In my dream, I am working on a sudoku puzzle. But it is clear that it is a waste of time - no matter what I try, I can't make headway toward a solution. So, like any smart game player, I chose to start a new game. Yet when I look at the new game it is the same one that I've been struggling with - that same unsolvable game that has been making me miserable.
What a relief to wake up! It is morning so I am not tempted to try to sleep any longer.
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| Ok how about this: No more billionaires. None. After you reach $999 million, every red cent goes to schools and health care. You get a trophy that says, "I won capitalism" and we name a dog park after you. |
Interestingly, this game does have a restart button. A pandemic that is not just killing people; it is changing people's lives in other ways. Keeping us from loved ones, who are sometimes sick and dying. It is keeping some home and it is keeping some far away at a job that is essential. There are people who need medical attention for other reasons than the virus, but cannot get it until the medical community has the time and resources to do anything other than help those who are infected. The list of those in pain goes on and on.
Seen from a different perspective, this pandemic is shuffling the cards. It is dealing, what could be, the first new hand we have had in a long time.
As U.S. president Abraham Lincoln said to his congress in a time of crisis in his nation:
"Fellow-citizens, we cannot escape history. We of this Congress and this administration, will be remembered in spite of ourselves. No personal significance, or insignificance, can spare one or another of us. The fiery trial through which we pass, will light us down, in honor or dishonor, to the latest generation."
And so, politicians are showing their true colours. Some are sinking to new depths. Their habitual swagger of overconfidence is leading them to say and do foolish things. Others are listening to advisors who are getting the best facts for them. Hopefully, voters won't forget the sort of leadership their heads of state and even local leaders showed, in this time when strong and positive leadership is essential.
There are so many examples of responses that surprise. So much that is wonderful. Some things that just make you shake your head.
Is it possible this pandemic is the world hitting restart?
Hi Deanna,
ReplyDeleteYou don’t need me to tell you, as a result of the virus, the world has changed in 2020. But in this respect looking for answers, it seems to me to be just as relevant today, with what Albert Camus had to say when he wrote the plague, then describing as you may recall such a deadly form of fascist horror. But he also wrote, that at such times of petulance, there is more to admire than despise. Finding things to admire about the responses is not hard today in the many random acts of kindness and good leadership, versus the stupidity and arrogance of others. But of equal importance is being able to look back and admire how we as humans, each personally reacted. Eventually it will pass, but maybe to usher in the aftermath of all of this suffering and despair a few more positive ideas on living a more meaningful existence. So I do think, it will cause a restart as you suggest. Best wishes
"maybe to usher in the aftermath of all of this suffering and despair a few more positive ideas on living a more meaningful existence"
ReplyDeleteI love that sentiment. At a concrete level, I know that many companies that were sure that work from home could never be practical have been force to do just that. It seems likely this will become a somewhat permanent situation, relieving the pollution and stress of crowded roads and long commutes.
Neighbourhoods have discovered connections they never got around to forming before. Older folks are being taken care of by the young who will pick up groceries for them and such.
Only two examples of positive ideas that might stick well after this crisis is over.
It seems likely too, that science will be getting more attention and credit in the future. So far the blame game is only being practiced by a small and closed minded minority. If we have only one scapegoat in this pandemic, the virus itself, that will be a sign that our race has moved forward in yet another way.
Hope that you and yours are all well Lindsay!
Hi Deanna,
ReplyDeleteWe are all ok. Just to reinforce the idea of permanently working from home my eldest daughters employer has virtually all staff working from home which involves nearly 20,000 people - there are no exceptions except for a few contractors. They have just announced this month, they will be carbon neutral this year, encouraging employees and other industry leaders to also take affirmative action.
Their MD has shown outstanding leadership in ameliorating hardship on a number of fronts, inclusive of paying all small suppliers very promptly, plus freezing any layoffs for at least 6 months. Of course not all industries can do this, but this guy is starting to invoke the status of a rock star, but doesn’t seek publicity. Rather to just concentrate on doing a good job for all the stakeholders as he sees it, emphasising to all employees not to appear boastful or to trumpet success. I have deliberately refrained from naming the company as the culture is such they don’t want to be seen as grandstanding, as they are in the position to weather the storm much better than most, to therefore work quietly behind the scenes for the good of everyone. To say my daughter is highly impressed is an understatement. Such a position would have been unthinkable a few months earlier, light years away from when she first joined the company many years ago. A new Game indeed !!
Best wishes