There has never been a more important time, since perhaps World War II, for the President of the United States to bring the country together. Here is what he should say.
Recently, a reporter at the daily White House coronavirus briefing asked US President Donald Trump what he would say to his fearful fellow citizens.
by Alexander Friedman, Charles C. Krulak, Project Syndicate | Read more:
Here is what America still needs to hear from its leader.
“My fellow citizens, this is a terrible time for our country and for the world. We are in the midst of a brutal war as challenging as any that humankind has fought. But this fight is not between countries. It is between human civilization and a virus that threatens to upend it.
“COVID-19 is deadly. It is not to be taken lightly, even if you are young and healthy. I have heard comments dismissing the danger it poses – this virus should not be underestimated. It is a real threat not just to your life, but also to your loved ones.
“But be assured, we will defeat it. Just as we have faced down lethal health threats before, from polio to SARS, we will come through this dark period and return to a better way of life.
“From this day forward, I am committing every available resource at the US government’s disposal to ensure that everyone in America receives the medical care they need. Everyone is precious. We will not trade one life for another, nor will we leave anyone behind.
“Let me repeat: We will leave no one behind.“ In 1961, President John F. Kennedy used his inaugural address to pledge this country to ‘bear any burden … in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.’ Sixty years later, it is fitting that we re-commit to the same lofty goal.
“We should have been more prepared for this pandemic. When we get through the immediate crisis, we will make the necessary changes to ensure we are never caught off guard again.
“Here is what your government is doing now. First, we are mobilizing the full might of the private sector. Exercising my authority under the Defense Production Act of 1950, I have ordered our pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and textile companies to produce 300 million COVID-19 tests, one million ventilators, and enough personal protective equipment for 20 million health-care workers.
“Second, I have ordered that all military and Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals be made available for COVID-19 patients.
“Third, the Army Corps of Engineers is building temporary hospitals in the country’s 50 largest cities. We will have about 200,000 new hospital beds ready within a month, and more than one million new beds just a few months after that. We will double our nation’s hospital capacity.
“Fourth, all military medical professionals not engaged in urgent tasks will be assigned to support civilian medical staff.
“Fifth, I have called up specialized military reserve units – including engineer battalions, chemical-biological response units, and other relevant groups – to oversee testing sites in every county that has more than a minimal number of cases. The same mobilization force will also oversee testing in every major city (in partnership with local authorities), as well as in every transportation hub of towns with more than 20,000 people.
“Sixth, I have ordered the US Navy to deploy every available amphibious vessel, aircraft carrier, hospital ship, and support vessel to the harbors of our major coastal cities. Each of these is equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities.
“To operationalize these plans, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs will lead the military’s efforts, in partnership with the National Guard.
“We thank our selfless military personnel for their help. We also thank our church and community leaders, non-profits, and ordinary citizens, who together are consoling the bereaved, providing emotional and mental support for those struggling to cope, and pitching in to make meals and deliver food to the elderly, the indigent, and others in need. You are the backbone of this country.
“And we have your back. Beginning now, every American will receive free testing and free treatment for COVID-19. Medicare will be made available to everyone who lacks health insurance.
“But we must do more...
“My fellow citizens, this is a terrible time for our country and for the world. We are in the midst of a brutal war as challenging as any that humankind has fought. But this fight is not between countries. It is between human civilization and a virus that threatens to upend it.
“COVID-19 is deadly. It is not to be taken lightly, even if you are young and healthy. I have heard comments dismissing the danger it poses – this virus should not be underestimated. It is a real threat not just to your life, but also to your loved ones.“But be assured, we will defeat it. Just as we have faced down lethal health threats before, from polio to SARS, we will come through this dark period and return to a better way of life.
“From this day forward, I am committing every available resource at the US government’s disposal to ensure that everyone in America receives the medical care they need. Everyone is precious. We will not trade one life for another, nor will we leave anyone behind.
“Let me repeat: We will leave no one behind.“ In 1961, President John F. Kennedy used his inaugural address to pledge this country to ‘bear any burden … in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.’ Sixty years later, it is fitting that we re-commit to the same lofty goal.
“We should have been more prepared for this pandemic. When we get through the immediate crisis, we will make the necessary changes to ensure we are never caught off guard again.
“Here is what your government is doing now. First, we are mobilizing the full might of the private sector. Exercising my authority under the Defense Production Act of 1950, I have ordered our pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and textile companies to produce 300 million COVID-19 tests, one million ventilators, and enough personal protective equipment for 20 million health-care workers.
“Second, I have ordered that all military and Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals be made available for COVID-19 patients.
“Third, the Army Corps of Engineers is building temporary hospitals in the country’s 50 largest cities. We will have about 200,000 new hospital beds ready within a month, and more than one million new beds just a few months after that. We will double our nation’s hospital capacity.
“Fourth, all military medical professionals not engaged in urgent tasks will be assigned to support civilian medical staff.
“Fifth, I have called up specialized military reserve units – including engineer battalions, chemical-biological response units, and other relevant groups – to oversee testing sites in every county that has more than a minimal number of cases. The same mobilization force will also oversee testing in every major city (in partnership with local authorities), as well as in every transportation hub of towns with more than 20,000 people.
“Sixth, I have ordered the US Navy to deploy every available amphibious vessel, aircraft carrier, hospital ship, and support vessel to the harbors of our major coastal cities. Each of these is equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities.
“To operationalize these plans, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs will lead the military’s efforts, in partnership with the National Guard.
“We thank our selfless military personnel for their help. We also thank our church and community leaders, non-profits, and ordinary citizens, who together are consoling the bereaved, providing emotional and mental support for those struggling to cope, and pitching in to make meals and deliver food to the elderly, the indigent, and others in need. You are the backbone of this country.
“And we have your back. Beginning now, every American will receive free testing and free treatment for COVID-19. Medicare will be made available to everyone who lacks health insurance.
“But we must do more...
Image: AP via
