This is Toby Sumpter with your CrossPolitic Daily News Brief for Friday, April 17, 2020

The Governor of New Jersey Says the Bill of Rights is Above His Pay-grade

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG7SglDjeOM&feature=youtu.be

On Wednesday, an interview appeared on youtube with Tucker Carlson interviewing the Governor of New Jersey. At around the 11 minute mark, Carlson notes that New Jersey law enforcement has been cracking down, dispersing crowds at parks and including the arrest of fifteen Jews gathered in a synagogue and charged. Carlson notes that the Bill of Rights protects the right of citizens to worship in the way they see fit and to gather to do so. Then Carlson asks this: 

Tucker Carlson: By what authority did you nullify the Bill of Rights when issuing this order? How do you have the power to do that?

Governor Phil Murphy of NJ: That’s above my paygrade, Tucker, so I wasn’t thinking of the Bill of Rights when we did this. 

After citing some data and science, Tucker tried again: Since you are an elected official, a leader in the government, an executive, how do you have the authority to order something that so clearly contravenes the Bill of Rights of the United States, the US Constitution – where do you get the authority to do that?

Governor Phil Murphy: We know we need to stay away from one another, we have broad authority in the state, and we would never do that without coordinating, discussing, and hashing it out with the variety of leaders of the faiths of New Jersey. 

Tucker: I’m sure you talk to every Rabbi and priest. But there’s a deeper question here. And I’m going to ask you one last time, because I’m sure you’ve thought about this. You can’t just, as the Governor tell people who they can talk to, when and where because the Constitution of the United States prohibits you from doing that. You clearly decided that you could do it, but did you consult with an attorney about this? This is a legal question as well as a medical one, isn’t it?

Governor Murphy: [proceeds to tell a story about talking an archbishop about concerns about drive through communion inadvertently spreading the disease.]

Congratulations New Jersey, you elected a governor who said on national television that the Bill of Rights is above his paygrade and refused to answer a very obvious question about the legality of his isolation orders. 

We should remember that we get the leaders we ask for. We get the leaders we deserve. But thankfully this constitutional crisis is giving all Americans an intensive course in constitutional and biblical law. 

Four Sheriffs in Northern Michigan Declared Wednesday They Would Not Be Enforcing the Governor’s Execute Orders 

https://thefederalist.com/2020/04/15/four-michigan-sheriffs-say-they-wont-enforce-governors-totalitarian-orders/?fbclid=IwAR1jVkdkS3BXE6Q0Su81UhxbD0JAa4v46AX3x_u37UR_4u4q4Oy7rYQK0pM#.XpfF9JLllEc.facebook

The Federalist reports: Citing concerns over violating civil liberties, sheriffs Mike Borkovich, Ted Schendel, Ken Falk, and Kim Cole who protect counties along Lake Michigan said in a joint statement that the governor “has created a vague framework of emergency laws that only confuse Michigan citizens.”

“As a result, we will not have strict enforcement of these orders,” the sheriffs said. “We will deal with every case as an individual situation and apply common sense in assessing the apparent violation… We believe that we are the last line of defense in protecting your civil liberties.”

The Federalist continues: On Thursday, Gov. Whitmer issued one of the most restrictive stay-at-home orders in the country, if not the strictest. The sale of fruit and vegetable seeds are prohibited, even though home gardening would further enhance social distancing. People are also prohibited from buying paint.

But never fear: lottery tickets are still permitted under the governor’s order,

Michiganders are also barred from traveling “between residences”

This is Toby Sumpter with your CrossPolitic Daily News Brief for Thursday, April 16, 2020

The Associated Press Reported Monday that Joe Biden has been accused of sexual assault

https://apnews.com/d922da60baa91121f4529fe51a0fd55a

 A former aide to Joe Biden is accusing the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee of sexually assaulting her during the early 1990s when he was a senator. Biden’s campaign denies the charges.

In two recent interviews with The Associated Press, Tara Reade alleged the assault occurred in the basement of a Capitol Hill office building in the spring of 1993. She filed a police report in Washington on Thursday saying she was the victim of a sexual assault by an unnamed person in 1993, a copy of which was obtained by the AP.

