Whatever one’s political party preferences may be in Canada, it is difficult not to be impressed by leaders at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels in their addresses to the citizenry concerning COVID-19. Their calmly delivered, reality-based, and consistent messages concerning the social distancing responsibilities of every Canadian to inhibit the virus’ spread, and the development of public policies to, as much as possible, preserve welfare for all, stand in stark contrast to what we too frequently observe by political leaders of Canada’s southern neighbor.
It seems so transparent, that the U.S. president’s principal and overriding objective in responding to the crisis is his reelection in November. Coincident with that objective, he has left it to state governors to take the lead in setting social guidelines so not to offend those disinclined, demeaned those governors seeking a larger federal role, blamed the opposition party for consequences of the virus, launched ad hominem attacks on those daring to criticize his missteps, insulted journalists that don’t toe the line, disavowed earlier recorded statements trivializing the threat, and, notwithstanding such statements, claims to have been cognizant of the potential disaster all along.
If ever there was a need for statesmanship it is now. The articulate, measured, and sobering remarks with which the Prime Minister begins his daily press conference reflects a standard that the U.S. president does not come close to meeting with his inarticulate, inconsistent, and at times incoherent messaging.
Compare the systematic emphasis at all levels of Canadian government on social distancing and refining government policies to better meet economic needs in dealing with the pandemic, with the cacophony in these respects at the federal and certain state levels in the U.S.. A crisis of this deadly magnitude that knows no borders warrants putting aside political differences and ambitions.
Yet, the political frictions and related polarization of the American electorate continue unabated as reflected in the campaign rhetoric by the two major parties. Much of this can be attributed to a president who presumes infallibility, and, by, catering to a core constituency, divides the nation at every opportunity.
There is cohesiveness among citizens across Canada that manifests in the oft expressed view that “we are all in this together.” The political leadership in this country is uniformly appealing to this feature of Canadian culture to gain traction in slowing the virus’ spread and dealing with its health and economic consequences. And, as we witness first-hand daily throughout this community, the public is responding.
John Hughes
Squamish
