Two recent reports published in the ADN should be connected. The first regarded a study from Stanford University indicating that 18 political rallies held by President Donald Trump may have led to 30,000 COVID-19 infections and 700 deaths. The second: An Associated Press survey discovered that 93% of 376 counties that went for Trump have the highest COVID-19 infection rates in the country. I was unable to find any data on deaths caused by a political campaign, although I imagine there were a few during our existence as a country, so this may be the first instance of a political campaign being responsible for such a catastrophe.
As COVID-19 continues to spread, I urge everyone to ignore the current President’s denial of a problem. Take all the recommended steps to cut that spread: Mask up, keep your distance and limit your close encounters with other people.
— Jon Sharpe
Anchorage
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