Contrast governor with Trump in press conferences
To the Editor:
As I was listening to Gov. Murphy’s press conference, I could not help but contrast it with the daily barrage of self-centered ineptitude that we receive from White House “briefings.” Murphy was articulate, well-prepared, informative and courteous to all who asked questions. He demonstrated true leadership in time of crisis.
President Trump, on the other hand, has used his “briefings” to disseminate erroneous information, ridicule those asking legitimate questions and generally focus on himself and his re-election.
The results are so calamitous that nationally recognized health experts must immediately respond and correct the falsehoods emanating from Trump’s mouth. These actions combine to exacerbate our national health crisis and produce more – not less – anxiety and concern among the American citizenry. This is not the leadership America needs in time of crisis.
Speaking of Trump’s ineptitude, it took him over six weeks to realize what Vladimir Putin realized at the end of January: the coronavirus is and would become a global health crisis. Russia immediately began mass testing and sheltering of its population. Meanwhile, Trump was ridiculing national health experts who were warning of the impending pandemic and was obstructing calls for action. This is one time I would have welcomed Russian meddling and collusion in our national affairs.
And just where is Trump’s favorite protégé, Jeff Van Drew, during this national crisis? His silence on commenting on this national and international crisis is deafening. His lack of public support for his constituents is reprehensible. He must be self-quarantining, away from any responsible contact with his constituency. What a lack of leadership!
The November Election cannot come fast enough.
Our country cannot afford another four years of this outrageously incompetent and self-centered leadership espoused by Trump and Van Drew. The health of our democracy is at stake.
Stephen R. Gring, Ed.D., Ocean City
