Based on data, this is not debatable. Based on common sense, it is not surprising. Based on history, it was easy to predict (https://patrickonpolitics.com/2020/04/12/trump-can-not-be-trusted-to-re-open-the-economy-biden-can-not-let-him/).
Yet here we are.
As of today, according to Johns Hopkins Covid-19 data, the following is true:
– 85% of red states are spiking cases
– 40% of purple states are spiking cases
– 33% of blue states are spiking cases
Put another way, 85% of red states are spiking Covid-19 cases and 77% of blue states are flat or declining. That is a staggering difference within one country.
Why?
This is quite simple, actually. Nearly all the difference can be attributed to which public officials and news outlets people listen to/watch/believe. That’s it. (See below all Gallup Survey charts supporting these points)
If you listen to Trump and deep red governors in states like Georgia, SC, FL, TX, AL, MS, etc.and watch conservative media, the following is true:
– Covid-19 is getting better.
– Masks and distancing are not necessary and are, in fact, an infringement on your individual freedom.
– You are not wearing masks nor distancing.
– You think Trump is doing a great job despite America doing amongst the worst of any country in the world in cases, case rate, deaths, death rate, and testing rate.
If you listen to scientists and mixed (Mainstream) or liberal media and blue state governors, the following is true:
– Covid-19 is not going to get better until a vaccine is widely dispersed, and the best we can do is mitigate it.
– Masks and social distancing are the best, most effective ways to mitigate it.
– You wear masks and social distance despite being derided by conservatives.
– You understand Trump is performing worse than nearly all other heads of state and his lies and focus on the economy & his election are endangering everyone.
At the beginning of my writing I decided on the masthead quote from Voltaire – Anyone who has the power to make you believe absurdities, has the power to make you commit atrocities. Trump and conservative media have the power to make 1/3 of this country believe absurdities like wearing masks and distancing are infringements on their freedom and do not help contain COVID-19. The follow-on atrocities committed by people refusing to protect themselves and others, even going so far as to cough on others purposefully are a direct result of the absurdities he bloviates about daily.
I’m jaded and hard-assed enough to initially and angrily feel: “Fine. Let Darwin take care of them. Fewer people to vote for that moron in November.” Unfortunately, they are taking down innocent people with them. They are carriers, spreaders, and the people who will as ignorantly kill someone’s grandmother, as they easily and ignorantly cling to Trump’s every word.
This all has to end in November. VOTE. VOTE. VOTE. Like your life depends on it.
(489 Words)
Patrick On Politics 