"Speechless"

I take great pride in watching the news and other informational programs to keep abreast of the current conditions happening within our country.  There are less than 100 days left before our next presidential election and all I can do is pause, in fact..." I am speechless."  Now, those who know me well, will not be shocked by this admission or find it hard to believe, but I truly am.  I am speechless because if you read social media, everyone and their mother has something to say about the state our country.  Many have definitive answers or remedies for the the multiple issues that are obvious. What is also blatantly obvious to me is that this the single most important time to use common sense, rely on science and make decisions for the greater good.  We need to make our personal contributions and we need to participate in the most civilized way we can.  Anyone doing otherwise...leaves me speechless.

Fights over wearing masks during a pandemic? Speechless.  Watching major league sports open, then close, then open, then...Speechless. The challenge of opening schools at the risk of everyone's health...Speechless. Our cities under siege with violence and protest, both peaceful and not so peaceful, speechless and extremely scary.  The celebration and the significance of the burial of Congressman John Robert Lewis, moving, historical and even though speechless, should hopefully have made everyone pause and find their compassion and their kindness.  There is a huge significance to his story, his courage, his unrelentless strength to do the right thing.  He also insured the power of his last words to all of us.  Speechless and smart.  Very, very smart.  This is politics at its best. 

Watching parts of the country literally surging with Covid 19 each and every day...Yes, speechless.  What is even more remarkable? There is a push towards a vaccine and yet there is no guarantee that public education can take place the way it should. How?  Teachers are not being given any guarantees for their safety and well-being. Students are not being given any guarantees either.  Our kids should be warned in a very direct, succinct way that they are to abide by the safety parameters dictated by their schools and if they do not, they need to stay home.  I know, I know, but...Let the message be received.  This is not a joke.  This is not "fake."  It is real and you must treat the safety and the health of others as the single most important community action you will ever perform.  

The opposite action, is to NOT be speechless.  The opposite activisim is to speak out on any socially appauling injustice. We can protest, support the efforts that support the greater good.  When we are hurting others, we are hurting ourselves in the process.  History tells many stories where we witness many acts of courage and bravery which pushed our society forward into greater awareness.  There are countless examples throughout history.  Pick any one of them and emulate their character, their tenacity and their bravery.   

As 2020 progresses, it is difficult for me to be complacent.  It is becoming more and more difficult for me to accept that THIS is the best we can be. I am only one voice.  I am only one person and a teacher at that...my voice may be indeed minimized but I will forever remain NOT speechless.  Activism, social awareness and vigilence make for a civilized society. Collect your thoughts.  Write, walk in the streets, make your presence known in the way you feel is YOUR way.  VOTE in November. Look after yourself, your loved ones and have that social awareness that protects others.  

When I see common sense and civility become part of our routine, I will be officially speechless.