Today is a rainy, gloomy day in Boca Raton and it pretty much matches my mood these days. I’m sure I’m not alone in this and commiserate with all of you. I’m sure you all feel the boredom, sadness and frustration at our current situation and don’t need me pontificating to make you feel any worse (although, of course, I have so much to say). I am particularly sad for my kids, both of whom are in college. Sam, a freshman at the University of Florida, didn’t get to finish his first year and has no idea if he can return for summer. Hannah, a senior at Boston University, went to South Beach for Spring Break on March 6^th and was told while she was away NOT to return to school (when all hell broke loose on March 11^th). She returned home with her suitcase from spring break and, not surprisingly, hasn’t been able to go to Boston to get her things (all of which remain locked in her on-campus apartment). While I feel badly for Sam, my heart breaks for Hannah, who lost the final two months of her senior year, had graduation cancelled (hopefully postponed until August) and an indefinite hold put on her ongoing job search. And while this is all super depressing, I am truly thankful that, as of this second, my nearest and dearest are all healthy and safe (and I am particularly thankful that I don’t have to homeschool anyone).

I am sure that my tale is nothing in comparison to the hundreds of thousands of other people affected and, for that, I am truly grateful. That notwithstanding, I am angry because it appears that the vast scope of this tragedy was avoidable. According to all reports, Donald Trump knew about the Coronavirus on January 3^rd and was informed of its potential damaging effects on our population. He did nothing. On January 22^nd, he told the American public that “we have it totally under control…. It’s going to be just fine.” It was not. And, on February 24^th, he said “the Coronavirus is very much under control in the USA…” Again, incorrect. And, my favorite statement occurred on February 26^th, when he said that Coronavirus cases in the United States were “…going very substantially down, not up.” I doubt that the over THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND Americans suffering from the Coronavirus would agree with this patently ludicrous statement. But our “Dear Leader”, acting supremely Presidential (yes, I’m being sarcastic), has repeatedly stated that he “doesn’t take responsibility at all” for the current state of affairs (I hope one day that this is the tagline for his Presidential library; or prison cell, for that matter).

What the hell is going on? Why does our “President” not know (or seem to care) what he is doing? Are we not supposed to have some of the best and brightest minds in this country advising him? Why is Jared Kushner the lead advisor on the Coronavirus (everyone enjoying the peace in the Middle East he achieved)? When is the funereal for the current Republican party (has anyone heard boo from any of them)? Why is Mitch McConnell silent but still making lifelong judicial appointments? Why is Ron DeSantis such a moron? Why is there not a nationwide shut down? Why are religious institutions exempt from the shutdown in Florida? And, most importantly, if Trump knew on January 3^rd about the severity of the virus, why did he delay a proper response for 70 DAYS (golfing at his own resorts at least 5-6 weekends during this 8-week period of time)?

Today’s headline in the Washington Post reads “70 days of denial, delays and dysfunction” and I couldn’t agree more. At a time when this country desperately needed a leader, Donald Trump fell dangerously short, using crucial press conferences to support his own ego and need for praise, belittling reporters trying to ask him vital and pertinent questions. And, while Trump is not responsible for the genesis of this virus, his pathological inability to tell the truth and his complete lack of knowledge has 100% contributed to our present situation (just watch one of Governor Cuomo’s daily briefing as proof of how a true leader acts in a crisis). Yet, on March 16^th Trump gave himself a “10 out of 10 on the coronavirus response”, once again solidifying that the old adage “fake it til’ you make it” has its established place in today’s politics.

As we get ready to celebrate Passover and Easter this week, hug your families tight (the ones already in your house), virtually hug the rest and try to enjoy the best you can (wine helps). I, for one, will miss my normal holiday dinners and the friends and family that accompany them and will remind myself that this too shall pass (hopefully sooner than later). Wishing you happiness and love this week and always. Be safe, be aware and be good. Chag Sameach.