[Goose]

However, looking past the "feds" altogether is a bad idea, even when it comes to strategy of reopening and the epidemiology of the epidemic. The "feds" are not Donald Trump, although at times he seems to believe they are. Fauci is parts of the "feds". So is CDC and, more importantly, USPHS. Believe it or not, the system is designed for the Counties and the States to do the heavy lifting. However, the "feds" do have expertise and broad skills in these areas. The States should use these resources when appropriate, but should always make their own decisions based on the data available and their unique situation. Ignoring such resources would be stupid. Relying on them would be equally stupid. Pissing contests, whether Federal-State or State-County helps nobody.

I don't know where you're getting your news, but no one is turning down federal help in the next phase because there is no federal help.   Trump's offer to the states was the same as Michael Corleone's to that senator--nothing.  There's no pissing contest between the states and the feds.  The feds are absolutely ***** useless with Trump in charge, so the states HAVE to go it alone.

Burger, I don't know where you are getting your news either. However, I haven't seen any news that Jerome Adams isn't answering emails/calls from the various state officials asking for information. I also haven't seen any requests for USPHS deployments either requested or turned down. The idea that the federal government is Donald Trump comes from him, and apparently you have bought it. He is a problem, and a big one, but the idea that he is omnipotent is his. There is lots of help available. What isn't available is leadership and a desire on Trump's part to work cooperatively. That does color everything, but isn't the whole story.

[Goose]

However, looking past the "feds" altogether is a bad idea, even when it comes to strategy of reopening and the epidemiology of the epidemic. The "feds" are not Donald Trump, although at times he seems to believe they are. Fauci is parts of the "feds". So is CDC and, more importantly, USPHS. Believe it or not, the system is designed for the Counties and the States to do the heavy lifting. However, the "feds" do have expertise and broad skills in these areas. The States should use these resources when appropriate, but should always make their own decisions based on the data available and their unique situation. Ignoring such resources would be stupid. Relying on them would be equally stupid. Pissing contests, whether Federal-State or State-County helps nobody.

I don't know where you're getting your news, but no one is turning down federal help in the next phase because there is no federal help.   Trump's offer to the states was the same as Michael Corleone's to that senator--nothing.  There's no pissing contest between the states and the feds.  The feds are absolutely ***** useless with Trump in charge, so the states HAVE to go it alone.

Burger, I don't know where you are getting your news either. However, I haven't seen any news that Jerome Adams isn't answering emails/calls from the various state officials asking for information. I also haven't seen any requests for USPHS deployments either requested or turned down. The idea that the federal government is Donald Trump comes from him, and apparently you have bought it. He is a problem, and a big one, but the idea that he is omnipotent is his. There is lots of help available. What isn't available is leadership and a desire on Trump's part to work cooperatively. That does color everything, but isn't the whole story.