Chronicle Editorial

By: 
Chronicle Staff

Government’s slow response to Zika virus outbreak is disheartening
  In the latest tussle between the Executive and Legislative branches at the federal level, both sides are pointing the finger at the lack of response. Last week in the Miami, Florida area 17 cases of the Zika virus was reported. Yet, our government and CDC was exceptionally slow to respond.
  The executive branch requested approximately $1.9 billion in additional funds to treat the disease back in February. The Republican congressional delegation, lead by Charles Grassley, offered a $1.1 billion bill, however that bill was later blocked by Senate Democrats due to other language in the bill. After confirming its availability, Iowa’s Charles Grassley recently asked the Obama administration why the $500-plus million left over from the Ebola outbreak hadn’t been used. As of Monday, no response has been made by the Obama administration on whether or not that money has been allocated. While Grassley is right in theory, whichever side of the aisle you fall on, the government needs to be proactive when fighting outbreaks such as these. A rush to congress to ask for more money before allocating what you have first, isn’t always the right answer either. We need to expect both sides of the aisle to do better. Whether we are in Florida, Iowa, or wherever we are in this great nation, making sure the safety of our citizens should always come first. Politics can’t always be at the forefront of every decision.
 
Olympic Games allows for patriotism
  As the Olympic Games in Rio De Janeiro opened last week, it allows for all of our American citizens an opportunity to show the patriotism and love for the country. In a time of such heightened discourse in our country’s history, allowing our nation’s athletes to showcase their abilities on an international stage. Regardless of the results, as the games close later this week, American athletes will do their finest. We’ll expect great results and our athletes are sure to perform.

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