n 2017, the White House’s National Security Council Directorate for Global Health Security and Biodefense survived the transition intact. Its mission was the same as when the Obama administration established it after the Ebola epidemic of 2014: to do everything possible within the vast powers and resources of the U.S. government to prepare for the next disease outbreak and prevent it from becoming an epidemic or pandemic.One year later, the White House dissolved the office, leaving the country less prepared for pandemics like covid-19.The U.S. government’s slow and inadequate response to the new coronavirus underscores the need for organized, accountable leadership to prepare for and respond to pandemic threats.In a health security crisis, speed is essential. When this new coronavirus emerged, there was no clear White House-led structure to oversee our response, and we lost valuable time. Health systems are struggling to test patients and keep pace with growing caseloads. The specter of rapid community transmission and exponential growth is real and daunting. The job of a White House pandemics office would have been to get ahead: to accelerate the response, empower experts, anticipate failures, and act quickly and transparently to solve problems. It’s impossible to assess the full impact of the 2018 decision to disband the White House office responsible for this work, but it is clear that eliminating the office has contributed to the federal government’s sluggish domestic response. What’s especially concerning about the absence of this office today is that it was originally set up because a previous epidemic made the need for it quite clear.When asked about the slow roll-out of coronavirus tests in the U.S. on March 13, President Trump responded, “I don’t take responsibility at all.” Trump is not just responsible for it. He owns it The Trump Plague is not just his responsibility. It’s his fault.
mddshubby2005 almost 5 years ago
Ah, my old nemesis – Dr. Chlora Quinn, Medicine Woman.
some idiot from R'lyeh Premium Member almost 5 years ago
Outside certain scenarios, it’s probably about as effective, and has the bonus of being cool looking.
wesleylscott1 over 4 years ago
If laughter is the best medicine, that mask helped a lot !!!
ekw555 over 4 years ago
well drawn, Jonathan!the infamous Plague Doctor mask.
roaming26-37 over 4 years ago
Love the last panel! The mask made me laugh out loud, but I also enjoyed Eightball’s facial expression. We don’t usually see him annoyed.
B UTTONS over 4 years ago
But better than Governors Newsom and Cuomo’s new PPE
https://partycity6.scene7.com/is/image/PartyCity/pdp_sq_?$_1000x1000$&$product=PartyCity/627768
marilynnbyerly over 4 years ago
Oooh, a plague doctor’s mask. Classy!
Diane Lee Premium Member over 4 years ago
n 2017, the White House’s National Security Council Directorate for Global Health Security and Biodefense survived the transition intact. Its mission was the same as when the Obama administration established it after the Ebola epidemic of 2014: to do everything possible within the vast powers and resources of the U.S. government to prepare for the next disease outbreak and prevent it from becoming an epidemic or pandemic.One year later, the White House dissolved the office, leaving the country less prepared for pandemics like covid-19.The U.S. government’s slow and inadequate response to the new coronavirus underscores the need for organized, accountable leadership to prepare for and respond to pandemic threats.In a health security crisis, speed is essential. When this new coronavirus emerged, there was no clear White House-led structure to oversee our response, and we lost valuable time. Health systems are struggling to test patients and keep pace with growing caseloads. The specter of rapid community transmission and exponential growth is real and daunting. The job of a White House pandemics office would have been to get ahead: to accelerate the response, empower experts, anticipate failures, and act quickly and transparently to solve problems. It’s impossible to assess the full impact of the 2018 decision to disband the White House office responsible for this work, but it is clear that eliminating the office has contributed to the federal government’s sluggish domestic response. What’s especially concerning about the absence of this office today is that it was originally set up because a previous epidemic made the need for it quite clear.When asked about the slow roll-out of coronavirus tests in the U.S. on March 13, President Trump responded, “I don’t take responsibility at all.” Trump is not just responsible for it. He owns it The Trump Plague is not just his responsibility. It’s his fault.