Now He Helps Others Beat It

The US media was abuzz in mid-March when news that Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) had tested positive for the Wuhan Coronavirus. The Kentucky Senator then put himself into quarantine. Since he’s tested negative there’s been barely a peep. At no time did Paul show symptoms of the virus.

He received the test because he had traveled to affected areas in the weeks prior to his test. Also he was tested because he had part of his lung removed last year, making him a high risk individual. The Atlantic’s Edward Isaac Dovere wrote, “He is infected. He came into contact with a lot of people. And now, at a crucial moment in American history, when the entire country is counting on Washington’s response, Paul has single-handedly given senators reason to worry that they are risking their health by showing up to vote.” A look at Dovere’s Twitter reveals a continued string of more fear pandering since his article.

Two weeks later, Paul tested negative. There have yet to be any reports of people who seem to have been infected by him. Sen. Paul’s situation has shown us how we should be reacting. No one would deny that his position of Senator is considered essential. The gym and pool of the Senate should have been closed if there was any threat of infection.

Examples in Hollywood and Business

Those actions would have a more lasting effect than any personal decision by Sen. Paul. Now confirmed free of the virus, Sen. Paul is now volunteering at a local hospital (Sen. Paul is a medical doctor). Sen. Paul shows us we should be helping each other not fear mongering. This has been seen in other aspects of our society.

Matthew McConaughey and his wife donated 80,000 masks to Louisiana and Texas first responders. It wasn’t this action that got McConaughey national press attention. It was when he hosted Bingo via teleconference at a senior center that he made headlines. Another notable sacrifice was Twitter’s Jack Dorsey who made headlines when he pledged $1 billion to coronavirus relief.

Some have rightfully praised these individuals for doing something for the greater good. Others have chosen to instead criticize for not giving enough. Amazon’s Jeff Bezos was criticized for giving $100 million. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg donated $30 million. It seems the crisis has not left us wanting for people to tell others how to spend their money.

Everyday People Pitching In

Celebrities are not the only ones making sacrifices. The national news has been filled with stories of Doctors, nurses, and paramedics who have stayed away from friends and families during the crisis. People cured of the coronavirus are being asked to donate plasma, so their antibodies can help others who have been infected. We are defined by how we respond to adversity.

Our response shouldn’t be to condemn or point fingers at one another. We should be setting the examples. Helping our friends and neighbors, not fighting over toilet paper and hand sanitizer. When there is a case of individuals making sacrifices during this, we should praise it and promote it. Doing so encourages others to make sacrifices.

The ability to respond to a crisis has traditionally been a great American trait. Our principles and how we uphold them are what shows the world what we are made of in our hearts. Anyone can help another. The only way we can make it through this crisis is to do it together.