It Is What It Is

“I’ve looked at life from both sides now…”

• Joni Mitchell, “BOTH SIDES NOW,” 1966 folk song

Pixabay

The title words were uttered by the current POTUS in response to a query about his handling of the pandemic, the 3rd wave of which is now hitting the country. There have been over 252,000 deaths at last count.

While no one blames Trump for the pandemic, many fault the way he has handled (or not; mishandled may be more accurate) this devastation, which has not only caused a similar number of deaths to the crash of over 500 jet airliners but battered the economy.

Exactly two months separate today and the transition to a new Administration. It is apparent that the current Administration is probably not going to do anything substantive about COVID-19. But, contrary to some earlier comments, ignoring the pandemic is not going to make it magically go away.

A much-needed fiscal stimulus package remains unpassed. Much like petulant toddlers, competing members of Congress seem sufficiently entrenched in their respective positions they refuse to compromise. The result? We, the American people, suffer.

Vaccines are on the horizon but not available and have yet to impact the pandemic.

“It is what it is” are the words of a man not noted for empathy. They are not meant to appeal to, in…