America steps up once again

Shortly after WWI (1918), the world suffered from a flu pandemic. Even today, with our knowledge of the thousands of deaths from world wars and civil wars, it is difficult to comprehend the massive toll this flu took on our race.

This disease, often called the Spanish Flu, infected some 500 million people, almost 1/3 of the world’s population. It killed 50 million persons, with 650,000 deaths in the United States. Its death register chronicled more people than the combined wars of WWI and WWII. Its deaths equaled the casualties of the United States Civil War.

Some historians, those who are expert in the field of pandemics, claim the 1918 calamity owed much of its “success” to the easy passing of the flu germ because of the rapid and close mingling of military troops and civilians during the last phases of the war, as well as to its closure.

In those days, close proximity invited pleasure. The war was over. With it came hugging and even more comingling. The disposition toward friendliness and affection invited a plague into the societies of most of the western world.

Risking repetition, think of it. Fifty million people were killed from this flu. As of this writing, the death toll from coronavirus in the United States is 200 (and rising). But this modern infection rate is rising rapidly. Of course, this figure seems modest in comparison to the pandemic of a century ago, but the 2020 play’s curtain has not yet closed.

The historians also state the death toll of the 1918 pandemic was largely because nations were first, caught unaware, and second, did not respond quickly.

I have been watching several news outlets about measures being taken to combat this virus. Time and again, the news casters cite the efforts of scores (which I am sure number into the hundreds, perhaps thousands) of citizen-based organizations to take matters into their own hands — to help the sick and to help prevent the spread of the virus. To respond rapidly and to prevent close comingling.

They began their efforts with no government mandate. For certain, they are garnering increasing support from D.C., but they initially got their efforts going by themselves.

Our American institutions are taking it on. Pedal to the Metal if you will: Carry-out meals to the elderly, personal calls on the infirmed, care-takers making sure those under their care remain safely under their care, health-care workers working under tremendous risks … and many more.

I turn on the television several times a day and I lament about this virus. But at the same time, my spirits are lifted with newscasts about the selfless and heroic feats of so many Americans.

America is widely regarded as being one of the most charitable and giving nations on this earth. Americans’ reaction to this new crisis is another example of America’s generosity of spirit.

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Uyless Black of Coeur d’Alene is a frequent Press contributor.