We hear from the right wing media and our mentally ill president that the country must “reopen”. The shutdown of the states must end. Based on that we see hair-brained gun toting “patriots” take to the Michigan capital because their “freedoms” have been taken away. We see protests in other states because people are asked to wear masks or do social distancing. Open up America !!
On my planet, called Earth, there has never been a “shutdown”of America. There has been a “Stay at Home Please” order by New York and other states. Stay at home except for essential travel. But not a complete shutdown. Not even close.
You want to see a “shutdown’? I refer you to the Warsaw Ghetto. Or the London blitz. Or the concentration camps of Pol Pot. Those were shutdowns.
Since early March life has changed drastically. But we have never been deprived of essential services. Only the extras. we have never been completely “shutdown” as some might suggest.
We go to Aldis once every couple weeks and stock up on groceries. We wear our masks and Aldis practices social distancing in their store. We buy 2 weeks worth of food and go on our merry way. No shutdown.
This week I had to have my snow tires taken off and summer tires put on my car, along with an oil change. Made an appointment. Wore my mask, as did MOST, but not all of the dealership personnel. No shutdown.
Next week I am taking another car in for the annual state mandated inspection. No shutdown.
The local grocer is open. As is the liquor store. Garbage pick up continues. No shutdown.
When we are too lazy to cook Luigis pizza and the Main Moon restaurants are open for take outs. No shutdown.
Need a prescription filled or some Pepcid AC? The Naples pharmacy is open. No shutdown.
If the weather ever warms up I can golf. As long as I maintain social distancing. When I golf alone I notice my scores improve. No one to correct memory . No shutdown.
Next month my annual urology appointment with Dr. Joseph is going to be by phone. OK, I admit having a large finger stuck up my ass may be the highlight of my year, but I can do that myself at home. So, nothing missed there. No shutdown.
And even many non-essentials are readily available, delivered efficiently by our Postal Service, which for some reason, the GOP is trying to destroy. No shutdown.
So, what IS shutdown? Nail salons. Tattoo parlors. Seating in restaurants. Bars. Gun shops. Beaches. And parades. No Memorial Day parades. And sporting events. And visiting relatives in nursing homes.
All essential and many non-essential services are and always have been available.
So, why the whining? Because I am supposed to wear a mask to help prevent the spread of Covid-19? Because my “freedom” to sit at the end of the bar and drunkenly philosophize about the liberals trying to take away my freedom has been curtailed? Because I can’t add another AR-15 to my collection of manly toys? Because I need a new “Live Free or Die” tattoo?
Much of our economy, it seems, is based on non-essentials. On extras. Toys.
Feed a three year old and she is happy. Wash her. Take care of her and she will be healthy. But take away her favorite toy and she will whine and cry and blubber.
Welcome to the “shutdown” in America. A few children can’t have their toys. WAAAAHHHH.
The Old Liberal 