We can rely on Dr. Fauci

The daily news about rising deaths from coronavirus is heartbreaking.

It’s not unusual to find ourselves becoming anxious, not knowing what the future will bring. Some of us have lost jobs, savings. Parents are challenged as schools close. We are not used to covering our faces, and it’s not easy to breath. We worry, feel angry and sad. An atmosphere of hate smolders.

Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony Fauci has been America’s doctor for infectious disease under six presidents. Deeply intelligent, knowledgeable and caring, he believes in the motto, “Primum non nocere,” or “First do no harm.” He recognized very early the looming disaster with the HIV-AIDS virus, and became the leading government scientist in finding a cure, while navigating the politics around it. In my book, he is “ein Mensch.”

Dr. Fauci’s determination and fearlessness continued for decades as other viruses emerged, including H5N1, H1N1 and Ebola. Today, he remains a deeply trusted advocate for our public health.

We are at a crossroad. We can’t become distracted from the task at hand. Let us heed Dr. Fauci’s expert guidance as he and the teams of scientists work hard toward a vaccine. And let us stay the course, as one America, because we need to draw on all our resources now, as we pass through this very difficult challenge.

Eventually, this too shall pass, and we will again feel the joy expressed in the concluding words of the beloved classic Anne of Green Gables: “Go’s in His heaven, all’s right with the world!”

Halina Slobodow

Spokane