Broken

There's no getting around it; all the news is depressing. Even a news junkie can feel overwhelmed by the onslaught. I keep looking fo a silver lining but there is none.

* Birx: U.S. in ‘new phase’ of pandemic as deaths rise --The physician overseeing the White House coronavirus response urged people to take extreme health precautions. (Post)

* New CDC forecast projects 19,000 Covid-19 deaths in 21 days (CNN)

* Scientists Worry About Political Influence Over Coronavirus Vaccine Project -- Operation Warp Speed has moved along at a rapid clip. But some people involved in the process fear pressure to deliver an October surprise for President Trump. (The Times)

* How the Trump campaign came to court QAnon, the conspiracy movement the FBI sees as a violent threat -- His press secretary interviewed a believer. His official ads include QAnon references. His top aides post QAnon memes. (Post)

* Absentee ballots start getting mailed to North Carolina voters in just 33 days, and a new CBS News/YouGov poll reveals ominous news for President Donald Trump in the Tar Heel state. Former Vice President Joe Biden holds a narrow 48% to 44% advantage among likely voters. It's the latest CNN approved poll to find Biden ahead in North Carolina. Last week, a NBC News/Marist College poll gave Biden a 7-point lead. (CNN)

* Many Bay Area banks temporarily closed, impacting customers due to COVID-19 (KGO)

* House Majority Whip Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC) fears that President Donald Trump will not allow a fair 2020 presidential election. (CNN)

* White House steps back from Trump suggestion about delaying election -- The election will take place Nov. 3 as planned, Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said.(Post)

* Pelosi, White House remain far apart on deal for relief bill -- After struggling to reach agreement among themselves on an overall bill, Republicans and administration officials have been pushing for a short-term fix to address the expiration of $600 weekly enhanced unemployment benefits. (Post)

***

We really couldn't have had a worse President than Trump for dealing with this pandemic. Hr denied it was real for so long that many of his supporters refused to wear masks. So they got sick and they infected others.

Meanwhile, the virus has drastically weakened his chances at re-election as the polls in North Carolina show; that's a state he must win.

We've collectively slipped into a deep depression, not just economically but psychologically. The signs are all around. Isolation breeds depression, yet we can't see each other. And it just goes on and on.

Overall, it is hard to avoid having a broken spirit.

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)

No more empty conversation
Next time I will be totally sure
Don't want the pain of falling
In and out of love
It's more than my poor heart should endure
So I listen to all the advice
And remember each time I cry
      -- Brandy

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