The Way Clear

There is little 'good' to be found in this pandemic. What good there can be must come from us. All of us.

One thing we can all do is use a part of our time for self-reflection while isolating. For many of us, with easy access to social media, television, streaming movies, and so forth, it is difficult to tear ourselves away to simply BE with ourselves. It's can also be a bit intimidating.

Of course, we don't enjoy having our freedom of movement restricted, not seeing our friends and family, not going to the movies, or to our favorite restaurant. What we must keep in mind, though, is that our temporary inconveniences may help save lives and ease the load on our healthcare workers and system. 

There is an argument to be made that reviving the economy is also important. Certainly, this is important and necessary. The question is not whether or not it should be done, but rather how it should be done.

As happened with the Spanish flu pandemic in the early 1900s, the disruption can and should be viewed as an opportunity to reevaluate our priorities - both as individuals and as a society. The simple fact of the matter is that, after this pandemic eases, there will be another somewhere down the line. What lessons will we take from this event in 2020 that will make the world better and safer for our children, grandchildren, and generations to come?

The way is clear in this regard - we must make fundamental changes to our economic, social, political, and healthcare systems. COVID-19 has essentially brought the world economy to a standstill. Have we become too dependent on international trade? Perhaps. More likely, we need to reconsider what is not only 'essential' but also what is desirable. 

Have you noticed how much clearer the air is, especially over major cities? Or, how much cleaner our rivers and lakes have become? Or, the resurgence of wildlife? 

Have you noticed how many things you thought were 'necessary' are easily lived without? Spending hours each day waiting in traffic to either go to or return home from a job we only have because it 'pays the bills' is not LIVING. It is existing. Yes, the income is necessary, but what toll has that life taken on your emotional and physical health? That of your family?

Socially, who 'deserves' to have enough to eat, or have a safe place to sleep, or receive mental and physical healthcare? Just as important is the question of who exactly gets to make those decisions. 

All of these things, and more, deserve our attention in the weeks and months ahead. What is essential, however, is that the necessary conversations take place with all parties represented: the rich and the poor, ethnic and religious minorities all must have seats at the table with those who have called the shots in the past. If this does not happen earnestly and honestly, I fear for the health and future of our nation and our world. 

Planet earth and our co-inhabitants have proven that they do not need us. They are, in fact, probably much better off without us as we are currently behaving. We need to discover a way to prove our worth in remaining a part of the ecosystem and the future.