Originally posted by Parallax Mike I agree, in principal, however.............
I just received a PM from a member. I won't disclose his name, or the text of the message, but here's my reply:
"The current world situation SUCKS, period, and I don't believe there are any right or wrong responses to it. Each and every one of us has to do what we feel is best for ourselves and our families. I implore you to do what you feel is best for you and yours. Anything less is irresponsible.
Lets just hope that we all come out of this okay."
Jim, I agree with most of your sentiment - probably all of it, depending on the context, which I think is key here.
I'll admit, I'm no saint. I'll protect my family first, myself second, and everyone else after that. If it comes down to us or others, I'll look after
us first and foremost. But I
do consider others - as I'm quite sure you do too.
I fully realise that, for those who are working jobs, earning a living to make ends meet, it's an awfully difficult call to stay home. I'm hugely sympathetic there, though I still question the wisdom and wider consideration of folks packing into subway trains and potentially (though let's be frank - in some cases,
certainly) passing the virus on. I also realise that folks need to shop for groceries, get fuel, pay bills, pick up prescription medications, mail etc. And I totally accept that everyone needs some time outside their homes, some exercise, for the sake of mental and physical well-being. I'm no different in that respect; I like (actually, need) my walks and fresh air, and change of scenery. But that can be achieved without congregating in groups, without coming into close proximity with others - in my opinion, at least. Even the odd minor transgression, accidental or otherwise, is understandable. I have no real issue with that.
I'm all for folks being able to do what they want so long as it doesn't hurt others or put them at risk. Sadly, the way some folks in the UK have been acting, despite official advice, has put themselves
and others at considerable risk, and the potential scale of impact from that behaviour is - it would seem - much bigger than they realise (otherwise surely they wouldn't act that way).
So, I agree wholeheartedly with "
do what you feel is best for you and yours. Anything less is irresponsible", so long as it's based on necessity rather than privilege - given the circumstances.
I'm not saying this in argument - or, rather, not in conflict. I feel strongly about it, though