Getting Back to Normal

While I am using other people’s words, I came along this “memo” written by Howard Marks of Oaktree Capital, which is his judgement on “Getting Back To Normal.” You can read it here if you are interested and you can hear the words of a capitalist talking about why and how the world needs to be working to re-start the economies of the globe.

I don’t agree with all of Marks’ opinions, but he makes solid points about the conundrum the our leaders face over Coronavirus.

We Are Not in the Same Boat

Here is a thought—not an original thought of mine—but it’s worth sharing. Hope you get some satisfaction out of it. I think it makes an important point.

This comes from a fellow traveler on the Coronavirus Quarantine Wagon, Bradley Rath. We meet in Costa Rica and share the acreage in our community in Las Palmas. I offer this with his full knowledge that I am stealing it from him—probably just like he did from some unknown author.

WE ARE NOT IN THE SAME BOAT

…I have heard we are in the same boat...But it's not like that...
We are in the same storm, but not in the same boat.
Your ship can be shipwrecked and mine might not be.
Or vice versa.

For some, quarantine is optimal: a moment of reflection, of re-connection. Easy, in flip flops, with a whiskey or tea.
For others, this is a desperate crisis.
For others, it is facing loneliness.
For some, a peace, rest time, vacation.
Yet for others, Torture: How am I going to pay my bills?

Some were concerned about a brand of chocolate for Easter (this year there were no rich chocolates).
Others were concerned about the bread for the weekend, or if the noodles would last for a few more days.Some were in their "home office".

Others are looking through trash to survive.
Some want to go back to work because they are running out of money.
Others want to kill those who break the quarantine.
Some need to break the quarantine to stand in line at the banks.
Others to escape.
Others criticize the government for the lines.

Some have experienced the near-death of the virus, some have already lost someone from it, some are not sure their loved ones are going to make it, and some don't even believe this is a big deal.
Some of us who are well now may end up experiencing it, and some believe they are infallible and will be blown away if or when this hits someone they know
Some have faith in God and expect miracles during this 2020.
Others say the worse is yet to come.

So, friends, we are not in the same boat.
We are going through a time when our perceptions and needs are completely different.
And each one will emerge, in his own way, from that storm.
Some with a tan from their pool. Others with scars on the soul (for invisible reasons).
It is very important to see beyond what is seen at first glance. Not just looking, more than looking, seeing.

See beyond the political party, beyond religion, beyond the nose on your face.
Do not underestimate the pain of others if you do not feel it.
Do not judge the good life of the other, do not condemn the bad life of the other.
Don't be a judge.
Let us not judge the one who lacks, as well as the one who exceeds him.
We are on different ships looking to survive.
Let everyone navigate their route with respect, empathy, and responsibility.

--Author unknown

Coronavirus Quarantine | Week Five

I really don't want to write about Social Distancing again, but that is what seems to be on everyone's minds.

It was very strange to be totally locked down during Semana Santa, or Holy Week. We were rather surprised to hear just how big that week is in Costa Rica. Travelers and vacationers descend on the beaches much like spring-breakers descend on Daytona and the beaches of Florida.

This year law enforcement was ready all along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. Warning shots were fired, groups of surfers were disbanded and sent packing. Reports from those who were close to the action reported that Holy Week was remarkably quiet. Store closures and driving restrictions by license plate number kept the road traffic to a noticeable minimum.

Masked banditos

Early in this pandemic Costa Rica declared a medical emergency. It might seem strange for a country of about 5 million people to close the borders and tell its population to stay home so early in the virus’s presence. But Costa Rica relies heavily on the tourist revenue their beautiful country generates from those wishing to visit such an environmentally protected area.

The result of this early intervention is—today there are 626 cases of COVID-19 and 4 deaths from the virus. New cases have dropped to below ten per day. Rarely during the quarantine was the daily new case number above 30.

Does this mean the plague is over—does it mean Costa Rica has dodged the bullet? Too early to tell. Most flights in and out have been cancelled through at least May. Vacation cancellations are through the roof. But I would be willing to guess that protecting its main economic engine—tourism—will pay early dividends that will last long into the future.

Costa Rica seems to be following the Swedish model by gradually re-opening its economy by allowing those who can return to work, while they concentrate medical protection around those most at risk from the virus.

Only time will tell if they were right.

The Coronavirus Quarantine | Week 3

There is so much to be learned from the successes and failures of other countries. That is why travel is so important. The number of people who have never traveled outside of their city or state is staggering but when you consider the number of people who have never traveled outside of their country--its mind-blowing.

It is easy to see how someone who has never traveled can have a myopic view of the world and its people. It is also easy to understand the difficulty many people have understanding that we are all children of God and all objects of God’s creation.

The division of the world into many nations exacerbates the situation. We are led to believe that we are the best—the greatest—and if you do not believe this you are a traitor and conspirator, undeserving of the benefits of citizenship. One doesn’t have to love their country by saying “we are the biggest and best in the world.” Not everyone or everything can be the biggest or the best or number one or even number twenty-seven. But everyone can learn and improve. We can all do our best. We can all glean wisdom and expertise from others who have gone where we haven't gone and are dominate in areas were we are not. We should learn from them and adapt.

Costa Rica decided they would abolish their military nearly seventy years ago and redeploy their military budget on healthcare and education. They would fight the true enemies of humanity—hunger, poverty, ignorance, and disease. As a result, Costa Rica was well prepared for the outbreak of the Coronavirus.

Farmers, truckers, and grocers have worked together to put fresh produce on the shelves of local stores and markets. Medical services are available to those who are in need—even foreign travelers stuck within the Country’s borders because of travel bans and social distancing are afforded free medical care and testing.

At the outbreak of the first case of coronavirus, schools of learning within the University of Costa Rica came together to begin producing ventilators for the medical community. They recognized there was going to be a global need and ascertained they had a part to help meet that global need.

I pray that my country and homeland learn the hard lessons of Coronavirus and changes it’s ways and priorities to be better prepared for the next attack on our precious soil, now that we know our true vulnerabilities.

May God Bless Us All!