DEMOCRACY IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS

"Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, over 400,000 Americans have died in under a year, millions have lost their jobs, and industries have been devastated by the need to shut down much of society. Much of this could have been avoided if the US government had been prepared to undertake early uniform and comprehensive policies to hinder and stop the spread of the disease. In Democracy in the Time of Coronavirus, Danielle Allen looks at the US government's response to the COVID pandemic and offers a plan to create a stronger society and polity, one that can respond to the present pandemic and other crises while strengthening democracy and preserving the economy. She identifies the challenges faced by democracies particularly in times that require strong government action. Allen reminds us that survival of the democracy requires effective government action and honest and full exchange of information among citizens and with the government. It requires informed decision making that involves all citizens and offers equal treatment to all who are part of a country. In the end a better response can come from a democracy than an authoritarian system if we pay attention to the necessary foundations of democracy in the free exchange of information, respect for the rights of all to participate and benefit from effective government, and institutions that have the respect and loyalty of all"--