Talking Point: Darkness descends upon America

RANDALL DOYLE: It was only a matter of time before the rest of the world forced its way into the nation’s consciousness

FALLOUT: Guests receive their meals in lunch bags at My Brother's Table soup kitchen in Lynn, Massachusetts Picture: Joseph Prezioso/AFP

IT was bound to happen. It was only a matter of time. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the outside world has once again, uninvited, of course, forced its way into America’s consciousness. And, we don’t like it.

Coronavirus has blown through America like a Category-5 hurricane.

As in several countries, this pandemic virus has spread with a brutal efficiency and without prejudice. All 50 American states now have confirmed cases and, with absolute certainty, everyone and everything is at risk.

For example, Wall Street has witnessed a historic collapse not seen since 1929. The market has plunged well beyond 30 per cent. National unemployment figures are rising with frightening velocity. Many states’ computer systems have crashed because so many people have applied for unemployment benefits. And, ladies and gentlemen, please understand, this is only the beginning.

Professors Carmen Reinhart and Kenneth Rogoff, both of whom teach economics and international finance at Harvard University, in 2009, co-authored a well-received book, This Time is Different, a study of US economic crises since 1870. They recently co-authored an article in The Wall Street Journal, “The Coronavirus Debt Threat”.

Both agree that recent economic data indicates the current collapse is poised to shatter all records for crisis depth. They also believe the US and the world are heading for financial contractions in the first half of 2020 that are unprecedented in the sheer depth of their “sudden stops,” as measured by peak-to-trough declines in per capita GDP.

Thus far, the federal government of the US has spent trillions of dollars to prop up thousands of near-bankrupt businesses. And, every American who earns less than $75,000 will receive a $1200 check from the US treasury in the next three weeks. It is hoped that this money will prevent any potential mass panic, or popular uprising in the country. Simply put, people are scared.

US President Donald Trump holds a 5-minute test for COVID-19 from Abbott Laboratories during the daily briefing on coronavirus in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC, on Thursday. Picture: MANDEL NGAN/AFP)

This ‘black swan’ pandemic crisis has exposed a number of serious cracks in the American healthcare system and within our society itself. Put simply, we were not ready for this type of crisis. Our political leaders, particularly President Trump, had literally dismissed the warning signs that flashed before their eyes like a railroad signal light. As Americans watched in shock and horror as China, Japan, South Korea, and Italy were steadily devoured by this deadly and powerful virus. Washington did virtually nothing.

When President Trump finally declared a national emergency, it was too late. Several state governors had already taken significant actions such as closing schools, cancelling sporting events, closing libraries and movie theatres, and soon most department stores closed their doors as well.

Most streets and neighbourhoods throughout America are now virtually empty. It is as if the US has become an episode of The Twilight Zone. The most powerful nation on earth has been brought to its knees by an invisible enemy. National arrogance and hubris have now been replaced with fear and anxiety. And, it all happened in a flash.

Political history is full of men and women whose careers were permanently derailed because of unexpected crises that they did not handle well. Will Trump be fate’s next victim. The jury is out for now. But, Trump does appear visibly shaken by the sequence of catastrophic events — over the past month. I also noticed he is no longer wearing his iconic baseball cap (Make America Great Again). A global pandemic has a way of changing one’s attire and outward presentation.

Texas state troopers patrol the border with Louisiana in Orange, Texas on Thursday. Picture: MARK FELIX/AFP

Dr Anthony Fauci, since 1984, has been the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. He is also President Trump’s primary medical adviser during the pandemic crisis.

Dr Fauci stated during an appearance on the news program, CNN’s State of the Union, that if America does everything right, the nation could expect somewhere between 100,000 and 200,000 deaths — when the pandemic finally ends. Remember, that is if everything goes right! Need I say more?

As I write, 46 states have closed their kinder-12 school systems, as well as their colleges and universities. Major American cities have been essentially locked down. There is talk of a national lockdown. The US-Canadian border is now closed. President Trump has taken some positive steps in keeping the national post offices, grocery stores and gas stations open. Panic buying of toilet paper, sanitary wipes and food has subsided for the most part.

Finally, all US professional sports have curtailed their activities — the NBA, Major League Baseball (MLB), Major League Soccer (MLS), boxing, cage fighting and the PGA. Even March Madness, college basketball’s biggest showcase tournament of the year, has been cancelled.

Remember, all of this has happened in the span of three or four weeks. Many Americans are still struggling to fully comprehend this new reality. In my lifetime, I have never witnessed such a chaotic and intense transformation of American society.

Without question, this global pandemic has literally forced Americans to look into the mirror — to see ourselves for what we really are, and not for what we think we are.

Such historic moments often clarify the core truths about a nation and its people. Without hyperbole or false drama, America will never be the same again. Ever.

In truth, my country is flying blind. No one has any idea what we will become when this crisis ends.

Professor Randall Doyle teaches US history, government and international relations at Mid-Michigan College. He is author of The Australian Nexus: At the Center of the Storm and is a regular visitor to Tasmania.