What Did They Think Would Happen?

by Skip Cohen

​One benefit of having a blog is the opportunity to vent when the world goes mad. We broke down this week to watch the news, something we had managed to avoid for several weeks. We're keeping up with everything we can read - just avoiding the spin too many of the broadcasters put on things. We've self-quarantined for three months, heading out only for necessities at the market or CVS, and now and then a safe ride in the car.

It was no surprise that the numbers had spiked again, sending the stock market spiraling down as the reality of a second wave of the virus hit home. And as the government argues, we don't have a spike with new cases, because we're doing more testing, can somebody tell me what the hell difference it makes?

At the very beginning of the crisis, I read a great article written by a credible doctor/expert who talked about the bell-shaped curve of any pandemic. He went on to say that if the peak at the time was 70,000 deaths, then the back half of the curve would result in the same number, bringing the total to 140,000.

Last night's news unveiled the "surprise" forecast of 140,000 deaths by July 4! And as politicians around the country, including the governors, argue over how to open each state back up, we're hitting new highs...oops, sorry, they're not really new highs, just increases because we're doing more testing!

And that brings me to my point...while I wish everyone would act like we're all in this together, the reality is we're all on our own. There are too many people who don't get it. New cases are on the rise, although, at least here in Florida, deaths from the virus are headed downward.

By the way, most states have the same format for coronavirus data available online. Just Google your state and "coronavirus statistics." I'm following a report for Florida that takes me all the way down to information by county and even zip code.

---

​It's going to take longer than any of us would like to feel safe again, but in the meantime, we all need to be smart. Social distancing has a sound foundation, along with masks, washing our hands, and taking care of yourself and your family.

A month ago, my good buddy Nick Vedros sent me an email with the subject line, "Share this with someone who thinks wearing a mask is a political statement." Here's the artwork that was attached.

So, as the politicians argue over whose crystal ball is more accurate, and clueless people wander through the community arguing this is all a hoax, we're staying hunkered down and learning to deal with the new normal.

And while a part of me feels I should apologize for my rant, the truth is, I don't want to. I'm tired of too many politicians, democrat and republican, who can't see anything beyond their own interests!

---