FELDSTED -- Governments are not leading the way ... they are reacting as best as they can, while science does the work needed

The current state of affairs makes some very important points

First, we have been given an object lesson in just how puny our geopolitical systems are. The UN (Useless Nations) dithered and pontificated and pretended that its announcement that we are dealing with a pandemic was significant. Sorry to throw cold water on the cluster of idiots at the UN but a synonym for ‘pandemic’ is ‘widespread’. As soon as we had a half-dozen nations with Coronavirus victims, we had a pandemic. The UN belatedly voiced the obvious.

Second, a key role of the UN is to bring affected nation together to create a reasoned approach to a communicable infection that we need to pool our resources to combat. Epic fail. We did not put our best brains to work on a common problem. Like it or not, the first word nations, the industrial giants, the nations the UN despises and is desperately trying to bring to bring to heel will develop the vaccine, the antidote that will save the world (again).

Third, we have established beyond doubt just how thin the veneer of civilization really is. As news of the spread of this new virus is updated continually, reaction ranges from disbelief to mild concern to panic. In an era of instant electronic communications, trolls have emerged to push people to the panic end.

Our media is complicit in intensifying our concerns. Unending reports of the latest numbers from around the world are not useful in helping people to cope within realistic parameters. No person can completely protect themselves without herculean efforts and attendant social and fiscal costs.

Some people are taking extreme actions by hoarding supplies in preparation for an apocalypse. Others are hoarding supplies with the prospect of reselling at a profit.

We are presented with an object lesson in just how frail our governments are when faced with a simple virus. Every nation has sovereignty and not just the right, but the duty to take care of its own. It turns out that politicians are powerless and have to depend on their scientists to find solutions. All the posturing, pontification and puffery is just that.

Governments are not leading the way. They are reacting as best as they can while science does the work needed. That is real science at work, without government interference. Laboratories are working furiously to produce a safe vaccine. Whoever succeeds first will become rich. That is one benefit of competitive free enterprise. Without that, the numbers who perish would be more devastating.

Odds are that we will have a successful vaccine within a reasonable time. The next steps are mass production followed by mass immunization. Prospects of a medical apocalypse are offset by prospects of spring and warming temperatures, but the side effects on our economies and fiscal stability will require a re-evaluation of our priorities, personal and public, and what is truly important in our lives.

Most of us will survive the pandemic. There will be many more casualties. Those with weakened immune systems or with existing medial ailments are most vulnerable. Older people are not more vulnerable because of age; they are more likely to have other medial issues that reduce their chances of recovery.

The good news is that people, including business people, are listening and taking responsibility for their well-being and that of others.

We are, by nature, social animals who detest isolation. Separation is a form of isolation that is contrary to our instincts. The alternative of ignoring sound medical advice, to avoid gatherings that help to spread illness, is irrational.

Canadians are resilient, innovative and resourceful. That is our advantage is and what will get us through this threat with the lowest possible loss of lives. The threat is an equalizer; no one is immune regardless of their financial, professional or social status.

We all have a vested interest in controlling spread of the virus. We face a new reality and most people ‘get it’.

The best in people is emerging; those who can are helping our most vulnerable. Business leaders are shutting down or finding ways to accommodate public needs. Retired medical professionals are re-engaging to help out. Emergency service people remain on the job.

Order is intact in a chaotic situation, and the ninnies in panic will eventually calm down.

Those who suspect hidden government plots will take solace in their theories. Nations who failed to take early precautions are paying a very heavy price – Italy and now Spain are suffering horrendous casualties.

Temporary isolation will not defeat us. We will endure, survive and be the wiser for it.