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This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

Isolation is not un-American

The world is caught in a global pandemic. COVID-19 has infected almost two million people worldwide and killed over 100,000 people across the globe. Those numbers are quickly rising, with the United States now the No. 1 country for coronavirus deaths.

Why? The reason is rooted in our national identity, and more importantly, our inability to suspend it in times of crisis. Even when it is beneficial to the nation as a whole, we can’t seem to set aside our priority of freedoms over safety. While in a normal context our country benefits from our prioritizing each citizen’s freedom over security, in the context of a pandemic, we have to change. Staying inside for a few months and only venturing out to get essential items is nowhere near as hard as people make it out to be.

This is especially true because of today’s technology. It has never been easier to get in contact with those who live far from us. It has never been easier to ward off boredom. Most importantly, it has never been easier to teach students remotely.

And while these things all present their own challenges for different people, for the most part they can be done. Social distancing has never been easier, and it has never been more important in this country. We won’t be losing our national identity. We will be saving lives.

Peter Caldwell

Spokane

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