Opinion: Remember, we're in this together

As we attempt to face this coronavirus crisis collectively, we're handicapped by a loss of trust in our institutions.

Many if not most Americans no longer believe in our government, our leaders, the media, our churches, science and even our charitable causes and democratic processes. These days they're all tainted, sometimes by harsh realities and facts, other times by accepted falsehoods and exaggerations.

See how many of these statements you agree with: Our Congress places party politics over the national interest. The president is a liar. Nor can you trust what you hear and read in the news media. Our churches have committed some of the world's greatest sins and are no longer worthy of our faith.

I'd wager that many of you answered yes to all of the above. We no longer trust our trusted institutions.

And of course, we must not overlook the attack on science. In a nation that created some of the biggest scientific advancements in human history, like the atomic bomb, many of us don't even believe the hard data that supports climate-change projections because, well, we simply don't trust our scientists anymore.

Our institutions have been corrupted, and it's taken a toll on the moral and ethical fibers of our society. We are now so jaded that we only look out for ourselves. Americans now stand up and fight only for that which benefits them directly. The "greater good" be damned, I'm in it for me.

And yet, I see glimmers of hope in the midst of this pandemic.

Our dysfunctional Congress just got something big done for the America people, and then the president signed it into law — the biggest single stimulus package in U.S. history. For the first time in years, party politics and ideologies took a back seat to that greater good I mentioned.

Meanwhile, our churches are deferring to the science-based practice of social distancing, as if faith and science are compatible after all. Even those who believe the second coming is around the corner are taking precautionary measures against the spread of COVID-19, as well they should.

And maybe, as this crisis deepens, more people will demand fact-based information from their media sources, instead of simply looking for spin-doctors who support their political bend. In a pandemic, bad information can get people killed, so maybe people will stop tuning in to those who mislead them.

Our institutions need to make a comeback during this crisis.

Government must serve the people above all else, which would go a long ways in restoring trust in our leaders.

The media will always be a smorgasbord of news and views, but maybe under these circumstances the most credible, fact-based sources will rise to the top.

And our churches need to minister to those who get lost in this moment of uncertainty, while science needs to show its work better, independent of politics or corporate interests.

And we all need to realize we're in this together, and help each other instead of retreating into our tribal differences.

Tom McDonald is editor of the New Mexico Community News Exchange. Contact him at:

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