‘We need more prayer’: Trump orders states to let houses of worship reopen despite coronavirus crisis
So much for the separation of church and state.
President Trump called on governors Friday to let churches and other houses of worship in their states reopen in time for Memorial Day weekend, threatening to “override” them if they refuse even as the U.S. coronavirus death toll surged above 95,000.
In a surprise appearance in the White House briefing room, Trump said he had directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to update its coronavirus guidelines so that houses of worship are deemed “essential.”
“Some governors have deemed liquor stores and abortion clinics essential but left out churches and houses of worship. It is not right,” Trump said, reading from prepared remarks.
The president continued, “The governors need to do the right thing and allow these very important essential places of faith to open right now, for this weekend. If they don’t do it, I will override the governors. In America, we need more prayer, not less.”
Who forgot to brief him?! It’s thoughts and prayers! Everyone knows that! There’s even a meme!
I guess thoughts are too secular now? Plus, if the administration and its voter base are any indication, thoughts are indeed non-essential.
Trump’s threat to override governors is highly dubious and likely not possible, since governors have wide discretion in how to run their states and CDC guidelines aren’t mandatory.
Dubious, is it? And likely not possible? He could order the US armed forces to invade the states and enforce it. And if you think the rule of law, the congress or the US Constitution will stop him, think again.
Someone should be thinking, goddammit.
Liquor stores and abortion clinics are essential. Some people really need them, and it’s not like they can wait a while until we develop a vaccine for coronavirus.
Personally, I am happy to live in a place where churches were among the first places that got closed.
Public prayers are an important way for the USA to prove to the world that we are all anti – Christs’ message in Matt 6:5-6, of no public prayers.
Let’s all listen as Trump leads his new chant: We Are AntiChrists.
Trump assumes everyone is praying to him.
The churches want more payers, not prayers.
It’s like the virus has been selected for preaching.
https://www.businessinsider.com/loud-speech-coronavirus-droplets-study-2020-5
@3&4: Right, and right again.
Cynical as I am, I note that
(a) his strongest base is the evangelicals; and
(b) Mike Pence is the VP.