A Tale of Two Generations

They were called the Greatest Generation, those who lived through World War II. Their lives were torn apart by war, by sacrifice. Rationing of critical materials necessary to fight the war was the norm. Women took up the slack in the factories so the men could go fight for our freedom, our way of life. 

It was a war where most everyone contributed something.

The United States entered World War II in 1941 and fought until the end in 1945. In that four year time period the US lost over 400,000 people. That generation got the job done, fighting until the war was won.

Fast forward to 2020 and the United States, along with the rest of the world, is involved in a fight that is no less world spanning. We are all affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. To date the United States alone has lost 127,000 people. That is in the span of around 4 months. That is a rate higher than during World War II. Wouldn't you think that this crisis deserves everyone's attention and, well, effort? Yet something as simple as wearing a mask has become a bone of contention.

Is the real reason Donald Trump got elected because we have become at heart a self-serving, narcissistic, selfish society who can't even put on a mask to help our own fellow Americans?

You can spout all the slogans you want, like “Make America Great Again”, but  you have to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. 

Update:
Perhaps if you won't listen to me you will listen to those who are so desperately fighting for us.

On the front lines

George Floyd

In my state of Minnesota a black man died at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. There was no reason for his death. He had done nothing to deserve that. Since then our streets and many others around the country have erupted in a paroxysm of rage and grief. Many, either in the streets or in the halls of government, have tried to make this about themselves, inciting a violence that only further hurts the Floyd family and the community where they live. Those people only disrespect the memory of a man who died so tragically.

I would like to honor Mr. Floyd's memory with one of the most beautiful renditions of this song that I have heard.

For all of the peaceful demonstrators who have come out to honor Mr. Floyd and to seek a justice that has been so scarce in the past.

The Witch Doctor

It is Memorial Day today. A day where we remember all of those who sacrificed so much to keep our country free and strong. But we need to remember that it is not only our duty to remember, but to aid  and uphold the very ideals they fought so hard for. It is our duty to maintain a country for them to come back to. It is our responsibility to bring into government men and women who will match their sense of responsibility and care for our country. Charlatans should not be welcome.

The Swedish Model

The world has been dealing with Covid-19 for around two months now. We have seen a complete shutdown in China and shutdowns of varying depths in the rest of the world. None of us know for sure which response to the crisis will be the least damaging to our lives long term. We have seen a virus that takes a toll on the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. It has struck younger people with complications that can lead to strokes. It has led to complications in children that resemble toxic shock. And it has been devastating to economies around the world.

How do we balance health and jobs? Both are of critical importance to our well being. Here in the US our reaction has been haphazard at best, with a White House that is incapable of leading intelligently. Critical decisions are having to be made by each state. People are running out of patience even as they run out of money and food. Long lines form for food giveaways and people are protesting the lock downs.

So I thought I would post a video I ran across about Sweden which gives insight into their decision on how they handled the crisis. It's an interview that was conducted at the end of April. He makes some very good points. Some of which appear very prescient. But one thing he says seemed to resonate. It probably won't make any difference in the end.

Here is a link to a live update of the Covid-19 cases around the world.

Live Cornavirus Update

Stay safe.

World on Fire

I was contemplating writing another post about the Covid-19 pandemic, but I changed my mind. It is what we are living with daily, so I figured it might be time to take a bit of a break. I am sure it will still be there when we get back.

The world has been through many trials and tribulations. I cannot think of anything more devastating than WWII. Perhaps revisiting that era will take our minds off this one. Strange as that may seem, it has worked for me.

Recently they have been airing a fiction series called World on Fire on channel 2 (TPT) under the Masterpiece showcase which was originally aired on the BBC. It moves fairly slowly so you haven't missed much if you pick it up now. It is on Sunday nights at 8:00. I have also seen it out on DVD. Or if you can stream from YouTube you can watch the full series through there. The following is a trailer.

If you haven't seen it already it's worth a look. Hard times pass and we will survive.

History Lessons

It is Easter Sunday today. Normally we would all be going to places of worship, getting together with family or friends for a nice meal and just hanging out. But this year is a little different. For much of the world is keeping their distance, going out only when necessary. This is the year of the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Was this not foreseen? Of course it was. It was foreseen by those who took the time to look.

History has seen this:

Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it. There were preparations that could have been made, and indeed were. Unfortunately, in the case of the United States a lot of that was dismantled by Donald Trump.

Yes, we will get through this, but I fear that the new normal will not look like the old.

How we choose to respond will make a difference in each of our countries.

On this Easter I wish you all a safe holiday!

Coronavirus Update

This morning the Governor of New York spoke to the citizens of his state. It's long, but I thought it was worth posting for anyone to listen to.

Life is a series of choices. How we make those choices matters, to us and to others. I know many of you have probably noticed the missing items in your grocery store, like toilet paper or bottled water. Hoarding is a horrible byproduct of this crisis. Filling your basement with a truckload of toilet paper at the expense of others is not a good choice.

But we are not all like that. Tough times can also bring out the best in many people and businesses. We have those who are converting their Little Free Libraries to Little Free Pantries, stocking them with food for whoever needs it. We have restaurants in downtown Minneapolis that are donating food they can't use to anyone who can. We have the volunteers who are reaching out via the internet to senior citizens who are shut in. We have people working on making their own ventilators, not waiting for supplies from outside. And we have some very intelligent scientists from various nations and states working on drugs that may help.

This restaurant in St. Paul is providing free meals and hope to those who are now unemployed.

This crisis will pass. We will survive. 

How do you want to remember your behavior during it?