It’s not the first time Reade has made an accusation against the former vice president. Last year, Reade publicly accused Biden of inappropriate touching, but did not allege sexual assault.

In a statement, Biden deputy campaign manager and communications director Kate Bedingfield said the former vice president “firmly believes that women have a right to be heard — and heard respectfully,” but added: “Such claims should also be diligently reviewed by an independent press.”

Earlier in the Democratic primary, Biden faced accusations of unwanted touching by several women, who said they were uncomfortable with hugs, hand holding and other actions. Reade was among the women who came forward at the time.

In recent weeks, she’s given a handful of interviews saying Biden’s actions went further than she initially disclosed. In an interview with the AP, she detailed a 1993 encounter that she says occurred when she was asked by a supervisor to bring Biden his gym bag as he was on his way down to the Senate gymnasium. She says Biden pushed her against a wall in the basement of a Capitol Hill office building and groped her.

“He was whispering to me and trying to kiss me at the same time, and he was saying, ‘Do you want to go somewhere else?’” she said. “I remember wanting to say stop, but I don’t know if I said it out loud or if I just thought it. I was kind of frozen up.”

Reade said that she pulled away and Biden looked “shocked and surprised,” and replied, “Come on, man, I heard you liked me.”

The Associated Press article goes on to detail the fact that no one on Biden’s staff at that time remembers any reports of sexual harassment, no record of a report being filed has turned up thus far, and there is no other corroboration of the allegations. Ms. Reade apparently told a couple of close friends and family members of the incident, but there is, as of yet, no other evidence. 

For Christians and those who care about, you know, actual justice and the truth, there really should be significant pause when allegations are not backed up with, you know, evidence. We should not pounce on spicy allegations or be inclined to believe them simply because they come against a creepy old man who doesn’t know what he is saying or what office he is running for. 

But what is of note in all of this is the massive double standard. Numerous reports have surfaced pointing out the vast discrepancy in reporting between these allegations and those brought against Brett Kavanaugh, during his Supreme Court confirmation hearings. For example Howard Kurtz, writing for Fox News writes: 

“Tara Reade has more corroboration for her claim than Christine Blasey Ford did when she made her accusations against Brett Kavanaugh in the fall of 2018.

The New York Times remained silent for 19 days before publishing a story on Reade’s allegations. And the Washington Post, after interviewing Reade starting last year, declined to run a story -- until the paper decided to follow the Times a day later.

Dean Baquet, executive editor at the New York Times said he gets the argument that the Times should at least have run a short story on Reade’s allegations at the outset. “But I’m not sure that do

This is Gabriel Rench with your CrossPolitic Daily News Brief for Wednesday, April 15th, 2020.

White House will reportedly share guidelines for reopening the economy this week

https://disrn.com/news/white-house-will-reportedly-share-guidelines-for-reopening-the-economy-this-week

According to Discrn.com: “The Trump administration this week will reportedly share guidelines on reopening the American economy, a possible turning point in the ongoing economic crisis that has gripped the United States since the coronavirus began spreading.

National Economic Council Chairman Larry Kudlow said on Tuesday that the president "will be making some very important announcements" in the next few days regarding the federal guidelines for restarting economic activity throughout the country.”

Here is my take on how things should open back up:

First whatever happens it should not be arbitrary. In other words we should not label pot shops as essential while labeling churches non-essential business. Arbitrary standards just means that as a leader you are virtue signalling, trying to look like you are doing something, while in reality you are powerless over the situation. 

Secondly, our political leaders need to repent. Not just repent for how they have arbitrarly dealt with the situation, but for not speaking up against gay pride parades in their states, allowing the unborn to be slaughtered in their states, and for denying God’s proper authority over all. 

Thirdly, and this could be labeled as number one, churches need to lead our nation in repentance. God is judging the church, is He not? Judgement begins in the house of God, so repentance begins in the house of God. Read through the prophets, Jeremiah, Ezekial, and Isaiah, has not God’s word been clear on this point. Our worship stinks in God’s nostrils (Isaiah 1). Our pastors tickle ears neglecting the truth of God’s word (2 Timothy 4:3), as they collect their paychecks and yet run when the sheep are under attack. The body of Christ is full of cancer and we are in no position to bring remedy to the world, unless we repent. 

