I have been conflicted about what I should wish for concerning the COVID illnesses of the various prominent Republicans who have become infected over the last several days. As a physician and human, I of course wish for them to not die and eventually recover from their viral infection. However, if they have a mild course, they no doubt will brag that they were right all along. These Republicans will undoubtedly say that the virus is nothing to be afraid of, because they personally did not suffer any significant consequences. They will go out in the world without their masks because they will feel immune from any further infection (though this may not be true).
So I have come to the conclusion that I wish for these Republicans and all others who are empathy challenged to get sick enough to understand that ….
… covid is a serious illness. It is life threatening, especially for those with other medical conditions or the over 60 crowd.
… just for a fleeting instant they feel they might die and consider what effect this would have on their family. 200,000 families in America have already experienced this loss.
...the most significant factor that led to their current illness is that they did not want to wear a mask. They had to discount doctors and scientists to justify this choice--the same people who they now count on to hopefully return them to their previous state of health. Science is the reason that current cutting edge COVID treatment includes Remdesivir, REGN-COV2 (antibody treatment), and Dexamethasone; not hydroxychloroquine and bleach.
… they realize that politicians who are receiving medical care now are accepting socialized medicine (taxpayer funded health care).
… wearing a mask is more about caring for your neighbor than infringing on your personal rights. Expressing personal opinions and discounting science is dangerous and now some have even been impacted personally.
There is a reason other developed countries can control this virus and we cannot. It is because we have empowered those who care more for their personal convenience over our collective public health. These people are empowered because our President has not only eschewed mask wearing but mocked others who wear masks. It is because top Republicans refuse to stand up to our President and support our country over their party. Our two party system works best with strong and functional liberal and conservative parties. Our country fails when one party is so afraid of their leader that they cannot stand up to them and tell them when they are wrong.