People across the globe are struggling against the COVID-10 pandemic. Millions have been exposed and thousands are sick and in the process of dying, Most counties leaders and the citizens are diligently working on prevention (social distancing, face coverings, limited travel) and treatment for those infected with the virus. The goal of these countries is reducing the spread while caring for the infected.
Pandemic – 1) a disease or illness prevalent over a whole country or the world; 2) a contagious disease that spreads rapidly and kills many people; 3) a disease occurring over a wide geographic area and affecting an exceptionally high proportion of the population.
In the US, we have governors in most states working on those same two factors. But here in the US, we have compounded the COVID-19 pandemic with the failure of Trump. Trump’s leadership failure, his disregard for truth and human lives has cost the United States tens of thousands of lives. In the meantime, the Trump/Republican Priests of Mammon continue to use their propaganda tool, FOX News, to sow lies and misinformation in almost every sector of society, especially in the areas dealing with COVID-19 prevention a state level.
Disease – a particular quality, habit, or disposition regarded as adversely affecting a person or group of people.
Trump has adopted the Russian tool of agitprop via a consistent stream of inflammatory, insulting and counter-productive tweets and use of social media. His tweets are directed at Democratic Governors, Democratic members of the House and Senate, his critics and activities which would motivate his base supporters. It includes encouragement of disregarding COVID-19 preventative steps (especially face masks) and social disobedience/conflict in the name of restoring the economy.
Plague – 1) a contagious disease that spreads rapidly and kills many people; 2) a thing causing trouble or irritation.
Trump has always encouraged violence and supported actions that have caused multiple deaths in the US. Turning a blind eye to mass shootings, his actions speak to the Alt-right and NRA gun lovers. His campaign events arouse hate and encourages violence (through the use of selected phases and rhetorical “winks and nods”) against minorities, elected officials, the press and anything of anyone with whom he has a disagreement, including other Republicans. Trump’s hate is contagious and it can be seen in others like Lindsey Graham and every member of his family and WH staff.
So in addition to dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, America is wrestling with a second epidemic which I refer to as the TRUMPIAN PLAGUE. We are fighting against both the COVID virus which is threatening and killing thousands of Americans and TRUMP’S PLAGUE of hate, discord, conflict, disrespect and violence which is killing hundreds and thousands of immigrants, the ill, kids in schools, adults in public places and the standing of the United States with our allies.
Since Trump likes his name on everything, I would think he might find his name associated with his political plague something to be proud about.