Ask HN: Why is CA not closing it’s borders? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Why is CA not closing it’s borders?

7 pointsquietthrow13 comments

Federal govt is too busy trying to get re-elected. Their answer to everything is money and “economic stimulus”. States like NY are still debating if a shelter in place is worth it. Meanwhile Ststes like CA that are ahead of the curve (shoutout to Gov Newsom for his leadership and decisive action) will be impacted due to incompetence of leaders in other states.

Italy has shown what happens when you act even a little late. US are currently number 5 or so on countries with most infection. The rate at which we are going as a nation we will pass Italy in number of infections in the next few days.

Does CA have the right to close it’s borders or is that a federal govt decision that cannot be made by a state?

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The federal government is in charge of managing interstate commerce under the Commerce Clause of the Constitution, so legally CA probably doesn't have the right to close its borders (this was used in Katzenbach v McClung as legal justification for the federal government banning seperate whites and colored sections in restaurants https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katzenbach_v._McClung). Additionally some of the border traffic is for critical items such as food, medical supplies, gas, etc.

Aside from the legalities, with COVID-19 already circulating in the neighboring states, would the practical benefit of closing California’s borders, to stop a few people still traveling for non-essential reasons, outweigh the costs?

Enforcing a closure at the land borders would tie up numerous law enforcement or National Guard personnel, who could be performing other important duties, such as enforcing health regulations and maintaining public order.

If the closure weren’t total—and given the interstate supply chains for food and medical supplies, I doubt one could remain so for long—it would also create highway congestion, impeding the movement of these and other essential goods. There are only so many trucks and drivers, and they need to be kept moving, not held up in long lines at checkpoints.

I suggested to the governor of Ohio in an email that he consider shutting Ohio's borders down like the EU is trying to do with member states. I bet reading that gave DeWine shivers. But unpopular actions are going to be necessary to slow this down. My suggestion alone would cause economic disaster. Cuomo said this is going to be a test of character for all of us. I pray people can come together in one mind for the nation.

California has 1,044 patients, Oregon 114, Nevada 109, Arizona 63.

Are you saying CA should close its borders to stop the virus spreading to neighboring states?

Not sure where you’re getting ‘fed govt is too busy trying to get re-elected’ from. The Fed has been out in front of this since Dec, way before the states started acting.

Newsome can do whatever he wants, practically, without waiting on the Fed. The fact that he hasn’t done that yet means it’s not easy to do and even harder to enforce. I would have no idea how he could even enforce something like that.

I am getting is based on their actions and not their words. As we write this they are debating economic stimulus to cut $1200 checks to citizens and more tax cuts to corporations. What this country really needs now is more tests, more protective gear for health care professionals, swift unified action on operating procedures instead of chaos of one state has shelter in place other is doing whatever they want.

The leadership is completely missing. From downplaying the virus (so as to not impact the “roaring geyser of an economy”; cos that’s the only thing that might get him and his part re-elected) to giving money to people (pump the economy - again only thing that makes a case for his and his party’s re-election ). This is personal opinion- I feel the reality is he and certain members of the party don’t give a flying duck about the virus. It’s expected to do damage and they are ok with it as it is what it is and they don’t think this will last more than 3 or 4 months. I feel What is certain for them is this will end and they want the economy to spring back up quickly in time for re-election. I am basing this based on their actions today and in the past not on their words.

At the end of the day you have a con man from the nyc construction market running the show who has a proven record of putting his interests first(he is part of more than 3000 lawsuits - this is him prior to taking office). The industry and market he comes from is one that is of zero sum game. He has zero sum thinking. Blatant liar as record has shown and self promoter who gives him a 10 out of 10 for his handling of this fiasco. Every morning the imbecile comes to tv to tell just one thing how well he is doing and because of that how good the situation is.

Also creating an account just to answer this question gives you zero credibility.

My gosh, your response is simply asinine. You think that all members of Congress and the Executive branch don't give a fuck about the health of people and just care about making more money.

All evidence points to contrary but you seen none of that because you're delusional. I'm done with this.

Money distribution needs to be prioritized right now. People who live “paycheck to paycheck” are on two-week cycles. If the bills keep coming but the income stops, we will have problems.

I understand that but that’s second on the priority compared to the other things mentioned. If there are no people left bills won’t matter sadly.

Also the economy is interconnected. One persons income is another persons expense. So yes physically people might get bills but the time to pay will increase if the economy comes back. And the only way the economy comes back is by having its constituents capable of participating. If they are all sick there is barely any economy. dosnt matter home much money is printed. Hence priority number one is health. Then the stimulus.

PS: I really like what you have written on your profile. Your openness to willing engage in dialog is exemplary!

> the Fed has been out in front of this since Dec

Ahem, I'm just gonna leave this here: https://twitter.com/LeeHolly81/status/1240223327811239936

Yes, you can leave that there because it has nothing to do with this.

However, I should've said the Fed officially responded in January and not December.

Ahem, I'm just gonna leave this here: https://www.everycrsreport.com/reports/R46219.html

Just so you know, Trump said that they only learned about it in January in today’s press briefing during the Q/A. There was a big lag time between actually focusing on testing and there’s no doubt that they dragged their feet and were more concerned with the stock market than those who would be affected.

The Chinese government told the World Health Organization on Dec 31, 2019. The WHO notified the rest of the world on Jan 1, that includes the US. SO Trump was correct.

The kits were not available thanks to how the FDA works and the stringent processes put in place. Could it have been faster? Sure. The lab-developed tests were found to have errors. That had to be corrected and reshipped. That's hardly "foot dragging".

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