Only a few short weeks ago, the coronavirus was dismissed by many, including President Trump, as an easily contained issue that would have minimal impact. But since then, the number of new cases and deaths have risen dramatically, both here and abroad, shattering previous conclusions and making this now-pandemic a serious health crisis. Initially, Trump spoke of cases that would soon “be down to close to zero,” and said of his cable news opponents, “The Fake News Media is doing everything possible to make us look bad. Sad!”
Thankfully, Trump has changed his tune and become the leader the country desperately needs in a time of crisis. CNN’s Dana Bash gave credit where credit is due, praising his remarkable tone and leadership. The president needed to treat this pandemic with the seriousness it deserves. He is now doing that. That some in the mainstream media are noticing is an appropriate response to his direction.
Unfortunately, not everyone is unifying around the shared goal of keeping our country’s vulnerable populations safe. Spring break revelers have taken to Florida beaches and others continue on in their daily lives and public routines, seemingly unconcerned about the harm they may be doing to others. Worst of all, some individuals on the Right openly mock instruction from the highest levels of government even if it means helping their fellow citizens stay healthy.
Many on the Right are minimizing the current recommendations. On Monday, West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice, a Republican, said, “For crying out loud, go to the grocery stores. If you want to go to Bob Evans and eat, go to Bob Evans and eat.” Granted, his state had no confirmed cases yet (it now has one), but we know people may be carrying the virus even if they don’t display symptoms. On Saturday, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, proudly tweeted: “Eating with my kids and all my fellow Oklahomans at the @CollectiveOKC. It’s packed tonight!” On Sunday, he declared a state of emergency. He eventually deleted the tweet.
That any individual on the Right would reject the necessary precautions issued in a time of national health emergency is unacceptable, most especially because conservatives promote themselves as those who care about life.
A fundamental part of conservative ideology is the sanctity of life. While Democrats celebrate abortion, conservatives proudly stand in the gap and act as a voice for the voiceless unborn. But it’s easy to defend the inherent worth of helpless lives in the womb. Holding fast to the pro-life cause becomes less obvious when applied to the defense of those who have lived a significant portion of their lives. Still, it must be done and without question.
It has been widely reported that the coronavirus harms the elderly and those with underlying health conditions the most. Instead of a sigh of relief from the younger, healthy, and more mobile population, this should inspire the need to follow safe practices for hygiene and distancing as detailed by the government. And yes, despite all of this intrusion, conservatives should lead the way in following these guidelines.
There is no indication that the coronavirus pandemic or the response to it will continue on indefinitely. Eventually, new cases will peak, patients will recover, a vaccine will be approved, and yes, our economy will bounce back. But for now, social distancing is necessary to stop the rapid spread and to not overwhelm our health system. This may mean Americans won’t be able to visit their favorite restaurant or pub. Large gatherings have been discouraged. Schools are closed and individuals in all industries are working from home.
It is a deeply uncomfortable time, especially if you believe in less government, but that annoyance should be set aside. What matters now is that during a temporary time of adjustment, we care for our family, friends, neighbors, and even total strangers by doing what we can to limit exposure and the possibility that more may get sick.
Protecting the vulnerable, whether unborn, elderly, or anyone in-between, is truly the pro-life thing to do.
Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog and a columnist at Arc Digital.
