[nexuist]

>why can't states handle this and the best emerge?

Is it fair to die in State X because it had more inept leaders than State Y? This isn't about long term economic or social policy, this is about an exponentially growing pandemic that doesn't respect borders.

[tathougies]

It's as fair as dying in Germany because France had inept leaders (for example, not saying either of those countries have inept or incompetent leadership). American states are way more autonomous than the regions of most countries. The populace elects the leaders they get.

[ineedasername]

It's as fair as dying in Germany because France had inept leaders

Yes, which is to say it isn't fair. You're example argues for higher level oversight and uniformity of regulation, say at the EU level, not even more balkanization of them.