I finally saw it for myself last week. Out of a scene from the movie/TV series "The Walking Dead". Virus fearful people overcome by the news of the "pandemic". Driven to the zombie like selfish behavior of the oncoming virus. There they were, masses of people invading grocery stores across these United States of America. Small stores, and stores on large scale meant for bulk purchasing. The common theme, incessant hoarding of grocery and household items at a pace to last them through the year 2021. Grocery carts overflowing. In the midst of the event, anti social communication where no words are exchanged. Only the virus crazed gazes to maintain social distance!
This is the beginning of the decade of the 2020s. A series of shocking events designed to slap us into reality that we are not in control. Another in the series of warnings we are periodically given to "get our act together". What is your reaction to all these events?
Our individual and collective actions differ based on what we really have faith in. Me. I tire of the self serving/pat yourself on the back news conferences of national political leaders who are allegedly giving us assurances and updates on how their federal government is responding to the virus crisis. They are tantamount to a United States government official giving guarantees to Native Americans in the late 1700s that Native Americans will never be adversely impacted by the arrival of European Americans. Or a government official promising those enslaved in the United States that they would be released and returned to their native lands after a "short" 3 year term of service.
One only needs to look back at history to anticipate the actions during this virus period of the government and the people it governs. Yes, there are some acts of charity and sincere caring for the welfare of those impacted. Then there are the zombie like actions of those seeking profit for themselves in the midst of a crisis. Observe what is going on. Learn from this experience. Place your faith in non human institutions. There is a God. A message is being given to us. Listen carefully.
Showing posts with label #familytime. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #familytime. Show all posts
Sunday, March 15, 2020
Friday, March 13, 2020
Coronavirus, Food Deserts and using Coronavirus time to Communicate
Knowing this country well and the habits of the people, I did my "stock up" shopping last week. The coronavirus was starting to spread more. I knew it would just be a matter of time before prosperous Americans would do what we do best in difficult times. Buy up all the shit possible in stores! Food, toiletries, guns, whatever we can get into our vehicles or carry in our hands.
While driving to an appointment today, as I passed by grocery stores the parking lots were full. Inside the checkout lanes were full of people purchasing items they felt they could not live without over the next few weeks or more until the coronavirus stabilizes in these United States of America.
Many people who live in European American communities are lucky to have stores near them to run to. But in most minority communities, especially black communities, there are food deserts. Areas where major chain stores have left the black communities. In leaving, they left a void for the community to go to for everyday groceries. People, especially the elderly are left to their own means to get to and from the nearest grocery store that is miles away.
Maybe it is good that the conditions that lead to acquiring the coronavirus are not prevalent in minority communities. Many of us do not have the financial means to travel to those locations overseas where others have contracted the virus. Or minorities are not the typical attendees at those business conferences where people contracted the virus. That may be our saving grace. Wealth has its benefits and its curses. Statistics on the number of people infected by race have not been released yet. With the exception of black entertainers, athletes, and prominent business people, the numbers will be low. Being poor and lacking wealth does have its benefits.
With that in mind, I pray the negative impact of not having large scale stores in minority communities will not be increased by the impacts of the coronavirus. So thank you Krogers, and those other stores that left the black community over the past years. We have not forgotten how you treated us. Watching others hoard material good into grocery carts just is a reminder of your lack of concern for us.
When I did my advance shopping I stocked up on the normal things I had purchased when stocking up last Fall for the winter months. I understand that God is in control. We think just because we are allowed to run to stores and purchase items that we are in control of our own destiny. It is my hope that the time families are now forced to spend together by the coronavirus "semi quarantine" will result in more communication within those families. Maybe even some discussion of the importance of God in your family's life? Coronavirus is more than an illness. It can also become an opportunity to call time out, pull back from your regular routine and act on those aspects of life that deserve more of our time.
Imagine what would happen if the next crisis results in loss of our access to our cellular phones, streaming TV devices and other technology? We might really start talking to each other then.
While driving to an appointment today, as I passed by grocery stores the parking lots were full. Inside the checkout lanes were full of people purchasing items they felt they could not live without over the next few weeks or more until the coronavirus stabilizes in these United States of America.
Many people who live in European American communities are lucky to have stores near them to run to. But in most minority communities, especially black communities, there are food deserts. Areas where major chain stores have left the black communities. In leaving, they left a void for the community to go to for everyday groceries. People, especially the elderly are left to their own means to get to and from the nearest grocery store that is miles away.
Maybe it is good that the conditions that lead to acquiring the coronavirus are not prevalent in minority communities. Many of us do not have the financial means to travel to those locations overseas where others have contracted the virus. Or minorities are not the typical attendees at those business conferences where people contracted the virus. That may be our saving grace. Wealth has its benefits and its curses. Statistics on the number of people infected by race have not been released yet. With the exception of black entertainers, athletes, and prominent business people, the numbers will be low. Being poor and lacking wealth does have its benefits.
With that in mind, I pray the negative impact of not having large scale stores in minority communities will not be increased by the impacts of the coronavirus. So thank you Krogers, and those other stores that left the black community over the past years. We have not forgotten how you treated us. Watching others hoard material good into grocery carts just is a reminder of your lack of concern for us.
When I did my advance shopping I stocked up on the normal things I had purchased when stocking up last Fall for the winter months. I understand that God is in control. We think just because we are allowed to run to stores and purchase items that we are in control of our own destiny. It is my hope that the time families are now forced to spend together by the coronavirus "semi quarantine" will result in more communication within those families. Maybe even some discussion of the importance of God in your family's life? Coronavirus is more than an illness. It can also become an opportunity to call time out, pull back from your regular routine and act on those aspects of life that deserve more of our time.
Imagine what would happen if the next crisis results in loss of our access to our cellular phones, streaming TV devices and other technology? We might really start talking to each other then.
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