~:[CH9 - Day 179]:~ Masked

~:[CH9 - Day 179]:~ Masked

The great mask debate of 2020. As I see clips of people refusing to wear a mask, it makes me sad. Aside from the fact that it's a regulation in place, the fact of the matter is, it reduces the risk for us all. Whether it's you, the people you are with or the people you live with or are around daily (if you contract it while around). The research study showed that countries requiring face masks fared much better than those without and predominately in Asian countries, masks are commonplace. It's not a cure all, but it's a preventative measure. People have posted, just like you wear a seat belt or a helmet, it's not something that will save you, but it increases your chances of survival. The mask debate is only the tip of the iceberg, however, as it spills into a number of issues we are facing as a nation due to this pandemic. From race to violence to the economy, it's a daily struggle to worry about the mountain of issues we must face moving forward. A list of issues that have left this country more divided than ever and when you sit back and listen to the arguments coming from all sides, you just wonder sometimes what are we all thinking. Part of it is there is no easy answer to all that we are going to face, but we also need to take a step back, analyze the bigger picture and see what is best for us all, rather than just our cause. How do we fix this divide, how do we eliminate the discrimination, how do we help those who are struggling and how to we heal our country and in the process, allow ourselves to heal as well. Regardless of where you stand on any of the issues I mentioned, the least we can do to start the process of solving most of these issues is simply to care about the people around us by showing care, compassion and a little bit of humanity. Spread love, not hate. Don't be afraid to speak up, but don't exchange blow for blow, as it will only make the divide greater. It's not comfortable wearing a mask and it's a bit annoying to run back into the house to get the mask you forgot, but it's the least I can do, not to protect only myself, but those around me.