1/ Despite fatigue from World War 1, the Spanish Flu, and the Great Depression, the American people were asked to sacrifice once again as it became apparent the United States would likely be drawn into World War 2.
2/ With a depleted military, the federal government instituted the country's first peace time draft, requiring all men ages 21 to 45 to register for potential military service. This was done in September 1940, over a full year BEFORE the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
3/ With the attack on December 7, 1941, the U.S. was officially at war. Draft terms extended through the end of fighting. By the war's end in 1945, over 50 million U.S. men had registered, and 10 million had been inducted into the military, leaving their jobs, homes, and family.
4/ Led by the federal government, entire industries were upended to provide supplies for the war effort. Everything from sugar to metal to rubber was rationed nationwide. Families were provided ration stamps to obtain limited quantities of goods.
5/ Our leaders called on all Americans to sacrifice. Women left home and joined industry. Tradesmen performed work on military supplies. Families were encouraged to grow "Victory Gardens" in their backyards to preserve food for the fighting soldiers. 
6/ For four full years, Americans completely altered their lives, temporarily sacrificed many of their freedoms, and rallied as a nation to achieve victory against an enemy most never saw in person.
7/ By the time victory was achieved, nearly 420,000 American lives had been lost. In the years following, Americans continued to sacrifice, providing over $15 billion ($162 billion adjusted for inflation) in aid to help rebuild our European allies through the Marshall Plan.
8/ Against COVID-19, Donald Trump has referred to himself as a "War Time President," but missed an opportunity for true leadership. Rather than leading the effort, the federal government deferred to the states, pitting them against one another for vital medical supplies.
9/ President Trump could have been honest with the American people about the realities of the challenges that lie ahead, acknowledging the sacrifices that would be required from all, and that it would not be a victory quickly and easily achieved.
10/ President Trump could have led by example, being seen always wearing a mask, keeping social distance, frequently washing his hands, and asking all of the American people to do the same for the sake of their country and their fellow Americans.
11/ Instead he disbanded the response team, ignored his experts, knowingly lied to the American people about the likelihood and severity of the pandemic enemy. He refused to wear a mask, mocked those who did, and actively discouraged distancing through his rallies.
12/ As a result, 210,000 Americans are dead in less than just 8 months, half the number lost during the totality of World War 2. And the number of those lost continues to grow, as cases rebound and climb in states throughout our nation.
13/ Donald Trump, the "War Time President", was confronted with a enemy and an opportunity to lead our nation to victory, calling on the American people to sacrifice and the nation to unite with the world to battle a common foe.
Instead our President focused on his TV ratings.
Instead our President focused on his TV ratings.
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