illegal activities such as spying were targeting them. His proclamation of an anti-Christian bias under Biden's governance resonated with attendees concerned about religious freedoms.

Moreover, Trump argued against Biden's interpretation of Catholic moral teachings, highlighting the contradiction given Biden's professed Catholic faith. He pointed out that several Catholic leaders have voiced objections to Biden's policies, which they believe contradict fundamental Catholic doctrines.

In response to what he views as widespread anti-Christian biases, Trump proposed the establishment of a federal task force dedicated to protecting Christian Americans from governmental overreach and persecution.

Trump's Promises To Defend Judeo-Christian Values

Reiterating his commitment, Trump promised to review and rectify the cases of individuals he described as "political prisoners," suffering under unjust persecution due to their pro-life and religious beliefs. His supporters have seen this move as a staunch defense of religious liberties.

Moreover, Trump reassured his audience of his unwavering commitment to defending Judeo-Christian values, echoing promises made during his first presidential term when he claimed to champion religious freedom like no other president.

Further motivating the crowd, Trump emphasized the significant impact the Christian electorate could have if fully mobilized. His speech strongly encouraged attending church and actively participating in the political process through voting.

Trump Encourages High Christian Voter Turnout

Highlighting the necessity of honest elections, Trump expressed concerns over potential corrupt practices that could undermine the Christian vote. He urged vigilance and active participation from his audience, emphasizing his perception of the current administration's failures and the need for a solid turnout to correct the course.

"If I knew there was not going to be corruption, I'd stop campaigning right now, we'd have this thing won," Trump asserted, underscoring the importance of fairness and integrity in the electoral process.

Summing up his views, Trump spoke directly to the attendees, stating their integral role as "warriors" in defending their beliefs against what he described as a dire threat to their freedoms under the Biden administration.

Support For Trump Among Christian Voters

Matt Carpenter from FRC Action echoed Trump's sentiments by commenting on the political climate. He acknowledged the profound understanding among Christian voters of what is perceived as an increasing threat to their values. Carpenter highlighted their ultimate accountability to higher ideals and divine guidance rather than any political figures.

In the context of the broader American political landscape, Trump's speech signifies a campaign rally and a broader call to action aimed at rallying the base of Christian voters who played a pivotal role in his initial electoral success and could be crucial again in the upcoming election cycle.

As the November elections approach, the mobilization of Christian voters remains a significant priority for Trump and the broader conservative movement, with potential implications for the balance of power in U.S. politics.

Reiterating The Call for Christian Mobilization

In conclusion, Trump's speech at the recent "Road to Majority" conference was a clear mobilization call to Christian and evangelical voters. Asserting the dangers posed to their values under the current administration, Trump emphasized the critical importance of their votes in defending religious freedoms and influencing the political landscape.  Moreover, Trump's proposals highlighted his strategic focus on religious liberties as a cornerstone of his potential reelection campaign, solidifying his promises.

In a spirited plea to safeguard Christian values, former President Donald Trump rallied supporters to combat what he perceives as threats from the Biden administration.

The Western Journal reported that during the Faith & Freedom Coalition's conference, Trump called for significant Christian voter turnout to oppose President Joe Biden.

At the "Road to Majority" conference in Washington, D.C., Trump portrayed the current administration as a threat to Christian ideals, emphasizing perceived encroachments on religious freedoms under President Biden.

He urged Christians to exercise their voting rights, citing concerns over issues like abortion, same-sex marriage, and transgender rights, which he critiqued as contrary to religious values.

Trump highlighted the importance of voting to combat alleged voter fraud and preserve the integrity of Christian beliefs in public life.

Trump Accuses Biden of Dictatorial Conduct

Trump intensified his rhetoric by comparing Biden's governance to that of a "third-world dictator," accusing him of undermining law and order's fundamental tenets.

This comparison aimed to emphasize the urgency of his call to action for voter mobilization among conservative Christians.

He highlighted specific grievances, including allegations that the Biden administration targeted American Catholics and prosecuted pro-life activists like Mark Houck, framing these actions as persecution of religious groups.

