Details, details… They matter. Perhaps you might be interested in some questions raised and conversations I’ve had this week Ready? Here we go..
1) Why isn’t the U.S. House of Representatives meeting in person?
Did you know that the House of Representatives has an in-House doctor? (I did not know this). The doctor and the House Sergeant-at-Arms advised our Congressmen not to meet in person just yet in the Capitol. 435 members of the House come from all across the country. That’s 435 men and women who bring different strains of the virus to the Capitol without the ability to socially distance. (The Capitol is a “chummy” place. It’s tough to social distance there). Many times the staffers sit shoulder-to-shoulder in hearings. It’s close quarters.
Having done some research, I discovered that the novel Coronavirus has an R-naught of about 2-2.5, meaning about 2.2 people catch the virus from anyone who carries it. That’s high for those of us who aren’t medical professionals. Ideally, it would need to drop to <1 for Congress to safely meet.
The average age of House members is 57.7 years. The older members are more vulnerable, but the virus is rampant in Washington, D.C. and is affecting all age groups. Keep in mind that when members return to their districts and families, they would potentially bring the virus to rural areas. These areas have not been severely affected as in urban areas.
The House wants to meet in person, but it is not yet advisable to do so. They are working from home until given the “go” signal to return.
2) Why is the Senate in session if the House isn’t meeting?
There are only 100 Senators. Social distancing is easier.
Also, there’s this to consider: “When the Senate is in recess, the President may make a temporary appointment, called a recess appointment, to any such position without Senate approval (Article II, §2, clause 3), according to senate dot gov.
3) Why has this disease become politicized? (I would ask why is everything politicized)?
It’s an election year. There is a war for control of the country. Naming, blaming, and shaming fellow Americans are the weapons used when there should be an all-out American effort in the war on COVID-19, our unseen enemy.
We should be united across every line that divides us.
Don’t get me wrong, So many Americans have put others first in this crisis. Medical professionals don’t ask your party affiliation when they treat you at all hours of the day and night. Neighbors have helped neighbors in need without regard to race, color, or creed. People socially distanced when it was uncomfortable to do so. They’ve purchased masks or made them, without questioning the beliefs of those in need.
We need more of that. Lots more. If Americans would set aside party affiliation or any of the other judgmental categories they place their fellow man in, the politicization of the virus would cease. We could win not only the battle but the war, too. Simply put, politicization diverts attention away from the real enemy, COVID-19, and prolongs the effects of this horrible pandemic.
Let’s win the battle and the war together.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship.??
