Baseball Resumes

Jax Pitching for Severn
Severn, MD
August 24, 2020

Last evening I attended my first youth baseball game of the year! It was an event that was supposed to have happened during March, but which was delayed due to coronavirus. 

Jax Finishing a Pitch
Severn, MD
August 24, 2020

Much has changed since March. I am no longer coaching and Jax has moved to a 13U Team and is now playing for Severn, in a red uniform. The game last evening was a scrimmage and Jax had a good night. The 90 foot bases and longer distance to the mound really changed things. It slows the running game down a lot. 

It felt strange to be watching the game from off the field rather than participating in the game from the dugout and third base. But, that is what the game is about growing up and playing at higher levels. 

Last evening's game caused me to think back to the winter workouts that our team had getting ready for a Spring season that was canceled due to coronavirus. So many lost innings. It hurt the development of all of the players not to have the season and I could see it in some of the players last night. 

The game had some drama last night. There was an infield fly that resulted in two outs with a runner caught stealing. There were a few dropped and misplayed balls, unfortunately during the inning that Jax pitched, which resulted in the game being lost although there were no earned runs scored. 

It was good to be out under the lights watching live baseball. If only they could do something about the bugs! But that is a story for another time.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Another COVID Closing

I received a very disappointing email yesterday advising me that the racquet and fitness club where I play racquetball will be closing at the end of September. It is going out of business. 

The email from the Sport Fit Laurel Racquet and Health Club was unexpected and the first paragraph is as follows:

Dear Members:

For 34 years we have served the Laurel area as an award-winning health club. It is with a heavy heart that we have made the difficult decision to close Laurel Racquet + Health Club. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, nearly all health clubs were closed nationwide for months. During that time, our business suffered.  Since our reopening in late June the member usage has dropped considerably. After careful evaluation we have concluded we cannot continue operating given these circumstances.

I admit, I have been a member for just over a year, but I have enjoyed playing racquetball there because the courts were always clean, unlike the far more expensive club where I used to play.

It is another business lost to COVID. Businesses are closing across the country and the toll on the owners and the employees is not well reported. The customers and patrons also feel the loss.

Support your local businesses before they succumb to COVID-19.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

I'd rather not be on the list

 Making the list sometimes is not good. 

Maryland is currently on New York's quarantine list! I think it was a mistake to include Maryland, which has been stable for weeks with only a small bump, on the quarantine list with Florida, Texas, and Arizona along with a large number of other states. 

New York has certainly posted some very impressive results in its quest to control coronavirus. I believe that they may have figured it out. 

But being on the list is a real problem especially since Chris and I have so much family in New York. While we are not precluded from visiting family in New York, we are required to quarantine when we arrive which effectively means no activity away from the residence. 

Here is the guidance from New York State regarding a short term visit with family:

I am a resident of a designated state and will be visiting family in NYS for less than 14 days. Will I have to quarantine in NYS for the full 14 days?

While in New York State, you will need to maintain quarantine for 14 days from the last day you were in a designated state(s). If you are in New York State for less than 14 days, you will need to quarantine for the entire time you are in New York and, to protect the public wherever you are, you should complete the remainder of the 14-day period quarantine period in your home upon return to a designated state.

It means that, in my case, no visits to wineries to stock up on fantastic New York white wines or anything else. While I understand the requrement. Maryland never exceeded the 10 cases per 10,000 residents prescribed to be on the list. Maryland has consistently been below 5 cases per 10,000, so inclusion on the list was seemingly arbitrary. 

Sometimes it just is a pain to make the list.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

It Doesn't Seem so Long Ago

Happy Anniversary

This morning, as I sit here in the chair where I write most of my blogs, I am looking at a dozen long-stemmed yellow roses and the card that I gave to my bride to celebrate our anniversary.

It is a BIG one--one of the ones that end in a "5" or a "0" which always have special significance. 

We should be on a cruise somewhere exotic to celebrate the four-and-a-half decades of married life that has seen us live in nine states and overseas in Germany. But, as we are all too painfully aware, the coronavirus is running unchecked through the U.S. and none of the cruise lines are operating. So we will hold the trip in abeyance until a more appropriate time. 

On this day, and it doesn't really seem so long ago, two kids got together in a church with family and friends and started a marriage that grew into a family. 

Over the years the family has grown with the addition of children and then spouses, and grandchildren and close friends who have crossed over from being friends to family. We have seen some of the members leave and others arrive--but that is the way of life. Most importantly, however, we are fortunate that our family is close. 

During these past decades, we have learned that the Richard Bach statement about family is true. And we cherish and welcome each family member regardless of their parentage.

And, as they say, it is all because a girl met a boy!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Starting Off August

Well, it is August after all. 

I note that the days are getting shorter and the temperatures are cooler. I am seeing some lows in the 60s in the forecast--which is a sign that Autumn is lingering on the horizon. 

Periodically Funny Chemist

A friend sent me the link to the above image. I thought it might be nice to begin August with a bit of humor. 

Lights Reflecting in the Pool
Elkridge, MD
August 3, 2020

Last evening as I was preparing for my second encounter with Tropical Storm/Hurricane Isaias, the first being my condo in Florida, I looked out at my pool and found the reflection of the lights in the rain to be interesting.  

We have colored lights on the pool house and white lights on the fence. I found the reflection in the water interesting, at least for a few seconds. 

