Norman Cousins famously quoted, “Wisdom consists of the anticipation of consequences,” which seemed to fit well with this post.
The high technology-driven American Intelligence is the greatest, which must have forewarned the American government well in advance about the Coronavirus crisis in Wuhan, and the return of 430000 from China after the outbreak. President Trump, in the earlier days, ignored the intelligence warnings. Perhaps the Chinese hiding the severity of the pandemic and their refusal to share any news for the first two months compounded the American problems. The many States disregarded the social distancing had to pay a heavy price with high mortalities.
Then came the flip fop over the use of untested Hydroxychloroquine or Remdesivir, both touted by as magic cures by President Trump. Shortages of PPEs and masks led to the ransacking of stores and pharmacies in an uproar. Worldwide 5.4 million are infected with Covid 19 with 344000 dead. The good news is 2.28 million have recovered from the virus infection. In the US alone, I.66 million are infected, with the death toll at 98,683. Right now, these are mere statistics, but an adverse public opinion might be galvanized when the deaths touch a hundred thousand, which could be in a day or two.
Arguably, there could have been much fewer deaths had the administration reacted in the initial period with alacrity. Trump not paying the price for his lack of oversight, in the forthcoming presidential elections, could be a rare possibility.
Back home, Mamata Banerjee from the cyclone devastated state of West Bengal faces her electorate next year. She is on record refusing any aid for relief and rehabilitation during the last cyclone, Fani. However, cyclone Amphan was much too severe for her government, as Mamata ate the humble pie and invited the PM to visit West Bengal and inspect the catastrophe. Despite her party lieutenants crying hoarse to the contrary, she was calmer and wiser in reacting to the PM’s advance of Rs.1000 crores. The Centre could provide more aid as deemed appropriate in the future.
The citizens of Bengal are peeved at the delay in the restoration of electricity and water, scarce in many areas. Fallen trees block many roads. CM Mamata, for once, disregarding her high ego in anything to do with the Centre’s assistance, sought the help of the army and the National Disaster Relief Force. The Centre too responded speedily as the army men cleared the roads in lightning speed.
Any delay in the relief would cost Mamata’s return dearly, which she knows, unlike President Trump, who is dismissive of any threat to his expected return to the White House. In the case of Bengal, it will be strange if the BJP does not claim saviours of a cyclone devasted state and try to disprove Mamata’s dominance and control.
Please reread my opening line. I guess Mamata scores over Trump hands down!
Sampath Kumar
Intrépide Voix
