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Just for clarification, I know how the saying that I referenced in the title goes. I just thought it might be better not to use the “other” word, so I used darn. Of course when I was young even darn or durn were considered to be off limits. Times have changed, big-time, for acceptable language!

I’m referencing the reaction that the President and his administration are garnering from their approach to the Corona-virus that began in China. At first, he was criticized for doing too much, then it was judged that he wasn’t doing enough and, finally, has been accused of not knowing what to do! Hence the saying, “Darned if you do, darned if you don’t.”

Unless one has been hiding under a rock, there is no way to miss the situations surrounding the life-threatening virus. Discussion of it begins every television newscast, and anyone who has a 401K retirement account has been counting their losses in the tens of thousands.

Make no mistake about it, we would be wise to take every precaution we can against a health threat that is really causing deaths. On the other hand, when actual statistics are considered, the infections, at this time, are not overwhelming and the deaths are a small percentage.

It is mentioned that there are many health challenges that cause more deaths than the Corona-virus. Our normal flus and colds, for instance. That doesn’t matter, of course, if the infected one or the one who dies is you! Or someone you love.

Prudence is a good word. It means that we should be cautious or reasonable in our actions. To me that means very careful as we approach just how we respond to all health issues, particularly a deadly virus. Using reason, these days, is like the title to an old novel and movie, Gone with the Wind.

I’ve said this more than once, many times in fact. I don’t know why this particular president sends his opposition into apoplexy, which means they suddenly howl at the moon at midnight. If ever there is a need for unity and discussion as to what a good policy might be, it’s a universal virus that threatens the nation and world. Yet, that cooperation seems as far away as the sun.

I may not be the best judge of whether President Trump is doing a great job of confronting this threat, but it seems to me that he is doing the best he can. He has enlisted the assets of the health agencies of the government, has requested additional funds to address the situation, and has placed his Vice-President in charge to oversee the efforts.

Could he be doing more? I don’t know, but to act as if he doesn’t know what he is doing and is using this deadly virus as a political advantage seems a bridge too far. Seems to be a case of the pot calling the kettle black.

Leadership is treating a situation as it should be. Working hard and with focus is what I want as an everyday citizen. Not name-calling and the placing of blame on someone you don’t like. Everything doesn’t have to be political, although it seems that we can’t have anything come down the pike without finding a political winner or loser.

Leadership is also keeping a situation in perspective. There are plenty of problems to go around and, if one should be prioritized, then make it so. It’s silly to think that anyone would want thousands of people to die from a health issue.

What happened to the days when our great nation put its nose to the grindstone and faced problems with diligence and reason? Beats me!