December 9, 2020

It has been more than two years since my last post.  This is not due to a lack of activity but, rather, a lack of motivation.   Actually, that is not true.  A lot has happened but I have been too preoccupied to write about it.

2020...what can I say?  With the onslaught of COVID 19, the world has been turned upside down.  Combine that with U.S. politics and the result is nothing short of total chaos.   A very disappointing chaos at the very least.

I am truly disappointed to the point of disgust in the American people.  The level of petulance, and selfishness has far exceeded anything I thought possible.  For years we have referred to the "Me First" generation.  I think, sadly, it has become the "Me Only" generation.

First, the pandemic.   As if it weren't bad enough on its own, our reaction and response to it has been horrendous!   Millions have been infected yet many are claiming it is a hoax.  Ludicrous!  The shouts of "No one can make me wear a mask" are about as stupid as anything I have heard in my 82 years on this planet.  No one should have to "make" you wear a mask.  You should do so out of compassion for your fellow man.  Oh, that's right, we have no compassion.  That is a lost emotion!  In February, I contracted the virus and carried the illness and its symptoms for about seven weeks.  It is no hoax!   Now, I hear "I won't take any vaccine, it will only make me sick"  That is taking stupid to an art form.  I do not understand the compulsion to avoid doing the right thing.  It does not make you weak.  Doing the right thing only displays your strength.  Sadly, far too many are unwilling to recognize that truth.

Second, American politics.  Wow!  I grew up believing in the democratic process:  State your beliefs, feelings, and stance.  Vote.  Accept the results as the mandate of the population and support those results because you are an American.  Where you were born should not matter if you are an American citizen. If you are not, then you are a guest and you accept the rules of your host.    Unfortunately, after almost any election today, 49% of the voters will be disappointed!  We have reach a level of parity from which I am concerned we will not recover.   Also, if the final score shows your side losing, accept defeat, support the winner, and try harder next time.   Yeah, right!  Again, I am thoroughly disappointed and disgusted with the American people.   We are, unequivocally, the most spoiled and childish people on earth.  I hate to say this but we deserve the fate we receive. If the American people want to see the real problem, go find yourself a mirror.

Third, Square Dancing.   Sob!   The activity which has provided me and my family with so much enjoyment over the past 63 years is dissolving in front of my eyes through no fault of its own.  Square dancing is a totally social activity and the pandemic is rapidly destroying the social aspect of life as we know it.  I strongly applaud the efforts that are being made by callers and dancers, especially in the USA, to keep it alive through Zoom and other media activities.  I am afraid that many callers and dancers will not return to dancing for a very long time, if ever.  It will take a monumental effort to revive dancing once this pandemic eases up.  

I really hope that next month, when I post my next blog, will be a much happier time.  I would dearly love to write "good stuff"