We have a fantastic article up on Trump’s claim that the stock market plunge today is not a “thing” because he has it all under control. In doing so, Trump – and his critics – pointed directly to questions concerning the Coronavirus as driving the stock market plunge. We covered all those quotes, and it is dispiriting.

Trump is lying about controlling the coronavirus, lying about controlling the market, and lying about the coronavirus’s responsibility for the market. He might actually think he’s telling the truth, and that makes it that much worse.

Here is the real situation. It is not at all under control, but that doesn’t mean the situation is drastic. It means that one needs to be professional enough and responsible enough to address the issues straight-up, and be somewhat normal. In other words, not like Trump.

Number one: No one “controls” a viral pandemic. There are too many variables to ever think one has it “under control,” (until it disappears or there is an inoculation). The goal is not “control.” The goal is to “contain” and “treat.” Indeed, it is beneficial to acknowledge the fact that a viral pandemic is not something to control because it keeps people vigilant and wary.

So far, led by the Chinese, Japanese, and American governments – primarily – it seems like everyone is doing the evidence-based, best practices to contain the virus, while also being wary that a virus can surprise, such that people remain vigilant about containing it.

That is the adult, factual outlook – despite Trump’s claim, the virus not under control.

Next thing: NO ONE controls the markets – ever. And the market is never a reflection of just “one” major issue or concern. I am not even the economist at this site (we have one), but most literate people – and certainly our readers – understand that the market is, by definition, a reflection of a maze of issues. Entire institutes out there study “complexity theory,” and complex macro-economics, both of which try to track trends, but can no more “control” or “predict” the market than anyone else. It is too complex for anyone in government or anywhere else to “control.”

Trump is attempting to reassure people by stating “I even have the market under control, as well as the virus.” He actually increases fear with those statements.

Compare this adult statement: “We expect ups and downs in the market. We are only 5% off all-time highs and corrections are healthy. There are reasons for concern, beyond the virus. The deficit is a big concern, as well as the risk carried by increasingly severe weather, and low interest rates in a strong economy. We are working with others to address these concerns and keep the economy strong to benefit all Americans. Looking at the entirety of the market position, we believe things are very optimistic.”

That quote is out of my ass in Mississippi. Yet, it seems far more assuring than “I have this under control,” because it simply acknowledges reality, and how to address reality.

Last, as an obvious and very short point. A real president would both acknowledge there are concerns that are being addressed, but also note that the real strength is the American people.

A president should be trying to rally and unite the American people, not puff his chest. An adult says: “These are concerns, but I have faith in the American people and American dream. Our scientists and citizens are strong and smart. We will deal with variables on the virus, and the citizens also are responsible for our great economy. If we all pull together, I have faith that we will get through the issues with strength.”

Another quote out of my ass, but it seems far more “adult,” I am positive that an actual adult (I do alright faking it) could do infinitely better. But, Trump’s answer isn’t reassuring anyone except his cult. They will accept everything he says.

Everything settled out? It’s a big world out there, no one person is in control, and thank god for that. There is some great stuff happening, and real huge concerns. That’s reality, and often helps us maintain perspective, at least for me.

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Peace, y’all

Jason

[email protected] and Twitter @MiciakZoom