The character of the American public has been on display for the world to see during this pandemic. Most Americans have taken seriously the warnings from heath experts and stayed home. They have observed social distancing, and worn masks when visiting public places.
There is no coercive force making us do these things. There are no armies in the streets. Companies have shut down. Workers have stayed home and large scale events have been canceled. Why? Because most of us are concerned about others as well as being concerned for ourselves.
Most of us realize that our lives will never be the same again. Whatever the new normal turns out to be, it won’t be the old normal. We have discovered new ways of doing things. Some have developed new skills. Others have put their creative talents to work. Others have taken chances that they would never have taken. No one would deny that the pandemic is a major challenge; however, we will emerge wiser, stronger and better than before.
Of course, as always, there are nay sayers. There are those who think it is all a hoax. They doubt science. They doubt the experts and they doubt the reports from the legitimate news outlets, but their numbers are small compared to the vast majority who are helping to turn the tide on the pandemic.
We may fight loudly and fiercely about politics but when the welfare of our countrymen is at risk, we pull together. We unite for the common good. There will be plenty of time for fighting after we conquer the coronavirus.