This narrative aimed to heighten concerns within his audience about potential bias against their community.

Trump also pledged to establish a federal task force to combat anti-Christian discrimination. He highlighted his administration's achievements, particularly the appointment of Supreme Court Justices instrumental in overturning Roe v. Wade, which he celebrated as a victory for pro-life advocates.

Christian Values at the Forefront of Trump's Campaign

Trump's address focused on defending Judeo-Christian values, portraying his administration as a steadfast champion of these principles in contrast to what he described as the aggressive secular agenda of the Democrats, particularly regarding abortion policies.

Matt Carpenter of FRC Action discussed Christian voters' disillusionment with government interference in religious matters, providing context to the anxieties Trump highlighted and emphasizing the need for political participation among attendees.

Throughout his speech, Trump delivered powerful rallying cries to the Christian community, urging them to recognize their voting power. "Do you know the power you have if you would vote?" he asked the crowd, stressing the transformative potential of their collective action at the polls.

Trump's Vivid Call to Action to Christian Voters

Trump's address critiqued the Biden administration while making a broader appeal to defend and assert Christian influence in American politics. He noted, "The evangelicals and the Christians, they don't vote as much as they should. … They go to church every Sunday, but they don't vote," aiming to bridge this gap in the upcoming elections.

He envisioned a mobilized Christian electorate, declaring, "Working side by side, we're going to defeat crooked Joe Biden, we're going to defend our values, and we're going to make America great again." This statement encapsulated his message of unity and determination among his supporters.

Asserting autonomy in belief, Trump declared, "Our allegiance is to our country and our allegiance is to our Creator," emphasizing a nationalist and theological commitment that resonates deeply with his audience.

Election Stakes Highlighted as High for Christian Communities

As the conference progressed, Trump intensified his critique of the current administration, framing the spiritual and political conflict as of existential importance to heighten the perceived threat among his listeners and motivate them towards active participation in the electoral process.

Trump's comprehensive strategy aimed not only to address immediate concerns but also to project a long-term commitment to restoring what he perceives as the rightful influence of Christian values in the U.S. governance system. "We're going to straighten it out, we're going to straighten it out fast," he assured, signaling his intent to address these issues promptly if re-elected.

Closing his address, the former president reaffirmed his commitment to the Christian community, pledging robust legal protections and institutional support to uphold their religious freedoms. He highlighted the proposed federal task force as a critical component of this strategy, aimed at safeguarding against discrimination or persecution due to religious beliefs.

In summary, Donald Trump's speech at the Faith & Freedom Coalition's "Road to Majority" conference was a compelling mobilization effort targeting Christian voters.

Trump portrayed Joe Biden's administration as a threat to Christian values, emphasizing the importance of robust voter turnout to defend religious freedoms and counter what he described as aggressive secular policies.

With accusations and promises, Trump tailored his rhetoric sharply to resonate with his conservative Christian audience, setting the stage for what he hopes will be a decisive showdown in the forthcoming elections.

In a solemn blend of grief and faith, the community of Scottsdale mourned the tragic death of Detective Ryan So, a dedicated officer of the Scottsdale Police Department. So lost his life in an unforeseen accident while executing his duty on June 13.

The loss of Det. Ryan So was deeply felt during a memorial service that encapsulated themes of faith and divine understanding, led by a local pastor using So's own Bible, The Western Journal reported.

Det. Ryan So's demise occurred as he served an arrest warrant. During the arrest procedure, a rifle unexpectedly discharged after falling from a container, striking and fatally injuring Detective So. This heartbreaking event precipitated profound sorrow among colleagues, family, and the community he served.

Reflections on Life and Faith

Detective Ryan So, remembered for his professionalism and kindness, leaves behind a grieving family, including his wife and three daughters. His death has deeply affected both his immediate family and the wider Scottsdale community.

