“Global health experts have been saying for years that another pandemic rivalling the speed and severity of the 1918 influenza epidemic wasn’t a matter of if bu

“Global health experts have been saying for years that another pandemic rivalling the speed and severity of the 1918 influenza epidemic wasn’t a matter of if but when.“ Short-term-ism is the real epidemic in America. We seem paralyzed in taking preparedness steps in a host of issues that are a matter of “not if, but when.” From Climate Change, to infectious disease. On individual level, we share some of the blame. I’ll admit that even in earthquake and fire prone California that prior to this current crisis, I’ve never kept more than a few days worth of food on hand. Even faced with a real risk, there’s inertia there — but ultimately realizing that being prepared as a household is the root of resilience for a neighborhood and community. It’s not a selfish act — it’s the responsible thing to do. But at a leadership level, we seem to be waiting for some shoe to drop in this current situation rather than take proactive steps. We seem two steps behind this thing in the US.