How Amazing It is When You Put Others First

I’ve been watching the Daily Social Distancing Show because Trevor Noah makes the news entertaining because the news by itself really isn’t.  After watching this segment, I am shaking my head.  Does the guy who filmed the Costco employee truly believe that the sun rises and sets just for him?  Does think he is immune to driving 100 mph on the wrong side of the road?  Does he think not taking  others into consideration is okay?  Because, heaven forbid, someone site him or jail him for reckless driving, does that mean he they have taken away his freedom?  No.  He is still free to make dumb choices.  But he can’t expect the consequences to work in his favor.  

 

If I go somewhere in which a policy is enforced, I can choose to abide by what is expected of me or I can choose to avoid said place because I don’t wish to abide by their policy.  In this case Costco has required each of their customers to wear masks and distant themselves.  It’s a precaution.  If this fellow doesn’t wish to wear a mask that is his free right, but he will have to shop somewhere else.  It’s not as though Costco is in business solely to cater to him or his kind.  Just don’t shop at Costco if you’re not willing to wear a mask.  Not that hard.

I also wonder if this Costco employee now has to worry as to whether his life may be in jeopardy or not.  Not from the coronavirus, mind you, but from the wacked customer who has the freedom to bear arms.  After all, he would be able to use his free agency to harm the employee.  Am I right?  He could shoot him dead.  But then what, I ask, are the freedoms of those who get shot by those who are “free” to bear arms. 

I am reminded of the many times that Mormons (or members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) have been accused of giving up their freedoms as the commandments seem so restricting. We are free when we keep the commandments.  Let me use the Word of Wisdom (here) as an example as it seems to be a great concern for those outside of the faith.  

 Though the revelation was given in 1832 long before scientists also agreed (but hey, who in the USA can even trust scientists anymore – after all Trump doesn’t seem to.  Thank God there are people who realize not all Americans think like Trump does) basically a health code of dos and don’ts that help us keep our bodies and minds in good condition.  Because we chose to follow the commandment we are free.  We are not slave to addictions as some people have.

Same with the laws of the land.  Okay, perhaps there are some laws that seem insane, but for the most part they are there for the protection of the people.  Rules at school don’t just apply to academic learning but also to the environment to keep children safe and give them a sense of respect. 

 

 All of us need respect regardless of our position.  I am grateful to those who pick up my garbage each week so that I no longer have to deal with it.  I am grateful to those who volunteer their time and their services to so many individuals who are not in good health or unable to do for themselves.  I am grateful to farmers who grow food and for truck drivers who deliver their goods.  I am grateful to educational instructors who seem to be putting in a lot more hours than they did when the schools were open.  Nobody on this planet is getting paid what he or she is worth.

 Some people complain that politicians are overpaid. Are you kidding me?  It does not seem to matter what decision is made lately, not everybody will be in favor.  How well do these leaders sleep at night if at all.  This nightmare is happening to ALL of us.  Not just the so-called “sheep”.  Not just the ignorant.  Not just the entertainers.  Not just the unemployed.  Those that are employed are fighting a virus far worse than COVID.  It’s called ignorance.  It’s called lack of gratitude.  It’s called poor human behavior.  Talk about being childish.  Geesh!  Did that many people not learn even one thing from history?

 In this same segment, Trevor Noah goes on to interview Jose Antonio Vargas – an “undocumented” immigrant.  These are real people who, believe it or not, help to keep the economics of this county running. Respect.  Reaching out to or showing one kindness should take less effort than wearing a mask.  So let us band  together and uplift one another instead of pointing fingers or getting upset or consumed with hate.  It’s not healthy!