COVID-19 Lockdown, Day 39
Well, friends, the good news is that, while the lockdown continues tomorrow, it will be modified, so some businesses will be able to reopen. That's excellent news for small businesses! Also, everyone over age 2 will be required to wear face masks in public, especially when they are not able to practice social distancing.
Let's pause a moment. When this all began, and people started wearing face masks voluntarily, the experts said that only those tested positive for COVID-19 should wear masks. Some listened, but others continued to buy masks, quickly emptying the shelves. Then, when the death toll skyrocketed, the experts changed their tune and recommended masks, especially medical masks and N95s. Though it is pointless to focus on what if's, I cannot help but wonder if it would have made a difference if they knew to recommend face masks in the beginning. Would more lives have been saved? Who knows? All I know is, I will not be happy if it is July, and we are still on lockdown.
Speaking of lockdowns, the host of the infamous house party has a name: Janeal Wright, the son of a Chicago Fire Department commander. He is now coming forward and apologizing, saying that he wishes that he could go back in time to change things. Is his apology legitimate? Is he sorry he put people in danger, or is he only sorry he had gotten his mother cited and put her reputation on the line? Before trying to answer that question, think about another: what if this kid were the son of a plumber or a store manager? Would he then go in public with coals and ashes on his head? I could be wrong, but I think this is merely a publicity ploy to restore his mother's honor and to try to repent for the trouble he caused.
As his mother is a public official, he should not plead ignorance of the dangers of his recklessness. Anyone who can read or is not deaf has been told a thousand times, since March, of the dangers of COVID-19, as well as why it is crucial to practice social distancing and to obey the lockdown. He has no excuse. He knew the risks, and he waited until his mother was at work for 24 hours before throwing this party. He was warned, like every healthy person under 40, of how easily the virus can be passed to an elderly person or someone who has a weakened immune system. He threw the party because he didn't care. It's that simple. The question is, even if he mother makes him pay nuisance citations, would that be enough to make him care? Again, before thinking of an answer, here's another question: what if this offense did not take place in a peaceful, middle-class neighborhood like Galewood? What if it took place in a neighborhood a few miles southeast, like West Garfield Park or North Lawndale? Rest assured that Wright and some of his friends would spend the month of May in jail.
Completely unrelated, tomorrow is May Day, so don't forget to wear red in support of the workers. In fact, even if you are not going anywhere, wear red for the essential workers, especially the ones working in hospitals. If you are a hospital worker, thank you, and stay strong and safe!
--Signing off.
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