The article argues that historically, politicians often resort to concealment and disinformation during crises to avoid blame. Drawing lessons from the 1918 influenza pandemic, it stresses that downplaying threats can lead to disastrous outcomes, illustrated by the Philadelphia parade's role in the outbreak. Despite having learned these lessons, the response to COVID-19 echoed past mistakes, with initial misinformation driving public perception. This underscores the urgent need for truthful communication to protect public health and mitigate panic, highlighting the responsibility of leadership in crises.
Initially, the threat of the influenza virus was downplayed, allowing it to spread uncontrolled. The infamous Philadelphia parade is a notable example of this negligence.
In the face of a crisis, the natural impulse for politicians is often to conceal information or to mislead, but such actions only compound issues.
Post-1918 pandemic lessons should have guided the COVID-19 response, highlighting the importance of truthful communication to mitigate public panic and ensure safety.
Thereâs little doubt that had the truth been communicated about the fluâs dangers, many lives could have been saved from the 1918 pandemic.
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