Infectious

I'm living in a new age.  Or not a new age, but one that is new to me.  I'm sure my grand parents who lived through Spanish Influenza of World war I era would recognize some of what is happening this week, but not all of it.  Because, see, the yellow papers of that era changed some of what we know about journalism and media, and we're seeing the power of media today.

So, here I am torn...do I believe that COVID-19 is nothing to worry about and people are all over-reacting, or do I go buy a case of water and a case of toilet paper, that will do nothing to slow the spread of a respiratory based virus, because the media tells me so?  Me, I think that the media has too much power and we are reacting to the WRONG part of the news, but I don't think we should ignore the situation.  See, I've faced recently that I am in the minority, in terms of politics and public opinion.  I don't take a side - I take issues piece by piece and I research.  Party lines are too political and I take things person by person, and issue by issue.  So, call me wishy-washy and call me anything you like.  Too liberal for one group, and too conservative for another, but I'm finding I like to think for myself.

But now, now, what do I think?  Definitely, social media creates  its own reality and we are sheep if we follow it blindly.  I've been caught up in that madness myself.   But, really, stop and think - why are you doing what you are doing and who does it benefit?  If you answer those questions, it might change your response.

So, where am I today?  I'm playing in the middle of the road, like I'm playing chicken and I might get run over yet.  Today I went to my gym and did a group exercise class, but I washed hands and equipment and I declined physical contact with a broader group of people. I ran errands and did what I needed to do with the public, but I declined a social invitation to a larger scale event.  And, mostly, I stayed away from my dad who is 89 and recovering from some illnesses and from a friend with a young baby at home.  Because I will recover from respiratory illness, but they may not.  In otherwords, I'm taking things case by case and thinking it through.  Please, please, no matter the issue, no matter the event, accept that media can be a tool, but use your own judgement and educate yourself.  Don't be a sheep in the herd.  Don't fight the herd for the sake of fighting, but look at the facts.  It's not a liberal agenda or a republican platform - it's your own life, and your own decisions that will matter.  Don't let politics or pride decide what is right for you or those you love.  Let information and education always win, and every damn day, live the best life you can.

So, infectious virus, you are out there, and we will arm ourselves with education and information and an abundance of caution.  If we are silly to avoid some things, so be it.  Being silly is better than not being around to scoff.  And don't make fun of those who see it that way.  Love your neighbors and all their choices in these days.