I’ve read a number of thoughts from folks who agree with my own opinions, that it’s kind of early to return to normal behavior since Covid is still attacking us, and thus, we are still at war. I have also read thoughts from those who totally disagree with me and think we’d better get back to business now, right now! Personally, I wish we would never return to normal human behavior and thereby give the earth, and the other living creatures that share this planet with us, some more time to recuperate from our disastrous caretaking of planet earth. But that is ridiculous, I know, and not very kind, either. We are mostly not evil people, just a bit careless and thoughtless about how everything we do, individually, affects everything surrounding us.
I am reminded of the Vietnam era, when young people protested the government’s action in a war we should not have been involved in. Those young people turned out to be right, we should not have spent 56,000 young lives fighting a war that meant nothing to us in the end. Lots of protesting about a disastrous situation and four students killed by the National Guard for standing up for their beliefs. (Back then no guns were carried by protesters.) Now our young people are protesting because “they can’t go to the beach, or get their toenails done, or drink at the local bar.” But yet, I admit, life has changed and these things mean as much to the present generation as the war protests did to those of us in the 1950’s and 6o’s.
Who am I to say that what I consider shallow is actually important to those standing on the corner protesting today? If today’s protesters do not believe that 75,000 plus dead people are important, and instead believe that the money they are not earning and the livelihoods they have lost are worth more than those deaths, then so be it. I have lived thru past national and world struggles, and now today’s generations must learn how to face new disasters occurring throughout our nation and world. That is how it’s always been. I hope they are up for the challenges.
Meanwhile, I will feel saddened by my own husband’s sorrow at what he believes is lost; by the fear that he and I will be one of those sacrificed by my country; that the political leaders of this nation have lost their way and care naught about the strength and fortitude great nations must create in order to be majestic in the end. Yes, I am saddened, but I will not relinquish my own hope in a future that humankind will do the right thing and learn to live with less and care more about life than about abundance.
Now, for that evening glass of wine, which tastes especially good on this very cool night.
PaintedAppy 