Flickr / IowaPolitics.com
Michael Cohen and Paul Manafort, the President’s former lawyer and his campaign manager, have been granted early release from federal prison.
The risk of contracting COVID-19 was deemed too high for these two former Trump employees to stay behind bars.
But the president feels quite strongly that your kids should all be going to school! The hypocrisy is astounding.
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The official health guidelines state that if there is a substantial threat of COVID-19 spreading among the community, schools should close temporarily.
In addition, schools should incorporate best practices for preventing the transmission of the virus. This includes social distancing, smaller classes, and staggering arrival and pick-up times.
In response to the concerns voiced by the CDC about the coronavirus spreading through schools, the President tweeted:
I disagree with @CDCgov on their very tough & expensive guidelines for opening schools. While they want them open, they are asking schools to do very impractical things. I will be meeting with them!!!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 8, 2020
Screenshot / YouTube
The debate about whether or not to reopen schools continues. Last month, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a statement in which they urged schools to reopen in the fall — whenever it was safe to do so. They called for the use of practices such as frequent hand-washing, disinfecting surfaces, and enforcing social distancing where possible.
There is also concern that teachers will be at higher risk than children, especially given the average age of the national workforce.
The President reacted to the disquiet and apprehension by threatening to cut funding to schools that did not open:
In Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and many other countries, SCHOOLS ARE OPEN WITH NO PROBLEMS. The Dems think it would be bad for them politically if U.S. schools open before the November Election, but is important for the children & families. May cut off funding if not open!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 8, 2020
To which a Norwegian responded:
Hi from Norway.
When we opened our schools (slowly and gradually) in April, we had an average of 50 new cases a day, in the entire country. Getting kids back to school was the number one priority, before churches, bars and restaurants. You had 60,000 new cases yesterday.
— Ida Skibenes ❄️ (@ida_skibenes) July 8, 2020
Flickr / Gage Skidmore
The government only provides around 10% of the funding for public schools. Thousands of local and state leaders for schools and public health officials will make the decision whether or not to reopen.
As usual you are wrong about all of that you’re tweeting about. 58k new cases of COVID-19 is not the conditions you send children to school. There is a huge problem with that. We’re concerned about our kids fuck politics!
And you can’t stop funding. That’s Congress’ job!
— ⚖ Fightin for America! (@DemHugh) July 9, 2020
Evan Hollander, the Communications Director for the House Appropriations Committee, said:
“Congress provides federal education funding to support some of the most vulnerable young people in our country. The President has no authority to cut off funding for these students, and threatening to do so to prop up his flailing campaign is offensive,”
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The threat of COVID-19 is serious enough to warrant the early release of Trump’s former aides. Yet, it is low enough for schools to reopen, with thousands of students and teachers in close contact returning to homes around the country.
How very Trump.
Reopen schools when:
The White House resumes public tours.
Trump interacts with untested visitors.
Trump’s children and grandchildren ride public transportation and attend public schools.
Fox broadcasts from studios.
Paul Manafort and Michael Cohen return to prison.
— jen pal (@jennyrachelpal) July 8, 2020
