Frontlines

In this highly charged, polarized, COVID-19-plagued planet, I have tried to minimize my criticism of recent political developments. Coronavirus is enough to deal with. As a physician, I am on the frontlines and have seen the ugly face and features of the virus up close. I have seen the despair, the suffering, the loss, and the utter torment of so many.

These are times that try men’s souls. The COVID-19 pandemic is the worst natural disaster since the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918-1920. As of March 25, there have been 436,843 cases worldwide, 19,656 deaths, and 13,278 in serious or critical condition.

The war on COVID-19 continues in full force. It has been a devastating and painful process. This is a world war, but unlike the others, we all have a common enemy this time. In the US, the New York Metro Area has been hit the hardest. As of April 25, there have been 12,067 deaths from the virus in New York City alone. The total number of deaths in the United States stands at 54,964.

There has been no greater degree of polarization in the world than in the past decade. It has permeated and impacted society in far reaching ways.

The Coronavirus Pandemic is horrible, terrible, and heartrending. I have, like so many others, lost dear friends and colleagues. The prediction of 100,000 to 240,000 deaths in the United States from COVID-19, despite mitigation and “flattening the curve,” is dreadful and disconcerting. Yes, this part is doom and gloom. As a physician, I feel the pain, suffering, and devastation harder than most. I have family members fighting the virus in the trenches and frontlines as doctors and nurses. They deserve our praise and good wishes. Nothing has prepared us for this moment.

Bernie Sanders is going to lose, but the movement he started will cause long-term damage to America.