Extraordinary challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic should prompt people to think out of the box. But there is a line that separates rational, objective, logical resort to science from plainly absurd, ridiculous pronouncements.
It’s especially cringe-worthy when the person who mouths them is a national leader.
Last week, during one of his briefings, United States President Donald Trump mused aloud about using ultraviolet light inside bodies, and injecting people with disinfectants to counter the virus.
In the hours that followed, health officials frantically warned people that ingesting bleach was lethal. Even the maker of Lysol issued a statement that under no circumstances should people use disinfectants internally.
The following day, Trump took a step back and claimed he was just being sarcastic, waiting to see how the media would react. An aide blamed the media for taking his statement out of context.
This is hardly Mr. Trump’s first controversial statement. In the past weeks, he has incited Americans to go out of their homes amid the quarantine, calling for the “liberation” of states. He has claimed that only he can authorize governors to reopen their economies. He has praised an anti-malaria drug when tests have been inconclusive. He has announced the US would stop funding the World Health Organization at this critical time. He has considered having a two-hour daily radio show, junking the idea only when he realized he would be competing with a popular commentator.
Despite the antics of their leader, however, many Americans—citizens, companies, academics and other government officials alike—continue to do what they can to find ways to respond to the numerous challenges posed by the COVID-19. They are shocked, aghast, enraged, and disheartened, but they step up to the challenge nonetheless. For example, some of the White House advisers renowned experts in their field, are sometimes visibly shocked by Trump’s words, themselves, but they continue to serve, using their position to actually do some good for the cause while reversing the damage caused by their boss’ absurdities.
It’s a scenario that could easily happen elsewhere in the world. Some top officials have shown stellar leadership. Alas, others have shown wrong priorities, incoherent thought patterns, a penchant for violence, laughable pettiness, political patronage, and a tendency to grab credit. They have revealed their inability to lead, much less inspire.
Despite these, we citizens should continue to do our part even from the safety of our homes. There is much help needed. We have no other choice but see past our leaders’ shortcomings and find a way to work together. In the end, a single outcome awaits us all, regardless of sentiment or political color.