President came to rescue in COVID crisis

The possibility of catastrophic disease outbreaks for Florida’s children will increase each year in the future as more children will now shun vaccines. Harming the future of Florida’s children seems like a crime to me.

Four years ago, then-President Donald Trump’s suggested responses to COVID were to drink bleach and put UV light inside our bodies. He trivialized masks and vaccines and belittled our nation’s science and health professionals.

Meanwhile, the Trump economy tanked and store shelves were nearly empty. People were hoarding toilet paper.

But when Joe Biden became president, COVID scientific research was expanded, vaccinations were pushed and doctors and nurses were again respected. His bipartisan American Rescue Plan helped revive the economy, which has now reached heights never seen before.

The Biden presidency greatly improved the U.S. health situation while restoring the economy in the aftermath of COVID, which has killed more than 1 million Americans.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and his surgeon general, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, continue to echo Trump’s anti-science COVID responses. Ladapo’s latest advice is that Florida’s children don’t need to get vaccinated for COVID or other diseases.

One consequence is that during the first two months of 2024, when 41 cases of measles were reported nationwide, Florida led the nation with 10 cases.

The possibility of catastrophic disease outbreaks for Florida’s children will increase each year in the future as more children will now shun vaccines. Harming the future of Florida’s children seems like a crime to me.

Robert Herickhoff, Nokomis