Politician, lawyer, and public speaker in the 1930’s, Frank A. Clark, reminded us “If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.” As of today, I find the path ahead as it relates to Covid-19 to be absolutely saturated, blocked, and strewn with obstacles that make it almost impossible to envision a cohesive path ahead. In my last blog entry, I wrote about Winston Churchill and the need for everyone to pull together in pursuit of “victory” over the challenges at hand. While I still feel that way as events unfold, it becomes increasingly obvious that we are in for the battle of our lives. Having an optimistic view of the world has been a trait that has served me well for all of my life. There have been ups and downs as there are for all of us, but in the aggregate, life is good. However, I worry more these days.
Of course, I remain convinced the future is bright, but how long until that future presents and manifests itself in tangible ways? Those of us in the 4th Quarter have it better than most except for the obvious fact that as members of that group, our mortality is most likely to be affected by 19. Younger residents of the planet seem to fare better with the virus. Eighty percent of those who are afflicted will endure a mild battle with the virus and the rate of viciousness and mortality increases as we age. This makes sense and I grasp this fact. As the months pass from one to the next, it does appear that the famous “flattening of the curve” has been slower than anticipated and how to address this dilemma unclear.
It is not simply a decision to remain at home and continue social distancing or reopen and take our chances but so many questions we want answered. They impact each of us differently depending on where we are on the curve of life. The following are just a sampling of questions I’d like to have answered: how many deaths are acceptable, can I get tested, where does one go to get tested, do I always need to wear a mask, is it safe to venture out or should I stay inside, what should I tell my kids/grandkids, when will the first wave end, will there be other waves and will they be less–the same or more severe, how high a risk am I, if I leave my house to go visit someone do I need to self- quarantine upon returning home, is it safe to take a walk, is carryout food safe, am I getting enough exercise, how much TV is too much, should doctor appointments be cancelled, do I need to leave packages or mail in the garage overnight, is it possible to wash hands too much, and many more that are unique to each of us and our own set of life variables.
Every day, week, and month presents its own new “issues of the day.” Today, there is much discussion about reopening the country or not with Georgia and Texas leading the charge to reopen. Fully fifty percent of the United States falls into that category with a cascade of others to follow. We’re told it will take at least two weeks to determine how the relaxing of sanctions will affect the “curve” as well as new positive cases. Crazy isn’t it? Three months ago, this whole thing was a blip on the radar and now it’s daily death counts. OK, suppose the reopen states have it right. What does that mean in terms of acceptable mortality levels as the economy recovers and people go back to work? It doesn’t take a scholar to figure out that 4th Quarter members, to some degree, would be expendable in this scenario particularly those age 74 who have had copious amounts of chemotherapy and radiation and have some lung issues. Goodness, that would be me! Am I to be relegated to my home, leaving at my own risk, or will a vaccine hopefully arrive before I make an imprudent decision with terminal results?
If, by contrast, we accept the draconian stay at home/social distance model, will the economy totally “tank” and none of our kids will have jobs, or homes, or health benefits, or hope? A friend of ours needs a colonoscopy and has for quite some time. Who decides when she can schedule it requiring hospitals to be open for what to some is considered “elective” surgery but not to her. She considers it a necessary procedure. Wouldn’t you? The word “binge” takes on new significance right now—not drinking but watching tv, playing games, going through old photos, putting puzzles together, organizing closets and drawers, and cleaning places we never knew existed before 2020.
What about travel? Are YOU ready to stay overnight in a motel, rent a car, or get on an airplane? What about people who earn a living in those industries? How long before you feel safe going to a movie theater or attending an athletic event? If stay at home is the choice, what will happen to our educational system—elementary schools, high schools, colleges, universities? Have you thought about day care usage in a closed economy or even an open one? Employees who are fortunate to work from home now must add “teacher” to their resume. When daycares open, what assurances do parents have that their children will be safe from Corona?
The tradeoffs we face both individually and collectively as a society are huge with no quick fix. It would appear the solution, and there must be one, mandates leadership by people who have a vision, are willing to make decisions that have consequences, and are prepared to set personal needs and aspirations aside for the higher good of our society and beyond that, the world at large. Decades ago in Illinois, it was clear a state income tax was needed. No debate here, that’s just the way it was. Governor Richard Ogilvie was asked by his staff if he was prepared to be a one term governor. He replied in the affirmative, the tax was passed by the legislature, and he lost the next election as he knew he would. At this point for the greater good, most Americans are not red or blue but instead red, white, and blue. If the current president can demonstrate the ability to do the job, fine. If not, I pray someone who can, will in November.
For the first time since January 2020 when Covid-19 became a part of our lexicon, I find myself unsettled, uncomfortable, and unsure of what lies ahead. In the long run, we will rise to the challenge and persevere. We are citizens of this great nation and that is what we’ve done before and will do again. It’s the short run that has me anxious. Guess I just needed a day to ponder all of this…
Gordy and the Fourth Quarter 