July 2, 2020. The latest pandemic news: As cases in the northeast United States began to decrease the south and west began to show signs of an increase. The number of cases in the U.S. skyrocketed to over 800,00 in the month of June alone. It is obvious to this blogger that some of the citizens of our nation are not taking this pandemic seriously enough. It is in fact happening in other parts of the world as well, but as a large wealthy country we ought to be leading the world in pandemic protocols instead of infighting and struggling to slow the spread. As usual our American ego gets in the way. Truly a blessing and a curse. Since the first revolution and our independence from Great Britain this country has had an egocentric sense of self-worth. There were moments when doubt set in and people may have rallied together (depressions, 911, economic crashes), but for the most part self-interest is part of being American. The American dream is a selfish one. Every man, woman and child for themselves. The grouping of citizens in the country by social class alone is evidence. Whether you believe in a three tiered system (rich, middle and poor classes) or a more complex system with up to a dozen classes such as upper middle class, etc the fact remains there is a division of status, primarily associated with wealth, income and education. Divisions as a whole usually do not bring people together. Instead they tend to drive a wedge between folks and cause disdain, jealousy and even hatred. According to a study done by the University of Michigan in 2014."..forget the me generation...analysis of long-term trends in egotism shows there's been a "me" century in America." There was a slight decrease in this type of mindset after the 2008-09 recession and the state of the union address by President Obama. Where people, faced with a national challenge, developed a sense of togetherness. However it seems this current national health crisis although it ought to bring us together seems to be tearing us apart. Could it have something to do with our current leadership?
Medical research, specifically autopsies of COVID-19 victims, is finding that the virus does indeed attack the lungs ferociously, but pathogens were also found in the liver, kidney and brain. Some feel the damage may be permanent. Certain airlines are requiring face masks on flights, but enforcing the mandate may prove to be difficult. No law says you have to wear a mask aboard a flight. In many cases it may be required to board the plane, but as many have attested, a majority of passengers take them off once the flight is in the air. Twice as many workers have taken pay cuts compared to the great recession and as we have seen the reopening plan to jump start our economy backfired in a wave of coronavirus cases that has some countries scaling back the reopening phases and closing down certain businesses.
In lighter news: an epiphany- Yesterday as I drove I saw a large dog hanging out a window. The dog was so massive it seemed half its body was out the window. I instinctively thought I need to snap a picture of this and send it to someone...while I was driving! That doesn't seem necessary, let alone safe. It made me think... when did our eyes become the eyes of the world?
Why does everyone think all other humans need to see, hear, taste and experience everything they do? How is it that all people feel the urge to capture every moment and profess it to the social media sites the very instant it happens?
I also realized the words, "Wish you were here" no longer have any meaning. It used to be a select few people would receive a postcard from your vacation spot with the a very intimate note of endearment and longing. This is a thing of the past. Nowadays you can send a photo to everyone on your contact list and on every platform you have an account with and post your whereabouts to the world. And of course it is not restricted to vacation photos, but includes every dog you see hanging out a window or any other animal trick you witness. (google cat videos and you will understand) It is another way the subconscious mind creeps into your present focus. Instead of being in the moment and taking it in for the sake of spontaneity and uniqueness we feel the need to send it to the future and there goes the power of now lost in the world wide web of social stupidity.
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