Fourthly, we should be praying that God would not let us out of this coronavirus trial, until we repent. As Pastor Wilson has pointed out, we don’t want things to go back to normal where abominations are celebrated every June and one million babies are aborted every year. We want nothing to do with that normal, and we should rather be in a great depression where no babies are killed than in a thriving economy where the abortion industry is in a growth spurt.

Fithly, and more practically, it is clear in the data that those with diabetes, those with prior respiratory issues, and the aging population 60 and above are at a higher risk of dying from COVID-19. This means they should voluntarily quarantine themselves while the rest of the population should go back to work. We had Dr. Cole on the show on Monday, and he said no matter how you look at it, we need to get herd immunity to beat this virus. We should do that with the healthy population, which will create a far better environment for the vulnerable as herd immunity builds. 

Lastly, all the leaders that bought into the Imperial College data need to be challenged. We hold prophets accountable for false prophecies, and so we need to hold our leaders accountable for believing false prophecies.   

Early Rain Church members arrested in homes during online Easter church service over Zoom

https://disrn.com/news/early-rain-church-members-arrested-in-homes-during-online-easter-church-service-over-zoom

According to Discrn.com: “Members of the Early Rain Covenant Church in China were taken away from the their homes and their electricity cut off on Easter Sunday after government officials learned they were joining a Zoom call for an online worship session, according to International Christian Concern.

The Sichuan congregation has not been able to meet in person since the government tightene

This is Toby Sumpter with your CrossPolitic Daily News Brief for Tuesday, April 14, 2020

The Supreme Court Sets Audio Arguments for Select Cases in May

https://www.law.com/nationallawjournal/2020/04/13/us-supreme-court-sets-audio-arguments-for-select-cases-in-may/?slreturn=20200313142428

Monday, the United States Supreme Court released a document announcing that it will hear oral arguments by telephone conference May 4, 5, 6 and 11, 12, and 13th in a limited number of previously postponed cases. The Release goes on to list 10 court cases that will be scheduled on those dates, assuming the counsel for the cases are available. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17YDXb05Nr72R_PV1MSS42T7RuhKY-BVo/view

Of note on that list, are several cases that relate to religious freedom. 

19-267, Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru and 19-348, St. James School v. Viel. Both are being represented by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. In both cases, Roman Catholic Schools have been sued by previous instructors whose teaching contracts were not renewed after the performance of the teachers were found to be below school standards, including the responsibility of passing on the faith of the school. The significance of these cases is the basic right of religious institutions to be free to choose their own pastors and teachers.  

Long time listeners will recall that CrossPolitic has interviewed Luke Goodrich, a lawyer with the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. The Becked Fund is representing both defendants in these cases. Luke Goodrich is also the author of Free to Believe, which is a helpful overview of the recent religious liberty landscape. 

The Becket Fund is no stranger to these waters. For example, they write: “In 2007, Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church and School in Redford, Michigan found itself in a surprising position: a commissioned minister and teacher was suing them. Cheryl Perich, a commissioned minister in the church, taught fourth grade, taught religion, and led worship services. The church school had dismissed her for insubordination, disruptive conduct, and threatening to sue the church—all in violation of church teachings. The Church and its denomination have long taught that disputes over fitness for ministry must be resolved within the denomination.

On January 11, 2012, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously for Hosanna-Tabor, a decision the Wall Street Journal called one of the “most important religious liberty cases in a half century.” The decision adopted Becket’s arguments, saying that religious groups should be free from government interference when they choose their leaders.

The court rejected the government’s narrow view of religious liberty as “extreme,” “untenable,” and “remarkable.” The decision stated: “We cannot accept the remarkable view that the Religion Clauses have nothing to say about a religious organization’s freedom to select its own ministers.”

Based on the Hosanna-Tabor decision, the Becket Fund would seem to be on very strong ground for defending these Roman Catholic schools’ right to hire and fire their instructors freely.

Another set of cases are also related to religious liberty, but in somewhat different categories. 

