I have been watching the coronavirus phenomenon test the world. Leaders in many countries, cities, and states have demonstrated their concern for fellow citizens with clear guidelines and prompt action. I think the true “test” of a leader is how they react to adversity. Recent days aside, our national leadership has marginalized the scientific community and in many cases their own advisors. Finally, we have the ability to begin to provide reliable testing for those who need it or even want it. The World Health Organization has been providing test kits – now 57 countries are using those kits, but not the US. Accurate and timely data will inform our progress and needed next steps. I was impressed with Jay Inslee, Washington State Governor, who has collaborated with local political and business leaders, the Federal Government, and the epidemiologists at University of Washington to take needed actions and communicate clearly. I think he must be on the right track, as Fearless leader called him a “snake” at his ceremonial visit to the CDC. In addition to misrepresenting the then current testing kit availability and their reliability, he compared them to the infamous perfect “Ukrainian” phone call—really!! Staying focused on the point of the visit is not apparently possible as we also heard a self evaluation, “I like this stuff. I really get it. people are surprised that I understand it … maybe I have a natural ability.”
Perhaps that is why our leader has consistently cut back financial support for science agencies in our country and funding to fight disease outbreaks internationally. He has a “hunch” the death rates are lower than reported. Really?!? My hunch is we desperately deserve new leadership.
I am heading to Canada this week to ski at Mustang Powder. The resort is in the Monashee Range near Revelstoke. I am fortunate to have Megan, Katie and Holt joining me for this unique and challenging venue. It is Megan’s 40th birthday soon and her first Canadian ski experience. I could not be luckier to be skiing with my daughters and son in law in one of the beautiful places on the planet. We were scheduled to fly through Seattle but it presented potential issues for those who could face self quarantine and elevated exposure risks We decided it was wise to “road trip” and look forward to a 12 hour auto journey. It will be difficult to maintain social distancing in a large vehicle. The Canadians are guarding their border and we will not be admitted if we have recently been in China, Iran, South Korea, Italy, or if we exhibit any suspicious symptoms. We return on Tuesday and face the same screening review. No reported cases in the Okanagan Valley or Revelstoke BC. Wish us safe travels—time will tell if we made the right decision based on our well informed research.
I finally found something to agree on with Larry Kudlow, Fearless leader’s National Economic Council Director. Kudlow advises us to remain calm, stay at work, and in the absence of magnitude data, “so far it looks relatively contained.” If you consider the difficulty leaving the Earth, Kudlow is correct —the pandemic is contained—on our planet.
Be safe and wash your hands. Mike
P. S. I had not heard Fearless leader read his Oval Office speech when I wrote the above. I listened as I thought I may need to cut him some slack. Nope, still no focus on testing. Our country ranks nearly dead last in the world in understanding the spread of the virus and if our measures are effective because as a country we are so far behind the curve on testing. Fearless made his campaign speech. The Mayor of Boston, recognized 80% of school children in his city receive free and reduced lunch, they have made plans to deliver food to those kids in the event of school closures. That is what we need, creative and inspired leadership.