Taking personal responsibility during an epidemic is also an option
Despite the sarcasm, there is a little bit of truth to the statement because many of those online act as though they are experts on arcane topical issues, like the pandemic.
There’s nothing wrong with having and sharing opinions. That’s your right. But far too frequently, COVID-19-related posts repeat tired platitudes demanding that the government and “greedy” corporations step-up and take more responsibility. What is often noticeably absent is much discussion of personal accountability.
Indeed, many Americans make demands of others but not themselves. Even so, taking individual responsibility is still an option and ought to be exercised, which is highlighted by Governor Kemp’s decision to allow the Georgia economy to reopen, if workers so choose.
To be fair, we live in uncertain times, and people are gripped with fear and anxiety. As is usually the case during such calamities, our emotions can drive us to demand action from entities more powerful than any single individual, like governments and large companies.
There is certainly a role for them to play, and they’ve already pitched in to a great degree. The federal government passed the largest stimulus package in history, will soon provide more relief and is working to defeat the virus. The state of Georgia has likewise leapt into action. Governor Kemp has used his executive power to relax unemployment restrictions and respond to the outbreak.
Even those supposedly greedy corporations are hard at work to help Americans in their time of need. The five largest tech companies have pledged well over a billion dollars’ worth of relief; at least one national food delivery service is waiving many of its fees; and even grocers are jumping into the mix and purchasing excess products from farmers and donating them to food banks to help those in need. This is an amazing philanthropic response, but it is just a sampling of big business’s activities.
Governments and many corporations are making colossal contributions. However, when Governor Brian Kemp recently announced that he would lift restrictions to permit more Georgians to get back to work, an untold number of people—many of whom aren’t even from Georgia—had complete meltdowns and dished out hearty helpings of hyperbole.
Twitter is awash with tweets directly accusing Governor Kemp of wanting to kill off Georgians, which is nothing short of ridiculous. Others demanded that the governor reinstate restrictions and force the temporary closure of businesses to contain the virus, and one group even called on its supporters to “defy the governor” and continue staying home. It seems that people are quick to hold Kemp responsible for hypothetical outcomes related to COVID-19. While officials should be held to a higher standard and bear more responsibility, too frequently many individuals refuse to admit that they also play a role in the COVID-19 response.
I will be the first to admit that I am not an epidemiologist, and I can’t say for certain whether Kemp’s decision is the right one or not. I’ll let history be the judge of that. But it is obvious that many of the online accusations against Kemp lack any seriousness.
First, as a Christian and perhaps Georgia’s most pro-life governor, I highly doubt that Kemp is trying to kill any innocent people. Second, while individuals bemoan Kemp’s order, did you know that you are still allowed to shelter in place? No one can force a law-abiding citizen to leave his or her home.
I have not heard of a single instance of Governor Kemp going from house to house, kicking down doors, and forcing people to return to the workplace. And believe me, if he had, we would know about it. Despite calls to defy Kemp, it’s hard to defy the man when he is simply removing limitations on freedoms, and thus empowering people to take more control of their lives.
Time will tell if the governor’s decision is prudent. What we do know is that fighting COVID-19 takes a coordinated effort. While governments and corporations have been involved from the beginning, each of us has a role to play.
That’s not to say that individuals need to equal the hundreds of millions of dollars Google plans to contribute, the two trillion the federal government passed down or Uber’s discounted food delivery. People can help in their own way, and that may just be staying home a bit longer.
That’s your right too. America has always been a beacon for individualism and personal liberty and responsibility, and this is your chance to exercise it as you see fit.
