COVID-19 is a test for America’s ability to cope with the severe crises that lie ahead in the 21st century. Our prosperity, perhaps our survival, might depend on how well we learn from it. Here I look at the crisis management methods followed by our senior leaders. It’s the key to success – or failure.
COVID-19 revealed two stories about America. First, how the nation best-prepared in January became one of the worst affected. Second, how our reaction to this showed America’s senescence. That is, we have become the equivalent of a cranky old guy – dysfunctional but certain that others cause all his problems.
Industrial revolutions are not one big event. They are many incremental changes with giant effects. Wars and pandemics often accelerate them, changing society unexpectedly with fantastic speed. The shift to working at home is one such change, forced by COVID-19 – changing everything.Â
America’s experience with COVID-19 provides powerful lessons for us about the world and especially about ourselves. With these we can become stronger.
While COVID-19 spreads across American, many scream for a third month that China lies about its numbers. Meanwhile, China begins restarting its society. Our pride prevented us from learning from China’s success against COVID-19. Will we learn from China’s restart?
