![A healthcare worker sits on a bench near Central Park in New York City, on Mar. 30, 2020.](https://ibw21.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/us-response-coronavirus-covid-19-01-910x512-1.jpg)
Failed leadership, a distrust of scientists, and cultural attitudes have all combined to result in an inadequate response to COVID-19. By Alex Fitzpatrick, TIME — It is a frightening time to live in the United States. COVID-19, a novel disease as ruthless as it is seemingly random, is picking us off by the thousands; even many of those who “recover” may never truly be the same again. The pandemic has…