Stay home, stay safe is the mantra of today. Who could have imagined such a thing just a month ago. Well it's a reality. It sounds easy but is actually quite difficult to do. Now they are telling us we can go outside as long as we maintain social distancing, although that practice is being called into question. At least the distance required has been, six feet may not be sufficient. Soon we will all be wearing masks in order to leave our homes. What an ironic turn of events. There are signs posted at my bank, been there for a few years now, to remove your hat and sunglasses when entering the bank, Going into the bank with a mask on would certainly have triggered alarms. I don't believe the lobby of the bank is open for business right now so that isn't an issue but what about later on? After this passes will we still be wearing masks? Apparently it is common in some countries. I see that on the television every now and again. Japan comes to mind for some reason. If that isn't so, my apologies to Japan. It's not a racial thing!
I live across the street from the funeral home. I saw a few cars in their lot yesterday. I hadn't given that a thought. But then I realized that with the rules in place no more than ten mourners at a time. That struck me. Now as far as the viewing goes you could certainly take turns, rotate the mourners in and out but for the actual service itself that wouldn't be possible. How doubly sad for those folks that have lost a loved one. According to the United Nations World Population Prospects report on average 7,452 people die every day in America. That's one every 12 seconds. One research group of epidemiologists at the University Of Washington predict 27 people will die daily from complications of Covid-19 at its' peak. A grim prediction for sure. As many as 80,000 deaths are predicted if we do not mitigate the spread of this virus. Stay home, stay safe is the only way.
Then I watched a story on the news about ethicists. Yes, there are professional ethicists. Their job is to decide who gets medical care, to want extent, and who does not. Triage is the term for that action, all medical professionals are familiar with that. Most of us have only seen that in the movies. It is becoming a reality here in America today. The choice having to be made based on supplies and equipment, not the monetary impact. In some socialist nations this is already being practiced based on the cost of health care! Keep that in mind. I did see where companies can no longer send necessary medical supplies to other nations. Yes, it is time to take care of America first! Trump was and is being criticized for sending about 17 tons of medical supplies to China in early 2020. Now we find ourselves short. I wonder what the professional ethicists have to say about that? Yes, that was a bit of sarcasm as I don't know who would qualify someone to be a professional ethicists. Really, one has to establish an ethical standard. Just what do you base that standard on? Money or morality? And then there is the question of established moral behaviors, what standard is applied. So, no there are no professional ethicists, only professional decision makers. Tasked with deciding who gets treatment and in what order and to what extent. A completely detached, analytical, practical and unemotional decision. Is that ethics? Ethics are defined as moral principles. Rather a puzzling dilemma wouldn't you say? A necessary function but one I certainly wouldn't want to have. No sir, no professional ethicist here. I have been accused of being too pragmatic, lacking empathy. That's a matter of opinion and those accusing me of such are entitled to that. But I'm thinking you would have to hold a very high opinion of yourself to assume such a position as professional ethicist. A mantle I definitely wouldn't want to wear. Perhaps this virus will create a moral reawakening and so serve a good purpose. One can only pray. And let us not confuse morality with religion. There are separate entities entirely. Ethics and morals are bedfellows , that can't be disputed. Religion however stands alone. America hasn't been suffering from a lack of religion, I suggest it has been lacking in moral fortitude and ethical choices. It's time for a change. Perhaps, just perhaps, this virus will prove to be the vehicle for that change. Unfortunately, all too often it is tragedy that is the impetus for change. Some folks never learn, until they are burned by the fire!
I live across the street from the funeral home. I saw a few cars in their lot yesterday. I hadn't given that a thought. But then I realized that with the rules in place no more than ten mourners at a time. That struck me. Now as far as the viewing goes you could certainly take turns, rotate the mourners in and out but for the actual service itself that wouldn't be possible. How doubly sad for those folks that have lost a loved one. According to the United Nations World Population Prospects report on average 7,452 people die every day in America. That's one every 12 seconds. One research group of epidemiologists at the University Of Washington predict 27 people will die daily from complications of Covid-19 at its' peak. A grim prediction for sure. As many as 80,000 deaths are predicted if we do not mitigate the spread of this virus. Stay home, stay safe is the only way.
Then I watched a story on the news about ethicists. Yes, there are professional ethicists. Their job is to decide who gets medical care, to want extent, and who does not. Triage is the term for that action, all medical professionals are familiar with that. Most of us have only seen that in the movies. It is becoming a reality here in America today. The choice having to be made based on supplies and equipment, not the monetary impact. In some socialist nations this is already being practiced based on the cost of health care! Keep that in mind. I did see where companies can no longer send necessary medical supplies to other nations. Yes, it is time to take care of America first! Trump was and is being criticized for sending about 17 tons of medical supplies to China in early 2020. Now we find ourselves short. I wonder what the professional ethicists have to say about that? Yes, that was a bit of sarcasm as I don't know who would qualify someone to be a professional ethicists. Really, one has to establish an ethical standard. Just what do you base that standard on? Money or morality? And then there is the question of established moral behaviors, what standard is applied. So, no there are no professional ethicists, only professional decision makers. Tasked with deciding who gets treatment and in what order and to what extent. A completely detached, analytical, practical and unemotional decision. Is that ethics? Ethics are defined as moral principles. Rather a puzzling dilemma wouldn't you say? A necessary function but one I certainly wouldn't want to have. No sir, no professional ethicist here. I have been accused of being too pragmatic, lacking empathy. That's a matter of opinion and those accusing me of such are entitled to that. But I'm thinking you would have to hold a very high opinion of yourself to assume such a position as professional ethicist. A mantle I definitely wouldn't want to wear. Perhaps this virus will create a moral reawakening and so serve a good purpose. One can only pray. And let us not confuse morality with religion. There are separate entities entirely. Ethics and morals are bedfellows , that can't be disputed. Religion however stands alone. America hasn't been suffering from a lack of religion, I suggest it has been lacking in moral fortitude and ethical choices. It's time for a change. Perhaps, just perhaps, this virus will prove to be the vehicle for that change. Unfortunately, all too often it is tragedy that is the impetus for change. Some folks never learn, until they are burned by the fire!
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