Here today, gone tomorrow?

More or less
One of the greatest joys of urban living is being
in the company of strangers. The sheer volume,
variety, and vastness of a mass of humanity - all
crammed in tight spot. Resulting in a cacophony
of creativity, innovation, and engagement. Said
chemistry can be addictive. Even when at times
the intimacy of living with millions of others can
be challenging at best. Somehow it's all worth it.
That is until a crisis like a Coronavirus pandemic
hits a city. Suddenly all that makes urban living
great becomes questionable. Shutting down the
things that makes a city a city. Leaving residents
to go solo. Suddenly all alone in a crowd.

Go fish
This morning the Washington Post conjectured
that our current viral outbreak may change the
way we live forever. Apparently a plethora of
urbanites are fleeing their cities. Hiding away
in rural retreats. Isolating themselves from all
that they love and for the time being have lost.
And along the way dealing with a reality that
proves there are times when there is no safety
in numbers. Left with only their own devices,
they're binge watching Netflix. Working their
way through whatever stockpiles they've got.
What happens when they run out of Bordeaux?
Will they go back to where they came from?

You can go home
Having literally been there, done that, I know
the benefits of living far away from it all. Yet
even this blogger occasionally misses city life.
Hence I question whether most of those who
are currently hiding will stay put. Will they
shift to their new reality? One where most of
what they've historically taken for granted is
only available via the internet or FedEX? One
thing is certain. Over the next months they'll
come to appreciate the joys of rural life. And
realize all they lack in said Arcadian nirvana.
Will they stay put? Or return back to the city?
Which is exactly where they belong.

SICK & TIRED OF IT

Change for change's sake
Lately I've thought quite frequently of that
famous scene from the 70's sitcom "All in
the Family." Deep in the throes of his wife's
menopause, Archie Bunker hit his breaking
point. He explodes telling Edith - "If you're
gonna have a change of life you gotta do it
right now. I'm giving you just thirty seconds.
Now come on change!" Wishful thinking as
the natural ebb and flow of life's challenges
can at times resemble an oncoming tsunami.
Hence while most of us are sick and tired of
Covid 19 there is nothing we can do about it.
Except sit at home and ride out the storm.

State of delusion
America is in a state of passive aggression. In
that avoiding confrontation may be the most
powerful way to combat said onslaught. Yes,
it would be easier if we could see our enemy.
Which is why it's easy for some to continue to
argue to the contrary. Pointing out that per the
CDC - 34,157 died of common flu last year in
the USA. However stating said fact omits the
big difference between Covid 19 and common
viral impact. Old fashioned flu has a mortality
rate of .01% of those infected. Whereas sadly
the Covid 19 rate hits about 1%. Whereas the
"Spanish" Flu rate back in 1918 was 2%.

Over and out
Hence the reason America is hunkering down.
In the end nobody will benefit from being able
to claim "I told you so." For now the lives of
innocent folk lie at the heart of such conjecture.
Some argue business as usual - the public be
damned. But if they're wrong, thousands will
die in the balance. Therefore while we're bored,
frustrated, scared, or angry we have one choice.
To embrace our new reality. And freely accept
that putting everything on hold preserves life
as we know it. Said medicine may in truth be
worse than the cure. However now is the time
to swallow our pride and stay at home.

7th Day Surprise: HIDE & SEEK

WHO ARE YOU?

In times of crisis we all show our true selves.
The good, bad, and the ugly.

WHAT ARE YOU HIDING?