We thank the heavens that Trump is in charge when we are going through one of the most difficult times in our country’s history.
On Tuesday, March 17, Trump, talking to a nation-wide audience proclaimed; “This is a pandemic. I felt it was a pandemic long before it was called a pandemic. All you had to do was look at other countries.”
He also suggested that he knew as much about the coronavirus as any scientist since, as he said, “I really like this stuff. I really get it. People are surprised that I understand it. Every one of these doctors said; “How do you know so much about this?” Maybe I have a natural ability. Maybe I should have done that instead of running for president.”
He warned people; “Don’t leave your home.” And to show he understood the severity of the situation, he declared a national health emergency. Yep. He knew it all the time.
The above and what follows is well documented in print and on video.
Trump also cast blame on where it belonged. He asserted “The Fake News and their partner, the Democratic Party, is doing everything within its semi-considerable power to inflame the coronavirus situation, far beyond what the facts would warrant.”
He went on. “And the Surgeon General said; “The risk is low to the average American.” Trump also characterized the coronavirus as a Democratic hoax.
His taking charge of the situation, in actuality, really began on or about March 13. However, nearly two months earlier, on Jan. 21, the first American case of coronavirus was reported. When asked if there were any worries about a pandemic at that time, he responded: “No not all. And we have it totally under control. It’s one person coming in from China.”
Two days later, he reassured the nation by saying; “No need to worry. It will work out well.”
At the end of January, he reported to the nation; “We have it very well under control. We have very little problem in this country at this moment. Five cases and those people are all recuperating successfully.”
When Sean Hannity asked, “How concerned are you?”, he responded, “Well, we pretty much shut it down coming in from China.”
More reassurance came on Feb. 10 when he told the nation that warm spring weather could kill the virus. His words; “Looks like by April, you know, in theory, when it gets a little warmer, it miraculously goes away.”
Two weeks later in February, he informed us “The situation is improving. We’re going down, not up.” A day later, he was even more confident when he said; “It’s going to disappear – One day – It’s like a miracle – It will disappear.”
On the last day of February, just in case a vaccine would be needed, he said it would be available “very quickly” and “very rapidly.” He went on to say that his administration’s actions are “the most aggressive taken by any country.”
Now we come into the month of March. He told Hannity, “We’re talking about a much smaller range of deaths than from the flu.”
Regarding testing kits, he said; “There is no testing shortage, nor has there ever been.” “Anybody that wants a test can get a test.”
A few days later, he said; “I’m not concerned at all” and shortly thereafter promised: “It will go away, just stay calm. It will go away.”
And on March 13, Trump declared a national emergency. Follow the timeline. Lies or not lies? That is the question!
Let’s go back in time, to the presidency of another Republican, George W. Bush. During his presidency, guidelines were developed for communicating during public health crises based upon four core principles: “be first,” “be right.” “show respect,” and “promote action.”
Trump and his administration broke every rule.
I challenge Trump supporters to check out these facts and I guarantee not one will be found to be fake.
Alvin H. Goldberg
Great Neck
