Deep down, Americans knew all along they had the right stuff. Underneath the piles of resentment and bitter feelings generated by those with nefarious hidden agendas, a fundamental national ethos had become sidetracked.
Charity and a concern for others, true hallmarks of our American ideals, were taking a temporary hit from the forces of racism and greed symbolized by the person in the White House. But viewed in the context of the historical moment, this dynamic has begun to change.
Now, with the pandemic creating immediate crises for the disadvantaged a few Americans have chosen to light tiny bonfires of kindness and assistance in their communities. They are choosing to discard the prevailing feelings of us versus them and instead have become mindful of others who need daily assistance.. They see the imperative of our humanity as the dominant theme irrespective of party allegiances or race. Take note in the Washington Post article below of the restaurateurs working to insure that people aren’t going hungry.
And here is the exciting part. These little fires dotting the national landscape are becoming newsworthy. They are beginning to compete for space with important but worrisome information about the virus.
And just like COVID19, these little fires have the ability to spread and increase in intensity. Others who read about these good works will be inspired to follow suit. And as the fires grow and coalesce, Americans with the wherewithal to assist in the crisis will see the light and step up as well.
The good news has already begun to appear in the headlines, competing for the mind share of readers. Humans have the capacity to transcend self interest, just like those Chinese doctors who have gone to Italy to help with the crisis there. Other examples include professional athletes who are showing their concern by donating huge sums to help those caught in the economic downturn. One 19 year old NBA superstar is covering the wages for the next 30 days of all of the now unpaid workers at his team’s shuttered arena.. Another NBA star, who initially made fun of the virus, then contracted it, has donated a half a million dollars as an act of atonement for his foolishness to help those in need.
And so be comforted in the knowledge that our slowly emerging togetherness, our shared humanity, ultimately will defeat this virus. And even more importantly, this surge of goodness will eventually overtake the evil at work currently sowing division and hate in our nation and in the world.
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