19-431, Little Sisters of the Poor Saints Peter and Paul Home v. Pennsylvania, and 19-454,

Trump v. Pennsylvania

 You might remember the Little Sisters of the Poor being in the news a few years back, and wonder why they are back in the news. 

http://thelittlesistersofthepoor.com/#supreme-court-ruling

Recall that both the Little Sisters of the Poor and Hobby Lobby came into conflict with Obama’s Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), which required both Christian organizations to provide their employees with health insurance plans that provided drugs and devices that cause abortions. Both organizations refused and were fined millions of dollars. 

In May 2016, the Supreme Court unanimously overturned lower court rulings agains

This is Toby Sumpter with your CrossPolitic Daily News Brief for Thursday, April 9, 2020

Bernie is Out

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/bernie-sanders-to-end-his-presidential-campaign/2020/03/18/cf7a1824-4d18-11ea-9b5c-eac5b16dafaa_story.html

In a video address, Bernie Sanders announced that he was withdrawing from the Democratic nomination for president. “As I see the crisis gripping the nation,” Sanders told supporters streamed live from his home in Burlington, Vt., “I cannot in good conscience continue to mount a campaign that cannot win and which would interfere with the important work required of all of us in this difficult hour.”

Washington Post reports: “By midday, he had spoken privately to Joe Biden, now the presumptive Democratic nominee for president. Sanders in his video pledged to support the former vice president, although he said he will remain on primary ballots in an effort to collect enough delegates to influence the party’s platform in negotiations this summer.”

By Wednesday afternoon, Roe v. Wade was trending on Twitter apparently because a number of former Bernie supporters have threatened not to vote or some, most recently and notably, Joe Rogan, had said he would rather vote for Trump than Biden. Roe v. Wade was trending because many Democrats were complaining that this would almost surely result in another supreme court pick for Trump, mostly likely another conservative justice, perhaps tipping the scales to reverse Roe v. Wade. 

Meanwhile, the Washington Post reports that former president Barack Obama has been working overtime behind the scenes to reunite the splintered party: “Obama had multiple conversations with Sanders and Biden over the past few weeks focused on defeating President Trump, according to a person with knowledge of the talks who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private conversations. Obama is said to be determined to play a role in unifying and energizing the party for the general election.”

Sanders’s decision to end his campaign closes one of the most remarkable chapters in modern political history. His advocacy for sweeping liberal ideas, such as Medicare-for-all and tuition-free public college, shifted the national debate over the role of government and found broad support among members of a party that he never formally joined.

“Together we have transformed American consciousness as to what kind of nation we can become,” Sanders said Wednesday. “Few would deny that over the course of the past five years, our movement has won the ideological struggle.”

https://disrn.com/opinion/opinion-enough-with-this-ridiculous-healthcare-for-all-slogan/

Speaking of which, Ben Jealous kicked up some dust on Twitter a few days ago when he tweeted: “As a Christian I cannot square both believing in the teachings of Jesus Christ and opposing health care for all.”

Ben Jealous is a former President and CEO of the NAACP, from 2008-2013. He recently ran for Governor of Maryland in 2018, won the Democrat nomination but lost to the Republican incumbent, Larry Hogan. 

The problem with this sentiment is the false dichotomy created. I don’t know of anyone who opposes providing the best health care possible for the maximum number of people. The problem is with the hidden premise that Christians must support government provided health care for all. The other hidden premise is that if the government actually tried to provide health care for all that it would actually succeed. 

But the Bible doesn’t teach that this is the business of civil magistrates. They are good with the sword, with defending the innocent and punishing the wicked. But they aren’t good at prescribing medicine, determining who should get which surgeries and when, and the more they get involved in medicine the worse it is for everyone. Just look at socialized medicine in the nations where it has taken root. Does everyone have healthcare? Well, sure, technically everybody has a card.

This is Gabriel Rench with your CrossPolitic Daily News Brief for Wednesday, April 8th, 2020.

The Crisis Has Exposed the Damage Done By Government Regulations

https://mises.org/wire/crisis-has-exposed-damage-done-government-regulations

The Mises Wire, the news and opinion website of the Mises Institute, reported a couple days ago on several regulations that the government has eliminating during the COVID crisis: 

First the FDA

The Food and Drug Administration is treated as unassailable by some, and if you dare speak out against it, you clearly want millions to die because of defective products. Well, the real world shows that the FDA’s lengthy approval process—which is consists of three phases of drug trials that can span years—actually puts many lives at risk. In the current coronavirus context, people do not have the luxury of time, so bureaucracy is quite literally killing them when they can’t access restricted treatments or medicine.