On Father's Day, Pastor Brian Bowman of Valley Life Church in Phoenix led the memorial service, a poignant choice given So's role as a father. Pastor Bowman delivered a sermon using Detective So's own Bible, adding a deeply personal touch to the service.

During the memorial, Pastor Bowman highlighted three core attributes that defined Detective So: his goodness, his joy, and his strength. These reflections not only honored So's memory but also emphasized his steadfast commitment to his faith and community.

A Sermon of Depth and Understanding

"I’m preaching today from Ryan’s Bible," Pastor Bowman announced at the start of his homily, marking the sermon with a deeply personal touch. He elaborated on the virtues that defined Ryan So, emphasizing that his goodness was rooted in his pursuit of Christ.

Pastor Bowman's sermon delved into theological themes of human suffering, divine will, and God's omnipresent love. Using Apostle Paul’s teachings from Ephesians 3:14-19, Bowman illustrated the challenge Christians face in understanding God’s all-encompassing love during times of adversity.

According to Pastor Bowman, "You do not want to be sovereign over circumstances," a reminder that faith often entails surrendering control and understanding that hardships serve a higher purpose. This perspective was particularly poignant given the tragic circumstances of So’s death.

Public and Recorded Tributes

The impact of Det. Ryan So's service and his commitment to faith resonated not only through personal tributes at the service but also across digital platforms.

Pastor Bowman's sermon, starting at the 19-minute mark, was recorded and uploaded to YouTube, allowing a wider audience to experience the commemorative message.

This recorded sermon serves as a lasting tribute to Det. So, encapsulating his life’s dedication to service and faith, offering solace and inspiration to those grieving his loss.

In conclusion, the memorial service for Det. Ryan So was a moment not only for mourning but also for reflecting on the enduring strength of faith and community.

Through Pastor Bowman’s sermon, delivered from Ryan So’s own Bible, both attendees and online viewers gained a poignant insight into the depth of So’s character and the profound impact of his life and work.

Experts have unearthed a 1,500-year-old ivory pyx beneath an altar in an abandoned hilltop settlement in a remarkable archaeological discovery.

The Western Journal reported that this rare Christian artifact provides fresh insights into the artistic and religious symbology of late antiquity.

In 2016, the excavation unveiled two Christian churches and various dwellings around a central cistern adorned with personal items and religious artifacts.

Among these discoveries was the intricately carved ivory box or pyx, found under the altar in a side chapel, capturing the attention of historians and archaeologists alike.

The imagery on the pyx is both profound and unique. One side depicts Moses at Mount Sinai, a seminal Old Testament event where he receives the divine laws.

Gerald Grabherr, a prominent archaeologist involved in the study, explained the significance, noting, "This is the typical depiction of the handing over of the laws to Moses on Mount Sinai, the beginning of the covenant between God and man from the Old Testament."

Depiction Of Christ's Ascension Breaks Conventional Boundaries

The other side of the pyx presents a more uncommon portrayal: the Ascension of Christ into heaven, depicted not conventionally but with a two-horse chariot known as a biga.

This representation, previously unseen in Christian iconography, suggests a fascinating blend of cultural influences during that era. "The depiction of scenes from the Old Testament and their connection with scenes from the New Testament is typical of late antiquity," remarked Grabherr, adding, "However, the depiction of the Ascension of Christ with a so-called biga, a two-horse chariot, is extraordinary and previously unknown."

The rarity of such artifacts adds to the significance of this finding. Only about 40 known ivory boxes similar to this pyx exist worldwide, with the last discovery occurring nearly a century ago.

According to Grabherr, "We know of around 40 ivory boxes of this kind worldwide, and as far as I know, the last time one of these was found during excavations was around 100 years ago."

Conservation Challenges Due to High Humidity

Preserving this artifact posed significant challenges due to its compromised condition. Unearthed from a damp marble shrine, the pyx had absorbed moisture, making it extremely delicate to handle.

Ulrike Töchterle, a member of the conservation team, highlighted the precarious state of the pyx, stating, "Ivory, especially ivory stored on the ground like in the marble shrine, absorbs moisture from its surroundings and is very soft and easily damaged in this state."

