Corona virus

Two words that have launched a billion conversations, seemingly at the same time, and the cacophony makes it hard to distinguish what is being said and more so, what does it truly mean for humanity? The mainstream press has its own slants, the politicians their own skews and both look to the scientific community – not so much for wisdom – but to heighten the hype or justify their actions (or lack thereof). And we’re caught in the middle, not knowing what to make of it all. But I wonder if we’re ok with that on some level? Like there’s a slight contentedness with the state of confusion, because with it, we can out-task the responsibility to do something about it elsewhere.

Like barbarians at the gate, the virus threatens to swoop in and take out civilization, but there’s a distinct difference. When the warriors camped outside our walls, we couldn’t avoid the sight of deadly men through the flickering fire light. The virus, though just as deadly, hides in the shadows, out of sight, and with good fortune, eventfully convinces us that it isn’t there at all. And so, we have the luxury of distancing ourselves from it. Out of sight, out of mind, at least enough that we put our unquestioning faith in institutions that consistently have demonstrated poor relationships with the truth.

Now, this isn’t an ‘anti’ government, ‘anti’ Press or ‘anti’ science rant to be sure, for they are all important and necessary for a free and just society. However, they are at their core, a collection of individuals, and as such, suffer from the same foibles that you and I do. And we tend to suffer them in the greatest abundance when things are going to hell in a hand basket. So they need a guiding hand to steer them and watchful eyes to reign them in at times and so, they rely on a vigilant, thinking, and self-reliant population to ensure their effectiveness.

It’s that mindset that will win the day and get us through this. Just a little thing but like the virus, it can have a big impact. 

​BG