Robert Joseph, Jr.: Could clean air and water be the real cure for coronavirus?

To The Daily Sun,

Coronovirus 19. One has to wonder if there is a correlation between it's rapid development and climate change — or polluted water and air. There is considerable merit to Tom Lehrer and the song, "Pollution." The key words, "Just go out for a breath air, and you will be ready for Medicare." Or, "the fish gotta swim, and the birds gotta fly, but they don't last long if they try."

In the murky waters we drink, there must be considerable germs, viruses, bacteria that must somehow reach our digestive systems. Consider for a moment, one of the most polluted areas of this planet is found in China. This is not a racist comment. The origins of this pandemic started there. Those who feel this way needs to look at science and fact, and start providing solutions, not complaints. Many of the past pandemics occurred in highly polluted areas.

Europe, the Bubonic Plague. Hygiene at that time was poor. Rats, mice, and other animal carriers roamed. Waterways offered slime filled infested with multiple organic beings, viruses to further spread these diseases. Hand washing, essentially non-existent. Human waste liberally filled moats, canals with grime that would make anyone be repulsed by the odors, perhaps filling the air with these infectious diseases.

The oceans are rising. Ice packs and shelves are melting. What develops, the very virus so feared today. The air with the substances that can either cause or inhibit resistance of these illnesses.

This virus does not discriminate. All races, creeds, religions, sexual orientation are affected. Same as if the planet ceased to be no more.

We are not talking about Mr. Trump. This is all humankind doing this. For those who hate Mr. Trump, the feelings may be mutual. Regardless of this president's actions, or lack of it, he has given attempts to control this pandemic. Would I vote for him, no. But I would not offer this predicament on any president or other world leaders. It's the most challenging moments humankind as a collective being has faced in its history.

We all need to contribute to ending this virus. Social distancing, extreme hygiene practices must strictly be maintained. It's all hands on deck. Even the deniers must participate, because their lives and those around them depend on it.

Driving on N.H.'s roads yesterday, the dearth of traffic was impressive. Tilton was notably appearing as a ghost town. Only the "essential stores" were open. All lights seemed green when approached. 93 was an empty highway. But, for the first time in many years, the air seemed refreshing, the skies more clear blue than normal. One could enjoy the scenery on the roads without normal distractions of late. Could this be the real cure for this virus?

Bob Joseph, Jr New Hampton