We Don’t Know What We Don’t Know

When it comes to knowing or even predicting what will happen with the spread of the Corona Virus, it is still too soon to know how many will become sick, or more sadly, how many will die from being infected with this enemy and that is exactly what this has become. By simply looking at the rising number of victims of this faceless virus, it is winning.

But the sooner we all arm ourselves with knowledge, the sooner we listen to and trust the advice of experts and adhere to the orders and actions being taken by each state, the better our chances of defeating this enemy before the numbers in this country become the example of how not to handle this very credible pandemic.

Those who choose to ignore or scoff at the leaders and experts who are temporarily changing our day to day lives, the more chances there are this proven deadly virus could spread and that is when it becomes scary.

Yes, these are extreme measures being taken by local and state officials in order to contain this attack, tactics we may have considered impossible to put into place just weeks ago, but none the less they are being ordered and believe it or not it is for our own good. These people have been elected to office to serve and protect their constituents. We can debate their abilities, their knowledge and their soundness, but the bottom line is these are the people who need to help us. For the most part these elected officials chose to be in this position, with the intent of making our lives better and safer through laws and legislation. Normally there is much debate as to their abilities and if what they do for us is really in our best interest. But this is one time we do not have the time nor the knowledge to doubt, debate or demonstrate against them. 

This is one time each and every one of us needs to become a part of the solution and not be a bystander or naysayer, whose opinions and unwillingness to fight this enemy out of sheer ignorance, results in the  loss of  friends and family for the rest of us.

It is still way to early to use numbers to base opinions. Numbers can be interpreted to support beliefs and actions and at the same time they can sway people into a false sense of security by simply finding the numbers that support their beliefs. If ever there was a time to just listen and follow the fact based information being provided to us each day, it is now.

Today we follow a curve, a line that will demonstrate our ability to unite against this deadly enemy resulting in a downward movement of this deadly curve. Or it will document our stubbornness, ignorance and our arrogance as the line continues its upward movement until we have lost loved ones and our country is no longer recognizable as  the greatest nation on earth. The direction of this curve can be affected beginning now, either up or down, and we still have the power over the curve but only  by the actions we take, the temporary sacrifices we make and the trust we place in the experts who are advising those who have chosen to serve and protect us.

It is your choice, support and live by the guidelines of those who have surrounded themselves with experts and facts and are use this vital information to make the right decisions that will protect us and one day find the cure that defeats this enemy. Or you can choose to ignore and complain or even worse provide false information and deliver theories based on hate and ignorance. However, by doing so prepare to be witness to the death and destruction at the hands of an enemy who does not even have the ability to decide who and where to attack. This deadly virus is incapable of feelings or emotions and knows no difference as to the color of skin, gender, sexual preference or religious beliefs. It is only capable of spreading amongst us and will continue to do so because we allowed it to.  Instead of taking all measures to stop it, we are choosing to let it sicken and kill family and friends and the curve will just continue its upward direction.

For just this once just put aside what will prove to be petty beliefs, conspiracy theories and ignorance because these are not the weapons of choice to defeat this. It no longer matters where it came from, who started it or even who has more of a chance to be affected by it. The time is now to accept that this virus is here and it is killing and it has the potential to kill like no other disease ever has or ever will again in our lifetime. This is the time to unite as one, as only this nation has the capability of doing and proving to the rest of the world that we are the greatest and strongest nation because of it’s people no matter color or nationality and our caring for those around us. Hatred will not defeat this virus. Unfounded opinions will not defeat this virus. It is now up to us to trust the facts and the experts, do what is asked, stay positive and know by doing so we are making a bad situation better each day until once again our lives can return to normal.

By placing our confidence in the knowledge of the experts who are providing facts and knowledge to advise our government, officals, we will continue to defeat this enemy and save countless lives. By caring for ourselves and watching out for one another while maintaining a positive attitude and spreading good will, our country and our lives will return to normal. But the  those of us who refuse to believe that this virus will continue to sicken and kill and continue to deliver words of hate and disbelief, the longer we will all suffer as a country and the more we will ultimately sacrifice in days to come.

When its said and done, do you want to be amongst those who celebrate the day we begin to return to normalcy and take back the place we proudly call home, or be the one who could not wait for the day to say I told you so only to discover our lives have been permanently changed and not for the good.  

Still today we remember and honor the heroes of 9-11, those first responders who went forward without fear with the intent of helping the innocent victims of this tragedy. Beginning today each of us has the opportunity to be that first responder, that person that can say I did my part to eradicate a deadly virus that had the potential to change the face of our country, and all that is asked of us is to the  to listen, trust and do what is being asked. By refusing to do so or even doubt the decisions and advice being provided to us, you have chosen to become the enemy of the people who want to return our country to it's greatness. The only difference between you and the Coronavirus is you made the choice to help destroy lives instead of helping to save lives.

Matt McCandlish

Columbus, Ohio