It came as a comfort (Friday) morning to read results of recent surveys from the Pew Research Center. An extensive study affirms that twice as many Americans are concerned about re-opening the country too soon—inviting new spikes in COVID-19 cases and deaths—as compared to those who think we are staying home too long.
Of course, with millions losing jobs, everyone has money worries these days. But do they outweigh concern for life and health? Photos of protestors in Columbus and Lansing have circulated this week showing uncovered faces, screaming mouths, and scarcely six inches between individuals shaking their fists outside the Statehouse. Onlookers get an impression of mass hysteria feeding rampant disregard for public welfare.
Turns out, these indignant folks are not only a vocal minority. Journalists also document their links to rightwing organizations including some that support racist ideology and have practiced violence. The Proud Boys and Michigan Liberty Militia organized gatherings that blocked access to hospital emergency rooms. Also promoting these events is an outfit called the Michigan Freedom Fund, connected to billionaire Trump cabinet member Betsy DeVos.
As often happens when outrage gets weaponized, small groups of people garner attention beyond what their limited constituency deserves. Loud voices intimidate those who beg to differ with the extremist message they promote. But in fact, most Americans firmly support social distancing to stay safe until testing gets ramped up and dangers of contagion abate significantly.
Meanwhile, I wonder how the economy can recover if people remain afraid to venture out—whether because of a virus, or due to fanatics blocking access to safety. Ever the friend of rightwing minorities, Trump is now tweeting “LIBERATE MICHIGAN” and many other states. Nor does he neglect to say, “save your great 2nd Amendment rights!” He incites dangerous behavior in our states as if he’s got a raving death wish. Having failed to protect the public, provide essential supplies, or ramp up testing to save lives, he now throws the weight of the presidency into threatening us further.
I take comfort in knowing that the great majority of my neighbors are staying sane through this struggle. We are facing the threats to work on the frontlines, fighting the real enemy, or we are sheltered at home, depriving the coronavirus of new hosts. That is what caring Americans can do for one another in these trying times.
Anesa Miller
Bowling Green
