Morning Jolt: Bad News Abounds

Today is the Morning Jolt I've dreaded writing, because the news is almost entirely bad. The Senate economic relief bill is passed, but much later than it should have been; the first coronavirus-related attempted terrorist attack occurs in Missouri; far too much bad news from our nation's hospitals; and an important note about CPAP machines.

Most Kidney Stones Pass Faster and Easier Than This Economic Rescue Bill

The Senate passed the relief bill. If you've been listening to The Editors or Three Martini Lunch, you've heard me argue that speed matters a lot more than getting the bill perfectly right in this circumstance. If taxpayer money ends up in the hands of those who don't need it, some of those people will donate it to causes that do need the money; and if they don't, there are ways to claw back the money later. Heck, raise taxes on the highest incomes if you have to in a year or two if you have to, but don't let the current crisis get worse over the fear that somebody somewhere might get a check they don't need.

I could even see a theoretical argument for taxpayer money going to the Kennedy Center, as that institution ...

WITH JIM GERAGHTY March 26 2020 WITH JIM GERAGHTY March 26 2020 Bad News Abounds Today is the Morning Jolt I've dreaded writing, because the news is almost entirely bad. The Senate economic relief bill is passed, but much later than it should have been; the first coronavirus-related attempted terrorist attack occurs in Missouri; far too much bad news from our nation's hospitals; and an important note about CPAP machines. Most Kidney Stones Pass Faster and Easier Than This Economic Rescue Bill The Senate passed the relief bill. If you've been listening to The Editors or Three Martini Lunch, you've heard me argue that speed matters a lot more than getting the bill perfectly right in this circumstance. If taxpayer money ends up in the hands of those who don't need it, some of those people will donate it to causes that do need the money; and if they don't, there are ways to claw back the money later. Heck, raise taxes on the highest incomes if you have to in a year or two if you have to, but don't let the current crisis get worse over the fear that somebody somewhere might get a check they don't need. I could even see a theoretical argument for taxpayer money going to the Kennedy Center, as that institution ...   READ MORE

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