The high humidity at the excavation site further complicated preservation efforts. Töchterle noted, "Due to the very high humidity of 90 percent in the marble shrine immediately after salvage, the risk of condensation and mold formation was very high." The subsequent drying process was meticulously managed to prevent further damage, spanning an extensive two years to complete.

The discovery's context raises questions about the circumstances leading to the artifact's concealment and the eventual abandonment of the site. By 610 A.D., the collapse of the Roman Empire and subsequent Slavic invasions reshaped the region's religious landscape, prompting the Christian community to flee, leaving many sacred items behind. "It's something of a mystery why the ivory pyx was left where it was, especially since a reliquary like this is normally taken away as the 'holiest' part when a church is abandoned," observed Grabherr.

Future Plans: 3-D Reconstruction of the Pyx

The conservation team plans to create a 3-D reconstruction because some parts of the pyx are too distorted for traditional restoration methods.

This modern technique will allow scholars and the public to appreciate the artifact's original craftsmanship and intricate designs, bridging a gap in history that has remained closed for centuries.

In conclusion, the discovery of this ivory pyx has not only unveiled a unique piece of Christian iconography but also opened a window into the religious and cultural exchanges of late antiquity.

The intricate depictions of biblical scenes provide a tangible link between the Old and New Testaments, enriching our understanding of the period's artistic and theological discourse.

As conservation efforts continue, this artifact promises to offer deeper insights and provoke further scholarly discussions on early Christian art and culture.

These days, there is a lot to be worried about with the number of cases of the coronavirus Covid-19 rising and the number of deaths increasing. It seems like the news is all bad.

Millions of people are filing for unemployment, and no one knows how long "shelter-in-place" policies will last. Governors are demanding ventilators and hospitals.

Through all the noise, President Trump has been talking about how private industry is stepping up to help with the effort to get medical supplies to the places that need them most - like New York City and Los Angeles. Americans should be happy about how the president is handling this aspect of the crisis.

Early on in the crisis, Americans became painfully aware that the majority of our medical supplies were being imported from China, India and other countries, leaving us hanging when those supply chains were interrupted by the spreading coronavirus. We don't have personal protective equipment for medical personnel. We don't have enough ventilators if the pandemic continues to escalate.

Of course, the projected models of how many people would be affected were based on a worst-case scenario by Neil Ferguson, an Imperial College London professor. His oft-cited study projected 500,000 dead in the UK and over 2 million in the US if no precautions were taken.

His model with lockdowns and social distancing in place predicts 20,000 deaths in the UK rather than 500,000. (Dr. Ferguson has now tested positive for the virus as has the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Prince Charles.)

President invokes Defense Production Act with GM

US companies are stepping up without the President having to invoke the Defense Production act. The president has said he is reluctant to force companies into production, though, as of today, he is using the act to force GM to retool to make ventilators.

American companies produce needed supplies

Some of the many companies that are doing their part to help fight the coronavirus are Ford, General Electric, 3M, CVS, Medtronic, Honeywell, and My Pillow, to name a few.

Some distilleries including Bacardi and Fall Rivers have turned to producing hand sanitizer.

Elizabeth Wright Director of Health and Science Policy at Citizens Against Government Waste pointed out something important about the proper use of the Defense Production Act:

"FEMA has said it does not need the president to enforce the Defense Production Act to secure medical equipment since private industry is escalating production to meet demand. This is not only a tribute to capitalism and patriotism, it is a rebuke to the “restructuring” of the country that House Democrats’ envision as a way to exert greater control over American industry and personal freedoms.

Sean Hannity featured American companies doing their part in a segment on his show recently.

Watch:

 

As if New York City didn't have enough problems with the number of victims of Covid-19 rising,  Mayor Bill de Blasio is releasing "non-violent" prisoners early. He seems to be pleased that jail populations are lower than in 1949.

The problem is, he is releasing criminals into the city at a time when the city is suffering from the worst of the coronavirus outbreak.

