During times of crisis, citizens of all political persuasions generally come together, mobilizing in
a show of unity to help weather the storm. That’s what most sensible Americans tried to do when they started receiving reports beginning in January about the coronavirus that has driven us inside and damaged our economy. We wanted direction; we wanted leadership.
Instead, we got confusion and posturing from President Trump. At a time when we could have been preparing for the health and economic crises that now have arrived in full force, a president who knew better told us COVID-19 would never land on our shores; that a miracle cure was just around the corner; that we would celebrate Easter in packed churches.
When the nation’s governors begged the president to organize the procurement chaos that emerged over medical supplies by using his authority under the Defense Procurement Act, Trump told them they were on their own. When the unemployment rolls filled with Americans who had lost their jobs and their health insurance, Trump refused to let them register for Obamacare. When health experts said the only way to determine whether stay-at-home restrictions could be lifted was to expand testing, a deeply flawed Trump said there was “no way” all Americans would be tested.
Meanwhile, North Carolina residents appear to be doing what they can, buttressed by the planning and execution of Gov. Roy Cooper and his administration. The virus had infected almost 4,000 North Carolinians by April 10, and more than 90 people had died. But Cooper’s decisions during the crisis, including his stay-at-home restrictions for the month of April and perhaps longer, appear to be flattening the curve of people suffering from COVID-19 in the Tarheel State.
Cooper’s decisions also appear to be helping hospitals statewide, which are managing the influx of patients, with nowhere near the problems in New York City or other hot spots. And when new problems emerge—such as increased illnesses in nursing homes—the Cooper Administration has responded quickly and decisively.
No one can be sure when, or if, life will return to a semblance of the order that existed before COVID-19. In the meantime, the citizens of Brunswick County waiting to vote on Election Day should never forget who responded to their calls for leadership and direction—and who did not.
Submitted by Arthur Hill Mosquito 2 Precinct
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