As countries must deal with the corona crisis, there are some developments that are particularly striking from an international point of view.
It can, for instance, clearly be observed that countries that have pursued what might be described as ‘neoliberal policies’ are suffering the most.
Where neoliberal-minded or right-wing politicians, opposed to public spending – often rejecting any such policies as ‘state intervention’ or ‘socialist’ – have implemented policies of austerity, the cuts to public services, most notably health systems, are now painfully felt.
The United States (US) is the most obvious example. In Europe, Italy, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom (UK) must be mentioned.
Across the world, many thousands – including young people – have now succumbed to this coronavirus. And still, the crisis is not nearing its end, governments say, as they call on their citizens to endure and persevere.
In many European Union (EU) countries, presenters read out the ever-increasing casualty figures every day on the evening news. As if the country was at war, this has become a grim routine.
Conversely, countries from different regions that have pursued what some might call ‘a more socialist’ – others might, in some cases, say ‘dictatorial’ – approach, or where citizens tend to be more disciplined, and governments have continually invested in public services and health systems – are much more successful in battling the virus.
In the EU, Austria can be cited. Elsewhere, South Korea and China are striking examples.
Hesitant at first, governments across the EU have introduced some form of curfew – though that is not a word politicians like to use. Public gatherings have been banned, educational facilities and businesses that do not sell food closed to the public. People are urged, or ordered, to stay at home, or to wear face masks when they go out. Of course, there are nowhere near enough face masks, and politicians have appealed to the public: “Sew yourselves!” hoping that enough people will volunteer to fill the gaps.
Countries are on lockdown. Economies have ground to a halt, unemployment rising.
Still, the vast majority has been relatively disciplined, and – except a few rowdy youths or anti-social individuals – have accepted that such strict measures are necessary, and have stocked up on food and stayed at home.
And while governments stress that the crisis is far from over, some are now cautiously optimistic, as an effect can be observed, and the rate of infection decreases.
So, obviously, there is also a more immediate, more practical lesson to be learned from this crisis: If societies – national governments just as much as each and every individual – do not act early enough, the virus will quickly get out of control, and soon, the small number of cases will grow exponentially.
If societies do not take the virus seriously when they do not yet feel the effects, as the number of cases is so small that it seems insignificant, they are bound to see a more and more rapid rise of infections. Soon, any health system would be overwhelmed, and governments will be forced to introduce the strictest measures to try to curb the spread of the disease, which, in turn, will cause a mighty economic downturn, including rising unemployment.
Now, one might argue that the Ethiopian government should be criticized for ‘not having taken the threat of the virus seriously enough’. However, on closer examination, one must concede that heaping criticism on the government is utterly non-constructive at this point.
This national and international crisis – which can legitimately be described as the biggest since the Second World War – presents an enormous challenge for every government.
While it is doubtless the case that, sometimes, governments have got it wrong, let us bear in mind that, they, too, are faced with a completely unfamiliar situation, not just us. Governments are at a loss, too. They, too, have to make it up as they go along.
Considering this, we would certainly do well to desist from unwarranted criticism.
Having thus pondered, the course of action we must now take is clear:
We must not wait for the government to introduce anything. Rather, we must lead by example, even if it has economic or financial consequences for us. We must make the sacrifice. We must do everything we possibly can to protect ourselves and others by putting into action what the government and the World Health Organization (WHO) are advising. In fact, one would be justified to point out that Ethiopians now have every reason to feel a sense of pride, as Dr. Tedros Adhanom is fulfilling his role as Director-General of the WHO.
We must, therefore, now consider it our patriotic duty, our duty to society – particularly senior citizens and those with weaker immune systems – to act now! We have seen in so many other countries that “later” will be too late!
Each and every member of society has the responsibility, the moral duty in fact, to act now! In order to protect society, we must all behave responsibly now.
Contrary to what some self-styled activists have been claiming, this is not about individual freedom, it is about collective security!
As we have so often seen in recent years – particularly in the context of Ethiopia – there are times and instances when the security of the many must take precedence over the freedom of the few. And now is such a time!
No national government can defeat the virus. No government can win this battle. Societies can!
Let us now rise to this national – and international – challenge!
It will doubtless be a tough battle. Without a doubt, many businesses will suffer. It will doubtless be a ‘long march’. There will doubtless be hard times ahead for some.
If we – each and everyone, from health professionals, to members of the security forces, to teachers and students, to people working in the media, to business owners, to farmers, to unemployed people, every single member of the Ethiopian society – now do our part, each in our sphere of influence, only then, do we have a chance to defeat the virus, without incurring too great losses.
The virus does not care about ethnicity, religion, or any other distinguishing factors, and neither must we!
We can only win this battle, we can only overcome this national crisis, together.
Now is the time to be truly united, to, as it were, present a united front’ against the coronavirus.
It is not the time for societal division, nor hatred – ethnic-based or otherwise, nor ‘fake news’, nor incitement, nor politicization. It is the time for national unity!
Let us now show our fellow members of society the true meaning of patriotism. Let us look out for each other. For only if each and every one now acts responsibly, this battle can be won.
This crisis will pass. And, together, we will get through this. Together, we will emerge victorious.
BY KALYPSO SCHULMEISTER
The Ethiopian Herald April 9/2020
