The Atlantic –
“This is Trump’s Fault” by David Frum – Apr 7, 2020
Letter
to the Editor
The Atlantic
April 13, 2020
It is difficult to understand the purpose of David Frum's rantings, especially since most of it is without any factual basis. It is highly biased and highly prejudicial.
Frum writes that "By the end of March, coronavirus had killed
more Americans than the 9/11 attacks." The comment is
accurate to the extent that the virus is extremely
serious... but Frum clearly intends his remark as a slam against President
Trump.
Frum makes thirteen references to it all being Trump's fault. This is
quite disingenuous. In no way does President Trump deserve
all the blame. In fact, many decisions were right, reasonable, and
proper especially considering that they were made in the midst
of the worst and fastest-moving global catastrophe in over a hundred
years for which too much is unknown with no perfect answers or solutions.
Frum describes each incident retrospectively even though, in 16 pages, he provides no constructive alternatives to any of Trump’s decisions. Any one can readily criticize any decision after the event when he then has perfect information and already knows the outcome. What does that accomplish?
Frum writes that "If somebody else had been president
of the United States in December 2019 - Hillary Clinton, Jeb Bush,
Mike Pence, the United States would still have been afflicted
by the coronavirus. But it would have been better prepared, and
better able to respond." Frum has no basis whatsoever for such
conjecture... except for his prejudice.
Frum doesn’t seem to realize that Trump has the support of 60% of the Americans through this pandemic. Instead of his derisive remarks during these extraordinary times, wouldn’t it be more constructive for Frum to help to bring the nation together? When Frum so freely criticizes Trump, he is effectively disparaging all those Americans who voted for Trump. What does that accomplish?
Frum criticizes Trump for his lateness in announcing restrictions on air travel and yet Biden criticized him for implementing such a plan too early. It's very easy for those who have no executive experience whatsoever, whether it be Frum or Biden, to make "perfect" hypothetical decisions.
Sure, Frum can criticize Trump for being late on every decision and yet as late as January 14, 2020 the World Health Organization, astonishingly, noted that it found no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission of coronavirus. As late as January 21, 2020, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases said that coronavirus was "not a major threat for people in the United States" and yet Frum has no problem criticizing Trump endlessly and unnecessarily. It is not only wrong but it serves no constructive purpose.
Contrary to Frum’s inference, Trump warned the nation of the pandemic in the February 4, 2020 State of the Union address.
Frum minimizes the distraction due to the impeachment hearings. The impeachment process was a circus compared to the attention that should have been afforded by all lawmakers in resolving the pandemic.
Yes, Trump removed Colonel Alexander Vindman from the NSC, and rightfully so. Vindman was privileged enough to participate in the infamous phone call and yet he couldn't be bothered to advise Trump immediately of his serious concerns.
Contrary to Frum’s assertion, this is not Trump's fault. Trump has made many good and wise decisions. The only thing that we know for sure is that Trump is just like David Frum, myself, and everyone else on earth... far from perfect.
Yours truly
Randall F. More, P. Eng.
