Here we are, months after American health officials announced the presence of the first COVID-19 patient in the United States, and there is little improvement. With the nation's general election on the horizon, America remains a land troubled by ongoing social upheaval, a raging virus, and the likely prospect of widespread violence on Election Day. Now, adding to the above comes the news that medical experts predict that the virus will surge as fall and winter progress, and I am increasingly worried.
The current state of the USA is an exceptionally sorry one, especially when it comes to social divisions and the ongoing pandemic. Despite knowing that COVID-19 was in America as early as January 21st, 2020, the nation continues to lack a uniform pandemic policy. As debates rage about the validity of epidemiology, the use and efficacy of masks, and the need for social distancing, the numbers of the dead and infected are either fluctuating or trending upward. Though the pandemic is somewhat under control in my immediate vicinity, certain areas are again under mandatory restrictions and the schools therein are closed as the number of infections reaches critical levels. None of this is reassuring. America is now a wholly dysfunctional nation, one rife with political division and racial hatred, and beset by intolerant masses and radicalized activists. Amidst calls for widespread civil unrest coming from prominent members of the nation's splintered electorate, the possibility of a second American Civil War—one fought not among states but between neighbors and localities—is frighteningly real. Many see the current and woefully tenuous domestic peace as a purely ephemeral thing maintained by restraints of gossamer, and I grow increasingly despondent as I fear they may be correct. Modern America is now somewhat like a relic of the Dark Ages as science is openly mocked by the nation's leaders and the pandemic benefits from a vacuum formed by the lack of a strongly coordinated national response. As structures burn due to vandalism and people die from the virus, President Trump offers combative responses that only cause the fires of hatred and division to burn hotter. His inconsistent and scientifically contestable messaging to the same public he kept uninformed at the beginning of the pandemic fosters public battles over masks, social distancing, and consideration for the health and safety of others. Conversely, former Vice President Joe Biden is offering a nebulous response to the racial animosity that grips America, and his pandemic response plan appears to be absolutely bereft of any metric by which success or failure could be determined. To me, both men are essentially offering election year promises laden with much interpretive leeway, and neither candidate is convincing me of their ability to lead with transparency. If Donald Trump wins reelection, then he will likely honor his promise to maintain his policies. If Joe Biden wins, then he will be unable to enact his somewhat nebulous plans until he is inaugurated, thus his strategies would not be in effect until his administration is solidified in the weeks following January 20th, 2021. Accordingly, I see the upcoming election as a contest between improper responses now and a uncertain ones in the future, so to make such a choice is, to me, a futile and depressing endeavor. The above encapsulates just a few of the issues that reinforce my bleak outlook. I'm concerned for myself, for my family and others close to me, and for the nation as a whole. Election Day is supposed to be an opportunity for Americans to choose from its best and brightest, but in this year as in most prior ones, the best and brightest are naught but a pair of planned absences. I have the Election Blues, and with good reason. All the best, Keith V. 10/24/2020 02:09:17 pm
You've written a powerful and thought-provoking piece. As a Canadian who watches a significant amount of American news, I can feel the tension in the U.S. over the past several years escalating. Being 20 miles from the border, I have spent a significant amount of time in the U.S.. and have never witnessed the absolute polarity of the people as I have in the past few years. It really is a toxic environment which does not invite tourism at this point in time. 10/25/2020 10:03:12 pm
Thank you for visiting and leaving a thoughtful comment! Yes, America is in a very dangerous state right now. The focus here is more on division and satisfying the whims of factional interests than on the common good. Even something as simple and courteous as protecting others from disease is a topic for debate or a catalyst (or an excuse) for violence. It's truly sad to see first-hand.
Diane
11/14/2020 02:51:28 pm
Jodi, it saddens me as an American, that tourists would not feel same coming to visit us. We ARE very toxic right now. None of us are safe. Hopefully, we will get back on track and tourist will once again desire to visit America. 10/24/2020 06:41:04 pm
Powerful post. I am hopefully that things will change for the better, in time. 10/25/2020 10:09:30 pm
Hi, Troy! Yes, we must keep the faith and hope things turn around. I truly want to see Americans band together to do what's right. Every topic that arises is not a cause to engage in divisive behavior, and I'm waiting for people to remember that. When that happens, the turnaround will follow. 11/7/2020 01:59:29 am
It breaks my heart when I read or watch disturbing news coming from your country. You wrote an inspiring article coming out of your personal feelings. I hope things will do get better, eventually. Thanks for sharing your views with us and Good luck! Keith V 11/7/2020 03:08:03 pm
Hi Sara! Thanks for reading and commenting. I can only hope things improve, but my confidence in a better future remains low. My belief that America deserved better candidates remains. Biden appears to be the winner, yet that gives me no greater hope for a better tomorrow than a Trump victory would have. Our happier tomorrow rests with someone other than the candidates who ran. Comments are closed.
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AuthorI love to write! I'm a Technical Writer by day and a blogger by night. On My Mind Today is my creation, and for me it is a true labor of love. Whether the subject is a current issue or a historical matter, I'll try to address it here. I look forward to writing quality content, and I'm open to topic suggestions. I value your feedback! Archives
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