Perhaps the BEST B1G Forum anywhere, here at College Football Fan Site, CFB51!!!

NIH didn't track U.S. funds going to Chinese virus research, watchdog finds (yahoo.com)
NIH didn't track U.S. funds going to Chinese virus research, watchdog finds (yahoo.com)

how much of the trillions flowing through the federal government really gets tracked?
Especially funds sent overseas

We had precisely the wrong leader in power when this thing hit.  Completely independent of his politics or who he is as a person, when his sole message early on is "it'll go away," everyone who would eventually be hit hard by this thing was fucked.
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Secondly, there needed to be a clear message in the 2nd summer of it that if you're under the age of 60, relax.  Maybe wear a mask on a crowded subway or something.
As it was (and actually still is in some places), we have people driving around alone, wearing a mask.  We have local ordinances requiring a mask while walking outside or at a park.
Idiocy.  Lunacy.
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The bad thing when both "sides" are very wrong about something, they both get to point to the other and score points.

We had precisely the wrong leader in power when this thing hit.  Completely independent of his politics or who he is as a person, when his sole message early on is "it'll go away," everyone who would eventually be hit hard by this thing was fucked.
.
Secondly, there needed to be a clear message in the 2nd summer of it that if you're under the age of 60, relax.  Maybe wear a mask on a crowded subway or something.
As it was (and actually still is in some places), we have people driving around alone, wearing a mask.  We have local ordinances requiring a mask while walking outside or at a park.
Idiocy.  Lunacy.
.
The bad thing when both "sides" are very wrong about something, they both get to point to the other and score points.

Who would have been the right leader?

we've learned nothing

Eh, I think we've learned a lot.

Will we actually implement logical actions based on any of those learnings the next time a bug comes along?  I have my doubts.

I think for many trust in government took a large hit, and hasn't recovered.  I recall distinctly how scary it was early on with so many unknowns.  We here were searching for reliable information on this thread.  Then it turned political, which could be expected.

Having so many unknowns gives rise to all sorts of "theories", some of which could be right.

Who would have been the right leader?

Anyone who would have taken it seriously and didn't send the message that went against all science, logic, and math.  
You.
Me.
Nearly anyone.

While I agree the degree of risk was minimized quite early, it didn't last very long, as I recall.  I'm not sure Trump's comments early on had any impact on how it was handled.  Verbiage is usually just that, sound and fury.

I look more at actions.

Nancy Pelosi - Chinatown - February 24, 2020 - YouTube

As do I.


Biden to regulate travel from China after previously calling Trump xenophobic | Fox News