Panic or what?

I am sorry, but does it feel like the world is going to hell in a hand basket??  A few years ago, we would have acknowledged that there was a new strain of flu and gone on with life as usual.  Some would get sick, a few would die (as is common every year), and most of us would have the common sense to stay home if we were sick.  You didn't go to the doctor or hospital unless you were REALLY sick because you didn't want to be around sick people.  Nobody knew what you had, you just hunkered down until you got over it.

Don't misunderstand me, I think this is a very serious strain of the flu that does seem to target those with compromised immune systems.  But I think our over reaction to it is a little ridiculous (aka toilet paper shortage).  I went to the grocery store three weeks ago. You could hardly get down the aisles for shoppers.  Never in my lifetime have I ever seen empty shelves -- forget fresh produce, or canned and frozen food, not to mention paper products.  There were more people taking pictures of the empty shelves than there were shopping!  Me included!  But what I did not see was one cart full of water or toilet paper!  There may be a handful of people out there hording things, but I believe they are a rarity.

Why not focus on those who offer to watch children for people who must work.  The doctors and nurses who are on the front lines.  Or those who deliver meals or groceries.  What about the fire, utility, police and others who must put themselves out there to take care of us?  Or how about neighbors helping each other and sharing what is needed.  I am so blessed to live in a neighborhood where people watch out for one another.  And even though I am a newbie, they still offer to take care of me.  I don't think this is an unusual thing.  Ninety nine percent of people are good, honest, hardworking, helpful, caring individuals.  So why do we only hear about that one percent who are turkeys? 

There are those out there who think they can be self-sufficient.  Did you know you can't buy a baby chick in this town!  People think they will have their own eggs........in 6 months or so, maybe.  I have a friend who sells milk goats.  They, too, are a hot item.  Milk and cheese are great if you can wait a year or more.  People don't think, they just react.   We are fortunate to live in a rural area.  Farming, animals, and gardens are not foreign to us.  We approach it with a modicum of sense.  And some of us have the ability to take care of ourselves.  We may not have shrimp and lobster but we can have steak and eggs.

I don't worry so much about the actual flu.  I worry about being led around by the nose by the "powers that be".  I did not fall off the turnip truck yesterday - - and neither did you.  This has turned into a political war with name calling and accusations everywhere.  People, get over yourselves!  This is a time to come together, to help, not hurt each other. So unless you have a fool proof plan that will cure all diseases and make EVERYBODY happy, quit your griping and do what you can to make things better.  Or better yet, run for office and see how that goes.

Years ago I read a book by Michael Crichton called A State of Fear.  Although it was fiction, the premise as stuck with me over time.  I see it in our society everywhere.  If the masses can be kept in a "state of fear", then they can be controlled.  Look back over the history of this country.  Currently it is the flu, before that global warming, then terrorism, what about AIDS, before that it was over population, how about the ozone scare, remember the fright of nuclear war- -the list is on going.  Throw in a few wars and 911 and the control is pretty much total.  It is meant to keep you in a state of "high emotion" from which come no good decisions.  I am currently in the middle of a Bible study on the 23rd Psalm.   We are seen as sheep, and boy, do I now understand the need for a Shepherd.  Have you ever watched a herd of sheep react to a scary situation?  I rest my case. . .we are sheep.

Do I have a solution for this?  No.  I plan to be wise in  my decision making.  I will not be fearful.  I am going to remain positive.  I plan to help those who need a hand.  I will pray for our government to act with wisdom.  I will do what I can, and life will return to normal sooner or later.  Then we will wonder what all the hoopla was about.  And it will take about 10 minutes to forget it all!

So keep your chin up, a smile on your face, and an offer to help in your heart.  This, too, will pass.

Just Writin' on the River Road