Cooler heads have prevailed at the FDA, for the time being, as the agency gave a new coronavirus testing kit emergency use authorization (EUA) after weeks of delays.

However, we should not let the FDA completely off the hook. As is to be expected from a government agency, the FDA is taking its sweet time in approving at-home testing kits for the COVID-19 coronavirus. 

The Lonestar State Leading the Way on Deregulation

Various states have issued orders to shut down restaurants and bars, which has compelled many businesses to limit their services to takeout. Some governments, such as that of Texas under Governor Greg Abbott, have been reasonable in their approach to dealing with the coronavirus crisis by lifting regulations on alcohol delivery and letting restaurants deliver alcohol along with food purchases, which was previously prohibited.

Additionally, Abbott made sure to waive regulations that would have weakened Texas supply chains in the face of this crisis. Trucks generally confined to delivering alcohol to liquor stores are now able to deliver grocery supplies to supermarkets. This move serves to bolster Texas supply chains during a time of uncertainty. “By waiving these regulations, we are streamlining the process to replenish the shelves in grocery stores across the state,” Abbott declared.

Healthcare systems across the country are under great pressure, which has prompted state legislatures to become more flexible with their otherwise stringent medical regulations. The Lone Star State has fast-tracked temporary licensing for doctors, assistants, and nurses coming from out of state to help Texas health professionals. States such as Maryland and South Carolina have taken similar approaches, recognizing that their medical restrictions may put them in a deadly bind as more coronavirus cases pop up and they don’t have enough staff to handle them.” 

The TSA

Believe it or not, the TSA is getting on the deregulation bandwagon. They have decided to allow 12-ounce bottle hand sanitizer through security, exceeding the current 3.4-ounce restriction. 

China appointed to U.N. Human Rights Council panel despite human rights abuses, coronavirus cover-up

https://disrn.com/news/china-appointed-to-un-human-rights-council-panel-despite-human-rights-abuses-coronavirus-cover-up

According to Discrn.com

“China has been given a seat at a U.N. Human Rights Council panel where it will help vet candidates for important posts dealing with freedom of speech, health, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detention, despite its egregious human rights record and recent cover-up of its coronavirus outbreak, both of which have and will continue to cost the world countless lives.”

The UN Watch reports:

“China was appointed on Wednesday to a United Nations Human Rights Council panel where it will play a key role in picking the world body's human rights investigators — including global monitors on freedom of speech, health, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary de

This is Toby Sumpter with your CrossPolitic Daily News Brief for Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Prime Minister Boris Johnson Moved to Intensive Care Unit

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-52192604

A spokesman said he was moved on the advice of his medical team and was receiving "excellent care". Mr Johnson has asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to deputise "where necessary", the spokesman added.

The prime minister, 55, was admitted to hospital in London with "persistent symptoms" on Sunday evening. The Queen has been kept informed about Mr Johnson's health by No 10, according to Buckingham Palace. BBC political correspondent Chris Mason said the prime minister was given oxygen late on Monday afternoon, before being taken to intensive care.

A No 10 statement read: "The prime minister has been under the care of doctors at St Thomas' Hospital, in London, after being admitted with persistent symptoms of coronavirus.

"Over the course of [Monday] afternoon, the condition of the prime minister has worsened and, on the advice of his medical team, he has been moved to the intensive care unit at the hospital." It continued: "The PM is receiving excellent care, and thanks all NHS staff for their hard work and dedication." 

Mr Raab said there was an "incredibly strong team spirit" behind the prime minister.

He added that he and his colleagues were making sure they implemented plans Mr Johnson had instructed them to deliver "as soon as possible".

"That's the way we'll bring the whole country through the coronavirus challenge," he said.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer described it as "terribly sad news".  "All the country's thoughts are with the prime minister and his family during this incredibly difficult time," he added.

Mr Johnson was initially taken to hospital for routine tests after testing positive for coronavirus 10 days ago. His symptoms included a high temperature and a cough.

