By Rik W. Hafer
Current estimates of the federal government’s aid package to offset the effects of the coronavirus epidemic exceed $1 trillion, significantly more than the $787 billion response to the recession and financial crisis in 2009. Let’s consider some key components to the package.
Editorials
Rural America needs help to weather COVID-19 crisis
By Blake Hurst
I can remember when President Nixon embargoed agriculture exports. I was hanging out at Kretchmer’s Corner Cafe with my dad, after doing chores on a Saturday morning, and I can tell you that the local coffee drinkers were ticked. I can remember when President Carter began the Russian grain embargo. I can remember the inflation of the 1970s and the high interest rates of the early 1980s.
Do all you can to flatten the curve
Nothing is more important right now for everyone in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic than working to “flatten the curve.” We must all do our best to keep from getting sick so we don’t make other people sick.
Coronavirus fight shows need for broadband infrastructure
By Dan Cassidy and Eric Bohl
Recent school closures and remote-work directives intended to slow the spread of COVID-19 will have a harsher impact on rural Missourians than their urban and suburban peers. The precautions against this highly contagious virus are understandable and probably the right call. But implementing this “digital distancing” will be much more difficult in rural Missouri than in cities.
Dangers in taking control of medical information
By Phill Brooks
A Missouri incident nearly a decade ago demonstrates the danger of politicians trying to control health information as the administration of Pres. Donald Trump has done to deal with the coronavirus threat. Trump put in charge the vice president, Mike Pence, who does not have a medical degree.