“The Black Death: The World’s Most Devastating Plague”

Hagia Sophia, as seen from the Galata Tower — The great church of Hagia Sophia (“Holy Wisdom”) in Constantinople (now Istanbul) was dedicated in AD 537 by the Emperor Justinian, shortly before the notorious Plague of Justinian hit Constantinople in AD 541-542, reportedly killing (at its height) approximately 10,000 residents of the city each day. It went on to kill somewhere between 25 and 100 million people in Europe, roughly fifty percent of the continent’s population at the time. (Wikimedia Commons public domain photograph)

For relaxation last night, and to get away from the never ending bad news about COVID-19, my wife and I watched several episodes of an excellent and well-produced 24-part “Great Courses” lecture series on The Black Death: The World’s Most Devastating Plague, by Professor Dorsey Armstrong of Purdue University. We found it for free on our cable television, on demand. This is probably a temporary offer. I highly recommend the lecture series. Fascinating.

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In the meantime, a reader of this blog who is on the front lines of the State of Utah’s response to the coronavirus has shared this helpful 7.5-minute video:

“What This Chart Actually Means for COVID-19”

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Some folks, though, continue to imagine themselves invulnerable. They persist in their lack of concern about the possible death and suffering of those around them:

“A group of young adults held a coronavirus party in Kentucky to defy orders to socially distance. Now one of them has coronavirus”

“Pastor again defies state order not to hold large gatherings. He says 1,000 people came to his church Sunday”

From two days ago (the numbers are now higher, of course): “All Utah adults over 25 just as susceptible to COVID-19 as elderly, official says: Confirmed coronavirus cases in Utah jumps to 257″

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What on earth is wrong with me? Why can’t I find it in my heart and soul to admire President Donald J. Trump and to consider praising him not only my obligation as a true and loyal subject but a glorious opportunity that I should prize above my fondest joys?

Several correspondents have kindly suggested that I’m deranged, that I’m so consumed with anger and rage against the Dear Leader that I can’t think clearly. And surely they must be right. (If they weren’t right, why would several people have defriended me on Facebook over this?) Somehow, though, when I read about such things as this latest petty jab, I simply can’t join in the anthems of praise that others are hymning to Mr. Donald J. Trump, the greatest of our presidents:

“Trump trolls Romney over coronavirus test”

But enough of my horrid personal defects and incapacitating weaknesses. (Sometimes, I confess, I’m even tempted to endorse the immediate resumption of huge MAGA rallies.) I know that I’m out of step with all true American patriots:

“President Trump is as popular as he’s ever been right now”