As Washington passes the CARES Act, buying time for Americans who are out of work and stuck at home, we look at the economic effects of the pandemic situation, and the usual partisan spin presented by politicians and the media. 

America and the rest of the world remain on lockdown... and from this unique period of isolation where safe-spaces can no longer easily be invaded, and fighting and flame wars have been replaced by a sense of togetherness in the face of struggle, we predict that an all-new phenomenon has begun to emerge: the era of the Social Distance Warrior.

Well, not really (but it was a fun play on words). This week, we turn our attention to the latest spate of theories being linked on news sites and social media that attempt to link the coronavirus to Chinese laboratories. USA Today notes that there is little basis for the claim, and points out a number of commentators who have peddled similar ideas... or did they? Then later in the program, we turn our attention to the passing of the CARES Act, how it is intended to help Americans, and why this is important in terms of buying time for the rest of the world and the global economy. However, not all were thrilled about the bill, and many have been asking on both sides of the political fence what the longterm repercussions might be. We analyze all this, and more on this week's edition of Middle Theory.

Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic:

No Kid Hungry Responds to Coronavirus

American Red Cross: Give Blood

Feeding America

Meals on Wheels

Homeless Shelter Directory

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:

* Michiel Duijsings

* Grimerica

* Jill Ellis 

* Brett Giles

If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button. 

SHOW NOTES

* CLAIM: Chinese researchers isolated deadly bat coronaviruses near Wuhan animal market

* FACT CHECK: Did the coronavirus originate in a Chinese laboratory? (USA Today)

* VIRUS RESCUE BILL: White House, Congress agree on $2 trillion virus rescue bill

* BUYING TIME: Kudlow Projects Coronavirus Aid Package to Reach ‘Roughly’ $6 Trillion

* Mnuchin 'one of most powerful Cabinet members in modern history'

*