On False Fronts, Urges to Rule, and Ever Changing Denominators

On Friday, Gov. Whitmer signed her 147th Covid related executive order, a four page doozy requiring “any business that is open to the public to refuse entry or service to people who refuse to wear a face covering”.  As of 12:01 Monday, all Michiganders must wear masks in public indoor and crowded outdoor spaces or face a misdemeanor charge for “willful violation” that comes with up to a $500 fine. According to the Big W, “We cannot afford to play fast and loose with the rules, and just look at what’s happening with Florida.” 

Earlier in the week, I found this post on Facebook, presented by someone I won’t reference or name here for their own protection but give credit to for speaking their mind.  Much of it resonated, with the “nothing adds up.  It’s one gigantic common core math life problem, with ever changing denominators…” assessment at the end hitting the mark.   The prayer is also one I'll hold and attempt to repeat every time I pick up the same used paper mask I keep in the console and put on whenever I get out of the car in public.

I really thought twice before posting this, but ultimately this is exactly where I’m at in this moment and season, and I’m not ashamed to admit it, because I know I’m not alone.

I can’t keep up. I just can’t. I'm stressed. I’m exhausted trying to figure out what we’re all supposed to do, believe, and be offended and outraged by next. I am done.

Two months ago, first responders were all the rage. In fact, they were heroes. We gave them free coffee, meals, and cheers as they drove by. Today we hate them and want them defunded because they can’t be trusted.

Two months ago, truck drivers were the heroes as well, for keeping America moving and the grocery stores stocked. Today we block the roads with protesters, drag them out of the cabs and beat them half to death.

Nurses and Doctors are still cool for now; but they may be unemployed, several of my friends already are. They too are heroes, unless of course they truly believe all lives matter. Then they’re filled with hate and are part of the problem like so many others.

Just 45 days ago protests weren’t “essential” and were considered criminal, selfish, and a murderous activity. Today they are gloriously essential and celebrated. All of the obvious criminal and murderous activities are simply ignored. If you protest about lockdowns for freedom, you are selfish and you will spread a virus. If you protest, loot, and riot for social justice, you are a warrior and the virus cedes.

Trust the experts. No, not those experts. Don’t wear masks... wait, wear masks, but only good ones. Wait no, don’t wear masks, wear anything as a mask. Nevermind on the masks. Not sure, but if you don’t, you hate people because you could be an asymptomatic spreader. Wait. That's not a thing anymore? But wear a mask or else you’re selfish.



For 3 months, NOTHING was more important than social distance. In fact, we gave up all of our liberties for it. We canceled schools, stopped traveling, stopped seeing family and friends, closed church doors, canceled medical and dental procedures (yet allowed the murder of babies), canceled activities, closed businesses, eliminated every spring rite of passage from prom to graduation, denied people funerals, even at Arlington, and we wrecked the economy for it. Then came social justice, and social distance was no more. Now things are more cut and dry though. A thousand people at three memorials for someone they never even met. It's a matter of respect. But you can only assemble 100 or less people.

Black Lives Matter. Of course they do. Then multiple black police officers and individuals were killed during the peaceful protests. I don’t see any outrage. Black individually owned businesses burned to the ground. Silence. Deadliest weekend in Chicago. Nothing.

I’m really confused now. Look at the data, NO, not that data. Do the math. No, you can’t do the math like that. Only the experts can understand the data and math. What do you mean other cities/states/governors are interpreting the data differently? Pools are safe in Indiana, but not Michigan? Playgrounds are safe in your town but not mine? Amusement parks are safe in Florida but not Ohio, nor Michigan.

Just listen to the black community leaders. No, not those ones.

If you are silent you are part of the problem. If you speak, you are part of the problem. If you have to ask, you don’t understand. If you don’t ask, you don’t care.

It’s all so predictable, tedious, and exhausting. Nothing adds up. It’s one gigantic common core math life problem, with ever changing denominators that I’m sure the media and politicians are eagerly ready to solve for us....until the next "crisis.”

Do you see how this is affecting the mental health of our nation? As an empath, I am reaching my threshold.

So for now I pray. I pray God will heal our land and bless the United States of America.