...a terrible thing to waste". This quote is attributed to Nobel laureate, Stanford economist Paul Romer. If the present situation with the global pandemic, associated economic woes, political upheaval in this country and abroad and increasingly ominous consequences of climate change doesn't constitute a crisis then I don't know what does. The question is what is the best use this crisis can be put to? What should be done so we don't merely survive it but emerge from it better equipped to face the challenges of the future? There is chatter about the possibility of a third party formed by never-Trump Republicans. However, it is unlikely such a party would be any closer to the middle of the road than the Republican party was before Trump. Besides, there is no telling how long it will take for this scenario to play out if neither side willingly relinquishes the party as it is now. Moreover, judging by the way things are in many countries, a multi-party system does not appear to be clearly better than our two-party system. A more plausible, and desirable, option would be for Democrats to hew more to the middle of the road than they have tended to in the past. After all, by adopting increasingly extreme right-wing positions even before Trump pushed them to the right shoulder Republicans have effectively ceded the middle of the road. Examples of Republican extremism include their increasingly rigid stance on taxes, energy, climate change, guns, health care and abortion. Add aiding and abetting lawless and seditious conduct and obscene levels of greed to complete the list. Sure, it will take considerable political skill on the part of Democrats to achieve this take-over of the middle ground; more importantly, it will take courage and far-sightedness. An example of what I am talking about is the issue of re-opening schools in the wake of the pandemic. At this point in time, there is probably no issue closer to the hearts of parents of school-age children; and re-opening schools for in-person learning will have overwhelmingly positive ripple effects for the economy. Failure to deliver on an important issue when you have just won both the Executive and Legislative branches is a sure way to lose that mandate in the next election. On the other hand, bold action in a crisis could win over voters who may be up for grabs. Of course, it will take courage and skill to overcome opposition from the teachers' lobby. While I am on this subject, let me address the other side of this issue - teachers. Teaching is a profession and a calling with long-lasting and deep influence on young minds. If medical professionals, police, fire-fighters, workers in the food industry and others whose jobs cannot be done remotely can show up to work during a pandemic, why not teachers? If anything, teachers are as "essential" as those workers, if not more so. I wonder how many teachers would refuse to go to work if they were not continuing to be paid. Imagine the resentment felt by those who are out of work or having to go to work without adequate protection. A lot of people would be grateful to have a job given that the unemployment rate is hovering near double digits. As big and strong as the unions may be, I think public opinion is bigger and stronger. It may help to remember the fate of the air traffic controllers in 1981. For all these reasons, if this is not the time for teachers to step up and do the right thing, I don't know what is.
- drrama7