Andrew Bolt: Despite mistakes we must respect our leaders’ efforts in virus fight
Although terrible mistakes have been made, we should thank our political leaders for fighting like hell to stop a frightening virus even our top scientists struggle to understand. We can criticise their failings but that should come with respect, writes Andrew Bolt.
Andrew Bolt
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This won’t please many people. But we should thank our political leaders — even Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews — for how they’re fighting like hell to stop this virus.
Readers who agree with me that terrible mistakes have been made will wonder why I’m thanking these people for anything.
Look at the bungling of Victoria’s quarantine hotels! See how aged care homes weren’t sealed off! Check the smoking ruin caused by heavy-handed bans around the country!
Now I’m praising the people responsible? What a sellout.
Meanwhile, those who hate me for warning of such mistakes, and for now pointing out problems with making people wear face masks even outdoors, will think me a hypocrite.
But not everything is black or white. Not even in these polarised times, which leave me in increasing despair.
Please, look at what our leaders have been battling. A frightening virus that even our top scientists struggle to understand. A community freaked out of its brain. Commentators like me pouncing on any misstep, with many wise only after the event.
All this, with people’s lives in their hands — some slipping between their fingers. With 176 dead, and many more deaths to come. Such pressure.
The criticism they get for mistakes should not stop. They won’t fix what no one will point out is broken.
But that criticism should come with respect.
I respect how all premiers — and the Prime Minister — have worked so hard. None slacked off or seemed unbriefed.
I respect the dignity they have shown.
I respect their courage. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian did not falter even when her government failed miserably in the Ruby Princess fiasco.
Andrews did not hide from the media or look beaten even when Victoria set a frightening new record of daily infections — 532 on Monday. He ploughed on. Infections on Wednesday dropped to 295.
I know it’s in their own interests to not look guilty or shamefaced. But it’s also important for the rest of us. In these unsettling times, people need faith in their leaders, especially if they’re to follow public health rules.
I’m not saying our politicians have been angels. There’s been blame-shifting and backside-covering. And everyone makes mistakes.
But if mistakes have been made, it is not because our leaders failed to stand up in an all-mighty storm and work, work and fight.
Respect.