According to the New York Times:

By late Wednesday, 200 inmates had been freed, bringing New York City’s jail population to 4,906, Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a news conference on Thursday. The last time it was below 5,000, he said, was 1949. Another 175 inmates were expected to be released by Thursday night.

New York is not the only place that prisoners are being released "early" to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Los Angeles' mayor, Eric Garcetti is doing the same thing in his city. New Jersey has released prisoners, too. Common sense suggests that this will not turn out well for law-abiding citizens.

New York City hit hardest by Covid-19

New York City is the "epicenter" of the Covid-19 crisis in the US. Half the cases of coronavirus are in New York City. There are over 23,000 cases and 365 people are dead including a nurse, Kious Kelly.

Watch the video to see what New York City is dealing with:

The city is suffering and Tucker Carlson gives one explanation about why the city has been so hard hit by the virus. He ran a story on the leaders of New York City and their ill-advised policies designed to prevent them from appearing racist while at the same time putting their constituents at risk.

Many of  New York City's leaders, like Mayor Bill DeBlasio, spent  time encouraging New Yorkers to go out to theaters and parades and just "live their lives."  Sadly, the desire to not appear racist put the citizens of the largest city in the US at risk and people are dying.

At this stage of the pandemic, more people are dying in New York City than anywhere else in the US. The New York National Guard is setting up temporary hospitals and refrigerated trucks are being used to store the bodies as the morgues fill up.

Pray for the people in New York City.

Watch:

One of the stars of the White House Coronavirus Task Force is Dr. Anthony Fauci, an immunologist and the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

He has served in that capacity since 1984 through many national crises such as AIDS, H1N1, Ebola, SARS, and MERS. He speaks almost daily in the press briefings and he has impressed the nation as a scientific, measured, and respectable voice.

Fauci speaks carefully during the task force press briefings, but he does not parrot the president. The media sees that as an opportunity to pit President Trump against Fauci, but both the president and Fauci deny that there is any problem.

In a recent interview, Mark Levin questioned Dr. Fauci on what he thinks about the efforts the task force is making. Dr. Fauci praised the coordinated response of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, saying among other things:

"Well, we've never had a threat like this and the coordinated response has been, there are a number of adjectives to describe it. Impressive, I think is one of them."

He obviously believes that the White House efforts are exceptional, saying,

...I can't imagine that under any circumstances that anybody could be doing more. I mean, obviously, we're fighting a formidable enemy -- this virus. This virus is a serious issue here.

Watch what Dr. Fauci has to say:

The media is following an old playbook - divide and conquer. Thus far, Trump and Fauci are resisting their efforts.

It's a beautiful thing to see the media's disappointment.

The Democrats have blocked the Coronavirus Response Bill twice now as the American people wonder what will be left of their jobs, their businesses,  or their economy. Just as the Senate was about to pass the bill, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi blew up the negotiations in order to craft her own bill in the House.

Majority Whip James Clyburn wants the coronavirus relief bill to be about a Democrat wish list. "This is a tremendous opportunity to restructure things to fit our vision.”

Ostensibly, the Senate bill does not offer enough protection for "workers" among other things. The Democrats say "workers" need more protections, which is just code for "the unions need more power."

The Democrats, are nothing if they are not loyal to the unions, which donated more than $1.1 billion dollars to Democrats in 2018.  Now those same unions want to hold up much-needed stimulus in the form of loans for businesses until they get their pound of flesh, more power in the name of the "worker."

Republicans fall into a trap

Republicans and President Trump have fallen into the trap of using Democrat terms, calling Americans "workers." They think they are talking about all Americans that work, including small businessmen, tradespeople, independent contractors, and employees, but that is not what Democrats mean.

They only consider union members as "workers," which represent 1  in 10 Americans. The federal government needs to consider all the people that power the largest economy in the world, and Republicans need to stop calling Americans "workers."

88% percent of the American workforce is not unionized.  36% of those unionized "workers" are government employees such as teachers, police officers, firefighters, and others. Only 6.4% of the private sector is unionized.

