On this day, four years ago, I could never have imagined how many rapid and fundamental changes would shape our destiny on this small, beautiful, and challenged planet. On this day, four years ago, February 26, 2020, the United States had just confirmed 18 more cases of a new virus, including several evacuated passengers from a cruise ship. It brought the total number of infected Americans to 53. The Atlantic published an article titled "You're likely to get the coronavirus." On the same day, the WHO said it was not (yet) a pandemic. Soon, we would all add a new word to our vocabulary: COVID-19.
How I wish this capsulized history of the past four years were published in a periodical read by millions!
It’s a brilliant and careful accounting of four extremely momentous years of our lives.
You’ve compiled these 48 months accurately and eloquently. I have no need to attempt anything that would add to what you’ve written what I would describe as an opus. Your writing continues to reach higher with each new essay.
A very lucid account of our last 4 years. I feel I am seeing The Great Exhaustion here in America. Still recovering from the Pandemic, I see tired people, it shows in choices they make every day where even commonplace activities are too much. Hit with global stressors, war, climate change; emotional stress, political upheaval, financial hardship and an unsustainable lifestyle, many Americans are sleepwalking.
Far from putting human needs first: life sustaining foods, family, environment and lifestyle, we have drifted so far afield from a "life first" philosophy that a majority of Americans believe an unhealthy in mind & spirit, bloated "pseudo" Christian is going to save them. Why? Because he is a good "businessman." America is "business first" -- money will solve everything. We have unsustainable lifestyles and a planet that is burning up.
I have toured Gettysburg, the turning point in the Civil War, with casualties exceeding 50,000 of which Lincoln said, "And that Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from this earth." We are so close to that fateful address of 1863. Democracy is on the line in November. We must rest. We must put life first. We must put humanity first. We must rally and never let "the government of the people" perish from this earth.
Thanks for the audit, Alex. Your articles should be course required reading for all politicians and world leaders. La libertad lo es todo.
"You won't find the ideal leader. Even the good ones have to make compromises that are painful to watch. But if you are lucky enough to live in a country with free and fair elections, vote the worst candidate out by voting for the best one available."
Many are talking about abstaining from voting in 2024 US presidential elections, which is not a good option!
YES—"If you can vote, you are shaping history. If you all do, you can make a change for the better."
Thank you, Alexander. One extra step to recommend. Ask everyone if they're registered to vote. Encourage them to do so. With all the conflict listed, people have a tendency to want to hide. We can't hide this year 🗳
I have for many years had difficulty getting through the month of December without the traditional family get togethers that mark the holiday season. Usually I recover come January but not this year. While I feel the need to do and write more about climate change, I’m caught in a blood red MAGA state within the USA having had our GOP primary this past Saturday. These primaries mean nothing. Unless Jack Smith gets a conviction in at least one of the indictments against the 🍑💩 (I note my reluctance to speak his name) we are looking toward a disastrous November through January when the electoral outcome could be thrown to the House. Shenanigans galore; loopholes everywhere. Biden will win a fair election but will he be installed or remain at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue? Hope is what I cling to; that is all I have. ❤️🇺🇸🌎🕊️
How I wish this capsulized history of the past four years were published in a periodical read by millions!
It’s a brilliant and careful accounting of four extremely momentous years of our lives.
You’ve compiled these 48 months accurately and eloquently. I have no need to attempt anything that would add to what you’ve written what I would describe as an opus. Your writing continues to reach higher with each new essay.
Thank you for this remarkable piece.
Thank you, Lizzie 😊
I had similar thoughts Lizzie! Alex pls consider submitting this to the Atlantic or the Guardian, or something of the like…
Thank you, Nancie 🙏
A very lucid account of our last 4 years. I feel I am seeing The Great Exhaustion here in America. Still recovering from the Pandemic, I see tired people, it shows in choices they make every day where even commonplace activities are too much. Hit with global stressors, war, climate change; emotional stress, political upheaval, financial hardship and an unsustainable lifestyle, many Americans are sleepwalking.
Far from putting human needs first: life sustaining foods, family, environment and lifestyle, we have drifted so far afield from a "life first" philosophy that a majority of Americans believe an unhealthy in mind & spirit, bloated "pseudo" Christian is going to save them. Why? Because he is a good "businessman." America is "business first" -- money will solve everything. We have unsustainable lifestyles and a planet that is burning up.
I have toured Gettysburg, the turning point in the Civil War, with casualties exceeding 50,000 of which Lincoln said, "And that Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from this earth." We are so close to that fateful address of 1863. Democracy is on the line in November. We must rest. We must put life first. We must put humanity first. We must rally and never let "the government of the people" perish from this earth.
Thanks for the audit, Alex. Your articles should be course required reading for all politicians and world leaders. La libertad lo es todo.
Thank you, Sharon. I fear Gettysburg may someday be referred to as the battlefield of the first civil war in the US.
Wise advice:
"You won't find the ideal leader. Even the good ones have to make compromises that are painful to watch. But if you are lucky enough to live in a country with free and fair elections, vote the worst candidate out by voting for the best one available."
Many are talking about abstaining from voting in 2024 US presidential elections, which is not a good option!
YES—"If you can vote, you are shaping history. If you all do, you can make a change for the better."
Thank you, Alexander. One extra step to recommend. Ask everyone if they're registered to vote. Encourage them to do so. With all the conflict listed, people have a tendency to want to hide. We can't hide this year 🗳
Yes, so true!
I have for many years had difficulty getting through the month of December without the traditional family get togethers that mark the holiday season. Usually I recover come January but not this year. While I feel the need to do and write more about climate change, I’m caught in a blood red MAGA state within the USA having had our GOP primary this past Saturday. These primaries mean nothing. Unless Jack Smith gets a conviction in at least one of the indictments against the 🍑💩 (I note my reluctance to speak his name) we are looking toward a disastrous November through January when the electoral outcome could be thrown to the House. Shenanigans galore; loopholes everywhere. Biden will win a fair election but will he be installed or remain at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue? Hope is what I cling to; that is all I have. ❤️🇺🇸🌎🕊️
And two senior very squished 😽😽.
OMG, Gardner cleaning gutters just found CLIMATE CHANGE has gifted me with a ginormous limb THROUGH MY ROOF AND INTO MY ATTIC. Hope drifting away.
Oh no. Sorry to hear this Judith.
I’m sorry to hear this Judith. Lending you some hope from this side. 💖
Thank you, a reset and I will move forward!
Oh no... calling you
You are so very kind! Texted, reset, forward to a film 🎥 to put away my troubles this night! 😘
I can write when distressed but tears without fail if I speak. Crazy, 😜, right?
Hugs