Our first pandemic together (as if) and hopefully the last.
In a recent interview our POTUS made several false statements regarding the United States and COVID-19. He claimed we have the lowest death rate in the world. This is not true as we rank fifth in the world behind Sweden, Italy, Spain and the U.K. and just ahead of Brazil. Unfortunately, we may continue to climb this chart as our numbers keep increases while other countries are seeing an increase in both cases and deaths.
He also stated that the reason are numbers are high is because of the number of tests we are conducting. In some way this is true as with any tests the more you administer the more results. However, the U.S. is also reporting the highest number of positive results. So we remain an outlier because our death rate and new case totals continue to climb. This shows our inability to control the spread.
He also claimed his response has saved millions of lives. Well, who's to say...
At the current death toll in the U.S. at nearly 140,000 let us just hope it never gets in the millions.
When people hear these statements and do not look at the true facts or gain another perspective they are not thinking on an efficient level. To truly think like a smart person we must analyze and study what we read and hear. The most intelligent people in the world take the time to do these things. The do not make rash or emotional decisions nor report on information impulsively. They first check the data against additional sources and establish credible support before believing or repeating said information.
In these times of information overload as well as intense circumstances such as a pandemic it is more important to check your facts, research other opinions and to rely on trustworthy sources.
The following is an article from the N.Y. Times on how the current administration has failed to control the virus since April. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/18/us/politics/trump-coronavirus-response-failure-leadership.html?campaign_id=9&emc=edit_nn_20200719&instance_id=20443&nl=the-morning®i_id=123306348&segment_id=33788&te=1&user_id=73f6061144fbbfd1811d3627c70dd2c4
Even though this is the most uniquely, boring summer of all time. There is still life to be lived and "being" with close friends a family is still possible. On Thursday Major League Baseball will begin. You can listen to or watch the games from the pleasant and safe confines of your backyard. You can attend outside events like farmers markets and wine tasting and botanical gardens. You can hold your own music concert or dance party in the privacy of your home. You can begin a new hobby or catch up on reading or de-clutter your garage or attic. Gardening and home projects are always good for the benefit of your mind as well as your home value.
What have we really missed out on?
Expensive movie tickets? Overpriced restaurant food? Exuberant airline costs with more restrictions and less freedoms? Over spending at the mall? (do be careful of online buying-it's easily addictive)
So, all in all, we have saved money while increasing quality time with family. Boosted our home values and increased our reading quotas. And most importantly you have strengthened the synapses in your brain by taking walks and exercising regularly, meditating more, cutting back responsibility and avoiding over-scheduling, stimulating your brain with new sensory input and taking on new challenges, and absorbing new knowledge through books and podcasts.
The pandemic may be a large pain and it may have cost us some good times, but it may have improved your memory and built a few new synapses in your brain.
By the end of the pandemic you may be smarter, more fit and wealthier!
ich wünsche dir das Allerbeste (I wish you all the best- in German)
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