Roundup Record Tribune & Winnett Times -

President Trump

With the advent of the Wuhan Coronavirus pandemic, and as we emerge from this crisis, severe thought and deliberation should be given to holding China responsible, not only morally but financially.

China likes to consider itself as a first-world nation. Yet, it continues internal practices, which are ancient and more akin to third-world status, not compatible with a first world classification. There can be no denying that China is responsible for the current pandemic, as they were in the 2003 SARS epidemic, which originated in China.

China should be required to adopt a modern approach to food sanitation and abandon third-world dietary needs, which has led to this current outbreak.

The United States is going to suffer financially, and Mr. President, you will be personally blamed. The budget deficit will grow by trillions. China is responsible and must be financially held accountable.

I believe Mr. President that International Law, along with the cooperation of our closest allies, could force China to become a 'good' neighbor. International pressure is the only solution to this calamity that we are facing as a nation.

Now, I realize that we are trying to open China's doors for more fair international trade and attempt to get China to be a reputable trading partner. But, as you, Mr. President and I are both aware, China is very quickly becoming our greatest foe in the world. Under the current leadership and form of government that the Chinese live under, this is not likely to change soon.

But, putting China in the spotlight and focusing world attention on them and putting the responsibility for this crisis squarely in their lap. We may not only change their sanitary habits but maybe cause a soft revolution in their country. Which could pay considerable dividends to the United States over time.

Consider the possibilities. If our allies thought there was some small way of mitigating the cost of this disaster to their nations, why not be a participant in a class-action lawsuit against China?

China is guilty, they covered up the severity, they allowed their citizens to continue to travel internationally. Now they are trying to shift the blame to the United States, this betrayal cannot and must not be allowed to continue.

Respectfully,

David A Ponte, Publisher

Roundup Record Tribune & Winnett Times