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So, first of all, I don't think I know much of anything for sure. I have thoughts and ideas and guesses, but those change almost daily if not more often. It is disturbing to me how even in this time of shared trauma and shared tragedy and shared inconvenience, we are still very much divided. There are definitely agents of this divide, but this paragraph is not aimed at any one side... why are there even sides except man vs. COVID-19. Once again we are faced with a seemingly insurmountable inability or even willingness to find any common ground. It is possible for people of good faith and good conscience to disagree on approaches and philosophies, and as I have said many times, I am someone who - though steadfast in my opinions on certain matters - believes there is value in compromise and hearing and listening to opposing viewpoints.
But any such compromise can only be reached - I think by finding common ground and building upon that. And, in the case of COVID-19 the common ground should be obvious, but it is sadly not the case. Even if evidence staring us in the face, we argue and disagree and toss around conspiracy theories...
I don't know if I am making sense. I'm thinking about the whole reopening vs. staying the course. I respect that people have different opinions on this and I don't think most who are pushing to reopen want people to die anymore than I believe most of those urging caution and slowing down on reopening are purposely trying to wreck the economy. I sincerely hope that the majority of people want everyone to be safe and healthy and also want to minimize the economic impact which many people of all sides are feeling. But, the problem is we cannot even agree on numbers and facts and what those numbers mean or don't mean. So, we argue and fight and send nasty memes and ridicule and belittle. There is a small faction that desires chaos and division, and unfortunately, that small faction seems to be winning the day sometimes.
But - I am an optimist. And so, I hope for solutions and resolutions and better judgement to rally.
At the beginning of this pandemic, I used the term "back to normal" wondering how long before we would get back to normal. But, these days I think more about the new normal. Regardless of party affiliation or personal opinion, what we are striving for us not a return to normal, but rather an push toward the beginning of what comes next - which will be post-normal or a new normal.
Eh.., I will shut up now, and play some music.
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