[Genuine Realist]

Well, we do have the Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), which did start in the Middle East and has been associated with transmission from camels.

I could give a rats arse what we call this thing; I just want an administration that pursues policies to contain it.  I think to GR's point, when the history of this virus is written, nobody is going to come out looking so hot, except maybe Taiwan.  The Chinese Communist Party's missteps early in the epidemic almost certainly contributed to the spread of the virus, but, I don't get to vote on who China's leaders are (nor, for that matter do the Chinese).

On the other hand, America's leaders are accountable to its people, and many (not just in the administration, but in state and local governments both Democratic and Republican) have failed at a time when we most needed them to step up.  Once upon a time, we had a President who knew where the buck stopped.

BC

Maybe, but i don't think there was one government in the world that reacted with the alacrity required. You need social awareness as well as political will, and neither was there.

[Genuine Realist]

Well, we do have the Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), which did start in the Middle East and has been associated with transmission from camels.

I could give a rats arse what we call this thing; I just want an administration that pursues policies to contain it.  I think to GR's point, when the history of this virus is written, nobody is going to come out looking so hot, except maybe Taiwan.  The Chinese Communist Party's missteps early in the epidemic almost certainly contributed to the spread of the virus, but, I don't get to vote on who China's leaders are (nor, for that matter do the Chinese).

On the other hand, America's leaders are accountable to its people, and many (not just in the administration, but in state and local governments both Democratic and Republican) have failed at a time when we most needed them to step up.  Once upon a time, we had a President who knew where the buck stopped.

BC

Maybe, but i don't think there was one government in the world that reacted with the alacrity required. You need social awareness as well as political will, and neither was there.