Democratic flip-flop on pandemic delays

In his April 18 article, Mr. Barsanti challenged President Trump's competence. He states he "downplayed the coronavirus and ignored expert information." Mr. Barsanti has it backward. The president announced his travel ban on Jan 31, just 10 days after the first case was reported in the U.S. Immediately he was heavily criticized by the media and the Democrats.

Joe Biden accused him of being xenophobic and CNN reported "As the coronavirus spreads, fear is fueling racism and xenophobia." The New York Times reported "Who says it's not safe to travel to China? The coronavirus travel ban is unjust and doesn't work anyway."

Meanwhile Nancy Pelosi was strolling and hugging people in Chinatown and mayor de Blasio was using the gym and telling us all was normal. As the number of deaths grew, the media and the Democrats did a total flip-flop and started accusing the president of downplaying the threat. The travel ban probably saved thousands.

The president has also put together an excellent team of doctors, business leaders government officials and military people to fight this pandemic. While he and his task force have been working 24/7, Nancy Pelosi has twice delayed aid to American workers and small businesses while showing off her expensive refrigerator filled with gourmet ice cream.

Louis W. Scatena

Elgin