Life during World War II was difficult, as government imposed many regulations. Food and gas were rationed, and everything from nylon stockings to cars and tires were difficult to find. Manufacturing was government mandated, geared to the war effort. But these things did not divide us. There was a feeling of shared responsibility. We had to win the war.
That was last century’s war. In this century, our government tells us the threats to our national security are climate change, pandemics and cyberwarfare. Right now, we are at war with covid-19, with no unified government response. There is no coordination of resources. Because of the lack of an early, aggressive response the virus has spread and the deaths have multiplied. We have 4% of the world’s population but one-fourth to one-third of the number of cases and deaths. On top of that, we also have an economic recession.
Still, we citizens are not united in our fight. Choosing the economy versus the virus is a false choice. We must tackle both. We must stop the spread of this virus and take aggressive action against any hot spot. At the same time we must economically help the average American. Throwing money at Wall Street and large corporations does not help Main Street. The government must help the little guy. Do not let them withhold critical information that we need to open up our economy safely; show us the CDC guidelines.
Joanne Garing
North Huntingdon