Summoning the Better Angels of Our Nature

In the world of religious nut jobs where no opportunity to make a buck in the name of Jesus is missed, Jim Bakker is right on schedule peddling a colloidal silver concoction that he proclaims is a cure for Covid 19. For slightly over $100.00 you too can get this “cure.” The Centers for Disease Control issued a cease and desist order, but as of this writing, Bakker has not responded.

Of course, no public health crisis would be complete without the garden variety religious kooks blaming the LGBTQ community. Pat Robertson, that cheery little homophobe, is playing his old saw saying this epidemic is the fault of the LGBTQ community and society’s increased tolerance of immoral behavior. Right wing pastor EW Jackson states boldly, “The United States has become infected with the homovirus.”  Steven Andrew of the USA Christian church has proclaimed March as “Repent of LGBT Sin Month,” as a way of protecting the US from disease and pestilence. And then they throw abortion into the mix just to make sure everyone gets that this virus is “God’s punishment.”

Religious nut jobs are not the only ones peddling snake oil cures. Other companies that have been warned by the CDC include Herbal Army Inc., Guru Nanda LLC, N-ergetics, Quinessence Aromatherapy LTD, Vital Silver and Vivify Holistic Clinic.  In response to this overnight rip-off cottage industry, the CDC has established a cross agency task force to monitor the marketing of fake cures.

In another example of the bleaker side of human nature, health supplies are being hoarded by those who have no need of them. Retailers are price gouging for these products. It is a frenzy that makes it look like Armageddon is going to happen this Tuesday.  

There is, however, a religious and moral component to this epidemic. It looks nothing like what the televangelists are peddling. Throughout history, epidemics have shown the best and the worst of human nature. We have an opportunity to summon the better angels of our nature and show some moral backbone.

It begins with the basic assumption that we are all in this together. We are one human race and no human being is exempt from this outbreak. What is happening in Italy and China is our concern because we are part of the global community. Supporting Doctors Without Borders is a concrete way to care for those scattered across the world who are affected by Covid 19 and other disastrous health outbreaks.  

The global economy depends on a permanent underclass of the poor and disenfranchised. Low wage workers, who may have two or three jobs are most likely to bear a disproportionate burden of this epidemic. Often they have contact with the public which increases their exposure risk. They also have fewer options to seek appropriate health care and take time off if they become ill.  There is a class component to this epidemic.  During this time, an extra donation to your local food pantry is a concrete way to support those who may need an extra hand if they become ill.

The frail elderly and people with chronic illness are also at increased risk for infection. The best advice to avoid infection is to stay home. If you are aware of someone in your community who may need to stay home for their own wellbeing, you can offer to grocery shop and run errands. Pick up the phone and call as days of being homebound can be lonely.

In any epidemic there is a plethora of misinformation and stupidity. Be well informed. Facebook is not the best source for your education on Covid 19. Neither is the occupant, who has suddenly become an epidemiologist who “really gets this stuff.” Somehow that proclamation is less than inspiring. Instead, read from reputable sources like the CDC. Take reasonable precautions to protect yourself and others. So far the best advice is, “wash your hands.” This appears to be a new concept to some, which is almost as scary as an epidemic.