Totally Unprepared

"In any event, here we are right now, very few working, and many of us stuck at home. Somehow, we will climb out of this hole, but then the question remains - will we learn anything from this? Based on our history, probably not."

It sure has not taken long this year, to be reminded of one cold, hard fact. We have seen it on September 11, 2001 when terrorists sucker punched us, and almost 3,000 Americans died. We saw it again during 2005, when Hurricane Katrina just about destroyed New Orleans. During that storm, over 1,200 Americans died, most of them needlessly. Then we saw it again during Super Storm Sandy in 2012. That storm cost billions and killed over 100 Americans. What do all of these disasters have in common? We were unprepared. FEMA was here just to help clean up the mess - not to help prevent the mess from happening.

As unprepared as we were for all of the fore mentioned events, NOTHING compares to how unprepared we were for this COVID - 19 virus. NOTHING. And it took years, to become as unprepared as we were. Years of off-shoring food and medicine. Much of which went to a commie country which hates us. Years of knowing a run away virus was possible, yet we had not one plan in the hopper. Years of letting our emergency supplies, such as PPE and vents, get down to practically nothing. Years of going without proper replenishment to our emergency gear.

Right now, our federal, state and local governments are playing as well together as a middle school orchestra during the first week of practice. The most important question being asked by our leaders right now is "Who's on first?" It is a mess of the highest order. Keystone Cops. ALL OF THE ITEMS BEING CONTESTED RIGHT NOW, should have been decided upon LONG before this virus hit. But Uncle Sam did nothing. Kind of like all the warnings we have had about our electric grid ever since the 1980's (or earlier). Our government has told us that an EMP event might kill up to 90% of our population. Still, we have nothing planned to fix our grid. SMH over and over again.

Now we are in deep kimchi. People are still dying, and our economy is close to being on life support. The doomsday crowd is already telling we will first run out of meat, and by this fall, fresh fruits and veggies will be in short supply. Why? For what reason? Planning. We have never "war gamed" this type of event. Will we run out of food? Who knows? The government does not seem to know.

How about meds? What happens if our relationship with China really takes a turn for the worse and they without our meds? Then we will have HUGE problems in a very short period of time. Why? Never planned for it. Ever.

I will give Governor Cuomo credit for on piece of wisdom he gave during a presser. "We are playing from behind. We are playing defense. So long as we continue to play defense, we are not winning." Bingo! We are playing defense, because WE HAD NO PLAN.

In any event, here we are right now, very few working, and many of us stuck at home. Somehow, we will climb out of this hole, but then the question remains - will we learn anything from this? Based on our history, probably not. But we should. The next time, things could be a whole lot worse.   

In bed with the devil no longer...

"I want our food out of China. I want our meds out of China. I want our debt out of China. I was us out of China. To use an old term, 'they are bad rice'. The sooner we are out of bed with this devil, the better. No more buying from China - ever."    

Anyone ever been in a bad deal before? Like buying a car which was a lemon from the word go, but the dealership refused to take it back? Or fix it the right way? All of a sudden, you are stuck with a car which was nothing like what you signed up for. A stinker. A real lemon. And you end up paying for something you are most unhappy with.

Welcome to the world of China. Our "trading" partner. Our banker. And what have we learned about China as of late? The are nothing more than a den of snakes. With many Americans, the love affair, even the "like" affair - is over. We want a divorce as quickly as possible. Especially, after their dishonestly with this COVID - 19 mess.

Right now, China reminds me of Japan back in the 50's and 60's. We traded with Japan, because we could get things cheaper. But what they made back then was junk. Crap. We knew it, and soon Japan also realized it. When then started making cars for export, they realized they needed to step up their game - quickly. So, they hired W. Edwards Deming to visit their country and teach them how to be better. Even better than us on quality. He was after all, the father of TQM (Total Quality Management). Back then, Japan listened to Deming, and us - not so much. Anyhow, the rest is history. Japan now makes just about everything with very high quality.

