Good Monday morning! What day of hibernating is it for you? I was thinking about how many days I have practicing self distancing. I have also been wondering when the personal urge to stop it will really hit me. In general I am pretty good about alone time. Our president just extended a self distancing order to the end of April now. So, we have weeks for sure, and really a couple of months, until we can think about returning to a normal life. I know frustration is going to rear it’s ugly head for some people soon, and anger will show up. I worry that a few people will seriously go crazy and lash out. You know, there are all kinds of people out there and not everyone is able to remain calm, and to follow by the rules.
The effects of the virus are becoming more and more real. Not only are hospitals filling up with people of all walks of life, and of all ages, but we are hearing of more celebrity types effected. I’m so sad about the death of country singer Joe Diffie, and also the critical condition of John Prine.
As much as we are living this new reality of safe distancing, there are some not always making very wise decisions. It’s tough. I get it. The beaches are full. It’s beautiful out, and it IS outdoors, and it seems okay to do. But, is it?? When we are told to quarantine ourselves, how many of us do it?
Here’s the thing: Americans love their freedoms. They don’t like being told what to do or how to live. It goes against everything this country stands for. Our politics is divided often over how much freedom we should be allowed vs. how much needs to be run by the government – to keep us healthy, and financially okay. It’s a fair debate. And in times like this, we can’t just stop thinking about it, because this is a great learning lesson for a ‘next time.’ Closing our eyes and ears to injustices or problems during the pandemic is foolish.
Recently I have had some push back from a few of my FB friends about a couple of posts I have put up about how our government is handling the pandemic. I am told to stop talking about politics, and that it is a time to bring our country together. Yesterday, out of maybe 20 posts I put up I had two posts that were about Trump. I had positive feedback on them – but I also had negative ones. I admit it, I was bothered by the negative comments. Why? 1. We should care about our country’s leadership all the time. They are elected officials and took on jobs that put them under scrutiny – by the media and by citizens. 2. I have a right (a freedom) to post whatever I choice unless it’s vicious and totally false. I don’t think I ever put up any posts that are that way. (And believe me, I see them from others.). From my perspective, and with confidence, I occasionally post about politics. I have some people that agree with me. Some that don’t. 3. I have been told that I wear rose colored glasses because I too often see an unreal, or too hopeful, view. Sometimes I think others wear blinders and prefer to live in another kind of la-la land. Perhaps it is like the old adage of ‘ignorance is bliss.’ If they don’t hear the bad stuff then it doesn’t exist? I hear it, but I process it by thinking of what good can comes from it. 4. In times of disaster, or times like this – a deadly pandemic, or in war, we can see how those in authority handle it. We see if they have true courage, and if they rely on specialists for advice. We listen to see if they can be compassionate, and to use their office to inspire and to lift us up during the hard times.
Looking back through history our ancestors have struggled with plaques, with world wars, with famine, and much more. They hurt, and some died. They eventually made it through. We will always have incredibly challenging events, be they natural or not. We must learn each and every time how better to prepare for the next one. We must watch – and listen. We must ask ourselves if we are being told the truth. We must wonder if our tax money is going to prepare as well as it could. We must look to the heroes on the frontlines. Praise them! Give them what they need to do their work. Supplies, fair wages, and more.
Don’t get me wrong. We are in a very scary time right now. I realize it. I pray constantly for healing, and for right decisions, and for caring, and for hope. But I know we will get through…. because we are a world that sees a future. We are people in a country that IS connected to other countries and we will help each other when needed. We are NOT isolationists. We never can be and never should do. “We are all in this together” is being said a lot now…. and it’s true.
So, if you see what you consider negative comments from me it is because I differ from what our top leader says about living in this world. He has used his political orations (and I use that term lightly) to divide, and to put people into categories. He constantly uses his platform to separate and often will hurt whole groups of people – not to mention all the individuals he has belittled. he does not believe in ‘we are all in this together.’ So, I call him out.
As we move forward we must look at what is happening now. We can learn from it. We can hopefully make better decisions in the future. We can put our hearts and money into where it will help better. One thing this pandemic has done is to show us that some times none of us can escape, and that we all must rely on each other. Around the world. And…yes, we see a heck of a lot of good in many, many people. We ARE in this together.
Marla’s Musings 