Except among government agencies, union membership is in decline, yet unions like the AFL-CIO and SEIU wield a disproportionate amount of power in places like California, New York and Washington DC. Government employee unions make up a whopping 36% of all unionized workers.

Government agencies are particularly suited to meet union demands in "collective bargaining" because they have an endless supply of tax revenue. The private sector just doesn't have as much money to meet union demands.

Union-backed bill harms Californians

Sadly, policy that is crafted for the "worker" often harms small businesses and their employees, and independent contractors which can include bookkeepers, stylists, exotic dancers, authors, artists, dancers, musicians, consultants, translators, and many more.

Indeed, California is just realizing the full effect of an AFL-CIO crafted bill since it went into effect in January. The bill was sold to Californians as legislation to protect Uber and Lyft drivers and provide them with employee status.

But, in reality, the bill has hurt upwards of 16% of the workforce in California, which amounts to thousands and thousands of independent contractors. Many of them are women needing the flexibility of working for themselves to manage their work and family time.

They are losing their livelihoods due to the draconian penalties included in the bill. Sponsors of the bill simply don't consider the people working outside of unions and big companies as "workers," and therefore they believe they can't have hurt anyone because they simply don't exist. You can listen to some of the justifications here.

This video explains the harm done by such legislation.

This is America

This is America. If someone wants to work for a company he should be free to make that choice. If someone wants to work for herself, she should be able to. Americans do not need politicians to take care of them. People should be able to make their livings as they please without government passing legislation that destroys their livelihoods.

Independent contractors enjoy working for themselves, setting their own schedules, and taking responsibility for their own healthcare and taxes. But people like the AFL-CIO think that they know better how to manage "workers." They condescendingly believe the "workers" can't take care of themselves, they need a government "safety net." This is a slap in the face to all the many Americans that have managed their own work lives.

No Americans are safe with Democrats in power

If you think you are safe from such destructive legislation, think again. Now that labor legislation has been implemented in California, the Democrats in Congress want to force the same kind of law on the rest entire country in the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. The only thing saving the rest of the country from such destructive legislation is a Republican majority in the Senate.

Tucker Carlson excoriates the Democrats for delaying passage of the Coronavirus Response Bill:

The number of senators is dwindling in the Senate. Senator Rand Paul just received a positive test result for the virus and some senators that were near him recently are also self-quarantining per CDC guidance. Paul is "asymptomatic" meaning he has no symptoms of the virus. He was tested out of an abundance of caution because of his travels.

Republican Senators Mike Lee and Mitt Romney both from Utah, have self-quarantined as they were in close proximity to Paul recently. Sen. Romney's office stated, "Since Senator Romney sat next to Senator Paul for extended periods in recent days and consistent with [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] guidance, the attending physician has ordered him to immediately self-quarantine and not to vote on the Senate floor."

Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo) and Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) are also self-quarantined.

Coronavirus Relief legislation fails

The loss of Republican senators is making it hard to pass any legislation in the Senate as Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell struggles to act in the face of an impending economic crisis.

McConnell announced Paul's results on the Senate floor on Sunday, "Colleagues, as everyone now knows, the coronavirus has arrived in the Senate. There are at least five senators who are in self-quarantine at the moment." All five of the senators in self-quarantine are Republicans, bringing the number of Republicans available to vote on legislation to 48 against the Democrat"s 47.

The Senate Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), after working with Republicans, decided to block the massive spending bill designed to help Americans through the coronavirus crisis.

After meeting with McConnell, Schumer, and Ranking member Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) to discuss the bill, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced that the House would be drafting their own bill. McConnell was visibly angry after the vote, accusing Democrats of obstruction. Another vote is scheduled for Monday morning.

Watch:

Here is what is going on in Covid-19 America. Some things are good, some things are bad, and some things are downright ugly.