Not China. They will cut corners where ever they can. They will steal our level 3 three drawings so they can make counterfeit products. They treat their people like crap. I trust ZERO products which they manufacture for us. But - we have allowed them to own us. To make our stuff. To own our debt. To illegally make killer viruses and then release them to plague the world. We need to dump these guys, and yesterday can not be too soon.

I find this strange. Japan and the US were mortal enemies in WW II. Now Prime Minister Abe loves us. Japan is one of our BFF country buddies. Viet Nam and the US fought a long, protracted war. Now, they are a valued trading partner. They rely on us for security against the ever truculent China. They are not the BFF that Japan is, but getting there. China on the other hand, is an adversary. They have used and abused us. And we have allowed them to do it. That is, up until Trump called them out on their trade practices.

I want our food out of China. I want our meds out of China. I want our debt out of China. I was us out of China. To use an old term, "they are bad rice". The sooner we are out of bed with this devil, the better. No more buying from China - ever.    

Hope for the hopeless

"Jesus was not only crucified, He was butchered. His death, and the beatings which preceded it, were horrible. But all this was done for a purpose. He endured and died, so we could have hope. Eternal life in Heaven. Forgiveness of sins - no matter how grievous they were."

I have often wondered, what our world would be like if there were no Christmas. If there were no Good Friday. If there were no resurrection on Easter. And (get ready) - it there were no people who saw Jesus, once He was resurrected. Why is that so important? Because without appearing to many different people, the story might have ended right there.

Years ago, my wife and I were involved with the Alpha Program at our church. It was a program primarily for seekers or baby Christians. However, many mature Christians also took the course. Everybody learned something. We were students for the first class, and then were leaders for the next five courses. It was one of the best things we ever did for our faith walk. Truthfully - even though it has been years, we would do it again in a heartbeat.

During the one of the teaching sessions, one of the pastors had an interesting take on the resurrection. He focused on how important it was that Jesus appeared to so many. History shows that Jesus not only appeared to the Twelve, but also 500 other people. Back in those days, that was a lot of people! The Romans searched far and wide for the body of Jesus. To this day, never a trace. As people of faith know, it is because Jesus is alive today. AND - having so many people see Him on or after Easter Sunday, was very, very important.

The story of Jesus is one which changed the world like it had never been changed before. It changed the calendar. It changed hopelessness into hope. It changed everything for everyone for ever more. Years ago while driving around the Camden area of North Minneapolis, I saw a very moving Easter billboard. It had a three word message which really said it all. "Easter is forever". Nothing in this world can ever change that. No amount of pain, suffering or tyranny can change that message. And so long as we have that message, there is hope for the hopeless.

The Passion of the Christ is streaming on Fox Nation right now. In that movie, Mel Gibson showed us in very uncomfortable detail what Max Lucato has said for years. Jesus was not only crucified, He was butchered. His death, and the beatings which preceded it, were horrible. But all this was done for a purpose. He endured and died, so we could have hope. Eternal life in Heaven. Forgiveness of sins - no matter how grievous they were.

Happy Easter everyone! If you are a believer, you understand what I mean. If you are not a believer, Easter is for you also. All you need do is accept this most wonderful gift.     

The birth of the new preppers

"What am I saying? COVID - 19 was a gut punch for many of us. But we will come out of this. And when we do, it might be time to start prepping for the next 'surprise'. The next surprise will come. We just don't know what it will be, our when. But it will come."

Had enough yet? Going to the store, waiting in line, keeping a "social distance" of 6' or so from just about everybody - and then finding out the product you wanted is out of stock. Not only out of stock, the entire shelve looks like it got hit by a cluster bomb. Like - there was nothing left. Welcome to the days of COVID - 19. The days some of us will remember for a long time. The days which will turn many "European Shoppers" into modern day preppers.

Not long after I graduated and started working, the company I worked for had a large plant in Salt Lake City. As many know, there is a large population of Mormons in Salt Lake. I got to know some of them from the program I was working on. I had never known any Mormons before, so this was quite an experience. As we got to know each other better, we each discussed our religions. I learned quite a bit. It was a great experience.

