Friday, March 27, 2020
Almost Free New York: Easter???
Almost Free New York: Easter???: COVID-19 The New Normal Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash My Roman Catholic Church on the Upper East Side of Manhattan - n...
Easter???
COVID-19 The New Normal
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| Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash |
My Roman Catholic Church on the Upper East Side of Manhattan - not exactly a bastion of lefty political leanings - has canceled all Easter Masses. Yet our narcissistic President says he is imagining crowded churches on April 12 - a mere 2 and a half weeks away.
The only thing I may have in common with Trump is that I am not a scientist. Catholic school in the 1960's was skeptical of science and I am embarrassed to admit I've never taken a biology class. My public high school required just 1 year of science to graduate. Groovy Earth Science was my ticket!
This is 2020, and over the years I have grown to respect and listen to scientists for a simple reason: they know much more than I do. Herein lies the problem. Trump rejects the idea that anyone knows more than our perfect, tremendous, fantastic President.
I stare in rapt revulsion as Trump, surrounded by his loyalists, holds daily briefings and shares his dangerous fantasies with the American people. His story changes with alarming rapidity. This isn't leadership. It's the boy who cried wolf - in reverse. Trump says come gather at church. The sheep dutifully obey, and the COVID-19 virus eats them.
Apologies for the mixed metaphors, but the point is this: Trump is a failed businessman and an accomplished liar. He's not worried about the virus because it will cull the herd. Who cares if we lose thousands of old people? They're too expensive and they don't work. Who needs the infirmed and disabled? They also don't work - not good for my bottom line.
If you can stand it, listen to this compilation of Trump's recent contradictions.
Meanwhile, here is what I am doing to contribute during our social isolation:
1) I live on the third floor of an apartment building with an elevator. I carry a small spray bottle of isopropyl alcohol and I spray the buttons and knobs whenever I take my dog for a walk - at least 3 times per day. If you don't have rubbing alcohol, any disinfectant spray like Lysol, Clorox, fantastic, etc. will work. I posted a sign in English and Spanish in the elevator explaining this and inviting others to do the same. This has been very well received by my neighbors!
2) If your budget allows, order take-out from your favorite locally-owned restaurant once-a-week or more. I had a delicious burger and sweet potato fries for lunch today from Hilltop Park Ale House, which leads me to...
3) Give blood. Supplies are low and must be replenished regularly. I usually don't have enough iron in my blood, hence the burger mentioned above! I will eat meat this Friday. I trust Jesus will understand 🙏
4) If you are lucky enough to have help, pay them to stay home. Consider it long-overdue vacation time.
5) Again, if your budget allows, buy a gift card from a local small business. They are strapped for cash and you can make a dent in your holiday shopping!
6) Most importantly, use technology to check in often with the people you love. I've got my parents in their 80's doing Facetime.
Thank you for letting me get this off my chest. I feel much better now! I keep coming back to God (or your higher power or the universe) doesn't give more than you can handle. We are stronger than we think.
If you learned something useful in this blog please forward it to your friends, and if you sign up you can post a comment and I promise to reply!
I leave you with this much- needed classic from the Five Stairsteps...enjoy!
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