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Letter: This is not how we are supposed to respond to a crisis

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Numerous products are sold out at the 24-hour Walmart Supercenter at 2705 E Parleys Way at 4 a.m on Saturday, March 14, 2020, as fears over the coronavirus spread.

I wasn’t alive on Dec. 7, 1941, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, but I have read about how our country came together as one, the way our country pulled together, was awesome.

On Sept. 11, 2001, there was again an attack, this time on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. After a couple of days of shock, our country again came together, united as one. Even though it was a terrible event, it was so exciting to see our country united, all focused on one goal, politics couldn’t even divide our focus. I will never forget the year that followed.

Now, I know the Coronavirus, or COVID-19 is not a warlike attack on the U.S., because it is a worldwide crisis. But, what I am seeing is a country no longer united with everyone focused on one goal. We are divided, politically and socially.

Panic buying and hoarding by individuals started with bottled water, toilet tissue and hand sanitizer. Now it has spread to all paper products and food items, with no end in sight. It is all about me, not we, as long as I get mine I don’t care if you go without.

I have observed a few good people offering help to some, but not anywhere what we are capable of as a nation.

What changed from those other crises to now? It deeply saddens me what our country has become. I don’t see anything happening to help guide us through this crisis, and to bring us back together as one country united towards a common goal.

Just my personal rant and thoughts about this terrible crisis we are going through, and not in a positive way.

James R. Carroll, Taylorsville

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