@NASA
Atlas V takes flight with our
rover. The #CountdownToMarscontinues as Perseverance begins her 7-month journey to the Red Planet!
Yay, a successful launch earlier this morning means Annie's geocaching tracking code is headed to Mars.
~~~~~
On this last Thursday in July, in this strange and disturbing year of 2020, I'm going to initiate the first in a series of requests, all involving expressions of gratitude.
Most recently, I believe the Panhandle Health Board, the Bonner County Library Board and several library employees need to know that their service and professionalism under trying conditions are greatly appreciated.
If you readers have time and if you agree with me, please send them a note to let them know that the tough decisions they make and enactment thereof are respected by most of their constituents.
People in these positions do not deserve the abuse and the threats that we have witnessed by watching staged videos and news reports in recent days and weeks.
They are simply doing their jobs, responsibly considering the best interests of the population.
The challenges they face in decision-making are extreme at this time when we see that 150,000 Americans have died and that a wide range of medical experts fear that if we continue along the same reckless, hit-and-miss, free-for-all course, hundreds of thousands more Americans may die.
Life is difficult enough for all of us as we continue to adjust to this Pandemic, especially because in this country, it shows no signs of abating---much of which is directly influenced by human behavior.
Add to that stress, the responsibility of "simply doing your job," only to be harassed, verbally (sometimes physically) attacked and threatened.
There's not much we can do about those who defy the guidelines, touting "their liberties." No doubt, this behavior will continue, and as it does, let's let the folks on the firing line know that we support and appreciate them.
When protestors complain that they---through taxation---are paying for the library services and that they have their rights, I would remind them that scores of other citizens also pay taxes to support facilities like the library and that we actually appreciate the efforts made by staff and board members to keep the places safe for all citizens who pay taxes.
A while back, a friend who's served on the front lines during this Pandemic shared with me an observation.
In other countries, she said, there's still social consciousness; in this country, it's all about "me."
Regrettably, after observing so many ugly scenes in this area and in this country, I believe she is right, sadly so.
When I think of observations like my friend's, and when I think about my parents and all the parents who were a part of the "Greatest Generation----the generation which teamed up and sacrificed so much of their regular lifestyles for the good of America during another tough time, I feel sad.
Yet, in a strange way, I feel relieved that most of the Greatest Generation are no longer here to observe what we, as a society, have become.
I also feel sad for the generations ahead, who may never know or experience the pride and fierce love so many of us have felt for this country throughout most of our adult lives.
My observation: it's time to grow up, act like civilized human beings, quit the abuse, quit the "me" behavior, show some common sense and understanding and especially show respect for the people in our nation who are doing their best to truly and wisely serve us.
I told one such yesterday that she deserved the Medal of Honor.
She does, as do many other sincere, dedicated and under-recognized public servants.
Finally, the link above my comments takes you to a letter in today's Daily Bee.
Well said, Pete Gibson.
Those of us who have lived in and contributed positively to this county for generations are with you.
And, thanks to the local library board, its staff and the Panhandle Health Board. You all deserve hazard pay.
We can all do better. Let's give it a try by exerting some positive energy.
Happy Thursday.
Happy Birthday, Jennifer.
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