The news reports are full of growing infections and deaths. Retail
stores are hiring as many people are stocking up wanting to ensure that their
freezers and refrigerators are full and their bathrooms properly stocked with
reams of toilet paper. We hear from public health professionals, politicians,
athletes and others in leadership positions, telling us to wash our hands, use
proper social distancing, that there are masks and ventilators, a vaccine on
the way.
Recently I was let go from my job, joining millions of
others applying for unemployment benefits. Now is not the time I want to be
looking for employment, but nonetheless there are myriads of stores hiring
temporary employees which will ease the burden for those who need work.
My spouse, Yasuyo, and I went to Trader Joe’s and Sprouts yesterday
to shop for my parents. Before we entered Trader Joe’s we were greeted by an
employee who sprayed alcohol on our hands. The store was fairly well stocked
and there weren’t many people inside. After shopping I realized that the
employee was also maintaining people in a line outside the store so that there
wouldn’t be too many shoppers inside.
I don’t want my parents shopping. They are 91 and 87. They
are used to shopping every day, buying one or two items so that they can get
out of the house. Friends are willing to help them. My parents seem to sense
that this is a crisis, not to be taken lightly.
The change in the world economy has been waiting to happen
for some time. The virus is forcing us into changing. But, what happens as
millions of us become unemployed throughout the world? We need a new way of
thinking or maybe just using what we know works in other countries. Maybe we
can’t be rich while others, most of us, have few resources. Maybe socialism,
that is, ensuring that everyone has a basic level of what they need so that
they can live happy and healthy lives, is not as bad as many people think. After
all, using the above definition, it is about taking care of one another.
During this time, I am spending more time with my spiritual
self. Physically we cannot go to our churches, synagogues, mosques, etc. But we
can spend time online with, in my case, a meditation group. Through this I’m
also connecting with many throughout the world. Can this help us to further
realize that we are all in this together? I certainly hope so.
This is a time of uncertainty. We like routines, but I know
that being able to adapt is key to defeating this virus and others that will
come. We cannot focus only on our fears, but must think about how we can change
our lifestyles integrating others into our lives. There will be many who will
waiver at this idea, not wanting to change, thinking about going back to what
they had.
Ultimately it is up to all of us, not only our “leaders,” to
ensure that human beings survive. I enjoy days with no pollution and wonder how
we can continue to make this happen, how we might save the planet by making
concessions and reducing climate change. I feel that this current virus is one
result of climate change, of us infringing too much with the natural world and
the natural order of things.
Think about how we can help our elderly neighbors so that
they don’t have to go out and expose themselves unknowingly to becoming
infected. Think now as to how we are being considerate of others by keeping our
distance. Think now about our future and how we work together to ensure that
there is one for all.
--
Michael Rosenkrantz
--
Michael Rosenkrantz
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