Latest Un-Trumpublican Thoughts on the Pandemic

Too many Americans, taking a “hint” from President Trump and those, including many Republican governors, who mouth his jumbled and uneducated thoughts, seem to think that the Cofid19 Pandemic is almost over.  At the Republican Convention, I mean Trump Rally, speakers referred to the Pandemic in the past tense, as if it were history.  Larry Kudlow, economic advisor, was a good example.  What medical school did he attend, anyway? Folks, it ain’t over … and won’t be for a long time.

From the National Center for Health Statistics, part of the CDC, the following 2017 statistics are available regarding the leading causes of death in the United States.

Number of deaths for leading causes of death

• Heart disease: 647,457
• Cancer: 599,108
• Accidents (unintentional injuries): 169,936
• Chronic lower respiratory diseases: 160,201
• Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases): 146,383
• Alzheimer’s disease: 121,404
• Diabetes: 83,564
• Influenza and pneumonia: 55,672
• Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis: 50,633
• Intentional self-harm (suicide): 47,173

Source: Deaths: Leading Causes for 2017, table 1 pdf icon[PDF- 2 MB]

Obviously, Covid19 is not included in these 2017 numbers, and if it were, I suspect there would be a overlap with the 2017 figures for chronic lower respiratory diseases and influenza and pneumonia, both totaling about 215,000.   In any event, from what I gather from governmental and other sources, there would be no more than that number this year from Covid19.  “Over 200,000 deaths” will be nothing to be proud of, even for Trumpublicans.

Unfortunately, it is conceivable that Americans will get used to this amount of expected annual mortality from Covid19, particularly since many Covid19 deaths already appear, in the eyes of some, as influenza, pneumonia and chronic lower respiratory disease deaths.  We seem to accept these death statistics from other causes (heart disease, cancer, etc.)  as a matter of routine. Regardless of this, however, what distinguishes Covid19 from the other leading causes of death is the fact that it is highly contagious.  The numbers for the other leading causes of death can be counted on to remain relatively stable, but that is not true of Covid19.  Unless steps are continually taken to keep its spread under control, its prevalence as a cause of death can quickly “spike” out of control.

Because many deaths from Covid19 are among those whose income levels are such that they are not able to take some of the steps necessary to avoid that disease’s spread (social distancing, not going to work or school if there are symptoms present, living in close quarters with others, not receiving other medical care regularly, unavailability of testing, even for those without symptoms), those who can easily afford to take such precautions very well may discount the Covid19 numbers and consider it something to accept along with other ‘non-contagious’ causes of death. 

Except for already vulnerable seniors, they may be taking it to be “somebody else’s” disease. Just take a look at those taking advantage of social and commercial “reopening,” and note who they are.  You will see what I mean. There is a racial component to this dichotomy.  Clearly, Covid19’s numbers differ for the “haves” and the “have-nots.”

This is the mistake some States and the Administration in Washington make in encouraging the relaxation of restrictions and the opening up of our society, socially and economically.  Some of those involved know better, but put politics first. At a minimum, those infected, even in reduced amounts, often working in the food service and hospitality industries, continue to come to work and can infect others.  The same goes for opening schools and other gathering places while infection rates remain significant.  

It is sometimes said that a locale's positivity rate (percentage of those tested who test as being positive for the virus) not higher than 5% is sufficient to open up schools, for example.  That means that the statistics suggest that one in twenty untested children in a classroom, even withouth symptoms, might conceivably spread the virus to the other nineteen, who can take it home.  Is that good enough for you? That is why Covid19 is different from other causes of death. 

That is why wearing masks, washing hands, avoiding close contact with crowds and other such precautions may become a permanent part of our way of life.  Covid19 is contagious while cancer and heart disease, for example, are not.

Only with (1) the appearance and world-wide availability of a proven vaccine, (2) the providing of mandatory periodic testing for the virus for everyone including those without any symptoms, at least in the United States, and (3) making comprehensive medical care readily available for all citizens, can this be changed.

Writing to government officials and newspapers about this really doesn't work.  All it does is make you feel good.  You can, however, help change things when you vote for a President and your Congressperson in November.  

JL 

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I personally conclude that Trumpublicans (there is no longer a Republican Party) are attempting  to, and succeeding, in putting democracy in America on the defensive, and are well on their way to destroying it.  Their emphasis on "law and order" is just a distraction to avoid facing up to Trump's abject failure in dealing with the Covid19 pandemic which some rightwingers say has killed only 9,000 .  (See above article and Professor Richardson's newsletter.)  

A vote for Trump, or anyone still calling themselves Republicans (they are his "enablers,") is a vote against democracy in America.

JL