Losses
I have a question. When do we, as a majority of thinking, caring, moral people say in unison “enough!” At the top of our real and virtual lungs: “Enough of these deaths.”
We have surpassed one of those numbers that people like to refer: 80,000. The next one is 100,000. Then 150,000. Then 200,000. So many deaths that could have been prevented had it not been for the inept, greedy, inhumane inaction of Donald J. Trump and his entire administration.
When do we say enough?
When our politicians speak of the loss of human life (if at all these days) they tend to end their soliloquies by muttering titles. Titles like mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, and uncles. These are attempts to show compassion for our personal losses suffered in politically created wars and, now, in this pandemic. Yes, all these people who die in this pandemic, or in the folly of war, have those titles and each loss of a loved one is tragic beyond measure.
But I have another question. What else are we losing? I think of the potential losses we suffer as a society. I am speaking of these as losses in human achievement. Those who died needlessly who could have been great scientists, physicians, musicians, dancers, political leaders, artists, nurses, teachers, civil servants, lawyers, designers of all kinds, researchers in science and medicine, engineers, journalists, authors and novelists, actors, theater and film producers, futurists and technologists, historians, comedians, editors, chefs, and recording, mixing, and mastering engineers. Then all the people who are the faceless in this society who we depend upon daily: workers in retail, warehouses, sanitation, construction, handymen and women, IT personnel, administrators in schools and in local governments. This is endless.
This is what I’m also thinking of today, Mothers Day 2020. I am remembering the achievements of my activist mother who fought against bigotry and hate and helped to advance civil rights in our own community of Detroit. My mother who demonstrated against wars and injustice. A woman who was determined to force out the corruptness of religious infringement into our government and policy making. A woman who diligently spoke out against hate, bigotry, and corruption. She taught me that these fights are never won; that the ugly side of human nature will always and forever need to be combated on multiple fronts.
Our fight today is different and in many ways similar to those she fought. In my own way I hope I am keeping her flame alive. I hope she would approve.
