Although Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) had many imperfections, our Democratic and Republican leaders have much to learn from FDR. As you know, the 1930s depression cost millions of workers their jobs. By 1932, twelve million workers were unemployed. One out of every four American families no longer had an income.

Nevertheless, FDR wasted little time in developing a very impressive jobs program. He hired Harry Hoplins, who was a social worker and also a past president of the National Association of Social Workers. The jobs program, which was named the Civil Works Administration, created under Hopkins four million jobs. So Hopkins provided jobs in the depth of the depression for one third of the unemployed! -more-

Why does trump deny the efficacy of masks, when doctors agree this simple measure could prevent hundreds of thousands of deaths? Is he intentionally ignorant, or so selfish that the inconvenience of mask wearing to preserve other peoples' health is beyond his moral character? -more-

In the initial brouhaha surrounding the leak of Trump’s tax returns fading, including finger pointing at the IRS and talk of criminal charges, has anyone stopped to consider whether someone other than the IRS leaked the documents? There seem to be two criteria to consider in identifying the leaker. First, who had “access” to Trump’s tax returns? This limits the pool of candidates to a relatively small number. Second, who has the greatest “incentive” to leak those tax returns at this time?

These questions came up on a hike with a friend on my last day of vacation. My friend asked who I thought leaked them? I hadn’t really considered it because I had been hiking the Sawtooth mountains when the story broke. By the time I did hear about Trump’s tax troubles, the tax news was overtaken by the debate shit-show and Trump’s positive test for COVID. So when he asked me, I responded that I had no idea. My friend then said he thought it was obvious. Who had access to Trump’s tax returns going back decades, and who among them had the most to gain from leaking those returns to derail his re-election? When framed in that way the answer is obvious – the banks - and in particular Deutsche Bank. -more-

Alex Sharenko, who is challenging incumbent Cheryl Davila for the District 2 seat on Berkeley City Council, has announced on his campaign website an endorsement from Eric Mason, founder of the Mason Investigative Group (MIG), and resident of District 2. -more-

Less than 19 days from election day, Democrats are running scared; they remember four years ago when most of them believed that Hillary Clinton would defeat Donald Trump. (Clinton lost despite having 2.9 million (2.1%) more votes than Trump.) Relax Dems; this time Trump is going down.

The Popular Vote: According to the 538 website, Biden's lead over Trump is 10.7 percentage points. (https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/polls/president-general/national/) After an extended period where his lead average 8 points, Biden surged after the September 29th presidential debate and the revelation Trump contracted COVID-19. -more-

Trump in some of his speeches has said, "Don't telegraph your intentions to the enemy." And he is true to his word. The American people do not know what he is about to do, either because it is kept secret or because Trump, himself, doesn't know. We do in fact know that we can never predict his actions, and we also know that he should not be underestimated--there are plenty of tricks up his sleeves. -more-

Herd immunity" occurs when a high percentage of the community — 60% to 70% — is immune to a disease (through vaccination and/or prior infection), making the spread of this disease from person-to-person unlikely.

The White House has embraced "herd immunity" or “herd mentality" as Trump once called as its pandemic strategy. When asked whether he supported herd immunity at the October 15 townhall, Trump responded: “The cure cannot be worse than the problem itself.” Dr. Fauci called this strategy "total nonsense." Of course, most of us know now that Trump never really had a national policy other than to pass the job of dealing with the pandemic to the 50 state governors.

Herd immunity appeals to Trump because he now has an excuse to continue to do nothing until herd immunity is reached, which includes less need for testing and contact tracing, wearing masks, and social distancing. -more-

Tammy to Trump: Take This, Sucker! -more-

Worth Noting and Quick Summary:

Tuesday - City Council 6 pm meeting includes the UC Berkeley Long Range Development Plan https://lrdp.berkeley.edu/

Wednesday – Council FITES Committee 2:30 pm is taking up several climate measures and the Bi-Weekly cleaning of encampments sites.

Thursday – Measure T1 at 6:30 pm will focus on Districts 1 and 4. If you missed your District meeting you can still attend this one. The last T1 meeting is Oct 29 for the marina. These meetings are NOT recorded. To comment email: T1@cityofberkeley.info This is the “public’s” opportunity for input. City Staff have already made their list of preferred projects for the rest of available bond money.

Council Budget Committee 10 am is reviewing the Police Department Budget,

Mental Health Commission 7 pm agenda is entirely about crisis/emergency Mental Health Response.

Friday 9 am – 12 pm Climate Emergency Mobilization Task Force (CEMTF) Fourth Virtual Summit Series for an Environmentally Just and Regenerative Future, Break-out sessions look very interesting especially the one on Watershed-Wetlands Restoration.

The October 27 Regular City Council meeting agenda is available for comment and follows this week’s list of meetings. -more-