Dr. Fauci vs. Donald Trump and the real threat to our nation’s survival

Several months ago, my personal physician suggested that I start a campaign to make bumper stickers and T-shirts featuring the slogan “Dr. Anthony Fauci: National Treasure.”

I appreciated the sentiment. Here was a doctor expressing appreciation for the efforts of a fellow physician who had spent his entire life in public service and now, at the age of 79, seemed to be everywhere reassuring the nation that if they just wore face masks, washed their hands and practiced social distancing this deadly COVID-19 virus could be held at bay.

But now Fauci, who was a daily presence during television briefings by the White House virus task force, seemingly has disappeared from sight. He is under attack from presidential operatives who dislike the fact he has contradicted Donald Trump repeatedly. Given Trump’s love of public adulation and the limelight, there is likely some jealously as well, because Fauci has become beloved by the public.

Fauci has credibility, knowledge and integrity, which have never been Trump’s strong points.

So Trump’s thugs are posting misleading video interviews suggesting Fauci misjudged the impact of the pandemic early on. They are picking on him for failing to urge the use of face masks back in February, although he has repeatedly urged their use since then. He is mocked by White House insiders as “St. Fauci” because he is so respected.

This sort of thing is not unusual. It has become a pattern in the Trump administration.

People who have spent their entire lives in public service, devoted themselves to the betterment of their nation and earned the admiration of others in the same line of work have become victims of mudslinging campaigns, federal investigations and social media attacks.

They have been driven from office or fired outright.

And they are replaced by people loyal to Trump. Individuals who have a disregard for the law, the U.S. Constitution and their duty to the nation.

Increasingly, a form of far-right fascism has taken hold in this nation, where the opposition is vocally strong-armed into submission. The government is seen as a means of increasing corporate profits and Wall Street earnings, and most of all as a vehicle for promoting Donald Trump.

One man who has decided that he alone knows what’s best for the nation.

As a result, it is likely that thousands of people have died or suffered because Donald Trump failed to authorize national testing early on. He failed to mandate the wearing of face masks when it became clear that such a simple thing could save lives. He failed to understand that lying about the facts would not change them.

Yet the Democrats still underestimate the mendacity of this man.

They are always shocked. Shocked that he will not allow his aides to testify before Congress. Amazed that he publicly suggests he will pardon anyone who keeps silent or lies about crimes committed in the White House.

Listen to Trump. He has been clear at all times about his true beliefs.

Anyone who opposes him is a liar, a loser and a traitor to his country.

News reporters are enemies of the state.

Democrats are out to destroy Trump and therefore the nation. The courts cannot be trusted.

The election system is a fraud.

Everything, every negative comment, every fact that counters the president’s positions on any issue, are part of a massive hoax intended to unseat him.

The truth is Fauci is a national treasure. Science is a good thing. Wear a face mask. Wash your hands.

If only it were so simple to combat the other virus threatening to destroy the health of this nation.

Write to Phil Kadner at philkadner@gmail.com,

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