What we have to lose

Almost four years ago, Donald J. Trump asked the black community what we have to lose by supporting his candidacy. With the ongoing pandemic of covid-19, the answer has been made crystal clear—our lives. I believe Donald Trump’s slow response to recognize the seriousness of covid-19 without question has led to thousands of lives being lost, with a disproportionate number of those lives lost being African American.

Despite being warned in January and February, and possibly late December 2019 about the seriousness of covid-19, Donald Trump instead called it fake news, and a conspiracy by the left and mainstream media to bring him down. It was only after the stock market crashed in mid-March that he finally took it somewhat seriously, and declared a “national emergency, two big words.” By that time, a funeral in Albany, Ga., had taken place in the black community, which led to several covid-19-related deaths. Also, several family gatherings had taken place, leading to more deaths.

It is apparent that Donald Trump is now resolved to open the economy and allow more people to die, especially since it is a fact that covid-19 is more devastating within the black and brown communities. It seems Donald Trump’s motivation to “move on” and open the economy is being done simply to save his political future. Even though this virus is still spreading, which will lead to more deaths in the tens of thousands, the Trump administration has talked about disbanding the White House coronavirus task force. Donald Trump’s message is crystal clear. He cares more about himself than people dying from the coronavirus, especially since a disproportionate number of those dying are black and brown. Where is Kanye West when you need him? AUSTIN PORTER JR.

Little Rock