5-19-20
Trump is now threatening to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO) altogether. Such a move would be hideously irresponsible, dangerous, hurtful, and could cost lives.
WHO is doing vital work around the world in the war against COVID 19. Yes, it has made mistakes. People everywhere have. Thing is, WHO is trying and has admitted to some blunders. The organization plays an important role in helping nations work together in fighting this global pandemic. We need WHO now more than ever because with it, the world will get a better handle on COVID 19 much quicker and more effectively than compared to nations working more separately and piecemeal.
Trump has made numerous mistakes with regards to this pandemic. A big one was his downplaying the problem for weeks despite warnings from experts and the US Intelligence Community. His behavior, statements, and actions have been erratic and all over the place leaving the US federal government’s response chaotic, confusing, and disorganized. As a result, state governors have had to do significantly more than they should have and has resulted in too much of a varied, patchwork approach in fighting the pandemic in the United States.
A major difference between WHO and Trump is that Trump is not acknowledging his mistakes. Instead, he is blaming others. I suspect part of Trump’s reason for acting like this is to try to divert attention away from his own mishandling of the crisis. This sort of behavior is dangerously immature, counterproductive, and hurtful. It negatively impacts the battle against COVID 19 by creating unnecessary divisions while potentially decreasing WHO’s ability to function as it needs to.
The COVID Pandemic is a time when people, organizations, and nations should strive to work together as much as possible. Acknowledge mistakes, learn from them, and try to do better.
Trump’s behavior, while not surprising, is hindering the response against COVID 19. And this could cost lives. The United States must stay in the World Health Organization! In addition to that, Trump and the US federal government need to do better.
Views and Observations 