TRUTH

“…there ain’t no way to hide your lyin’ eyes…” -The Eagles, Lyin’ Eyes

“In war, truth is the first casualty”- Aeschylus

The world is at war with the Coronavirus, or Covid-19.  The virus has been detected on nearly every country on the planet.  People are stranded on cruise ships, and there have been deaths in Washington State, California, and Florida.  The stock market is tumbling, and supply chains are disrupted.  There is a run on masks, hand sanitizer, and household supplies as fearful people stock up and panic buy at Costco and other outlets.

The President says it is a hoax perpetrated by the Democrats.  He thinks it will go away in the Spring “like magic”, and he has a “hunch” that the death toll percentage is exaggerated.  He has appointed Veep Mike Pence as the official lead in this crisis, and all communications must be cleared through him.  He brags that his response has been “perfect”, like the perfect phone call he had with Ukraine.  The mantra seems to be “noting to see here”, and who you gonna believe, me or your lyin’ eyes?

When the virus first emerged in China, their official response was also denial.  They prosecuted anyone who sounded the alarm as fear mongerers and arrested the doctor who rang the alarm.  The doctor who eventually died from the virus.  When they could no longer deny the crisis, they went into overdrive and shut the country down.  They even detained people who didn’t wear masks in the public.

Speaking of masks, officials say that the general public should not think they have to wear one.  Only those with symptoms, and health care workers.  We need to protect the supply and not hoard.  In the meantime, cough into your elbow, wash your hands, and don’t go on cruises.  We’re not there yet, but there may come a time when certain areas will need to be quarantined, schools closed, and just stay home.  Oh, yes, and stock up on your meds, some of which might have ingredients that come from China.

We had weeks to ramp up test kits but didn’t.  Now the government says that there will be millions available “by the end of the week”.  They don’t say what week.  POTUS says anyone who needs a test can get one.  Another lie.  Looking back at it we could have purchased a supply from Germany or South Korea, but no, we are America and we can go it alone here.  Except this is a world-wide problem that requires a world-wide coordinated solution.  So far there is no solution in site, no containment, only “mitigation”.

Truth is the first casualty of war.  Make no mistake, we are in a war, a world war.  What we don’t need is a President who minimizes, thinks he’s smarter than the experts, and tells everyone everything will be great.  After all, the economy is rolling, and he has made America great.  In the meantime, wash your hands.