When I saw the newsflash that Governor Greg Abbott retrenched somewhat on “reopening” Texas, I was disappointed. Sad, almost.
Positive coronavirus tests have been spiking lately. So have covid-19 cases, hospitalization and ICU occupancy. Should we be all that surprised though, once we realize that this ailment isn’t going anywhere? What sensible, respectful, compassionate person could support restrictions on the free movement and association of fellow citizens who “might” have it, or “might” get it?
As to the governor’s motives for dialing things back, a few possibilities comes to mind. One is that he’s a tyrant. Though shutdowns are certainly overbearing in nature, given what I’ve seen of him, he doesn’t strike me as despotic.
Another is that he’s trying to please voters, the swing variety in particular. It seems highly unlikely he would try to appease folks who probably wouldn’t vote for him in any case.
Thirdly, maybe he simply cares.
Call me a softie or naïve, but I try to assume the best of people until proven otherwise. Sometimes that assumption proves wrong. When/if it doesn’t, a bond is formed. Or, in the case of leaders who you’ll never meet, a degree of respect and admiration is fostered.
Let’s assume for the moment that it’s the third option. Does it matter? Should it? I say no.
It’s not the governor’s job to care, at least to this extent. We too often allow, nay ask elected representatives to “do something” to show they care. What government program isn’t ostensibly underlined with that premise? It’s a cruel irony that such actions mostly make things worse, shield some from doing the right thing, or condemns “beneficiaries” to a grim future.
The only people we should expect to care about us is our family and friends; first and foremost, our parents. They are the only ones who should ever act as our caretakers.
They are the ones who are supposed to imbue us with a sense of right and wrong, some semblance of common sense, a respect for others. Those lessons may also come from a teacher, relative, et al, but our primary guardians are that first line.
If people want to throw caution to the wind, gather in crowded places, not wear masks and/or respect personal space, that’s on them, and to a degree those who raised and/or choose to associate with them. These folks are sending a clear signal to others, especially in this day and age of social media, “checking-ins”, evidence of whereabouts via selfies, etc.
If anything, we should thank bars, beaches and venues for mass gatherings for being that light shone on those not protecting themselves, and subsequently all who could come into future contact with them.
This pandemic has put a price on poor judgment, apathetic guidance and the like. It could be as little as being temporarily knocked on your behind sapped of energy, or as much as losing your life.
That price shouldn’t be incurred, or shared by those trying to make their way in life the best, smartest way they can, especially those providing a quasi-public service of exposing the others.
Positive coronavirus tests have been spiking lately. So have covid-19 cases, hospitalization and ICU occupancy. Should we be all that surprised though, once we realize that this ailment isn’t going anywhere? What sensible, respectful, compassionate person could support restrictions on the free movement and association of fellow citizens who “might” have it, or “might” get it?
As to the governor’s motives for dialing things back, a few possibilities comes to mind. One is that he’s a tyrant. Though shutdowns are certainly overbearing in nature, given what I’ve seen of him, he doesn’t strike me as despotic.
Another is that he’s trying to please voters, the swing variety in particular. It seems highly unlikely he would try to appease folks who probably wouldn’t vote for him in any case.
Thirdly, maybe he simply cares.
Call me a softie or naïve, but I try to assume the best of people until proven otherwise. Sometimes that assumption proves wrong. When/if it doesn’t, a bond is formed. Or, in the case of leaders who you’ll never meet, a degree of respect and admiration is fostered.
Let’s assume for the moment that it’s the third option. Does it matter? Should it? I say no.
It’s not the governor’s job to care, at least to this extent. We too often allow, nay ask elected representatives to “do something” to show they care. What government program isn’t ostensibly underlined with that premise? It’s a cruel irony that such actions mostly make things worse, shield some from doing the right thing, or condemns “beneficiaries” to a grim future.
The only people we should expect to care about us is our family and friends; first and foremost, our parents. They are the only ones who should ever act as our caretakers.
They are the ones who are supposed to imbue us with a sense of right and wrong, some semblance of common sense, a respect for others. Those lessons may also come from a teacher, relative, et al, but our primary guardians are that first line.
If people want to throw caution to the wind, gather in crowded places, not wear masks and/or respect personal space, that’s on them, and to a degree those who raised and/or choose to associate with them. These folks are sending a clear signal to others, especially in this day and age of social media, “checking-ins”, evidence of whereabouts via selfies, etc.
If anything, we should thank bars, beaches and venues for mass gatherings for being that light shone on those not protecting themselves, and subsequently all who could come into future contact with them.
This pandemic has put a price on poor judgment, apathetic guidance and the like. It could be as little as being temporarily knocked on your behind sapped of energy, or as much as losing your life.
That price shouldn’t be incurred, or shared by those trying to make their way in life the best, smartest way they can, especially those providing a quasi-public service of exposing the others.
RSS Feed