A billboard in the Delmont/Export area says, “China lies, Americans die.” China has a history of being secretive, and the government did not quickly inform the world of covid-19. But blaming China alone is dangerous; it promotes antagonism against Asian Americans. This includes President Trump’s constant Asian descriptions of the flu. Over 2,000 incidents against Asian Americans have been reported.
Trump ignored warnings from intelligence communities, ignored a pandemic playbook, downplayed the pandemic and wasted two months before he started to react. He refused WHO test kits because Americans could make them better. American test kits were defective, which delayed testing.
Trump downplayed and slowed down testing, promised everyone who wanted tested would get tested — not true. He contradicted scientists, mismanaged supplies, had governors competing against each other for supplies which delayed medical attention for patients, delayed the Defense Protection Act and used it sparingly, etc.
Over 40,000 people came from China during the travel ban; there was no ban on Europe.
Citizens are refusing to wear masks and ignoring social distancing, and businesses are reopening too soon, which has sparked increases in many states.
Before accusing only China of killing Americans because of covid-19, we have to look to ourselves for initial and continuing lack of management and preparations plus the lack of cooperation of many citizens — including some governors.
Edna Martorell
Murrysville