True Mormons are true preppers. It is part of their faith. Goes back to that locust and Seagull thing in Salt Lake City. I was told many Mormons have enough food to last for a year. The Mormon Church (it is rumored), has food tucked away in tunnels under the main temple in town. In any event - prepping is nothing new to Mormons. It is, or now hopefully was, new to many Americans. I think after this current experience of madhouse shopping, bare shelves, and gouging prices, many Americans might change their buying habits.

I have addressed this many times over the past few years. Preppers buy when the times are good, items are plentiful, and prices are good. Not a lot extra at a time - a little extra over many times. Stock is rotated to ensure the food stored does not go years past the expiration date. Water is stored in jugs which are safe from BPA leaching. Paper products like toilet paper can be stored forever, as it never expires. Same with paper plates, paper towels, napkins and so forth. Sanitary wipes and hand cleaner have very long shelf lives.

I have know people who live in apartments who have an amazing stockpile of stuff just in case. A lot in a small area. It is all about using your head. Finding nooks and crannies where extras can be stored. In the past, I have visited friends who had an impressive stockpile of different things prepped. No two families were alike - everyone preps a bit differently.

What am I saying? COVID - 19 was a gut punch for many of us. But we will come out of this. And when we do, it might be time to start prepping for the next "surprise". The next surprise will come. We just don't know what it will be, our when. But it will come. The Mormons had it right. Live for today, but plan for tomorrow. Just in case.  

The wrath of God?

"I am reminded of that old saying - 'We plan, God laughs'. Yes, every now and again I think mankind needs a reminder that the Creator is in charge - not the creation."

Every now and again, I come across an article or a post saying that this COVID - 19 virus is God punishing us. Could it be? Maybe. Or maybe not. I mean, it is not like we don't deserve some kind of punishment after the besmirching we have done to the Almighty, as well as His Holy name. And the fact we have killed millions of His unborn children is in many eyes, unforgivable. But I think I might have another angle to this event.

First off, is God involved? Sure is. He knew about this virus long before it was invented, He knows about it now, and He knows how it will end. For those who believe, that is an immutable fact. By the way - for those who do not believe, it is still an immutable fact. So then, why did our God of mercy, allow this virus to cause so much misery? 

I think it could have been a teaching moment. Teaching us to practice the greatest commandment. That commandment which Jesus gave us during this week, 2,000 years ago. We are to love each other as we love ourselves. What this virus has done, is confirm the interdependence we have on each other. How to care for each other, we must first love each other enough, to protect each other. I know it is hard to understand, but distancing ourselves from each other, actually might bring us closer together. 

Before we come out of this, I believe we will also be tested. Tested to see if we can practice what is taught in Matthew 25:40. There will be those who will have lost almost everything. Those who might in need of the most basic of things. This is the time to be our brother's (and sister's) keeper. It is the time for us to care for the least of us, both near and far. 

Finally, I believe this might have been a reminder, sent to all of us, from God. He is in control - not us. I am somewhat bemused and amused when some pundit on the news talks about our world just a few weeks ago. We were rolling along, somewhat carefree, living the good life. Retirement accounts through the roof, employment at an all time high, inflation very low, and stores stocked to the gills. Then the virus came. And everything went upside down. Plans shattered, dreams dashed, and happiness gone. I am reminded of that old saying - "We plan, God laughs". Yes, every now and again, I think mankind needs a reminder that the Creator is in charge - not the creation.

Do I think we are going to pull out of this? I do believe that, with the help of God. Do I think this will bring us closer to God? I can only pray that it will. Is this the wrath of God? I don't think so. Is this God wanting to be more involved in our lives? That I do believe. He is always knocking at the door to our hearts. Maybe this time, He was knocking a bit louder. 

  

Sentenced to serve...

"Truthfully - I can see him giving the exact same pitch (speech) again towards the end of the month (April)." 

Anybody here ever done an STS (Sentence to Serve)? Never mind - don't answer that! Anyone here ever heard of that program? I have. For minor infractions, often times the judge will give you an option. Jail (workhouse) time, or picking up some trash (or something like that) with no jail time. I have never been on a Sentence to Serve program. That is, until now. I am locked up in my home.

