#MaskAmericaGreatAgain

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If you’ve never paid attention to anything I have written before, no problem. I’m imploring you to do so now.

I was in Old Town Alexandria this weekend to grab some dinner and go for a social distanced walk outside with my friend. Both my friend and I wore masks. I’m frustrated and disheartened because I saw so many people not wearing a mask walking outside shoulder to shoulder passing people in close contact. For some reason, when people are outside, they think the bright sun, blue sky, white clouds, breeze, and overall beautiful ambience is magically shielding them from COVID-19.

News Flash — It doesn’t!

The CDC says, “Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.” That doesn’t mean stand 6 feet apart and don’t wear a mask or wear a mask and you can stand next to each other! We are no where near out of this, and anything done over the past few months will be for…wait for it, wait for it..NOTHING!

We are all frustrated at the “inconveniences” that COVID-19 has created, but consider this. Would you rather be the reason someone suffered or died unnecessarily? Do you want to be the reason you suffered or died? Because that’s what it really comes down to folks.

Today, I went to have my annual mammogram. For those of you haven’t ever had this done, it’s an ordeal. The technician placed as much of my breast on a flat tray. Then she adjusts the arm closest to the breast to “hug” the machine, tells me to relax my other shoulder, as I place the side of my face against the machine, and turn my feet towards her. Then the top of the machine, with a plane parallel to the tray, lowers as much as possible to flatten/smash the breast so as to get the best image. That in itself is about a 20-second form of torture, which i did for four images, but then the technician also asked me to hold my breath while she takes the scan, making the experience that much more unpleasant. In fact, while I was going through the process, I thought of John McCain and what he must have gone through while being tortured. My mammogram was painful, and I realized it was short-term and probably 1/100 of his pain. I let out a gasp when she said, “Ok, you can breathe now” because I could barely hold my breath during the duration of the scan. I thought of what it must be like to be in a constant state of pain and not to be able to breathe.

I know someone who is suffering from the effects of COVID-19. It isn’t my place to tell that person’s story, but please know that they are in physical and emotional pain and that person’s family and friends are in emotional pain.

I’m not writing this because I know one person who is suffering. I am writing this for all of those who have suffered, died, and will suffer or suffer and die. We, as humanity, are the collective that can prevent at least some of this.

America is supposed to be a beacon of hope. We are in the middle of a silent storm, and we’re supposed to be a model for the rest of the world. We are better than this! I want to start a movement! Will you help me?

#MaskAmericaGreatAgain