Can we speak candidly about the coronavirus? 

Good.

It’s time for us, our leaders and members of the media to cut the partisan bullshit over COVID-19. Time to stop the bickering, the nitpicking and the incessant finger-pointing.

The blame game has been going on for years over a cornucopia of issues. It’s exhausting. Frankly, this virus is too damned serious to be swamped by petty politics.

What do you say we start to act like Americans again and demand that our leaders do the same?

Remember how the country came together after September 11th? How we realized that it didn’t matter if we were male or female, white or black, old or young, rich or poor, we had a common enemy that wanted to kill us?

We’re in a similar situation now. Only it’s a virus on the attack.

We need Republicans and Democrats in Washington and at the state and local levels to work together - no matter how much they loathe each other - to help the country weather this crisis. Politicians need to stop trying to score political points and simply do what’s right.

In short, they need to lead. Not to advance their careers. For the country.

There are things we can do to slow the progress of the virus. It’s important they get done so our hospitals won’t be overwhelmed and medical personnel won’t be exhausted and sick if infections soar.

Events are being cancelled. Trips are being postponed. Colleges and universities are moving to online classes to prevent the spread of the disease. This includes The University of Virginia and William and Mary as I write this. 

Panic or prudence?

I’m going with the latter. Terribly disruptive, yes. But it’s not forever and these measures may save lives. 

Hourly workers, people in the gig economy and those without paid sick days may temporarily lose their incomes in the turmoil of the coming weeks. They’re going to need our help.

For some, this will be a lonely ride. My former Pilot colleague, Mike Hixenbaugh, just wrote a powerful piece for NBC about what happens when nursing homes keep visitors out - as they must - to protect residents.

Read it.

It’s a reminder that there are bigger sacrifices being asked of some than cancelling a vacation or missing an athletic event.

This epidemic is not the fault of anyone in the United States. Nevertheless, we’re facing a major public health emergency.

It’s time to stop looking for scapegoats and start looking out for each other.