BY NICHOLAS AYALA

The coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated the superiority of socialism over capitalism in handling crises. Socialist nations are doing far more in combating this pandemic compared to their capitalist counterparts. Cuba provides one of the best examples. As we recently mentioned in another article, Cuba was the only nation to accept a British cruiseliner with coronavirus patients on board into its ports. Since then, it has sent a team of doctors and nurses to Italy, Nicaragua, Dominica, Venezuela and other nations to help them fight the virus. A drug developed by Cuba, Interferon Alpha-2B, has already helped thousands of people recover from the coronavirus.

Cuban doctors arrive in Italy to help fight Corona virus.



These heroes are a testament to what 60 years of revolution have made possible despite the best efforts of the most powerful and violent empire in human history.



¡Patria o muerte! ¡Venceremos! pic.twitter.com/1PFIqvJ2Hl — Dan Cohen (@dancohen3000) March 22, 2020

Meanwhile, in Cuba, there are two reported deaths and 80 confirmed cases, according to the latest numbers. The Communist Party of Cuba has taken great lengths to monitor and treat these patients with quality care. Contrast this to the United States, which cannot even provide an estimate of how many ventilators, masks and other essentials are needed. Cuba is undoubtedly playing a leading role in our struggle against this pandemic. The Caribbean island is doing so, despite being sanctioned, isolated and ostracized by First World nations for decades.

Any guest who does not feel well enough to travel will receive medical attention in Cuba, according to Fred Olsen #CubaIsGreat https://t.co/vovhQQo1ip pic.twitter.com/WFfiwb2uXH — Granma (English) (@Granma_English) March 19, 2020

In Venezuela, the Bolivarian government is going to great lengths to mitigate the impact of the virus and serve the needs of the people during these troubling times. President Nicolás Maduro has suspended rent payments and promised to pay workers in government and in small- and medium-sized businesses for the next six months. Meanwhile, the National Bolivarian Armed Forces has begun distributing food boxes to households. These measures were taken quickly while under the pressure of genocidal sanctions that limit Venezuela’s access to essential medical supplies.

Bloquear alimentos y medicinas a un pueblo como el venezolano, noble y amante de la paz, en medio de una pandemia es un crimen de lesa humanidad. Frente a esto, nosotros haremos nuestro trabajo unidos al pueblo. Solidaridad, solidaridad y más solidaridad. #LasSancionesSonUnCrimen pic.twitter.com/jri8lSdQXq — Vladimir Padrino L. (@vladimirpadrino) March 23, 2020

There is much to be said about Vietnam’s response as well. Despite bordering China, where the outbreak began, Vietnam has managed to have less than 200 cases with zero deaths. It has quickly mobilized retired health professionals and responded early on when China began seeing its cases rise. Vietnam developed an inexpensive test kit, which is very effective and is now being used by 20 countries. Finally, the government has handed out meals to people in quarantine in an effort to curb crowding at markets.

The government of Vietnam has responded to the #coronavirus pandemic by offering free and healthy meals for people in quarantine areas and free groceries and necessities for entire neighborhoods in lockdown. ⁠ pic.twitter.com/y1ScRPamAf — redfish (@redfishstream) March 13, 2020

The response by socialist countries to this crisis is infinitely better than what we are seeing from the capitalists. In Colombia, thousands protested in response to the government’s lockdown as they feared they would not be able to feed themselves amid the crisis. Brazil is witnessing a massive increase in cases while President Jair Bolsonaro refuses to do anything for the people and downplays the pandemic.

Algunos países con economías sólidas aplican programas sociales para apoyar a los bolsillos más frágiles durante el confinamiento obligatorio por el nuevo coronavirus.



Pero en Colombia, muchos tienen miedo del futuro.



En esta protesta en Bogotá el grito fue “tenemos hambre”. pic.twitter.com/udyWwvWf29 — AJ+ Español (@ajplusespanol) March 26, 2020

In the North, the United States gave Wall Street large bailouts as part of its over $2 trillion stimulus package, only to watch stocks crash again. After surpassing all other countries in terms of confirmed cases, becoming the epicenter of the pandemic, the U.S. government has only recently managed to pass a bill. It does the bare minimum to help its people, while providing billions more to corporations and the rich. While doing little to nothing at home, the United States also extends its malevolence to other nations fighting the coronavirus by imposing more genocidal sanctions. This truly is an evil act, which will not be forgotten in history.

As we struggle to survive the #coronavirus pandemic, we can't forget to oppose imperialist sanctions.



Sanctions make it harder for our sisters and brothers in the Global South to get the medicine and equipment they need. #SanctionsKill pic.twitter.com/noPCSB4P8j — ANTICONQUISTA (@ANTICONQUISTA) March 23, 2020

In the United Kingdom, we are also witnessing the disasters of capitalism. Originally, Prime Minister Boris Johnson proposed herd immunity; in other words, sacrificing a portion of the population rather than hurting the economy as an “effective” way to combat the virus. Very quickly, the U.K. government had to rethink this idea and began taking the crisis seriously. Johnson himself has tested positive for coronavirus. However, after four decades of underfunding their national healthcare system, the country is ill equipped to deal with the ongoing rise in cases. There is a lack of testing kits available for hospitals and now the United Kingdom is dealing with the consequences of its early inaction.

We know the #NHS is experiencing shocking #Coronavirus equipment shortages.



The PM's rejection of the EU’s Joint Procurement Initiative for ventilators and protective equipment shows he's willing to #Brexit before people's lives. https://t.co/r4iRqfR7EF — Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP (@BellRibeiroAddy) March 26, 2020

What the coronavirus pandemic has shown us is that there is a difference between governing for people and governing for profit. Those who live in capitalist countries are being told that their lives and health, and the health of their family and friends, must come second to the well-being of the rich. The capitalists are openly admitting that they are willing to sacrifice people in order to ensure they do not lose their profits. While this may be depressing, or cause despair, we should remember that there is a socialist alternative.

What does the United States of America want to destroy in Venezuela? The opportunity for a socialist response to the COVID global pandemic. Read – https://t.co/syOpiwfARp.#WhoPaysForCovid.

Follow @Antiimperial20 for more information. pic.twitter.com/LsiqjH4AoF — Vijay Prashad (@vijayprashad) March 27, 2020

As the capitalists continue sacrificing their own populations, socialist nations are saving lives all around the world. They are valiantly risking their health to go into the most affected areas and help those in need. They are acting swiftly because they are aware of the dangers this virus presents to their people and the world as a whole. There is optimism in seeing how socialist nations under extreme economic pressure have mobilized to prioritize public health over profit. Their willingness to sacrifice, build international solidarity and to extend a hand to those most in need should encourage and inspire us to help our own communities.

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