COMING TOGETHER ... (first written on March 23, editing has provided some updated information just three days later). Needs updating and editing.

 

When do we really all come together?  It’s at times like these that we usually do. Like the 911 terrorist airplane hits.  Disasters!  It’s surreal.  I have always felt that if another big meteor was going to hit the earth, it could bring the world together to fight the “enemy”.   No more politics or borders!  One big meteor strike wiped out the dinosaurs before we were even here!  That was a quick impact with some long term fallout.  And what we have left are fossils in the rock.

 

We may be seeing that with this novel coronavirus disaster right now.  Since this Covid19 has rapidly spread worldwide, it has become a common threat to the whole world, more than 175 countries now!  And, it is not under control, yet.  We can hope that the situation is improving in a few countries, but, like a California wildfire, it can still flare up again, and may do multiple times.

 

The reports that it can last on surfaces for days and be passed by people who have no idea they have been infected should be seriously getting everybody to pay attention.  It was found in rooms on the Princess cruise ship after more than two weeks. (CDC report) ... and 9 out of 10 people in Wuhan, China where it started, was due to infection from people who were not even aware they were sick. (Dr letter).

 

But a pandemic, who expected that?  Was that on your disaster list?

 

And, are disasters short term or long term?   Both kinds exist, natural and manmade!  And maybe some are synergistically connected. ....short term?  Earthquakes, flash floods, tornadoes, avalanches, rock slides, tsunamis ....they hit in a relatively short time frame.  ......Long term?  California wildfires, Flooding in the Mississippi River valley can go on for months and we’ve seen that too.  Record water levels in the Great Lakes.

 

Well we know that this covid19 issue is not going to be quick.  It’s already gone from days, to weeks, to months ... how long, how many dead, how much destruction?  Consider the AIDS virus statistics, and that virus is still among us.  A damn virus.  Nasty invisible killer.  More than one strain?  Mutations?  That may turn out to be why it seems much worse than China with higher death rates.

 

How long?  Months to years.

 

How many dead?  I dunno....look at some of the models.  Some are ugly.

As this is typed 3-24-20, Johns Hopkins says over 17000 and it continues to be on a steeply rising curve.  (As I edit at 6am on 3/27, it is now 24,300 and likely a multiple of that number based on one real world analysis in Italy.  https://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/this-is-very-important-from-italy-please-read )

 

How much destruction?  Tons, there will be books written about this mess we are in.  What’s in your wallet?

 

Sometimes it is better to put our hands over our ears and yell “I can’t hear you”.   I’m not sure this is one of them.  People you knew are dead or will be soon.  Sadly some likely within our family.  The first deaths in this country were about a month ago.  Yesterday 135, today an educated guess says closer to 150.  (We are 41 right now and it’s not yet 10 in the morning....) (edit, 3/27 now 1301, not a lucky number.)

 

What’s the point of this opinion?  Maybe reduce some pain and suffering.  Maybe save a life?  Sharing perspectives that I have.  I guess I’m getting more concerned for family and friends.  I guess I’m also angry at the covidiots who mostly unintentionally are making this worse with bad decisions, words and actions..

 

Knowledge over ignorance?

 

I experienced uncontrolled happiness once, that’s how I phrased it. Boy, I wish I could share some of that now.

 

Sadness, I saw the article about Italy and people dying without family goodbyes.  https://www.thestar.com/opinion/star-columnists/2020/03/18/get-ready-a-chilling-message-from-the-epicentre-of-italys-covid-19-nightmare.html?li_source=LI&li_medium=thestar_recommended_for_you Now hearing about dead being found in their homes, and ending life on the floors of hospitals.  Just this morning, whole old age homes in Spain are being found abandoned with bodies found in their beds.  Over 500 dead, a new record day for Spain!  Now those same stories are starting to be found coming from friends here

 

Coming to America!  This is a horserace to hell.  The US is now charging to lead the pack.  China seems lame but not out.  We are now catching Italy, after passing Spain, France, Iran & South Korea.  There may even be country pit stops and they could be back out on the track again.  And there are still countries getting in the race!  (Now 176 countries and territories and the US has suddenly sprinted out front)

 

Who was it that partied as the Rome burned?

 

Community interaction helps with a lot with perspectives.  I’ve cancelled my knee surgery for next week based on some thoughts provided me.  Let others use needed supplies and expertise.

Surreal?   No Reality....

May you have money, health, love .... and  time to enjoy them.

My dads toast (but in Spanish)

 

(I’m not sure you can find the word God in many of my writings, but if it can help, why not).     I’ll put one foot back in the church and say God Bless Everybody.

 

One mans opinion without race, religion or politics.

 

Come Together

 

Now back to your regularly scheduled entertainment.

 

Yes, I’d rather just be back to normal too!

Jim Quince

616-745-1240