In the Wake of Darkness (America’s reaction to containing COVID-19) – Commentary

By Mark A. Leon

We are in the middle of writing the narrative to one of the moment memorable periods in American history. It has been challenging, filled with emotion, and driven us to envision a new way of life. In isolation, financial strife, the uncertainty of the future, and a re-evaluation of everything we have ever known, it has brought out the best and the worst in us.

What truly has been the most difficult part is witnessing the worst overpowering the best in all corners of our society. Throughout history, we have seen the union of collective kindness and courage overcome mountains, but now we have found ourselves in a place where we have lost direction and focus

• Public health and well-being is being stomped on by political agendas
• Depression intensified by isolation, legislation, unemployment, and compromising of lifestyle choices is an extension of the disease spreading throughout the nation.
• Personal greed and narcissistic attitudes are destroying the goal of a healthy place we all seek
• Cowards hiding beyond the digital walls are fighting wars of words

The spread of COVID-19 isn’t a war we should be fighting among ourselves, but we are. Every day, we point more fingers with each release of new data with claims of conspiracy, lies, and political motives.

Quite simply, whether you feel this is a conspiracy, propaganda, or lies, this virus is extremely contagious, does not discriminate on age, and is sending loved ones to their graves. That part cannot be debated, nor should any of this.

Billions of dollars are going into R&D to find a vaccine, but until then, we can only contain. The only way to contain is to be unified. Why aren’t we seeing that? Look at our name! We are the “United” States of America.

We fought for freedom nearly 250 years ago as a united front and now we must do that once again to an enemy that potentially can be more deadly than anything we have had to face in our lifetimes.