Helping Everyone Survive During Covid-19

My family and I are dealing with the "Social Distancing" in the best way we can, much like everyone else in our neighborhood. My wife works from home as a result of having a cold as Coronapalooza was reaching its height (I'm not sure we're at the top yet). My kids don't have school. They love it except for the part where we make them read or do some work they got from school. I have help with dishes and laundry. That gives me more time for things like waiting for this whole staying-indoors and avoiding people thing to subside.

We order take-out at my house from time to time. We are doing what we can to support the local businesses and hope they can make it and still be there when everyone can return to their everyday lives. We've recently made it a point to buy milk and other staples from the local corner store so they can also remain in business. I'm hoping you and your neighbors will think of doing the same thing. The person running the local business is someone who lives in your town. He or she may employ someone who lives in your town, maybe even on your street. It would mean a lot to them if you did a little shopping in their store every once in a while. They may not have everything you need, but I'm sure they could help you out. We can help them out.

The economy and the effect the Corona Virus could have is still in the news. No doubt, there is and will be a fallout from so many people having to stay home. People still have bills to pay and they need to buy food. That's why I am reminding people of their local corner store and local restaurant and sandwich shop. These places are members our community. They also have families that need to be supported. They employ people with families.

I wonder what positives will spring from this pandemic. Will people "keeping it local" be able to help the small business, not only survive, but also thrive? Sometimes, the corner store is closer than the grocery store. Nowadays, it is important that people are not outside or interacting as much with other people. The local store could help make that possible. It will help keep people in work and they won't have to get laid off. Local restaurants are offering takeout. Take advantage of this. Help your neighbors. Help your community.

The Coronavirus is Bad but Not That Bad

The Corona Virus has gripped the world and dominated the news for weeks. Some people have died from it and the fear of the virus is such that the NBA has suspended the rest of the season.

I am not dismissing the severity of the Coronavirus and this blog post is not meant to minimize what is happening to those who are falling victim. Instead, I want to remind you there are ways to protect yourself and stop spreading it.

• Stay clean. Wash your hands. Bathe. Wear clean clothes. The most effective way to kill germs is with soap and water. They taught that in kindergarten.
• Cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze.
• Change your clothes, especially your underwear. (Yes. Some people need to be reminded of this.)

There is a lot of talk about this. A lot of this is coming from the media. Any media: Conservative, Liberal, Alternative. It is their job to inform the public and it is my opinion the media is feeding the mania everyone is experiencing. When you keep reporting on something over and over again, it appears to be bigger than it is. When celebrities are affected, it seems to be more prevalent because it has penetrated that "bubble".

We can get through this. Take care of yourself. Do what you were taught to do when you were a kid. Do what you're supposed to do anyway. This will stop the spread of this and the world will be better.

And, for the love of God, lay off the toilet paper.

Elizabeth Warren cost Elizabeth Warren the Nomination

Rejection can be a tough thing to take. Sometimes you will tell yourself something to soften the blow. Sometimes you can do some soul-searching and figure out what happened. What went wrong?
There are times when some people can't do that. Some people have such grand plans for themselves they feel as if it is their destiny or even their birthright. If it doesn't unfold the way they thought or wanted, something went wrong. In fact, some people will cry "foul" because it was theirs but, in the end, it wasn't.

There are plenty of people crying "foul" this week after Senator Elizabeth Warren suspended her campaign for President this week. Warren did not get the momentum she and her supporters were hoping for on Super Tuesday. She has since decided to end her own bid and return to Senate.

Warren's announcement has brought on cries of sexism among her supporters and the media. People are intimidated by a woman running for President. They don't know what to make of her. An article in the Atlantic cites Warren not being white or male being issues that contributed to her message not resonating with voters.

Or maybe, it was just the message. I know it's hard for Warren supporters to embrace, but maybe it was her stance on issues. Instead of gender, maybe it was her trying to hide behind her staff when she was spotted leaving a private jet.

Kamala Harris, a woman, ran for president. She dropped out. Where was the rancor? Tulsi Gabbrd, a woman, continues to seek the nomination. Where was the outrage when she placed lower than Warren in the primaries? Warren placed third in the states she represents in Senate: Massachusetts. Was the state, which sent her to Senate suddenly cognizant of the fact that they had sent a woman? Did they finally realize they had elected and re-elected a woman?

What happened to Elizabeth Warren happened to someone's child when they don't make a sports team or get the lead role in the play. Supporters are so blinded by the fact that Warren's message (not her gender) doesn't appeal to people. They can't see that, however, and instead of stepping back and taking stock, it's easier to blame the coach, the teacher, or the electorate.