Our system of government is remarkably durable. I’m reading about the War of 1812 and it’s remarkable that the people of the United States were able to cobble together a power-sharing system between the states and federal government that continues to this day. In 1812, this theory of government was almost written off.

The Covid-19 pandemic has presented a new, modern challenge to our system. The federal government has pursued a strategy of deferring to the states. They’ve collated data, passed information, and worked with private industry to plug gaps and speed up research. A declaration of national emergency has given additional relief. Watch any press conference with Drs. Debrah Birx or Anthony Fauci, and you get a sense that there is a serious, evidence-based approach on the scientific front.

Whereas in previous public health emergencies, the United States deployed resources abroad on humanitarian missions, today we’re having to deploy those resources internally. Earlier this week, The Wall Street Journal reported that the United States Navy’s two hospital ships are preparing for deployment on the East and West Coast. I went to Walmart today and entire grocery sections were empty. It looked more like a picture of a Venezuelan market than a Walmart store in the United States.

When we get some space from this outbreak, we’ll be able to evaluate which national policies were successful and which were not. What I think has been most effective is the individual response from Americans. We haven’t waited to be ordered to distance ourselves socially, many of us have just done it. We haven’t waited to be ordered to close our Churches, we’ve done it out of an act of charity for our neighbor and our country.

This self-determination is in the DNA of American society. Italians have been less serious in their response, and as a result are having their liberties curtailed as a matter of law. The Italian government first requested its citizens self-isolate, but it was ignored. What followed was a national quarantine enforced by the police. Still ineffective, the government has now really turned up the heat with further, more restrictive measures that are hard to believe are being implemented by a democratic Western nation.

We will not stop Covid-19 this season. Our national effort is to slow the spread and avoid unnecessary loss of life. There will be a time and place to critique our government’s response and decide what changes in law and regulation are required so that we’ll be better prepared for next time. For now, let’s all do our part out of a sense of duty to one another, rather than under the force of law.

This has been an extraordinary Lent.

Ran into Walmart to supplement my grocery order.

This is a stark reminder that markets all over the world look like this on a regular basis. A wonderful reminder of the blessings that we take for granted in the West every day.

It’s been two years since I deleted my Twitter account. At this point, it’s blocked on my network.

Join me.

The Last Place to be Hit With Coronavirus Worries? Florida Beaches - WSJ

“It’s a risk to be down here with crowds,” Mr. Aboko-Cole said. But “it’s my last spring break. I want to live it up as best I can.”

The selfishness in this pandemic is disheartening.

Lobbyists Pile On to Get Wins for Clients Into Coronavirus Stimulus Package - WSJ

for some lobbyists, the $1 trillion stimulus package provides an opportunity to score wins for corporate clients and breathe new life into stalled policy proposals unrelated to the crisis.

Red flag. Get a new plan.

Apple posted a PSA from the CDC at the top of the App Store Today section. First time seeing it, I’m impressed.

China’s Coronavirus Diplomacy - WSJ

China is using coronavirus aid to whitewash its responsibility for unleashing a global pandemic.

Powerful writing and a very strong argument.

It is so hard to grocery shop right now.

Miracle: Toilet Paper Falling From Sky Each Morning Like Manna From Heaven - The Babylon Bee

God’s people have been instructed to collect only what is necessary, as any excess toilet paper they gather will turn to empty cardboard rolls at the end of the night.

COVID-19 Checklist

• Avoid unnecessary trips
• Read a good book
• Cook a delicious meal
• Spend plenty of time outside
• Check on a friend/neighbor
• Videochat with someone you love
• Complete tasks/projects you’ve been putting off

Now, more than ever before, is the time to delete your Twitter account. Get as far away from that poison as you possibly can.

I caught a break in the weather and managed to get both cars washed and in the garage. Now I can wax and clean the interiors over the next few days while the heavy weather rolls through.

It’s the seven year anniversary of my blog, Catholic Husband. I’m publishing my 760th post this morning.

It’s remarkable how the simple habit of writing regularly can result in a robust body of work.

Two weeks ago, March was lining up to be the busiest month of the year for me. One by one, trips, meetings, and events have fallen off of the calendar.

The speed of this whole thing has been incredible.

That new iPad keyboard looks so awesome.

Netflix shows the rating of a program in the top left corner in the opening seconds.

Interestingly, a rationale given for more mature ratings is if a program contains “smoking.”

A community college near me announced that they’ll be back to in-person classes on March 30.

To think that we’ll be over this in less than two weeks is complete fantasy.

Plunging Rates Spell Opportunity for Student-Loan Borrowers - WSJ

Under the measure, monthly payments won’t decrease. The benefit is that your entire payment will now count toward reducing the loan’s principal, which helps you pay off the loan faster.

I like this creativity.