American Dispatch from Vietnam 05

American brothers and sisters, ‪

I understand the necessity to re-open, I think the damage has been done and the world will never look at the United States the same again, it’s weakened — that’s a reality, just look at a few other countries who took quick decisive action because they’ve experienced this before (see Carlo Urbani)

Many people are going to die either way but it’s gamble on the way forward.

On one hand we still don’t know a lot about the virus as we keep seeing odd ailments, from strokes in younger people to other issues with children that haven’t been quite explainable — we simply don’t know the extent.

On the other hand, this is seemingly only accounting for a small number of the population.

So the question is, are you, your children, parents/grandparents, relatives willing to be sacrificed? and for what?

This is pitting us all against each other to make premature and emotional decisions.

Then again, how many people will die indirectly of the pandemic — from crime, suicide, other ailments (because they’re afraid to go to the hospital).

I too, am very tired of people freaking out when just a few people are infected — it’s already statistically proven that not everyone dies or even ‬has symptoms. Gimme a percentage on this pls but there’s def some weird shit going on nonetheless.

Further, the people that must work are typically the people who are lower paid, people of color and people in the essential services like health care, law enforcement, and first responders are taking the brunt. (So if you want a job in one of those sectors, you may now have a chance).

We’re in a conundrum, a paradox — not sure which is the right word. Perhaps both - so meta.

The cynic in me, thinks the United States is already beyond the point of no return and no amount of shut down will help the masses, especially not a vaccine, and even that would take time to be deployed and is obviously rushed and likely contains it’s own side effects which are unknown (btw I do think vaccines work for lots of things like measles and polio but I’m weary of a rushed and untested vaccine).

There’s far too much information and disinformation out there to be digested and deciphered to make an informed decision AND no matter how much info you share or read, you’re still not an expert and you likely won’t change anyone’s mind. Analysis paralysis, so we rest on our laurels...

People will do what they will at the expense of others, it’s almost the American way (ask the natives) and no amount of religion, or “news” will change people’s beliefs most of the time - myself included.

I try to remain fluid and adaptable to changes but we all get fed up of being told what to do at a certain point.

I must admit I’m lucky where I’m at - or where I was lucky enough to get stranded in here in Da Nang, Vietnam. My feelings likely would be more furious at the extended lockdown the more time goes on and the less you see the government helping to fix the problem.

American’s have been told “we’re free” (we’re not really) and the situation appears hopeless because some of you lack necessities and you’re simply told to “stay inside.” — you can’t take it any more and you don’t know where to go for help, because everyone else treats you as if you already have the plague so there’s no wonder why people are starting to go a little (a lot) crazy and restless.

The thinning and the de-evolution is here, it’s a slow wave and and you can choose to give up, fight against it or swim with it, ride the wave, and help the needy neighbors to weather the storm or not. It’s up to you to care, to give a shit.