For the last three years, this editorial page has marked the anniversary of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s stay-at-home order with commentaries reflecting on the lessons learned from the coronavirus pandemic. We continue this tradition, as we believe it’s important for people to critically engage with what happened, what went right, what went wrong.
Presented today are wide-ranging commentaries from our in-house columnists and editorial board members, as well as contributors from across Southern California.
Columnist and editorial board member Steven Greenhut helpfully reminds readers that we in this Opinion section were calling balls and strikes throughout the coronavirus pandemic in ways not seen in most of the California press.
Noted economist James Doti presents in clear language and with robust data the reality that California’s heavy-handed approach to the pandemic ultimately did no better than less restrictive approaches to the pandemic.
Dr. Houman Hemmati shifts through the good, the bad and the ugly of national, state and local public health responses to the coronavirus pandemic. Hint: There was a lot more bad than good.
Former state Sen. John Moorlach shares his perspective as a state lawmaker who saw firsthand the inept decision-making processes that would change our lives forever.
Longtime columnist Doug McIntyre takes a step back and puts the frankly nutty pandemic period into perspective.
Columnist Rafael Perez applies his philosophical training to clarify how to think through the appropriate response to a public health crisis like COVID-19.
Columnist and editorial board member Larry Wilson cuts through the conspiratorial nonsense about the life-saving coronavirus vaccines and tells it like he sees it.
Newport Beach Mayor Will O’Neill was an early critic of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s top-down, draconian approach to the pandemic. O’Neill recounts how his city took responsible, respectable actions during the pandemic, and contrasts that with Newsom’s imprudent beach closures.
Columnist and editorial board member Susan Shelley details an interview between President Donald Trump and journalist Bob Woodward in the early days of the pandemic. Her takeaway? Trump was right.
Education policy expert Lance Christensen breaks down the horrific consequences of coronavirus school closures on the youth. The consequences of putting kids last, Christensen argues, will be with us for years to come.
Former Riverside County Supervisor Jeff Hewitt, once one of the highest-ranking Libertarian elected officials in the nation, offers his insights into what went right and wrong during the coronavirus pandemic.
Columnist and editorial board member John Seiler writes on the good things, yes, the good things, that came from the pandemic years.
As always, you may agree or disagree with the pieces presented. But we hope you consider what they have to say. We encourage you to offer your thoughts on them at opinion@scng.com.