Earlier on Monday, he tweeted that he was in "good spirits". “Last night, on the advice of my doctor, I went into hospital for some routine tests as I’m still experiencing coronavirus symptoms. I’m in good spirits and keeping in touch with my team, as we work together to fight this virus and keep everyone safe.”

— Boris Johnson #StayHomeSaveLives (@BorisJohnson) April 6, 2020

After very, very little information was shared today, the prime minister was taken into intensive care at around 19:00 BST. We've been told he is still conscious, but his condition has worsened over the course of the afternoon. And he has been moved to intensive care as a precaution in case he needs ventilation to get through this illness.

Crime is Up in Seattle

https://mynorthwest.com/1802378/rantz-seattle-crime-up-after-coronavirus/

Jason Rantz writes at mynorthwest dot com: 

“Seattle coronavirus crime concerns have become fully realized. Burglary cases have exploded in Seattle’s west precinct since the coronavirus stay-at-home order and a county policy prohibiting most misdemeanor jail bookings went into effect. These cases are also up significantly citywide.

A little over a week ago, officers argued the booking policy would result in a criminal “free for all.” The Seattle coronavirus crime data is staggeringly high.

As of Friday April 3, burglary cases were up 87% over the previous 28 days in the west precinct according to the Seattle Police Department’s internal crime database. The precinct includes downtown Seattle, the neighborhood where the SPD says most of the burglaries are happening.

“This is a number we’re going to work very hard to reverse in the coming weeks,” SPD spokesman Sergeant Sean Whitcomb told the Jason Rantz Show on KTTH. He confirmed the crime stats used in this story. Burglaries aren’t only plaguing the west precinct. The east precinct, which includes Capitol Hill, is up 17%. All-in, the city of Seattle has seen a 21% increase in burglaries.

Officer Mike Solan is the president of the Seattle Police Officer’s

This is Toby Sumpter with your CrossPolitic Daily News Brief for Thursday, April 2, 2020

Gas Prices Drop Below $2/Gallon

https://www.npr.org/2020/03/31/824425219/average-gas-prices-are-below-2-a-few-stations-are-even-selling-for-under-1

Gas prices are dropping — to less than $1 per gallon in a few locations — but most Americans aren't supposed to go anywhere. That's the irony of the coronavirus lockdown.

The national average price for a gallon of gas is now $1.997, according to AAA, and it's expected to drop further in the next few weeks — to $1.75 or even lower. 

Prices vary across the country. In two states, Hawaii and California, the average price at the pump is still above $3. But drivers are paying less than $1.99 at more than two-thirds of the gas stations in the U.S., according to AAA data. In Oklahoma, the average price is $1.55. 

Individual gas stations can go even cheaper — multiple stations across the U.S. have sold a gallon of gas for less than $1, at least temporarily, according to GasBuddy. 

"In the last week, 99 cent prices have shown up at various times in Kentucky, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Wisconsin and Missouri and more could join in the days and weeks ahead," the price-tracking site said.

According to Gasbuddy: The last time the national average has been this low was March 23, 2016, caused by a crash in the oil market. During that period, the national average stayed below $1.99 for nearly three months, from January 2 through March 23, bottoming at $1.66 per gallon on February 14. 

2009: The Great Recession pushed the national average below $1.99 per gallon for roughly four months from November 20, 2008 to March 25, 2009, bottoming at $1.59 on December 29, 2008. Prices eventually staged a major recovery in 2010 and stayed high until 2014. 

Texas Governor Deems Worship as an Essential Activity

https://dailycaller.com/2020/04/01/texas-religious-services-essential-pastors-arrested/?fbclid=IwAR2nwqmt7MMzZfE5DG0Veyp_BkGTEnBo8dhrTdALA-JaB4tV_qaxMrdKyoo

Mary Margaret Olohan from Daily Caller: “As authorities arrest pastors for holding Sunday services in defiance of social distancing orders, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday that religious services are to be considered essential in his state.

Abbott issued an executive order relating to state-wide continuity of essential services and activities during the coronavirus pandemic. The order mandated that all Texans will minimize social gatherings and in-person contact with people who are not in the same household, and, among other statutes, clarified that religious services conducted in churches, congregations and houses of worship are to be considered essential services.

