This is an editorial from our founder:
In the past couple of months, we in Washington State have been overwhelmed by being at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. Little did we know, that a virus of this magnitude would start in our back yard, and effect so many of our seniors.
In the beginning, we in Washington State had to figure things out on our own. There was no (and continues to be very little) support from the Federal Government. Blame was cast upon our care providers, such as skilled nursing centers, and as our most vulnerable were dying, Federal leadership ignored the needs of our state to protect us as people.
Let me be clear. Answers for Elders has never been political. Regardless of my personal political leanings, I know that this disease effects ALL Americans — no matter what we believe. Personally however, I receive phone calls weekly from our listeners, (which I am happy to take) that represent a lot of political propaganda in their belief system.
I am also close to those who are healthcare professionals, medical experts, and those who rely on science to help those infected. This is an overwhelming situation, and those who serve our seniors to help those who are sick, are putting their own lives on hold to help our ailing community.
I would be remiss if I did not personally condemn the lack of response by our federal government, because of my heart and passion for our seniors and most vulnerable to this disease. Had Life Care Center in Kirkland had the proper warnings and notice from the Federal Government, their medical staff would have been more alerted to the warnings and symptoms of this disease. Because they were not informed, and the first place that it started to take off, they were left to their own devices.
This is not a political statement. It is a statement of fact. News has now surfaced that President Trump received information about this pandemic in mid-January. He chose to ignore it. Then throughout February, instead of gearing up to install the Defense Production Act by asking manufacturing companies to ramp up production of ventilators, testing supplies, masks, personal protective equipment, he spent time playing golf, having rallies, and fundraisers. He called COVID-19 a “hoax.” He should have been informing those who serve our most vulnerable. Now he claims the virus “came out of nowhere.” We all know this is untrue, and his daily briefings are consumed with falsities and lies.
For our seniors, who are most vulnerable, personally I become outraged. To a certain degree, I get it, that their tradition is to “listen to the president.” They have spent many decades of their lives — some even living in the times of World War II, when Fireside Chats from a President was the North Star to follow in times of crisis. Even pastors are defying orders across the USA, with devastating results. At this time, for our seniors in this country, there is no North Star. There isn’t a credible bone in President Trump’s body, and through his misleading propaganda, followed by conservative, propaganda news media, many of our seniors have become Lemmings to their own demise who have fallen victim to continuous gaslighting by a man who cares not for them, but only for their future vote.
In the past 24 hours we have been informed several alarming things:
- He has appointed a “Opening Our Country Council” full of nepotism, and devoid of a doctor or business or economic expert
- He has claimed himself to be the “absolute authority” and that he “calls the shots and all Governors know that.” (Not true.)
- His briefings have little to do about information into keeping us safe. He instead, takes no responsibility for this outbreak. He lies like he is in an out-of-control Trump rally full of attacks, angry outbursts, and selfish aggrandization.
As a fierce advocate for our seniors, we owe our seniors the TRUTH. At this moment of writing, there is no “miracle drug.” No one can get tested “whenever they want.” There is no website “being created by Google to help.” The “COVID-19 Vaccine is not available soon.” Despite his insistence that he “has it in his head” when it’s safe to open up our connections, he doesn’t have that authority.
The point being, is that the only thing that will save us, is Science and the Truth. Thanks to Governor Inslee’s leadership, in conjunction with the University of Washington, physical distancing is working! As a matter of fact, we are ahead of what was earlier projected, and through Governor Inslee’s leadership, letting science guide him, in less than one month, Our curve is flattening because our Statewide leadership is keeping the citizens of Washington State informed and using science.
No doubt, we will be physically distancing ourselves for still, a long time to come. I call out to all of you to turn off the propaganda, and the hyperbole, and listen to scientists, doctors, and leadership that listens to science. Personally, I would be shocked if things went back to normal on May 4th, given where this country is at this time. We need to be prepared that we may not be eating a dinner out for months from now. We may be watching Seahawks Football, not from the stands, but from home in front of our TV sets. We likely will be learning new ways of connecting with each other, as technology will become much more into the forefront, and binge watching will be more relevant than ever.
Sadly, this is the reality because the USA is now, due to the lack of preparation from our federal government, we are the highest infected of any country in the world. We are short of personal protective equipment for our healthcare providers, and those who serve our seniors, in many cases, are left to their own devices to try to find masks, and other types of protective gear.
Please — Stay Home, and Stay Safe. Take a deep breath and realize, that you are not only staying home for your own safety, but for the lives of others.
As restless as we are, we need to remember that we are all in this together.
