Pandemics and gun violence are real life, not ‘theater’

Perhaps Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky needs a refresher course on the meaning of the word “theater.” His GOP colleague Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas could listen in.

The former recently initiated a verbal brawl with Dr. Anthony Fauci, the infectious disease specialist who has been providing information and advice to guide Americans dealing, along with the rest of the world, with a deadly pandemic. The latter accused anyone proposing the consideration of gun restrictions, in light of two horrific mass shootings in the space of a week, of “ridiculous theater.”

Now, I realize the term “theatrical” can be used as an insult hurled at someone accused of exaggeration, but what is happening in America is a fact. So let me offer my own definition: “Theater” is the thrill of escaping from it all in a darkened hall with a group of strangers, to see and hear professionals act or sing or dance, and to be uplifted by the experience, if only for an hour or two.

And it’s something we’ve been deprived of during this past, very long year amid the pain of COVID-19, with deadly gun violence that has not abated as a backdrop, and so much more.

 

POLITICAL WRAP: Will Holiday Travel Lead to More COVID Cases?

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Dr. Anthony Fauci says the U.S. could see “surge upon surge” of coronavirus cases in the weeks to come.

He also says the arrival of vaccines offer “a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Our political contributor Mary C. Curtis gives us her take.

POLITICAL WRAP: COVID-19 & the Presidential Transition

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Dr. Anthony Fauci says “it would be better” if health officials in the Trump administration could start working with the incoming Biden-Harris team on the country’s efforts to battle COVID-19.

It comes as President Trump refuses to concede and marchers converge on Washington to support him.

Our political contributor Mary C. Curtis has more in the video above.

Mary C. Curtis: Impact Of Legacy of Congressman John Lewis, Scathing Article By Trump Advisor About Fauci

CHARLOTTE — The White House is trying to distance itself from an Op-Ed piece written by President Trump’s top Trade Advisor, Peter Navarro, about Dr. Anthony Fauci.

And, tributes continue to pour in for Civil Rights Icon and longtime Congressman John Lewis who died Friday.  Lewis leaves behind a legacy of achievements which are vital to today’s conversation about race.

Here’s WCCB Charlotte Political Contributor Mary C. Curtis.

Mary C. Curtis: Dr. Fauci, Other Experts Testify on Pandemic Response, Gov. Cooper Calls for More Testing in NC

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The nation’s top health experts issue a warning on the coronavirus pandemic.  Dr. Anthony Fauci, was one of four top health experts who testified virtually before a Senate committee on Tuesday, where he others were pressed on whether the country is ready to reopen.

Meantime, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is calling for more testing as cases of COVID-19 continue to rise.

WCCB Political Contributor, Mary. C Curtis has the latest in the fight against coronavirus.

POLITICAL WRAP: White House Staffer Tests Positive for Coronavirus; Latest on Michael Flynn

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Trump administration’s push to reopen is rattled as new cases hit close to home. Three members of the coronavirus task force will quarantine after exposure to a staffer who tested positive.

And Vice President Mike Pence says he’d be “happy” to see Michael Flynn back in the administration. It comes as the Justice Department drops the criminal case against the President’s first national security adviser.

That decision, eliciting praise from President Trump and criticism from former President Obama.

Our political contributor Mary C. Curtis has more in the video above.

Mary C. Curtis: RNC Convention Plans Moving Ahead

CHARLOTTE, NC —  Charlotte still planning to host the Republican National Convention in August amid a global pandemic.

But is it time to pull the plug?

WCCB political contributor Mary C. Curtis has more on the local debate.