Tensions between Andrew Ross Sorkin and Rick Santelli rose Friday in CNBC`s Squawk Box. The disagreements between Sorkin and Santelli were a reflection of a debate that many Americans have had these days over what some see as inconsistencies in pandemic blocking rules. What happened was that the dispute over restaurant closures, while major box retailers remain open, erupted after California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday a new stay for California, which will close bars, hair salons and private service stores, and limit restaurants to delivery and delivery services. Five hundred people in a Lowe`s are no safer than 150 people in a restaurant that seats 600 people,” said Santelli. “I don`t believe it. I am sorry. Don`t believe it. And I live in an area where there are a lot of restaurants that have resisted, and they have no problem. And they`re open! Sorkin Fires Back: Sorkin responded by accusing Santelli of misinforming CNBC viewers. You don`t have to believe it, but let me just say it – you`re doing the viewer a disservice because the audience needs to understand,” Sorkin said. I am sorry. I am sorry. I want to keep the public as healthy as they are human. The idea of putting people in a restaurant and putting people in a best buy are completely different things,” > When WWE takes control of CNBC.

pic.twitter.com/gdtftV8EXb> > — Bill Grueskin (@BGrueskin) December 4, 2020Santelli has been editor-in-chief of CNBC since 1999 and is a live on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Sorkin is a New York Times financial columnist, author of the book “Too Big To Fail” and co-creator of the “Billions” series. They do the viewer a disservice! You are! Santelli responded to Sorkin`s accusations. “I think our viewers are smart enough to make some of these decisions on their own. I don`t think I`m smarter than all the audience, as some do. Related Link: Andrew Ross Sorkin, Joe Kernen Get Into Heated On-Air Argument Over Coronavirus, TrumpBenzinga`s Take: Sorkin and Santelli represented both sides of a very fundamental philosophical argument on whether the primary responsibility for the safety of the American people during the pandemic lies with the government or the citizens themselves. The pandemic is a disproportionate toll on small businesses such as restaurants and bars. However, COVID-19 cases are at record levels in many areas across the country, including a record 7,854 new cases in Los Angeles County on Thursday. More of Benzinga – Click here for Benzinga Trades options – US adds only 245K jobs in November, missing expectations of 44% plus 3 shares that could make you richer in December (C) 2020 Benzinga.com.