Elected Leaders: Please Behave Like Leaders!

My topics usually do not include politics. Or serious health issues. Regrettably, the Coronavirus has found a way to fuse both.

Though falling on one side of the aisle on most issues, this column is not a one-sided viewpoint. It is really about the need to put partisan perspectives aside and focus on science.

If I knew the right words to convince Republicans and Democrats to put their fists down for the good of the country, you would be reading them now. Unfortunately, those perfect words are like an unknown antidote. And much like the virus that will impact millions, the vitriol that divides the country does the same.

This is not what I voted for. I would like to think it is not why anyone votes.

When voting, there is an expectation of effective leadership from that candidate. When the preferred candidate loses, it does not invalidate the position of the winner. Respect shown towards the winning candidate affirms the process, even when in disagreement.

Too many high-ranking positions of power representing each party, at federal and state levels, are good at letting the whole world, or their part of it, see their utter disdain for each other, and their respective parties. Each side has shown a willingness to act like petulant children.

I am not an expert but am certain that this does not help the public.

Currently in election season mode, politicians stress that the Coronavirus should not be politicized. Then they promptly and predictably begin harshly criticizing each other’s decisions.

How about collaborating instead of pointing fingers? Because that would not satisfy the left and right modus operandi to follow party lines on all subject matters. This is black or white thinking, otherwise known as not thinking, and some gray needs to be introduced. Or reintroduced.

Nor does it fit the plan of media outlets who cannot seem to follow the advice of the actual experts that regularly appear on their Coronavirus variety shows.

When multiple doctors repeatedly explain what to do and what not to do, avoiding panicked thinking is a constant theme. However, the answer for some is unrelenting, redundant coverage. This gives the impression that nothing else in the world is occurring. That nothing else in the world matters.

Therefore, you better not miss what’s coming next.

The perfunctory “it’s coming for you” Coronavirus tote boards keep gut-wrenching, up to the minute statistics on the growing number of confirmed cases and deaths. But proportionate amounts of time are not allocated to fully explaining how it will affect those who test positive. Or on those that have suffered from the virus but recovered.

There seems to be even less time devoted to completely understanding the death rate percentages. Death rate certainly sets a horrific tone. But a state of emergency does not mean a state of panic.

The tsunami of coverage provoked the public into knee jerk reactions. Early on, lines formed outside of grocery stores and shelves were cleared of staple items like water, bread, and paper products. Hoarding unnecessarily could have led to more problems later.

Undoubtedly, this is a serious global situation warranting daily coverage, meaningful updates, and government intervention. Nevertheless, it feels like fear has been leveraged into “must see” information, ensuring that audiences will stay tuned. Fear is a tremendous emotion that can be dangerously exploited.

Shame on those who prey on this tactic. Shame on those who allow it. Bad leadership clearly exists outside the political realm.

To which, politics somehow became a deciding factor in how to deal with this situation. I don’t ever remember being ill and contemplating the best remedy based on how I vote.

To that end, is there hope that lessons can be gained from what we’re all going through?

This pandemic is truly awful but maybe it can give cause for Republicans and Democrats to dispense with the “we’re always right and you’re always wrong” mentality that is pervasive today. Thankfully, the House and Senate have passed several Coronavirus bills. It’s a good start, though politics clearly slowed down the process. But this situation is fluid, with potentially long-lasting health and economic effects. This will require more instances to find common ground. Now and as the country recovers.

Recent history finds this thought to be problematic. Consequently, I would argue that a bi-partisan task force would have made both sides work together. Ownership from the right and left could have reduced biased disparagement, leading to expedition in Congress, focusing strictly on science and a reduction of fear.

Collaboration may lower the mile-high wall that separates the proverbial aisle. It would not remain that way permanently, but it is worth the exercise.

We’re worth the effort. We’re owed the effort. Elected officials work for the people, not for the party.

It doesn’t seem like a difficult concept, but, as long as we’re on the topic, neither does a cure for the common cold.

One of the best defenses to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus is to constantly wash hands. When elected leaders, at any level and on both sides, don’t consistently deliver for the good of the voters, we should wash our hands of them.