DailyTimeCapsule brief
May 14, 2020
On May 14, 2020, the ongoing global pandemic was a significant backdrop as discussions emerged about the historical lack of memorials for the 1918 flu pandemic. This year marked the centenary of the influenza outbreak, which had claimed millions of lives worldwide, yet no substantial memorials existed to commemorate its impact. Concurrently, political turmoil arose as the Trump administration faced scrutiny over its handling of the Michael Flynn case, a former National Security Advisor. This situation further polarized the political landscape, with debates raging about justice, accountability, and the implications for executive power. Meanwhile, agricultural issues came to the forefront as meat plant closures due to COVID-19 restrictions led to drastic measures, including the gassing and shooting of pigs, highlighting the intersection of public health and food supply chains during a crisis.
Key developments
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The 1918 influenza pandemic, often referred to as the Spanish flu, resulted in the deaths of approximately 50 million people worldwide, making it one of the deadliest pandemics in history. Despite its significant impact, memorials to commemorate the victims and effect of this pandemic are remarkably scarce, with few notable exceptions. A Vermont restaurant owner and a New Zealand professor are among the very few individuals who have taken initiatives to honor those lost, highlighting a broader cultural reluctance to memorialize the flu compared to other historical tragedies.
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In 2017, President Trump dismissed Michael Flynn from his role as national security adviser due to Flynn's dishonesty with the F.B.I. However, as the November election approached in 2020, Trump and his supporters began to reframe Flynn's actions, suggesting that the investigation against him was politically motivated. This alteration in narrative reflects broader themes of loyalty and accountability that surfaced during Trump's presidency.
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Meat Plant Closures Mean Pigs Are Gassed or Shot Instead
