This is the year of a hyper-contentious US Presidential election. An America, already plunged in a sea of identity politics faces even more confusion with a lack of clarity about the COVID-19 crisis.
Journalism is an important pillar that defines a society’s strength. They are often the courageous soldiers who lock on the right truths to chase and research the facts. They don’t stop until they get to the bare reality. Only the truth is worthy of their mission. And the mission of such journalists is not a job. The mission to chase the truth is their passion. It flies above human frailties, hatred, jealousy, and prejudice. Journalists live and die by their commitment to find the truth.
In the current COVID-19 crisis we are navigating territories we have never seen before. On one side is the need to preserve life. There is no compromise in this mission. On the other side is the need to restore the livelihood of those who earn a daily wage by work every day. The country, leaders, and citizens need to make personal and leadership choices about risks and opportunities, medicines and treatments, and citizen freedom and government controls. We need to know the facts.
Current data are inconsistent across the states and across the globe. Some states provide more detail while others are holding back infection, patient, and recording methodologies’ information. Politicians will surely use COVID-19 to support their narrative. Knowing the following will help us evaluate choices and make better decisions in the months to come:
1. How many people have died by age categories?
2. What other conditions did the dying patients also have?
3. How patient is categorized COVID-19 death?
4. Do hospitals get paid different amounts for treating COVID-19 patients?
5. Are COVID-19 patients tested or suspected in the data being reported?
Journalists are honest brokers. The unbiased ones are revered for their integrity and courage. The truths they uncover allow us to make better choices. Their dogged determination to share the reality that can uplift our lives inspires us to live better lives. Let’s hope that the journalists will answer the five questions above.
About me:
My life’s about positivity. I wrote a book about reaching our potential: Find Your Everest before someone chooses it for you. It provokes readers to find their own reasons and resolve to advance in life. My talks uplift prisoners, students, and veterans, and I speak at conventions to light the spark of inspiration. To bring positivity to our community, I co-host a radio show, Positive People on our community radio station, KGNU in Boulder, CO. Occasionally, I take on mentoring as service or assignment. More about me at www.rajrawat.com.