By David C. Sanford
As of the first week of August, the United States continues to be ravaged by coronavirus with more than 150,000 Americas dead and more than 4 million cases.
What is the distinct intersection of the COVID-19 pandemic and its persistence to spread widely in the U.S., which is often touted as being the most powerful country in the world, yet clearly behind most countries in its ability to contain this dangerous virus? This begs the question why.
For a possible explanation of this phenomenon, besides the total irresponsible leadership on the federal level and in many state governments, let’s examine the influence that our core set of values may play. Ironically, some of these key values which we hold dearly as Americans may very well be the root cause of our failed response to this pandemic and the shocking rise of infections in our nation, compared to most every other country in the world.
What are these values by which we stand? When asked, the majority of U.S. Americans will answer the following question with one or two words. “When you think of being an American, what is the first value that comes to your mind that expresses or embodies being an American?” The first word typically offered is “freedom” or “individual freedom.” An appreciation of these words, their definition, and importance can be a window into understanding our dire situation.
Because values or strong beliefs support and drive our behaviors, examining some of these key U.S. values can be very helpful for understanding our underlying behaviors.Take “freedom,” for example. Being able to exercise the right to do whatever one desires is vitally important for Americans.
Offering up our opinion is usually expected and expressed. And being asked our opinion is also common and expected. These examples represent a sense of being free to engage and interact with most anyone, regardless of their perceived positions, roles, color, or wealth. In addition, we are a nation of people who feel that we can control our destinies and possess the freedom, choice, and technical expertise to do so.
Within this context, along comes COVID-19 and with it the demand by all health professionals to shelter in place, mask up and physically distance. These are guidelines, which have been communicated very clearly and meant for all Americans to heed and follow. There has not been a federal mandate per se, rather states, cities, and counties have initiated their own versions of these.
Herein lies the rub. The disconnect between what the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend for basic health protocols and the American value of freedom (of expression, liberty, speech, etc.).
For example, take what Bill Clifford, a Republican congressional candidate in Kansas, said in response to a mask order from the state’s governor: “State mask mandates violate the principles of individual liberty and local control upon which America was founded.“
Here it is! The value of individual freedom and the importance for an American to be able to freely express this meets the CDC and local governments who tell us that there is a limit to this seemingly limitless value if together we are going to combat this virus. How do each of us reconcile this apparent contradiction? What do we do? What do I do? What do you do?
At this point, we must make a deliberate choice. From mid-March, 2020 when the COVID-19 mandates initially began to appear here in the U.S., to the present moment when positive cases are soaring, each of us individually must decide how we are going to show up in this surreal time. Leaders of local governments, municipalities, counties, cities, states, and yes, the country must step forward and make the hard decisions to protect everyone’s health, regardless of what the social, educational, and economic consequences may be, at least for the time being.
Bottom line, this pandemic is offering us the opportunity to act together as a group of individuals to conquer this virus. This strain will eventually run its course and life will return to a different kind of normal. Until this time, however, national and some state and city leadership must find the balance between opening up venues for financial reasons and the health advisories.
The choice is ours. Let us look at this challenge as an invitation to cooperate together and act as one, while respecting our core values.
David C. Sanford has lived in Boulder County for 37 years. He is a cross-cultural consultant, trainer, and coach.
"freedom" - Google News
August 12, 2020 at 05:01AM
https://ift.tt/3gSqsbg
Guest opinion: David C. Sanford: Is our freedom killing us? - The Daily Camera
"freedom" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2VUAlgg
https://ift.tt/2VYSiKW
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Guest opinion: David C. Sanford: Is our freedom killing us? - The Daily Camera"
Post a Comment