“‘Essential services’ shall consist of everything listed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in its Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce, Version 2.0, plus religious services conducted in churches, congregations, and houses of worship,” the order stated. “Other essential services may be added to this list with the approval of the Texas Division of Emergency Management.”

The governor encouraged those involved in essential services to practice good hygiene, environmental cleanliness, sanitation, social distancing and working from home when possible.

Abbott’s order came as authorities arrested pastors in Louisiana and Florida for holding Sunday services and bused large groups of people to attend the services.  

Remember, Central Police Chief Roger Corcoran called Rev. Tony Spell of the Louisiana Life Tabernacle Church “reckless and irresponsible” for holding Sunday services, and Florida Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister called megachurch pastor Rodney Howard-Browne’s actions “reckless disregard of public safety.”

Meanwhile Michigan Governor Changes Course

https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2020/04/01/religious_freedom_in_the_time_of_coronavirus_142832.html?fbclid=IwAR0SDIn7h8ed3qzlj4GU2Kidmq7l_nsm_

This is Toby Sumpter with your CrossPolitic Daily News Brief for Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Corona Treatments Continue to Show Success

https://www.wsj.com/articles/an-update-on-the-coronavirus-treatment-11585509827

Jeff Coyler at WSJ: “Physicians are using two drugs in combination—hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin, which I’ll abbreviate HC and AZ—to treat patients with advanced Covid-19 symptoms. We use a regimen reported in a recent open-label trial in Marseille, France, which was updated March 26, and which doctors may modify in any given case.

What is the evidence?

For HC, two bodies of evidence support its potential in treating Covid-19: in vitro (test tube) studies and initial clinical reports from the field. After the 2002-03 global outbreak of SARS, a coronavirus related to the one that causes Covid-19, an in vitro study conducted by doctors from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified chloroquine (a relative of HC) as an attractive option for prevention and treatment. If added before the virus was introduced, the drug was highly effective in preventing cellular infection. Even later application markedly inhibited infection. Another contemporaneous study showed similar results. As for Covid, a Chinese study published March 9 showed HC has excellent in vitro effects. Other recent information suggests potential antiviral mechanisms of HC and chloroquine.

New York state has started a large controlled clinical trial, and there are reports of others. Many believe that patients who can’t be in a trial should be allowed to decide, in consultation with a physician, whether to use this treatment. This is happening in some U.S. practices.”

The thing to note here is that one of the factors that really need to be considered in all of this is the effect that government regulations have had on severe cases and mortality rates. For example, there are reports that the FDA initially tried to limit coronavirus test kits to the ones produced by the CDC. It was only after those tests proved ineffective and littered with problems that they opened it up to the private sector. But we may look back and see the same thing going on with these highly effective treatments. And this can be happening on the state level as well. If state health officials bottleneck the ability of labs to conduct trials or simply produce and distribute these medicines, are we looking at more severe cases and higher mortality rates because of government bottlenecks? What are the chances that this has played into the situation in the UK, Italy, Iran, China, or New York City? 

Prime Minister Viktor Orban Granted Unlimited Discretionary Power Indefinitely 

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-30/orban-takes-sole-command-of-hungary-with-pandemic-emergency-law

Bloomberg: “Hungary’s parliament handed Prime Minister Viktor Orban the right to rule by decree indefinitely, effectively putting the European Union democracy under his sole command for as long as he sees fit.

While governments around the world assume emergency powers to fight the coronavirus, locking down all aspects of every-day life and shutting borders, few democracies have given their governments such latitude without an end date.

Hungary’s ruling party lawmakers overrode the objections of the opposition in a vote on Monday, handing Orban the right to bypass the assembly on any law. The Constitutional Court, which Orban has stacked with loyalists, will be the main body capable of reviewing government actions.

The emergency-rule law “poses no threat to democracy,” Orban told lawmakers after the vote. His detractors didn’t agree.

“I don’t know of another democracy where the government has effectively asked for a free hand to do anything for however long,” said Renata Uitz, director of the comparative constitutional-law program at Central European University in Budapest.”

The legislation’s scope is “limited” and envisions only “necessary and p