The DC: GOP rep calls to disband coronavirus task force 'so Trump’s message is not mitigated', and... 🗽 What do you love about America?

Welcome to Friday, July 3rd, fireworks and sparklers...

We cover a lot of tough issues here at Countable, and we hear a lot of passionate views from our community.

No matter the political persuasion, there’s no shortage of cynicism and even despair about the issues that confront our country every day. Especially these days.

But today, we're turning that on its head, because there’s also much to appreciate from sea to shining sea.

What aspects of our country are you celebrating today? Why are you proud to call America "home"? What do you miss when overseas?

Click here (or in the image below) to tell your reps what you hold dear, then share your thoughts. We'll feature them on the site and in Monday's Daily Countable.

And happy (early) Independence Day,

—The Countable Team

On the Radar

U.S. Economy Gains Record 4.8 Million Jobs in June

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on Thursday released its jobs report for June 2020, which found the U.S. economy added 4.8 million jobs and the unemployment rate declined by 2.2% to 11.1% as states continued to reopen their economies from the lockdowns imposed to slow the coronavirus pandemic and workers returned to their jobs.

The one month job increase is the largest in U.S. history since at least 1939, surpassing May’s record setting gain of 2.7 million jobs which was revised up from an initial report of 2.5 million jobs added. The June jobs report exceeded economists’ expectations, as a Dow Jones survey forecast a gain of 2.9 million jobs and unemployment rate of 12.4%, according to CNBC.

While the second consecutive month of bigger than expected jobs gains is welcome news, it also underscores how far the economy has to go to return to its pre-pandemic highs, which featured an unemployment rate near 3.5% that equaled a 50-year low. The economy lost 22.2 million jobs combined in March & April―so the gains of 7.5 million jobs in May and June represent about 34% of those lost earlier in the year.

How do you feel about the June jobs report?

For a politics-free guide to how to protect you and your loved ones from corona, click on over to our Coronavirus Info Center.

Under the Radar

GOP Congressman Calls on White House to Disband Coronavirus Task Force

Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), the chairman of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, is calling for the White House to disband its coronavirus task force so that health officials are prevented from contradicting President Donald Trump’s "stated goals and actions" when it comes to the economy.

"Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx continue to contradict many of President Trump's stated goals and actions for returning to normalcy as we know more about the COVID-19 outbreak," Biggs said in a statement Thursday. "This is causing panic that compromises our economic recovery. We can protect our most vulnerable from the COVID-19 outbreak while still protecting lives and livelihoods of the rest of the population."

"It’s time for the COVID-19 task force to be disbanded so that President Trump’s message is not mitigated or distorted.”

Should the White House disband its coronavirus task force so it doesn't undermine Trump?

Also Worth a Click

• Jeffrey Epstein Associate Ghislaine Maxwell Indicted and Arrested

And, in the End…

Need a soundtrack for your BBQ? Countable's got you covered like the sunscreen (and mask) you should be wearing.

Recently, we asked "Which song best symbolizes America for you?"

The response was overwhelming.

There were, of course, classics by Joan Baez, Bruce Springsteen, and Marvin Gaye. But you also suggested contemporary tunes: Childish Gambino's "This is America," A Fine Frenzy's "Ashes and Wine," Disturbed's cover of "The Sound of Silence".

And while there were maaaaaany cynical responses (Lupe Fiasco's "American Terrorist," Barbra Streisand's "Don't Lie to Me," Steppenwolf's "Monster"), there were also inspiring ballads like Simon & Garfunkel’s “America,” The Black Eyed Peas’ “Where Is The Love?”, and Chicago’s “Saturday In The Park”.

The most-requested song? Tie between "God Bless America" and Neil Diamond's "America."

And so, without further exposition, here's the (in-no-ways concordant) compilation of your responses.

Countable Users' Playlist for America

(Head's up: We didn’t censor suggestions—there are a few explicit tunes here.)

What songs are we missing? Let us know, and we'll add 'em...

—Josh Herman

Talk to us via email at contact [at] countable.us. And don’t forget to keep in touch @Countable.