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MARCH 20, 2020, KEIZERTIMES, PAGE A5 Opinion We’re all in this together The Keizertimes, along with ev- ery other media outlet, is working overtime to keep the public in- formed on the constantly changing information about the coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic. Information and news is updating on an hourly basis. Though this expand- ed issue of the Keizertimes went to press on Wednes- day, Keizer can keep up on the latest at keizertimes. com and our Facebook page. The owners and the staff of the Keizertimes is as worried as everyone else. These are truly times that try men’s souls. Gov. Kate Brown’s order for restaurants and bars to close their dining rooms as well as the order for gatherings of no more than 10 or 25 people (that number is in constant fl ux), will un- doubtly cause economic pain across the board. Why can the public do? The most important thing is to follow the directives of the experts. That includes staying home. If that is not an option, then keeping dis- tance from others is key. For those not exhibiting any symptoms, it is important to wash one’s hands, and not just a cursory once-over. Med- ical experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that vigorously washing hands for at least 20 seconds is the new normal. And that is for every man, woman and child. Hopefully everyone now knows of this pandemic. Cases of COVID19 have now been identifi ed in all 50 states, and not just in big cities. The virus is even appearing in small towns, miles from population cen- ters. Events are being canceled—con- certs, festivals—any place where large numbers of people gather. Life as we know it is changed and we all need to do our part for ourselves and our families, and for each other. More people are staying home and sheltering in place, along with all school-age children, since schools are closed until at least the end of April. That is not an option for ev- eryone, especially those who own small businesses. Restaurants must rely on take out orders to survive these uncertain times. Unfotunately, there will be some small business- es that will not be able to remain in operation for long. Everyone’s fi rst priority is the safe- ty of their family and their households. When possible, to help others, ordering take-out meals from area restaurants several times a week during this cri- sis will help our fellow citizens. The public’s thirst for updated and correct information is palpa- ble. This is not a time for opinion, it is the time for news that is trust- worthy. Oregon media is working in collaboration, sharing news across many platforms to keep the public informed. Our website is sharing up to the minute news from sources such as The Oregonian and Oregon Public Broadcasting. This week’s issue of the Keizertimes has been planned for months—we are mailing it to al- most 14,000 Keizer homes. The fact that it comes in the middle of a pan- demic allows us to get local infor- mation out to as many households as we can. This twice-a-year ex- panded issue of your local newspa- per allows us to report what is hap- pening in your community. We take our mission of covering the seven square miles of Keizer to heart. It is never so important as during a time of communal distress. As long as the coronavirus is af- fecting life in Keizer, the Keizertimes will do its best to provide readers the information they need to stay safe. Any story about the virus on keizertimes.com is available free to anyone at any time. We are all in this together. —LAZ our opinion Fighting a virus with truth and transparency By KEN PAULSON As the scope and threat of the coronavirus pandemic becomes clear, people all over the world hunger for two things: an effective vaccine and truthful information about the disease. The former may be more than a year away, but the latter is critical to stemming the pandemic in the mean- time. This is Sunshine Week, a time each year when people like me write col- umns about some legis- lature’s wrong-headed move to limit access to public records, and then try to make the case for greater access to public information and transparency in government. But we’re facing something far more dangerous than any state legis- lature could conjure up. It’s a world- wide crisis worsened by governments whose impulse is to hide, control and censor news and information. When a Chinese doctor shared with his colleagues his concerns that a mysterious new virus might be emerging, he was reprimanded and si- In case you missed it, Governor session in the next few weeks to ad- lenced. The doctor, Li Wenliang, died Kate Brown has enacted new rules in dress economic impacts already hit- last month of coronavirus. After Chi- regards to the coronavirus. All that is ting Oregonians. As a legislator that na mishandled and hid the virus from posted below is effective from Tues- concerns me with “social distancing” the public, the epidemic dramatically measures in effect so if we do meet, I worsened. The Chinese government day, March 17, for four weeks: 1.) The practice of social distancing