America's Epidemics

This country is suffering through a pandemic.

Yes, we all know about the coronavirus pandemic. But I believe we are in the midst of another, more insidious, pandemic: the pandemic of hatred. I guess it isn't fair to call this a pandemic, as its focus is the United States. So let's just call it an epidemic. 

Here are just a few examples.

• There is an epidemic of anti-Semitism in the US, with headstones in Jewish cemeteries being defaced and synagogues attacked.
• There is an anti-science, anti-vaccination, anti-mask epidemic.
• There is an epidemic of bullying and threatening by people who disagree with others, including government and public health officials.
• There is an epidemic of selfishness and a pervasive 'it's all about me' attitude.
• There is an epidemic of false patriotism among conservatives and evangelicals. Walking around wrapped in a flag with an assault weapon strapped to your chest does make you a patriot.
• There is a continuing epidemic of public distrust of the democratic process and institutions. 
• There is an epidemic of belief in conspiracy theories, no matter how ludicrous and far-fetched.
• There is an epidemic of desperate legal challenges to the outcome of the 2020 election, based on non-existent and unproven charges of massive voter fraud.
• There is a real potential for an epidemic of right-wing domestic terrorism.
• There is an epidemic of lies, exaggerations and incitement to violence by the far right.
• There is an epidemic of misogyny and racism.
• There is an epidemic of ignorance or stupidity among millions of Americans.

Sadly, there is no vaccine against this epidemic. There is no vaccine to increase intelligence, common sense, rational thinking and tolerance. The coronavirus vaccine should bring control of the pandemic fairly quickly. Resolving the issues of hatred, racism and the other aspects of the social epidemic we are facing won't be so easy.