COVID-19 Update: Wolf lays down the law with rebel counties, even as Trump Tweets support for lawlessness
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times, @mikemncgannpa
Gov. Tom Wolf
Gov. Tom Wolf laid down the law Monday, literally, making it clear that counties and states that chose to ignore his emergency pandemic business shut down orders would face consequences ranging from loss of federal COVID-19 recovery funding, loss of insurance, licenses and other civil penalties, even as President Donald Trump took...
It’s happening: Democrats to outnumber GOP in Chester County
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
Well, it finally happened. By Monday, it is very likely that for the first time since before the Civil War, there will be more registered Democrats in Chester County than Republicans.
Last week, the gap had closed to less than 65, and Democrats had been picking up a couple of hundred registered voters a week in recent weeks.
Obviously, electorally,...
Does the GOP care more about money or whether you die?
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
Is it greed or just flat out stupidity?
When you have to hope it is the latter, but have a sense it is the former, you get a pit in your stomach at the realization.
A fundamental premise of the Republican Party of Pennsylvania is this: “Making money is more important than saving lives.” As long as their corporate overlords are served (and those...
Wolf’s conduct on the pipeline is impossible to explain
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
It runs like a scar across Chester County, a tear far more than a flesh wound, winding across the middle of the county as a reminder that the rich and the powerful can always buy off government at the expense of the people.
It is, of course, the Mariner East II pipeline. It is appears to be back under construction because of a waiver from the Wolf Administration...
COVID-19 Update, April 7: Pa. deaths spike; Wolf denounces racism
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Deaths related to COVID-19 spiked sharply Monday, as the state Department of Health reported 78 new fatalities caused by the virus in the state, as additional positive tests grew by 1,579.
So, far, according to DOH, 240 Pennsylvanians have died in the pandemic and more than 12,000 Americans have died, according to Centers for Disease Control. DOH reports 14,449...
Wolf flawed but OK on COVID-19, but DOH dropping the ball
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
I don’t want to nitpick, but…
Look, let’s be clear: Gov. Tom Wolf has done a solid job in reacting to COVID-19 crisis. Compared to knuckleheads like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, he’s been brilliant. Compared to President Donald Trump….well, he’s a super genius.
But, admittedly, that’s been kind of a low bar. Compare Wolf to...
Mr. President, we ARE scared, and you aren’t helping
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
If you’re not scared, you’re not paying attention.
COVID-19 is spreading like wildfire, we see massive shortages of medical equipment and testing and a federal government paralyzed by a cult of personality, ignorance and lies. Thankfully, most of our state governors — including our Tom Wolf — have stepped up to partially fill the void of leadership.
So,...
A common sense guide to prevention of COVID-19 — and a look at the likely impact
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times
Today I sent a communication to my patients, explaining what should be, for most, common sense. I advised my patients that if they have a cough, a fever, respiratory symptoms or shortness of breath that they should reschedule their dental appointment.
Why? All I needed to do was to take a look around, in my small waiting area were two elderly...
The stark truth: Sanders will lose Chester County, Pa. and nationally
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Until Saturday, the early state voters in the Democratic primary had spoken: “Four More Years of Trump!”
While Joe Biden’s strong win in South Carolina gave hope to his campaign, the fact remains that he is underfunded and a strong underdog on Super Tuesday. At this point, there are no other viable candidates to take on Sen. Bernie Sanders.
This fact —...
Houlahan deserves credit for careful consideration on impeachment
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
By now, America has absorbed the fact that President Donald J. Trump was impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday.
While Republicans in Pennsylvania had little choice but to submit to the cult of Trump personality — conform or suffer electorally fatal Twitter attacks from the president — Democrats, like our own Rep. Chrissy Houlahan approached...
