>The government is failing badly at every level.

Just the executive branch, which was elected by a certain segment of our society.

Thankfully (hopefully) it only lasts 4 years, and not 20.

Just the executive branch? You should look into the corporate manipulation of the legislative branch- buying elections with PACs, gerrymandering, voter suppression, the filibuster, extreme partisanship on every topic except the protection of wealthy donors...

Senators and Congressmen selling off their stock after private briefings about COVID-19 is a pretty good example of how the legislative branch is no better. They probably could have weathered the storm pretty well ... those of us in the middle class have taken a material hit to our retirement prospects.

There's no assurance at this point it'll be improved the next 4 years, and who knows what's after that. It could be even worse for all we know. So it's not wise to increase what they might be in charge of.

Anyway, let's be real, it goes into the state and city levels too. NYC health leaders encouraged people to go to parades in Feb, in defiance of Coronavirus. Their mayor was encouraging people to go to bars and theaters into March. March!

Example from March 2nd: "Since I’m encouraging New Yorkers to go on with your lives + get out on the town despite Coronavirus, I thought I would offer some suggestions."

https://twitter.com/BilldeBlasio/status/1234648718714036229

Do they not bear any responsibility for that? And for not generally ensuring their health system could handle a surge? We knew of this specific problem back in January. We knew pandemics would be a problem generally. It's not exactly a surprise.