When might makes wrong…

A disturbing wave of “protests” have reared their ugly and misguided heads as of late, and I find the “reasoning” behind these protests somewhat confusing.  I use the term “reasoning” with quite a bit of generosity in the direction of the people for whom it aimed.  These “liberate (insert name of state here)” cries from (often) MAGA hat wearing, flag waving, truly misguided people is worse that confusing, it is dangerous.

While their anger at the situation is understandable, to blame the government for “imprisoning” them at home is wrong.  Of course they feel helpless, desperate, confused and scared … those are very common emotions these days.  Everyone is likely one or more of the above.  Even if you are able to work from home, it’s still a stressful time.  You might have to juggle kids trying to do distance learning while you are trying to work. And if you are one of the essential workers, from garbage collectors to cashiers to a nurse or doctor (and bless you if you are), you’d likely rather stay home than go to work knowing the dangers and stress you will face.

And the president isn’t helping.  He will never admit to it, but statements like “they are very good people” is most certainly a spur to encourage their protests.  It is validation from the most powerful and important person, for many in the crowd at least.

To turn on the t.v. and see people, in crowds no less, demanding and chanting “open our state” must make your blood boil.  It sure sets me off.  Don’t these people understand this lock down is for their own good?  God, I feel like I am talking about a group of unruly kids “this is for your own good” instead of grown up, supposedly mature men and women.  What good is everyone going back to work when the virus is still out there, undetected in many people?  You are willing to risk your life for the freedom you imagine has been taken away from you?  You are willing to risk your life for a paycheck?

Well, risk your own life as much as you like, just don’t you dare risk mine.

All in a day’s work …

Working from home has it’s own unique set of challenges.  The refrigerator calls, I know there are Oreo cookies in the cookie jar, and the deck bathed in sunshine … but dutifully, I am glued to my office chair, two computers heating up the space around me.   The radio drones in the background and through the open window I can hear birds chirping, the occasional passing car, and every now and then the sounds of children playing.

To quote the title one of my favorite author’s (Caroline Knapp) book – I would make a “merry recluse”.  Not only does solitude not frighten me, I embrace it.  It’s my reward for having gone out into the world which is filled with all that stimuli.  All those people, conversations, phones ringing, emails flying, it can be exhausting if you’re a particular kind of person.  Some people thrive on all those extrovert buttons, but I’m not one of them.  Stress, for me, is having to go out.

This is not a fear of the outside, or agoraphobia, it’s not really a “fear” at all.  It’s just a preference, my happy place.  So, I may be dealing with this “social distancing” with a bit more enthusiasm than others.  It’s license to decline invitations and a pass to hole up.

Still, I must go out for food and other supplies … and, masked, I do.  And maybe by the time all this is over, I’ll have had my fill of hermit-hood, at least for a little while.

Stay safe everyone.