Perspectives: The Role of Government in a National Emergency

Reporting and commentary from many ideological corners has discussed significant local, state and federal government involvement as a necessary response to the coronavirus pandemic in the U.S. Left- and right-rated voices have both examined in detail how government intervention would have to work to solve the current crisis and sustain the economy, all while establishing mechanisms to prevent future crises; some right-rated voices were especially critical of purported government failures that made it easier for the virus to get out of control. Others, particularly libertarian voices, have warned of potential federal encroachments on personal freedoms during a time of crisis.