I'm enraged by what's happening in the US right now and am thankful that I call Argentina my home for the time being.
What has got my hands up in the air? THIS (above). This is something that we could have avoided. This is something that we could have learned from. It felt like I was being punched in the stomach when Trump said "We are learning a lot." Then, shut the country down, mate. Argentina had less than 100 cases and decided to ban international incoming flights from other countries and then, cancelled schools and finally, put us on a strict quarantine for two weeks as the numbers of cases started to double each day. It is extreme and awful and emotionally and physically challenging but this country knows that they don't have the economic nor medical means to do deal with an outbreak like Spain or Italy.
This is something where Americans might need to put away some of their pride and egocentrism and say, let's learn from Italy, from Spain, from Iran, from China. There is no reason for it. Although Italy and Spain run social healthcare systems, there are some values shared between our Western cultures. Although, there are many differences in governments and philosophical as well as religious views in China and Iran, how do we not learn from them and pay respect to American elders by taking a chance to actually stab this in the back before it gets dreadfully out of hand. Although quite frankly, I think it's past that point now. There is a good chance we will pass Italy no later than the end of the week and if ignorance continues to be bliss in the White house, then we will pass China in the week to come.
And, the comments today of the Texas Lt governor, who is willing to sacrifice the lives of tax paying Americans over the age of 70 to get the economy back in gear. Really? Is this what the world has come to? It's a dystopian novel nightmare.
In other countries, this disease is bringing something beautiful out in cultures. Virtual dance parties, Distance learning creativity, Balcony claps nightly, Music on balconies, Lots of calls to loved ones we often neglect. So get your act together America, before it's too late.
#SOL20 #Day24
I agree that our leaders need a good shake of reality! Thank goodness there are those who are listening more to the scientists and continuing to call for and enact necessary restrictions. Though I have to say that I'm seeing lots of acts of kindness and charity here, too--free classes and concerts offered online, free food being offered to unemployed service workers, school districts and colleges working hard on work-arounds. It may well be the masses that save this country--not the leaders.
ReplyDeleteI am also trying to digest a lot of this information and the sad reality that we are living (and are about to live in the coming weeks) feeling like we should have known better, should have done better. My heart aches.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe we have a "leader"who doesn't believe in science trying to lead us through this nightmare. How did we get here? It's unbelievable. I'll never get how this happened - that Trump is in charge. My NY Governor Cuomo is doing a good job, and I have to believe in him. We will not be out by Easter. Hang in there.
ReplyDelete