I know things are scary right now, but I think we are learning some useful lessons. Most of these thoughts have been pointed out by others.
First, in a society that elevates productivity as the highest good, this crisis is showing that some things aren’t worth sacrificing, such as our health. I applaud those elected officials and policy leaders who are making hard decisions to prioritize the health of our communities, especially those most vulnerable to the coronavirus.
Second, we are discovering our interconnectedness. It turns out that paid sick leave is good for the whole community, not just for those who have it. No one wants their bus driver, hairdresser, house cleaner, or checkout clerk to be sick. They should get the resources they need (and deserve) so they can stay home and get treatment, for all of our sakes.
Third, perhaps we will learn that it’s OK to do less and go slower. As things get canceled, it’s true that businesses will suffer, wages will take big hits and parents will scramble for child care. We should do everything we can to create alternatives and compensate for loss of income.
I hope elected officials will put these mechanisms in place, prioritizing people first as opposed to business profits. In the meantime, maybe this break from our usual frenzied pace can help us connect with ourselves and our loved ones (at a distance if necessary), and notice the world around us as it moves into spring (fingers crossed).
We can feel our disappointment about all those canceled events, then go ahead and practice our own basketball skills. How about organizing an outdoor neighborhood sing with everyone standing at least 6 feet apart? “Every little thing gonna be all right.” (Bob Marley)
Lydia Vernon-Jones
Amherst