It is not enough to just move on following the year of a devastating pandemic with a novel virus.We have all lived through an incredible piece of our past. In times of national crisis, our government has always worked to find a solution to a catastrophe. For example, the War Powers Act of 1941 and 1942 retooled US factories to turn out airplanes, engines, and guns. President Roosevelt called this the ”arsenal of democracy.” Persons like Rosie the Riveter emerged as a political example of this movement where American men and women stepped up in droves to fight the ravages of WWII. Almost everyone served their part no matter what role they played. Later, the Defense Production Act was passed in 1950 at the start of the Korean War to address the need for civil defense and war mobilization efforts.
Biden’s implementation of the Defense Production Act has been put into place to work to extinguish the Covid pandemic and has many similarities with that of WWII. Through this Act, Biden has set a huge goal for administering vaccines and producing needed PPE for healthcare workers. His orders also task the Administration with ensuring adequate supplies for future pandemics, including supply chains and expanding the Strategic National Stockpile.
In support of the current government response and that of the CDC, we ask ourselves what remains our civilian responsibility at this time? It seems that, at a minimum, it is the understanding that wearing a mask is not a political statement unlike what the previous guy told us. Mask wearing still saves lives and shows respect for others. As we see some not wearing masks, we merely walk away, shake our heads, and say that we are glad that we do not have to live with them!
The CDC continues to recommend being vaccinated, wearing a mask, and distancing from others. We would like to extend this recommendation into the political arena. We believe that it is an opportune time to examine which politicians have supported the work of ending this pandemic. It is time to start planning on voting out the politicians who have not shown their support. Living in Florida, it is easy to note that this list begins with Governor DeSantis and Senators Scott and Rubio, among others. We will not forget their actions or lack thereof come election day.
As we move forward, remember the part you play. You, too can, be a Rosie the Riveter for this pandemic. Start by sticking your arm out and follow this up by voting. We Can Do It!
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.”
― Mary Anne Radmacher
