As the 2020 Census information is being released, we are finding that accurate counts matter especially when it comes to congressional districts. If New York had counted 89 more people, it would have kept the seat it lost (and Minnesota would have lost a seat instead). Traditional red states gained 6 congressional districts which will make it harder for Democrats to maintain control of the House of Representatives. With the increase in population to traditionally red states, the amount of money distributed by congress will also increase to these red states. The census matters.
Heather Cox Richardson reported in her newsletter of April 26 that Fox News Channel personality Tucker Carlson called for his audience to start direct action by confronting people wearing masks, which he says are signs of “political obedience.” He maintained that 64% of white Americans who called themselves “liberal” or “very liberal” “have been diagnosed with an actual mental health condition.” He called them “aggressors” and told supporters, “it’s our job to brush them back and restore the society we were born in.” He said to call the police immediately if they see children wearing masks and keep calling until someone arrives: it is child abuse, he says, and his audience is “morally obligated to prevent it.” Only in America.
Per the NY Times, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention took a major step on Tuesday toward coaxing Americans into a post-pandemic world, relaxing the rules on mask wearing outdoors as coronavirus cases recede and people increasingly chafe against restrictions. The mask guidance is modest and carefully written: Americans who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus no longer need to wear a mask outdoors while walking, running, hiking or biking alone, or when in small gatherings, including with members of their own households. Masks are still necessary in crowded outdoor venues like sports stadiums. Please listen to the CDC and not Tucker Carlson.
It has been a long day and short night.
Stay safe. Wear your mask properly. Wash your hands regularly. Social distance. Schedule your vaccine.
Quote of the Day: “Diversity of opinion is the lifeblood of democracy. … The minute we begin to insist that everyone think the same way we think, our democratic way of life is in danger.” John B. Oakes the creator of the NY Times Op-Ed page.
Orchid of the Day: My son Christopher who turned 39 today.
Onion of the Day: I am giving the onion a day off.