Now that I am a senior citizen, two things have happened to me. First, I know my way around the block. In other words, long before the overlord told me I should stay at home and keep a social distance, and not to gather - I knew it. Second, as a senior citizen, I know we are a tad more susceptible than younger folks are to catching COVID - 19, as well as having a tougher recovery. So most of us are by nature, more careful.

For years, I have heard how smart Minnesota people are. I agree, many that I know are. Minnesotans have shown that once again, by having the lowest infection rate (per capita) in the country. But here was the problem with the Walz presser yesterday. There was no upside for those who need to bring in a paycheck. Walz, like so many of the other Democrat overlords we have running around the nation, have NO CLUE of what it is like to employee people. Or to work in the private sector. To them, money just grows on trees in St. Paul or Washington.

Truthfully - I can see him giving the exact same pitch (speech) again towards the end of the month (April). "We have really flattened the curve, and we don't want to take a chance of having a spike. Therefore, by the imperial law vested within me, the STS is extended out to May 15th." Meanwhile, small businesses all over town are going belly up. 

Here is the bottom line. Are Minnesotans smart? Yes, on everything except politics. We know how to operate in a home environment, and also a work environment. We get it. We know how to open things up again without turning us into a Michigan or New York. Ryan Winkler may give the voice of truth his middle finger, but our side does not. And we don't need an overlord like Walz, telling us how to do common sense things. SMH...

The fly in the ointment...

"I am trying very hard to stay positive and to look for the light at the end of the tunnel. I hope that Osterholm is wrong on this one. I really want people to desire to work, to be able too. I want grandparents to want to see and hug their grandies, to be able too. I want retirement accounts restored to what they once were." 

We do all of us, have our own tales to tell of this young year. Whether one is still working, retired, a high school student, or a college student. It is how this year started off so well, with so many plans, and then THUD. We have collectively come to a brick wall. This COVID virus. This mystery virus which (we now think) came out of the wet markets in Wuhan China. It has dashed many if not all of our hopes and dreams for 2020. Now, we are just trying to reconstruct only a portion of what we were hoping for on January 1st, 2020.

Yesterday, 730 citizens of New York went to meet Jesus. More than that in Europe. Most of us right now are looking for anything - any glimmer of hope. Hope in how we can get back to a normal life. Hope in how those who work, can get back to earning a living. Hope that the retirement plans which are fueled by the stock market, can come back from the ashes. Hope that the retired folks can once again go shopping by themselves and hug their grandies. And yet while we were searching for these small slivers of hope yesterday, along came "Dr. Doom", and dashed most of it.

"Dr. Doom" is our own Dr. Michael Osterholm. Maybe the smartest man on the planet in understanding viruses and the havoc they cause in epidemics and pandemics. He was on the Tucker Carlson show last night when he really put a "turd in the punch bowl". Tucker asked the good doctor if this was going to be over soon, or is there a chance it could return in the fall. Osterholm replied that right now, this virus was looking like and acting like an influenza. Therefore, COVID - 19 could have "seasonality". And then he delivered the kick in the groin. "We might only be in the first inning of a nine inning game with this virus."

What does that mean? It means that until we have a proven vaccine which can safely be given to the masses, this highly contagious virus will remain at our doorsteps during different times of the year. And (these are my words, not the words of Dr. Osterholm), if the vaccine works like our current flu vaccine does, there is still a chance of catching this bug if it mutates. Then what am I saying? This COVID - 19, might be the fly in the ointment which will keep us from having a normal life again, for years to come. 

I am trying very hard to stay positive and to look for the light at the end of the tunnel. I hope that Osterholm is wrong on this one. I really want people who desire to work, to be able too. I want grandparents who want to see and hug their grandies, to be able too. I want retirement accounts restored to what they once were. 

Don't get me wrong. I love my house, but I don't want to have to look at it as my prison. I want to go where ever, and when ever I choose - once again. How is this going to end? When is this going to end? If someone knows the answer to those questions, please let me know.