It's All About Choice

Let me start by saying that I am a very strict law and order woman. I don’t litter, I stop at stop signs, I don’t pass on the right, don’t park in handicap stops, even for a minute, etc.   I believe that rules and laws are necessary for an orderly life. 



I’m watching reports of small business owners defying local orders that they stay closed, while larger companies are open even though they offer the same product as the small business.  Why?



I would rather shop in a small store which is able, because of its size, to be kept clean.  Small store owners take pride in the appearance of their store and can often be seen wiping down surfaces and sweeping the floor.  How often do you see Costco or Walmart employees sweeping and wiping.  They also have fewer people coming and going, therefore less chance of being infected.



I was speaking with a friend recently.  She’s a waitress on unemployment, but can’t wait to get back to work.  Restaurants should be allowed to open for in-house dining.  I saw that a restaurant, I believe in Australia,  has installed plexiglass between tables.  That would be one way to make for safe dining.  There is a restaurant near me that opened about 2 months before the lockdown, I doubt they will survive this lockdown.  They barely had enough time to develop a reputation and clientele. 



Now back to my original reason for writing this.  I am cheering the owners who are defying governors’ orders to stay closed.  I admire their courage and hope that, if I saw my rights being threatened or taken away, I would have the courage to fight back.



I realize the virus is real and very dangerous, but I believe strongly that we should be given a choice.  We can choose whether or not we want to eat out or shop in a small local store or go to the local salon.  The small business owner also has a choice.  He can choose whether or not he wants to stay closed and wait for a vaccine for the virus, or he can reopen his business.



IT’S ALL ABOUT CHOICE.

The World is Upside Down

Here I am early this morning listening to the news, some of it good, some of it bad.

This lockdown is affecting people in many different ways.  Some are terrified, some accepting and others frightened of losing their constitutional  rights.

The rules don't make any sense.  The mayor of New York City won't open NYC beaches even though state beaches will be open.  What will stop NYers from heading to Long Island for some time at the beach.  All those beaches, both city and Long Island border the Atlantic Ocean, same water.

Residents of many states are still in lockdown, not allowed to do more than shop for food (which some probably cannot afford since their place of employment or business has been closed) while governors have decided that, for the safety of inmates, prisoners should be released into the general public.  Surprise, surprise, many have been rearrested.

Elective surgeries have been stopped.  At first, I didn't see anything wrong with that, since I didn't realize that biopsies and cancer surgeries are considered elective.  But, abortion is elective and that is allowed.  I don't understand that rationale  People can die if they don't have their cancer removed, but it is OK that an inconvenient or unwanted baby dies.

I went along with closing places of worship for Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday since they are the days that the churches are packed, standing room only.  But on a normal Sunday, most masses are not crowded and there could be 6 feet between attendees.

I've been hearing that there is a risk of more people dying, not from the virus, but from the isolation imposed.  In some states, you can buy liquor, but you can't go to a gym.  I guess it's OK to become an alcholic, but it's not OK to be physically fit.  There is fear of increases in suicide and child abuse, but at least they won't get the virus.

Initially, I agreed with our president that the decision to reopen should be left to the states since the situation in each state is different with density of population and size.  But now, many state and city leaders have become addicted to their power and and holding their citizens hostage because they love the power they have and don't want to give it up..

People across the country are realizing that they have done their job by flattening the curve by staying home and now they have to go back to work, school and church. They rightfully fear they are losing their constitutional rights.  It is NOW time to release the law-abiding citizens of our cities and states and reopen all businesses, parks, beaches, etc. and let common sense prevail and cover our faces, wash our hands carefully.  We can choose whether or not we want to go out and circulate.  Taking a motto from one segment of our society, "My body, my choice."