Controversy alert: This opinion piece touches on highly felt political beliefs. It has content the like of which has caused dissent, family arguments, falling out of friends, and, possibly, some fisticuffs. If you can’t handle nonviolent, if not civil, debate; please do not read it.
A (failed) test
I’m glad the COVID-19 pandemic came during Donald Trump’s presidency.
No, that’s not right.
I’m glad Donald Trump is handling COVID-19.
Closer, maybe, but still not it.
I’m glad COVID-19 has been Donald Trump’s worst disaster.
Good. And here’s why:
The president is the tiller and the anchor that citizens look to in times of need. His responsibility is to guide the nation through shoals and troubled seas. He also provides a safe and stable reference point when troubles are too great.
Donald Trump has done neither.
He tells us to do one thing and days – or hours – later changes direction. He declares that one person is the ultimate authority and soon fires him. He assures us that we are safe while all around friends or relatives are sick and dying. Meanwhile, his one constant is that “the cure must not be greater than the disease.”
I’m glad that this pandemic came at this time to expose Trump’s ignorance and incompetence at handling the responsibility of the president.
He gathers “advisors” who are not experts, but yes-men who dare not dispute what he declares as facts. When they do point out the truth, he fires them. When his statements are shown to be blatantly wrong, he either challenges the truth-tellers or ignores that he ever said such. He says that local officials are responsible for their own needs and then confiscates resources they have already sourced.
And in a fit of petulance he prioritizes aid he can provide for those who support him and ignores those who most need it.
It’s good that everyone see how Trump reacts to this crisis. And, bad as it is, it’s good that this is not a real crisis that needs the stability and leadership of the head of state.
Imagine if this had been a major earthquake centered on San Francisco. Suppose it had been an American Chernobyl. What if he were in charge during a 9-11 level attack?
Would Trump been able to respond in those cases? Would he overreact or just flounder about and accomplish nothing? Would he accept the assistants of the scientists and economists and sociologists who would rally to the aid of the nation?
Hopefully we don’t have even a serious hurricane season this year to further fluster the president. Hopefully the electorate will recognize what they put in the White House four years ago and decide they want a more humble and level head come November.
