I am tempted to say that public health experts have been saying for decades that a pandemic is likely, that it will occur, and that we have to be ready for it. I am tempted to say that the US federal government had some response plans in place, probably an office somewhere in the bureaucracy to direct that response, but then Trump disbanded or defunded that office. I am tempted to say those things, and they are probably in broad measure true.
I am tempted to recall how Trump delayed and thwarted any effective response to Covid-19. And that is true as well.
Looking at Exodus 12 from today's reading, I could say--metaphorically--that public health experts had the whole thing with the slaughter of the lamb, the lamb's blood on the lintels, and the hurried consumption, with sandals on feet, ready for implementation, but that Trump lied and obfuscated. And people died, elders in this case rather than children.
But none of that is particularly helpful.
Trump should be held accountable by the legal system where he has acted unlawfully. And he should be held accountable by his social community where he has acted unethically. But I need to acknowledge that part of my anger at Trump (apologies to anyone not angry at Trump who is stumbling upon this post) is a means of deflecting my own discomfort at my own behavior, and the behavior of my neighbors, my (US) nation, my (White) culture.
Because we have long been hearing that climate change is coming, then has arrived, and is now upon us. And we are still driving our cars, buying homes that are too big for us, and permitting new drilling operations.
Apparently we will keep accelerating until we hit the brick wall.
Or maybe I am caught too much today in the late stages of Holy Week. Perhaps a more hopeful response will come with Christ's resurrection.
— Parulidae
I am tempted to recall how Trump delayed and thwarted any effective response to Covid-19. And that is true as well.
Looking at Exodus 12 from today's reading, I could say--metaphorically--that public health experts had the whole thing with the slaughter of the lamb, the lamb's blood on the lintels, and the hurried consumption, with sandals on feet, ready for implementation, but that Trump lied and obfuscated. And people died, elders in this case rather than children.
But none of that is particularly helpful.
Trump should be held accountable by the legal system where he has acted unlawfully. And he should be held accountable by his social community where he has acted unethically. But I need to acknowledge that part of my anger at Trump (apologies to anyone not angry at Trump who is stumbling upon this post) is a means of deflecting my own discomfort at my own behavior, and the behavior of my neighbors, my (US) nation, my (White) culture.
Because we have long been hearing that climate change is coming, then has arrived, and is now upon us. And we are still driving our cars, buying homes that are too big for us, and permitting new drilling operations.
Apparently we will keep accelerating until we hit the brick wall.
Or maybe I am caught too much today in the late stages of Holy Week. Perhaps a more hopeful response will come with Christ's resurrection.
— Parulidae
Thanks for your wisdom and these Lenten writings. You are inspiring.
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