would hope it’s by teleconference or “is now leading a sweeping campaign to purge the public sphere of dissent, is now 25 persons (most stores includ- otherwise remotely. I absolutely real- censoring news reports, harassing cit- ing grocers and pharmacies ize the impact this will izen journalists and shutting down will be exempt). have on all Oregonians news sites,” according to the New York 2.) Restaurants must do but especially those in Times. carry out or delivery only Similar suppression has appeared in the food services indus- with no dine in or on-site try. For quick updates consumption (non-com- regarding COVID-19, pliance will lead to a Class follow my Facebook C Misdemeanor). The idea that every cloud has a sil- page. I will continue 3.) All businesses should ver lining can be traced back to the to do my best to keep evaluate social distancing you up to date as I learn writings of John Milton in 1634. It practices. was adopted later by many writers 4.) A committee/group from the more. President Trump this including Noel Coward in the 1930s will be formed for mitiga- capitol week said 10 was the where he inserted in his plays “There’s tion of economic impact social distancing that the a silver lining through the dark clouds of these decisions. Gov. By BILL POST CDC recommends and shining” and “Every silver lining has Brown says she’s conven- that he believes this will its cloud.” ing a council on economic Meanwhile, the phrase may fi t well not be over until July relief for those affected by COVID19: “We want to make sure or August. So my friends, get used to into the pandemic that has virtual- Oregon families have the resources spending time with your immediate ly swallowed the entire they need to pay rent/mortgage, and family, stay home, when out stay six world in 2020. Ameri- feet away from everyone, wash your cans by the millions do purchase essentials.” not have current sports 5.) Metro area hospitals will act as a hands, sterilize everything. These are scary times. It helps my events to attend or view unifi ed health system to increase bed capacity and private entities will be anxieties when I remember to place on TV. That means there my trust in the Lord. Philippians 4:6- are a whole lot of us not opened for bed capacity. doing the usual at this As for schools: Gov. Brown previ- 7. Be safe out there and remember to time of year: sitting on ously ordered schools closed through a sofa, eating snacks and March 31. She now says she’s “reeval- be a good neighbor. cursing at or cheering on our favorite (Bill Post represents House Dis- uating” the length of that, consider- ing her cancellation of gatherings of trict 25. He can be reached at 503- basketball team. Instead, the very next clear day we 25 people for four weeks. Also, Gov. 986- 1425 or via email at rep.bill- post@ oregonlegislature.gov.) might want to get out and take a hike, Brown says she’ll likely call a special western Oregon provides thousands of public-access hiking choices. We can play basketball with family mem- bers, one on one, two on two, etcetera. Who knows but that we can put our cell phones down and get to know Wheatland Publishing Corp. each other better. Thereby, we can use 142 Chemawa Road N. • Keizer, Oregon 97303 some muscles that have been idle and maybe even reduce that mid-body Phone: 503.390.1051 • www.keizertimes.com bulge that’s been growing for some MANAGING EDITOR time. All are “silver lining” stuff. Eric A. Howald SUBSCRIPTIONS editor@keizertimes.com Then there are the many brain-en- One year: $35 in Marion County, ASSOCIATE EDITOR hancing games a family of all ages can Matt Rawlings $43 outside Marion County, bring out to play together. There’s news@keizertimes.com $55 outside Oregon Monopoly for learning to count COMMUNITY REPORTER PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY Lauren Murphy money and buy property, Scrabble for Publication No: USPS 679-430 reporter@keizertimes.com the spelling of common words, and POSTMASTER ADVERTISING checkers for kids and chess for those Stephanie Wittman Send address changes to: advertising@keizertimes.com ready for a greater challenge. Time on Keizertimes Circulation PRODUCTION MANAGER hand could be put to building a mod- 142 Chemawa Road N. & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Keizer, OR 97303 el ship, learning to knit, remodeling a EDITOR & PUBLISHER Andrew Jackson Lyndon Zaitz graphics@keizertimes.com bathroom, planting a garden, and re- Periodical postage paid at publisher@keizertimes.com Salem, Oregon LEGAL NOTICES upholstering a chair. What better way 2019-2020 President legals@keizertimes.com Oregon Newspaper to discover “silver linings” than fi nd- BUSINESS MANAGER Publishers Association ing ways in which persons can learn Leah Stevens billing@keizertimes.com a new skill, master the use of tools or RECEPTION broaden their knowledge? Lori Beyeler Cruise ships are docked. What was twitter.com/keizertimes facebook.com/keizertimes INTERN at one time, four to fi ve decades ago, a Brooklyn Flint real opportunity to experience a week Rules for COVID19 actions other nations, according