Throughout the history of the United States of America, we have witnessed, and experienced, a variety of issues, and conflicts, some more threatening, than others, and the greatness of this nation, has been evident, by how well, we generally evolved, and got through these. However, very rarely, if ever, have we undergone a time, such as we are currently undergoing, where 2 major, troubling, concerning, crises, are occurring, at the same time. The prolonged, and horrific pandemic, which has infected, over 2 million Americans, and killed. at least 113, 000 of these, by itself, would be an overwhelming, challenging crisis. But, when we are all undergoing a degree of civil unrest, precipitated, initially, by the senseless killing of George Floyd, by a Minnesota police officer, and enhancing our focus on the degree of systemic racism, this nation has, in many institutions, and components of our society, has brought about warranted, largely peaceful protests, but, during a pandemic, large crowds, may have negative, undesirable ramifications, because of the contagious potential of this, lack of Social Distancing, etc. With this in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, the ramifications of these two, concurrent crisis.

1. Pandemic, and related public health issues, and ramifications: There is no simple, guaranteed solution, to handling this pandemic, and/ or, the related, public health issues, and the potential ramifications. This public health crisis, has infected over two million Americans, and resulted in the deaths of close to 115, 000, thus far, with many predicting, with many experts, projecting far more suffering, in the near future. Since, we don’t have a clear – cut, national policy, and, President Donald Trump’s narrative, seems to change constantly, it has been, largely, up to each state, and their respective Governor, and/ or, legislature, to determine their own specific policies, and course of action. While, some Governors have taken their responsibility, extremely seriously, and trusted the science, data, and public health professions, to determine, the best approach, and how to reopen, others have, apparently, followed, the lead of Trump, and seem to have reopened, in a more haphazard, less data – driven manner! The results, thus far, indicate, New York’s stricter approach, has reversed, to – date, the spread of the disease, while, over 20 other states, are witnessing, an increase in the number of cases, and individuals infected.

2. Civil unrest: This nation has experienced a degree of civil unrest, based on the well – deserved protesting, of another killing, caused by a police shooting, of a young African – American man, George Floyd, which continues a pattern of systemic racism, which exists in many walks of life, including, police, the rule of law (equal justice), quality housing, education opportunities, and health delivery, etc. However, while the protests are warranted, the few looters and arsonists, etc, are criminals, and, their actions are counter – productive, to resolving any issues, productively. In addition, the resulting crowds, lack of Social Distancing, and less than complete, wearing of masks, has created additional health – related issues, and ramifications.

We are at a period of time, when our nation, is at a crucial crossroads, and high degree of peril, etc. Wake up, America, and think things, through, before it’s too late, and we create many undesirable ramifications!