OPINION:
Americans have been dishing a lot of accolades as we hold ourselves and our families hostage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hollywood celebs, including Tom Hanks and Kevin Hart, and musically inclined types, including Lizzo and the Rolling Stones, are the high-profile recipients of the applause from online viewing.
In a similar vein are the thank-you notes being sung on front porches and from balconies around the globe and the homage being paid to health care workers.
A huge thank you is due to South Korean President Moon Jae-in, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and his wife, Yumi.
Thanks to them, South Korea jetted 500,000 coronavirus tests to the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport on Sunday.
Not to be too political, but Mr. Hogan, a Republican in a Democrat-loving state, wields a hammer of common sense amid a map of political avengers. In case you need an example, consider this one: New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says President Trump is “not doing anything” to help NYC get back on its feet.
You know better.
Anyway, the first lady of Maryland was born in Naju, South Korea, and her grandfather and father were killed during the Korean War.
Speaking fluent Korean during discussions between her husband and Mr. Moon, Mrs. Hogan, a highly respected artist, helped interpret and broker the deal.
How such a deal was even possible comes down to, first, the incredible ties between America and South Korea; second, the foresight and commitment of its two brokers; and third, the people of South Korea.
Thank heaven, too, for LabGenomics, a South Korean company.
The arrival of the half-a-million tests call for additional steps from the governor, including boosting the personnel, training and sites to put them to good use. To save lives.
Mr. Hogan also is working with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam on opening businesses and putting people back to work.
For sure, people are growing restless, some mimicking other denizens elsewhere by pouncing on their states capitals. Lord knows we don’t need riots and massive protests. So calming some souls will take more than a spot of green tea or a few inhalations of marijuana.
As Maryland and too-few other states are trying to assess the damage already done by the coronavirus and move ahead, governors and mayors would be wise to follow Mr. Hogan’s lead.
A cancer survivor, he does not waste his chits on Trump bashing.
So, give a nod to the folks who indulge themselves by entertaining us. (My preference is DJ D Nice, who spins hits and grooves from the 1960s forward.)
Music tends to show a way to move when none is visible. That’s why it’s called a universal language.
• Deborah Simmons can be contacted at dsimmons@washingtontimes.com.
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