Nightly Write #6

So my parents and I have this proverbial discussion that comes up every time we see CNN report the U.S. Covid-19 death toll or report about the 45th president’s inaction and misinformation about the pandemic. And we had one tonight.

Why didn’t the U.S. take the appropriate measures to minimize Covid-19 cases?

One of my parents’ reason for the U.S. had to re-open states, non-essential businesses and put students back in school is because we have to re-open the economy or keep the economy going.

If our economy/government collapses without the people’s labor and big companies like Amazon and Facebook were bailed out with a shit ton of money, then the Covid-19 pandemic has proven that most systems in the U.S. are broken, even if they were designed like that on purpose.

Mind you, companies like Amazon and Facebook generate a lot of money and the government provided them aid. Then offered $1200 in stimulus that many weren’t qualified to received and sent thoughts and prayers.

I am not well-versed in economics, finances, nor U.S. class relations. However, Covid-19 has exasperated a slight divide amongst America. People who could stay home and quarantine had enough money to live and pay bills. And people who couldn’t stay home had to choose work over preserving their health so they could maintain their livelihood.

Another aspect is that rent, mortgage and utility bills were still due for some Americans. And a major law/program protecting people who needed housing ended earlier this year, and thousands were evicted. Not to mention unemployment rose significantly in response to Covid-19 shutting down businesses.

What isn’t clicking for me is why were companies bailed out and the Senate sent on 2-week vacations while Americans chose between working and protecting their health?

Covid-19 and the classism, xenophobia, and anti-black racism has proven the U.S. government doesn’t really give two shits about its citizens. And that’s a big thing for me to say.

I guess to soften things up, I hope you have a big feastful Thanksgiving (which isn’t really about breaking bread with pilgrims and indians but…)

Have a great night. Don’t stay up too late, get some rest.