i'm not suggesting that canada is immune to anything.

i'm pointing out that, because we didn't restrict travel, and we offer easy access to free medical care, we probably have many fewer untraceable cases.

they are saying that there is some local transmission happening.

but, there is not currently any evidence of the kinds of things that are happening in the united states.

so, washington state and new york state just put a ban on congregating in bars. i need to present my own backlash - this is the kind of conservative scapegoating that makes me mad. no, boomers, the kids drinking at the bar didn't infect the people at the old folks home. this is a low impact, evidence-free step that makes conservatives feel safe, and has unfortunately become the norm as to how the democratic party acts and legislates, from outlandish conspiracy theories about russian election interference to anti-science, authoritarian reactions to pandemics.

but, is that going to work? no.

i would simply expect an increase in the number of house parties, or perhaps some gatherings in outdoor spaces. and, if the cops want to show up and shut them down, i'm actually in solidarity with the drinkers - because there's not any actual science underlying the dictate that they go home. it's panic. it's hysteria. it's control. and, it will backfire.

if people start drinking at houses or underground venues instead, they're going to end up drinking higher potency alcohol. nobody is going to refuse them service. and, they might end up driving home in situations where bartenders would have insisted otherwise. you're also likely to end up with people in closer contacts, people smoking indoors, people congregating in dirty basements and other various behaviours that will increase the spread of the virus, not decrease it.

you're releasing a string of expletives at the screen. you're shocked. why won't they stay home?

you're angry. but, there's no science underlying your anger - it's irrational panic that's been pushed down to you by the media.

so, how do you stop young people from socializing?

lol.

there is a long history in this world of governments fucking things up with boneheaded authoritarian responses that make things worse via micromanagement. 

and, there's usually a smart analyst around that explains why they're morons.

shows are indeed cancelling in michigan, but i had cleared out the month, anyways. i'm not missing anything. worse, i may find myself with an uncrossable border within a few weeks and find myself without any choice but to stay in. 

but, a large percentage of the cancelled shows are just moving to underground venues. and, i'll keep an eye out for that, as it happens.

i like house shows. they're cheaper...