Flinn weighs in on ‘good, bad, and ugly’ of coronavirus crisis response

Republican U.S. Senate candidate George Flinn is weighing in with his views on the “good, bad, and ugly” of the response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Flinn, a Memphis physician and radio station owner, criticizes people who refuse to engage in social distancing and calls out members of Congress who allegedly sold stock holdings because they had advance warning of the effects of COVID-19.

“These actions, if proven true, are not only unfair but also illegal according to federal law and should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Flinn said in a statement.

Flinn is seeking the GOP nomination to succeed retiring Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Maryville) this year. His main rivals are former U.S. Ambassador Bill Hagerty and Vanderbilt surgeon Manny Sethi.

Read the full statement here:

As a physician, businessman, and politician, and most importantly as an American just like you, we are all affected by the many sides of this pandemic and the multiple ramifications it is reeking on our society. There are three main sides to this pandemic. First, the ugly.

THE UGLY — There are certain groups of people who refuse to pay attention and heed the national, state and local public health rulings and CDC guidelines. They continue to congregate in close quarters seemingly not caring what happens to others and appear to only be concerned with their personal satisfaction. They believe that this is not a real problem in the United States. The worldwide experience and history of this viral pandemic are ignored. This attitude and these actions keep the viral spread more active and continues the threat of overwhelming healthcare and economic systems. It thwarts our efforts to “flatten the curve” and benefits no one. 

Congress passed a 2.2 trillion-dollar bailout bill that President Trump signed into law on March 27, 2020. This bill, called the CARES Act, is intended to re-energize our economy by helping individual citizens and employees through direct payments, enhanced unemployment benefits and through small businesses and corporations. The goal is to make sure people continue to have money coming into their homes and provide money to people to spend and keep a portion of our economy going. Already, a small percentage of the population is planning to “game the system” and receive more than their fair share of the 2.2 trillion dollars. For this small sector, greed is not dead.

It is important for you to know certain members of Congress have had advanced knowledge about the virus’s effect on our economy and the stock market. Allegedly, some members of Congress sold stock holdings to avoid loss in their investments and may have warned their donors and friends to do the same. As Americans, we believe in fair play. These actions, if proven true, are not only unfair but also illegal according to Federal Law and should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Just because a small group of people might abuse the freedoms we have and not obey social rules for the common good is no reason that we should not carry on with our positive mission in this war against the virus. Just because a very few elected officials allegedly might use advanced insider knowledge for their own personal financial gain does not mean that we should not, as a nation, pull together to win this war.

Why?

BECAUSE WE ARE AMERICANS!

THE BAD — The COVID-19 virus has bad characteristics and can be spread before a person has symptoms. Also, spread from asymptomatic  seemingly well) persons has been reported. While we, and our healthcare system, are fighting the acute illness, we are also searching for a cure, and future immunization and prevention measures such as vaccines. We have all taken a “crash course” in viral epidemiology and learned about handwashing, face touching, social distancing, and personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves, face shields, and disposable covering materials. We have found that our National Emergency Stockpile of ventilators and PPE’s, as well as other disaster materials, has been drained and not refilled in the past. But, as in the past, America, with the determination to win, is “ramping up” to fulfill the supply needs of the hospitals and patients admitted to those hospitals in need of lifesaving treatment. Testing kits are becoming available on a widespread basis and testing data is being complied in a record-breaking fashion.

We have found that we need testing data to determine four groups of people:

1. People who have an active virus.
2. Those who have had the virus and are immune, and
3. Those who are at risk of contracting the virus.
4. Those who might be temporary carriers with no symptoms.

By determining these four groups, we know who can go back to more normal life and work, who should be quarantined, and those who should practice strict precautions to avoid the viral virus. We can then make policy decisions about healthcare and our economy based on science and facts. Americans have always been able to celebrate good news and meet the challenge of bad news as long as we are told the truth.

WE ARE AMERICANS!

THE GOOD — We are seeing a nation at war with COVID-19 Virus. The virus is a small thing, not even a cell. However, this tiny piece of genetic material has turned our nation and the entire world upside down. Areas not yet affected will soon be, and we are seeing our nation put aside our petty and small differences to fight the war on the virus. As in other World Wars (most still know about WWII), we see daily sacrifices made by incredibly good people. 

These sacrifices can be seen with such acts as social distancing and the loneliness of self-quarantine. We as people generally like to be close to and support others. This war’s musical anthem is becoming “You’ll Never Walk Alone”. Maintaining six (6) feet distance from each other is difficult, so is no handshaking, no hugging, and no kissing. Many people are wearing masks to protect ourselves and others. With the masks, we are unable to see the human expressions of our fellow man. Our children are learning the importance of interaction with friends and regular physical school attendance, as opposed to isolated online education. Their parents and guardians are doing a magnificent job of showing their families and the nation daily examples of bravery. Of course, we are all fearful to varying degrees, but carrying on in spite of the fear is real bravery. I am proud to see our families, parents, and children weather this storm to the best of their ability. Doing our best is what makes America the leader in the world. These actions show what we are made of.

Why?

WE ARE AMERICANS!

I salute each of you reading this as Americans caring for your fellow citizens. I may not be able to personally thank you, at present, but look forward to the time when social distancing is once again unnecessary, being able to shake your hand and give you my heartfelt thanks for your efforts. We are in this war together and I am overwhelmed with pride in you and our United States of America. Why?

BECAUSE WE ARE AMERICANS!