The good

The Trump administration is providing strong leadership during this Chinese coronavirus crisis.  A vaccine for Covid-19 is already being tested. An anti-malarial drug, Chloroquine, is a possible treatment for those who have contracted the virus. President Trump has closed the northern and southern borders to all but essential traffic.

According to the NIH,

A Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating an investigational vaccine designed to protect against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has begun at Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute (KPWHRI) in Seattle.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, a member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, emphasized the importance of both the speed and the study. “This Phase 1 study, launched in record speed, is an important first step toward achieving that goal.”

A California research company, Cepheid has developed a "rapid" coronavirus test. Currently, it takes more than a day to get a test. According to Live Science:

The tests were developed by California-based company Cepheid and will be shipped to U.S. facilities by March 30, according to an FDA announcement. However, right now, the tests are likely only going to be used in a hospital setting, where a patient is already in an emergency room or hospital triage wing and needs to be diagnosed rapidly, STAT reported.

President Trump has spent the last few days talking about an anti-malarial drug, chloroquine, that might help treat victims of the coronavirus. Chloroquine is a cheap and effective anti-malarial drug used to reduce fever and inflammation in malaria patients.

It is being tested by the FDA and it has been approved for "compassionate" use, meaning, it can be used if an infected person requests it.

Dr. Anthony Fauci talks about the hopeful prospects of the drug:

According to James Gallagher, BBC health correspondent, "Chloroquine seems to block the coronavirus in lab studies. There's some anecdotal evidence from doctors saying it has appeared to help."

Border closings

President Trump was considering closing our southern border way back in February. Predictably, there was a large outcry from the media, but now not only the southern but also the northern border are closed to all but essential crossings. The president explained:

"As we did with Canada, we're also working with Mexico to implement new rules at our ports of entry to suspend non-essential travel. These new rules and procedures will not impede lawful trade and commerce."

The Bad

Millions of Americans and American businesses have been shut down. There is a shortage of some medical necessaries like respirators, ventilators, masks, gloves and other personal protective equipment otherwise known as PPE.

The cost of idling millions of Americans has not been counted or realized yet, but one could imagine that when the world's largest economy is slowed down or stopped, billions, and probably trillions will be lost. It is hard to find any data or even speculation about this aspect of the impact of the Chinese coronavirus.

Some American politicians, like Senator Josh Hawley are calling for China to be held financially responsible for the economic devastation, saying that the cost in lives and money would not be so high if China had been honest about the start and spread of the virus in Wuhan. Instead, China hid the information and allowed travel in and out of China for weeks. President Trump instituted a travel ban to and from China in January.

Many of our medical supplies and drugs are imported from China and other countries. Medical supplies like respirators, ventilators, gloves, and facemasks are in high demand as over a hundred countries are now fighting the coronavirus. President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to redirect American companies to start prioritizing and producing the supplies we need to fight the virus.

The Ugly

The number of cases of coronavirus in the US continues to climb as testing becomes more widespread. The US stock market and all other markets have tanked, wiping out trillions of dollars of wealth.

According to Johns Hopkins University, the number of cases in Italy has risen to over 41,000, with hundreds of deaths each day overwhelming the Italian morgues. The US numbers are rising, too, but not as fast at this point.

As Dr. Fauci, a member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force said, Americans can expect the infection rate to get worse before it gets better. Americans are being asked to practice "social distancing" in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.

The US stock market has tanked over the last few weeks. It has been a blood bath. Just as the market frequently set records in its meteoric rise since President Trump won the 2016 election, it also set astounding records as its rapid fall erased all the gains of the last 3 and half years.

The Dow Jones Industrial fell from a record high of  29,551  points on February 12 to 19,173 points at the close of the market on March 20 for a loss of 10,378 points. Uncertainty over the Chinese coronavirus and its impact on the global economy is blamed for the catastrophic decline and destruction of trillions of dollars.

It remains to be seen which is more devastating, the uncertainty surrounding the virus, or the virus itself.

Disclaimer: This article is in no way comprehensive. There are many more good, bad, and ugly things going on in the world. The above items are the ones that stand out to this writer.

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