Hey Americans,
Isn’t it about time we started using our greatest weapons and get in this fight? I’m talking about our incredible ingenuity and talent for innovation, our can do/refuse to lose attitude, and our penchant for volunteerism and helping those in need. When we really want something, we leap over obstacles, find ways around a problem and never quit until we get it done. We extend a hand to those in need, feed a hungry neighbor and protect each other’s families. We have barn raising parties for gosh sakes.
I think it’s time we get into the fight; the upper echelons of our government are limping along like a stunned fighter trying to stay on his feet, always one punch behind. They’re laying blame and making claims that smell like what drops out of a well-fed horse, and we’re having to walk through it.
Right now, today, we are asking medical personnel, the soldiers that fight this coronavirus, to go into battle without protective gear and equipment they need. That is like sending troops into war without helmets and guns. You and I are sitting at home (hopefully like we’re supposed to) wiping down the groceries we just bought and washing our hands, worried because they didn’t have any eggs at the store. But these nurses and doctors are risking their lives, and raising the risk to their families lives, going out day after day, night after night, fighting to save us all.
That smells like that same stuff dropping out of that horse I was talking about before.
I’m not smart enough to know the answers (I’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s for 11 years and my brain isn’t as sharp as it used to be), but I know there are an army of you out there that can come up with some great ones. How many people are sitting at home bored — who have sewing machines in their closets? If one engineer specializing in materials science could come up with a usable design, I bet we could have masks and protective gowns being put together in 50,000 households across this country. Like so many things, individually not that significant, but banded together — we make a difference.
Volunteer your time where safe and productive; maybe you could do the grocery shopping for an older couple and deliver it to their home to save them from having to go out.
Give blood.
I’ve known a lot of farmers, they’re some of the best people on the planet, and besides showing you how to grow stuff you can eat if you need it, if you give them enough welding rod, scrap metal and bailing wire they can build you a skyscraper. They can fix a lot of stuff.
If you have enough money to pay your bills, keep a roof over your head and have enough food to eat, and you still have some left over, consider taking a $10 or a$20 out of your wallet and give it to someone who doesn’t have those things. If you don’t know someone like that, consider starting a community fund through a local organization or church.
Those of you that have all of the above plus significant amounts more, I know the stock market tumble has got your plumbing all puckered up, but if you have over $500,000 sitting in an accessible account somewhere, then make some worthy local small business an interest free loan with a first year no payment period, and the balance over whatever both parties are comfortable with.
In some cases, even amounts like $5,000 could be effective help, if $50,000 or more is needed, band together with a couple friends from the club and help save someone’s livelihood and all the employees and their families that work there. I’m betting you’ll feel way better about that than having it sit in an account untouched earning a few more percent, never used and just adding to your net worth.
We’re supposed to lead by example; through good luck but mostly good practices, I am debt free now, but my liquid assets total less than $60,000. I made a loan exactly as described above, and never felt better about any financial transaction I’ve made. My $10,000 is keeping a business alive, actually growing, and hiring several people who have been laid off from other jobs, feeding families and actually helping in the fight against the coronavirus. If I never get the money back, it has already been worth it.
I realize everyone isn’t lucky enough to be able to do something like that, but the point is, almost all of us can do something. Every little kindness, generosity, idea of how to do something better or cheaper — or gift of your time and help — counts toward the good. A smile and words of encouragement are free and go a long way.
We are all in this together. Let’s remember what’s important, support the people fighting for us, and like a friend of mine named Billy Ray from the northwest always says, let’s be kind to each other.
Be careful, be well, and be kind.
A Citizen and Salida Resident
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