LETTER TO THE EDITOR: COVID-19 in Germany

To the Editor:

During the uncertain times of the ongoing pandemic, it is important that we not lose sight of our underserved communities. The homeless population is one such group within society that should have equitable access to the necessary resources to conquer our ongoing health crisis. This should not be a matter of “if we can serve them” but “how can we best serve these individuals who have been lost in the battle to recover from COVID-19” My hope is to raise awareness of the needs of those who have been displaced across the globe.

As the United States navigates the current landscape of COVID-19, approximately 5,300 miles away in Germany similar dilemmas are evolving. Facing both countries are significant governmental policies that could have a considerable impact on their respective citizens. Recent backlash to the safety guidelines instituted in different communities have become more commonplace in the headlines. People’s frustrations tolerance is plummeting as COVID “fatigue” sets in. The intent of the measures has been for the benefit of all, but as we have seen, some restrictions have been loosened while others have become stricter. The success rates of these recent decisions and the angst among citizens is just beginning to surface. Many in Germany favored an Easter lockdown that was swiftly averted. Compliance with limits pertaining to social gatherings has become a concerning issue as people begin to stand up to authorities and let their frustrations be known publicly.

You might be saying to yourself: “Why should I care about Germany?” I hear you, but have you stopped to consider the impact that other countries’ actions may have on the United States and how it may affect its global interactions? These choices can have various trickle-down effects that shape future policies defining how we live as a society for years to come. Germany for example has a policy known as the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD) that helps those who are struggling financially.

It helps in assisting the homeless, but it is not without its share of difficulties, however, as it has faced issues concerning funding. The program has proven successful in its previous iterations.

You ask: “Why should I care about another country’s COVID issue?” I am glad you asked! When one nation implements a strategy to overcome the pandemic, other countries monitor their actions looking for their rate of success. This could pave a path to new resource availability in the fight against COVID-19 in our own backyard.

You may be pondering: “What about our own issues here in the US?” Yes, we have a focus on our own country and our citizens, and this is of great importance. However, I believe the more that countries work with each other and share achievements, the hope is that we will overcome the pandemic rather than be defeated by further cases. As a leader and example to the world, I would hope we would tackle challenges that come our way. Philanthropic efforts are grounded in the moral values of who we are as Americans. If we want to be a leader, then we must act accordingly.

I hear this statement rolling around in your mind: “I am not German; this is not interesting!” As University of Houston – Clear Lake Hawks, the core of our education is to comprehend and put into practice critical thinking and reasoning. As for not being German, one need not come from any specific background or classification to be part of an enlightening dialogue!

In closing, I will leave with a few words of hope for the future: “Let us take the road less traveled, utilize our best critical thinking skills, and make our school proud as we forge forth into the world to make the world a better place than we found it – one person at a time!”

Andrew Currie Class of 2023 Social Work