How did we get here?

One hundred thousand in 90 days from a pandemic that will claim many more before either a vaccine is ready, or the virus recedes.

How did we get here?

We got here by the same route we will take to the coming climate disaster; by being witness to all the red flags but waving them off. Denial is not a river in Egypt, citizens.

The warning shots that potential pandemics fired across the ship of state’s bow were ample in number and ominous in degree to the extent that the captain on the bridge could not fail of notice. The HIV/AIDs epidemic. Ebola in Africa. Zika. H1N1/Swine Flu. How many near misses are allowed?

Yet, pandemic programs put in place to get, paraphrasing Winston Churchill, “those who hitherto had been half blind, half ready,” went unfunded, research positions unfilled, and regulations to protect our medical community ignored.

Lately I have been backtracking the expanding tentacles of this pestilence and have arrived at an unsettling conclusion: Unlike some natural disasters wherein county, state, or regional preparations can greatly promote survivability and recovery, a pandemic is a unique demon that almost mandates leadership on the highest national level in order to strengthen the weak links in response capabilities, communications, financial resources, facilities, supplies, public assistance, planning, and so much more. It requires vision of the highest order and largest scale to really inspire a solid foundation capable of confronting an attack of a pandemic’s magnitude.

Until this plague actually washed up on our own shore, I did not realize the extent of devastation that was riding on its coattails. COVID was the lead domino that, once tipped, set multiple lines into motion. During the war for our nation’s independence, the war to end slavery, and World War II, we were fortunate to have leaders capable of rising to the daunting tasks. From great challenges emerge great leaders.

Or not.

Take the 9/11 terrorist attacks or the current pandemic as examples. Sometimes great challenges, with which history is replete, simply lead to even greater disasters in the absence of competent and visionary leadership. That, citizens, is the rule rather than the exception.

Now millions across our nation face the specter of economic ruin as rescue fatigue gains traction in the halls of Congress. Case in point:

● Nearly 40 million became unemployed over nine weeks and unemployment benefits are due to expire in two months.

● Eviction moratoriums are ending in June in more than half of U.S. states and almost all by the end of July, threatening millions with homelessness while being advised to stay home during the pandemic.

● Before COVID more than 50 percent of Americans did not have the savings to cover an unexpected $1,000 expense, and more than 40 percent could not cover $250.

● The $2.2 trillion CARES Act, passed on March 27, provided $300 billion in direct Economic Impact Payments to more than 150 million workers and seniors, 75 percent of whom used it up in four weeks or less.

● A second relief bill, the HEROES Act, is likely DOA in the face of strong opposition from Senate Republicans with the President’s blessing because, health risks aside, getting workers back on the job sooner rather than later will enhance his chances for reelection in November.

Sadly, the very voters, those frustrated and desperate Americans who came out of the shadows to elect the leader they hoped might improve their lot, are among those who most need him now. From what I am seeing, I fear for their futures.

Locally we are fortunate to have the Economic Alliance collaborating with TwispWorks, the Pateros Brewster Long Term Recovery Organization, Pateros Brewster Community Resource Center, and Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant. The consortium is awarding grants to help area businesses pay rent and keep the lights on.

Wishing you all good medicine, citizens.