to the Com- mittee to Protect journalists. In Thai- land, the prime minister has threat- ened to arrest journalists who publish “fake news” about the virus and Iran detained a journalist for posts critical of the government’s response, accord- ing to the CPJ. But even a democracy is going to be tempted to manage the messaging, as the U.S. did by initially channeling the govern- ment’s comments through a single spokesman—Vice President Mike Pence. That has improved signifi cantly over the past week. When the public is desperate for information, government needs to maximize authoritative informa- tion from scientists and experts on the public payroll. That appropriate- ly gives Americans what they need to know, and counters irresponsible pundits who have sought to minimize the threat to score political or ratings points. Most encouraging, though, has been the response of state and local governments, schools and the private sector. Governments at every level re- sist disclosure and scrutiny, but this has been a refreshing change, with leaders saying: “Here’s what we need to do, here’s why we’re doing it and here’s how you can fi nd out more.” Sports leagues and private business- es, not known for transparency, have been refreshingly transparent. How many emails have you received this week that began “Out of an abun- sunshine week dance of caution…”? There are a lot of institutions making tough decisions these days, but they’re largely doing it in partnership with the American people. More than anything, else, though, this crisis reminds us of how wise the fi rst generation of Americans was in demanding a free press. Despite the inevitable accusations by some that the news media were “hyping” this threat, traditional media have been measured and thorough in their cov- erage, making the most of their on- air medical and scientifi c consultants. Closer to home, local newspapers and broadcasters have devoted extensive resources to reporting how the virus will affect the communities they serve. President Trump told the nation last week that “we are all in this to- gether” and that’s exactly what needs to happen: the government sharing what it knows truthfully and without spin or bravado, private and public institutions engaging constructively with America’s most pressing chal- lenge and news organizations keeping the public informed in a thorough and even-handed way. In the end, science will prevail in curbing this virus. Yet the path to that victory can only emerge from true collaboration and collective sacrifi ce, fueled by a shared understanding of exactly what we’re up against. That can only come from the free fl ow of information. (Ken Paulson is the director of the Free Speech Center at Middle Ten- nessee State University.) Finding ways to adjust life during crisis or two of life at sea have now become behemoth monsters of extraordinary size that offer enough rooms aboard to house literally thousands of peo- ple. They are fl oating cities of near mountainous size that any more, and too regularly, provide outbreaks of life-threatening disease. Nowadays, they sail our planet’s oceans, dumping unprocessed tons of garbage in the form of plastics, paper, spoiled food and human waste. They serve to kill species of fi sh and mammals and pollute at horrifi c scale. A “silver lin- ing” would be a return by them to the smaller vessels of yesteryear that include the means of taking disposables back to shore. Besides, at present, the shutting down of the annual NCAA March Madness basketball tourna- ment, Disneyland, Broadway shows, Coachella’s fabled music festival, Austin’s SouthXSouthwest culture conference, and an alphabet soup of sports leagues, the NBA, NHL, MLB and Major League Soccer we are en- couraged to avoid large gatherings, handshakes and close encounters with fellow members of the human race. SARS, Ebola and infl uenza are now gene h. mcintyre Keizertimes generally controlled by immuniza- tions and a dedicated, when realized, national effort will also bring a “silver lining” to COVID-19. A precursor of the coronavirus was the 1918 Spanish Flu. It killed 50 mil- lion globally and close to 700,000 in the US when our population was less than one-third of today’s 330 million. Research shows that responses to that pandemic varied from state to state and city to city. Philadelphia offi cials, for just one example of poor timing, demanded that a popular Liberty Pa- rade be held in the face of warnings about large gatherings. Three days af- ter the parade, all 31 hospitals in that city were fi lled with the sick. At least 2,600 died in them. We’re not doomed by any stretch as the human race will see the end to this pandemic and build a means through inoculation in future to control it. Meanwhile, it’s a threat to each of us, our family members, friends, neigh- bors and fellow workers. The “silver lining” factor is recog- nition that this pandemic knows no partisan politics and will be defeated through our humanity by caring for each other and all Americans. (Gene H. McIntyre lives in Keizer. He shares his opinion frequently in the Keizertimes.)
