Ebola is creating a widening circle of surprise, fear, uncertainty and, alas, tragedy. At the epicenter is the risk management skill of government, especially the federal government.
How did we arrive at this juncture?
The disease is very dangerous, but what’s even worse is not taking it seriously and pretending that everything can continue as normal. This situation has revealed a worrying behavior in those in charge, which I’ll refer to as South Tower Syndrome.
Looking back at the events of September 11, 2001, people in the South Tower of the World Trade Center were initially told they were safe and should stay where they were, despite the nearby North Tower being hit by a plane. It’s hard to understand how anyone could say they were safe. There’s a big difference between asking people not to panic and telling them to stay put after a disaster happens right next door. Even if the South Tower hadn’t been hit by another plane, no one could be sure if the North Tower would remain standing or what would happen if it fell. Yet, the authorities still advised people to stay.
This is a stunning example of the propensity of educated people to maintain that they are in control during perilous situations with huge unknowns. They give advice that goes beyond what they actually know, leading to serious problems when their limited understanding crashes into reality.
Liberals are often accused of this, believing they are smarter and morally better than others, and expecting others to follow their lead without question. In situations like the Ebola outbreak and ISIS attacks, the Obama Administration claimed they had everything under control, promising they could handle the risks. However, the appearance of a second Ebola patient in Texas proved the initial claims by the CDC, that containing the virus was easy, were not true. They kept saying, “Trust us, don’t worry,” but this approach was proven wrong.
South Tower Syndrome can be an understandable response during the first traumatic moments after unexpected tragedy.
This approach might help prevent panic, which can be useful in some situations. However, it’s a very bad and dangerous way to deal with problems that develop slowly, like the Ebola outbreak and the threat from ISIS. These issues need a more serious and immediate response because taking a slow or dismissive approach can lead to much worse outcomes.
Here, illusion-free strategic thinking and energy in the executive are indispensable. Alas, there are not exactly hallmarks of Team Obama.
Lulling people into complacency is an exercise in denial, not crisis management. It is also lying.
