Happy Mother's Day! After making the traditional phone calls and texts, I began to wonder how many Americans demanding America "re-open for business" care that by doing so, their own mothers may be at risk of catching the deadly Covid-19 virus. I mean, although we are to honor our parents, many seem to think that if you are "older", then why not sacrifice your lives "for the sake of our economy." Some have even blatantly argued, "they were going to die anyway, so why should others suffer?" Except, would they be so cavalier to admit that they should include their very own parents - even if they are in their early 60's?
Friday was my son's 30th Birthday (Happy Birthday Nathan!). Since I am 62, he reminds me that I am "An older American." Just yesterday, he called me about a complex election issue relating to NY State's Vote by Mail and efforts by the ACLU in NY to open up voting all the way through election day (seems NY has not adapted to Mail in Voting) relying instead on old nomenclature tied to Absentee voting (not applicable when there are Stay at Home orders). After a conference call with him and the NY elections expert with the ACLU concluded, I asked if I had been helpful to them/him. His response was an overwhelming "yes" and that he was very proud to turn to me as a "senior advisor/mentor." It struck me, that at age 62 and still active, do I see myself as a Senior Citizen? Of course not, but now that my youngest child is in his thirties, I guess by default it sure would appear so.
Yet, does that mean that some in society view me as "expendable" in their efforts to help the economy? No mention that I still contribute to society and probably still pay more in taxes (and give more away to charity) than most Americans. Per the CDC, I am at risk for the Coronavirus. My 35 year old son-in-law (a recognized physician in his field), has told me in no uncertain terms I am to "stay in place" until there is a vaccine. So the "young ones" in my family are advising me that to stay secure and safe by continuing to self-isolate. But this view is clearly not shared by many others, because, their wallets are running low and if I get sick and die, their financial interests somehow would improve by superseding my rights to live. You see, many Trump supporters claim it is tyrannical to force people to engage in social distancing and wear a mask as violating their "rights" - regardless of others rights to stay disease free. Many of them obviously seem keen to roll the dice with the deadly virus because it easier to do so when playing with others' chips. So much for the Evangelical's when it comes to the Commandment to Honor one's Mother and Father?
So on this Mother's Day, ask those demanding we roll the dice with the virus, are they willing to push their mothers to the head of the line to be at risk of dying a very painful and lonely death? Are they willing to tell their mothers today, that this will be their last Mother's Day - so why not enjoy it by going out and getting their hair and nails done, or go dining out in a crowded restaurant? My 90 year old Mother is alive and well and very lonely in a locked down assisted living facility. Yet, she knows her loneliness is the result of efforts to keep her alive. And with that rational, she hopes to be hearing Happy Mother's Day for many more years to come. Bottom line is clear - if you want to risk others' lives - put your own out first before asking others to do so. Have a great week and Happy Mothers Day.
Friday was my son's 30th Birthday (Happy Birthday Nathan!). Since I am 62, he reminds me that I am "An older American." Just yesterday, he called me about a complex election issue relating to NY State's Vote by Mail and efforts by the ACLU in NY to open up voting all the way through election day (seems NY has not adapted to Mail in Voting) relying instead on old nomenclature tied to Absentee voting (not applicable when there are Stay at Home orders). After a conference call with him and the NY elections expert with the ACLU concluded, I asked if I had been helpful to them/him. His response was an overwhelming "yes" and that he was very proud to turn to me as a "senior advisor/mentor." It struck me, that at age 62 and still active, do I see myself as a Senior Citizen? Of course not, but now that my youngest child is in his thirties, I guess by default it sure would appear so.
Yet, does that mean that some in society view me as "expendable" in their efforts to help the economy? No mention that I still contribute to society and probably still pay more in taxes (and give more away to charity) than most Americans. Per the CDC, I am at risk for the Coronavirus. My 35 year old son-in-law (a recognized physician in his field), has told me in no uncertain terms I am to "stay in place" until there is a vaccine. So the "young ones" in my family are advising me that to stay secure and safe by continuing to self-isolate. But this view is clearly not shared by many others, because, their wallets are running low and if I get sick and die, their financial interests somehow would improve by superseding my rights to live. You see, many Trump supporters claim it is tyrannical to force people to engage in social distancing and wear a mask as violating their "rights" - regardless of others rights to stay disease free. Many of them obviously seem keen to roll the dice with the deadly virus because it easier to do so when playing with others' chips. So much for the Evangelical's when it comes to the Commandment to Honor one's Mother and Father?
So on this Mother's Day, ask those demanding we roll the dice with the virus, are they willing to push their mothers to the head of the line to be at risk of dying a very painful and lonely death? Are they willing to tell their mothers today, that this will be their last Mother's Day - so why not enjoy it by going out and getting their hair and nails done, or go dining out in a crowded restaurant? My 90 year old Mother is alive and well and very lonely in a locked down assisted living facility. Yet, she knows her loneliness is the result of efforts to keep her alive. And with that rational, she hopes to be hearing Happy Mother's Day for many more years to come. Bottom line is clear - if you want to risk others' lives - put your own out first before asking others to do so. Have a great week and Happy Mothers Day.
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