Fickle

 Memorial day is fast approaching once again. The unofficial beginning of summer. This year summer is going to be different. Well, at least all the activities will be different. I'm hoping that this serves to show some that life can go on without all the parties, attractions and frivolous entertainment. I'm hoping it serves to unite some families, bring them closer to understanding one another. But I'm afraid that's a pipe dream, there are just too many electronic distractions. The biggest of which we carry in our hand. We have all seen the meme's concerning that. Groups of people. sitting together all staring at their phones. It will continue, just not in such large groups. It's a shame how quickly we seek a distraction from each other these days. It wasn't so all that many years back, but it wasn't as easy to accomplish either. The same was said about television, the " boob " tube, remember that? Before that it was radio, it was a more limited thing, but yes, radio programs were maligned as a waste of time. Today we often see that portrayed as the family sitting around the radio, enjoying Amos and Andy or listening to the Grand Old Opry. It's a nice mental picture, quaint even, but not always so. Do you really believe whole families enjoyed the same programs? Highly unlikely and I'm sure Mom and Dad controlled the dial.

 There was some controversy about the tradition of placing flags on the graves of our veterans. The Veterans administration declaring it too risky for the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and veterans organizations to carry that out. I am pleased to hear that, for the most part, it is being done on some level anyway. Personally I couldn't believe it. We are honoring those that died in battle! Yes, we are honoring those that had their lives taken in exchange for our freedom. That's what memorial day is all about. To have those in authority decide it is just too dangerous to honor those men is just ridiculous. Did those men decide the battle was too dangerous? Well like I said I'm pleased to hear that most are continuing the tradition in some fashion anyway. Those deciding that it is too dangerous? Parade ground Patriots is what I call them. Those anxious to receive the praise, the accolades, wear their medals and ribbons, and tell of the great deeds and dangers, as long as it is safe to do so! 

 But the masses are growing restless. Civil disobedience will force a change. Folks are only going to stand for this for so long. Even those insisting it's too early, we should shelter in place. it's science and we should heed the science, are seeking that release. Isn't that what all this " testing " is really about? Once we have tested a sufficient number, with contact tracing in place to control your movements, those in power can feel justified. They will have an excuse, we did everything we could, it's your fault if there is a second wave! You can't say you weren't warned. we have your e-maul address! It will be economic reality and the peoples demand for " entertainment " that ultimately reopens summer. People will adapt to anything as long as they are entertained. Look to history, look to Rome, if you have any doubts about that. People, basic human nature hasn't changed at all over the centuries. We are all still the same creatures, only social customs and sensibilities have changed. We are a fickle bunch, all of us. The less fickle we become, the more we are told we are wrong! We become labeled as inflexible, judgmental, and unintelligent. We are told we should conform, change our ways in response to the crowd. We are just old fashioned! Yes, it isn't fashionable! And just what is fashion? It's an ever changing thing dependent upon others telling you it's a good thing! It's popular. It doesn't have to make sense or be practical. Fickle? Yes indeed the masses are a fickle bunch. Give it a little more time, something else will occupy our minds, whether it is another pandemic, nuclear threat, apocalypse, or a really funny television commercial. We will all be distracted. Maybe a celebrity or athlete will entertain us. A you tube video or viral video. Anything at all. This is just another transition. A transition to a more virtual world, one where we can control what we see and hear.