The colored lights are a good way to celebrate, well at least note, that yesterday the U.S. had the smallest daily rise in coronavirus cases in weeks. Perhaps, as a country we are beginning to turn the corner. That would certainly be good news! And we definitely need some good news. 

Maybe August will be the turning point?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Rats, Why Did it have to be Rats?

I read a The Wall Street Journal article this morning about rats in New York City.

New York Rats Emboldened by Lockdowns Have a New Enemy: Sundrop

I never thought about the coronavirus impact on animals other than humans, but it seems that the effects of the virus are driving rats to venture further afield to find food since the normal places around restaurants and food operations are producing less garbage. 

But, there are the rat hunters and their dogs that attempt to help reduce the population and maintain a more healthy environment.

One comment in the article caused me pause:

“It’s normally crawling with rats,” he said. “You uncover the top of the trash can and there are like 20 of them in there, looking at you like snakes in a pit.”

I guess the dirty underbelly of the city is something that fortunately usually only comes out at night, although I have read stories of how the rats are becoming more bold. 

I am happy to read that there are people and their dogs trying to control the rodent population, but it seems that the city should be doing more to reduce the rat population. 

Rats have been a problem in cities for centuries. Bubonic plague was spread by rats and was responsible for the Black Death of the Middle Ages which was recorded the deadliest pandemic in human history responsible for the deaths of 75-200 million people. It took 200 hears for the population of Europe to recover from the effects of the pandemic.

Rats, why does it have to be rats?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Losing the War

We are losing the war against COVID-19.

As a society we have failed to rise up to the challenge. 

Our leadership is a shambles. The "generals" leading the war are uncoordinated and divided. The logistic infrastructure is tragically broken and inefficient, and the soldiers in the field (the first responders) are being left to fend for themselves. As a result, civilians are dying in increasingly alarming numbers.

And Washington is silent while Americans are dying.

The headlines record the state of the conflict.

Eighteen states set daily case records in the past week, and 40 have had 14-day increases in cases per capita. - The New York Times 

In Illinois, the ‘Million Unmasked March’ proceeds with about 150 people. - The New York Times

This country prepares for potential second wave as coronavirus cases creep back up - Fox News Note: You might think this is about the U.S.--but it is about France

As tide turns, retailers that resisted masks relent - Fox News

U.S. records 1,000 coronavirus deaths for fourth day, some progress seen - Reuters

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Wear a Face Mask

Why is this is difficult? Wear a face mask in public! 

It amazes me that so many people resist such a simple measure which according to the CDC Director could help us get coronavirus under control in weeks.

Trump in a Face Mask, Finally

How many Americans must die before we take a simple preventative measure and show concern for others?

The recent publication from the CDC is pretty clear and has a very interesting case study based upon tracing to help confirm what the experts have been telling us. Face masks save lives. Of course looking at the recent increase in infections we really don't need the experts to tell us to wear masks. States were masks are optional are suffering with high infection and hospitalization rates. 

“We are not defenseless against COVID-19,” said CDC Director Dr. Robert R. Redfield. “Cloth face coverings are one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus – particularly when used universally within a community setting. All Americans have a responsibility to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.”

Are face masks safe? There is a lot of misinformation and partially true information on the internet right now, but an article in USA Today titled, Fact Check: Face masks are safe for most, but not kids under 2 lays out the situation. 

Here is the situation--over 1 percent of the U.S. population have been confirmed as infected with coronavirus as of yesterday. Of those infected, nearly 4 percent have died which is 138,782 people who have lost their lives as of yesterday. By comparison, during the 2019-2020 flu season 17 percent of the U.S. population is estimated to have possibly been infected with the flu and of those infected 0.1% (yes, that is one-tenth of a percent) lost their lives. Coronavirus is not the flu! If 17 percent of the American population were to become infected with coronavirus the result could be over 2,200,000 deaths! 

The argument over Constitutional rights just does not hold water in the case of wearing face masks. People have the right not to wear a face mask in public--in some states that will be against the law and there will be consequences, everything has consequences. People do not, however, have the right to possibly infect someone else with a disease. It is our responsibility to take action to protect our fellow citizens.

Wear a face mask. Save a life.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Dog Days 2020

Finnegan Helping with the Deck Project
Elkridge, MD
July 16, 2020

The Dog Days are upon us and the summer is becoming hot and sultry. It has been difficult around the house for the smallest member of the family. Finnegan gets very frustrated when Chris and I are at home, but not available for him to follow and be near--as was the case while we were staining the deck.

Newly Stained Deck Christened by Morning Shower
Elkridge, MD
July 17, 2020

It was day two of the deck staining project and Finnegan, of course, could not be with us. He likes to be a bit too close and stain does not work well in his coat. As we were nearing the completion of the project yesterday, staining the stairs, he could no longer be contained and he rushed the door when I opened it taking a position near Chris as she was staining a baluster.

We managed to complete the project in two days, two long and hot days, using three gallons of stain. Three complete gallons of stain. Fortunately we bought four gallons and there is a gallon remaining to stain the small porch off the garage. I have to replace a board three and it will look nice when stained to match the deck on the back of the house.

The newly stained deck was christened this morning by a passing shower--but fortunately it had been drying overnight and since yesterday afternoon so so damage was done.

As the Dog Days deepen and the coronavirus continues to rage I wonder what other fun projects I will become involved in completing.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Enjoy the Day

Lake Kittamaqundi
Columbia, MD
July 14, 2020

It was another coronavirus day. It was a day when I had planned to be sitting on a Florida beach, but prudence caused me to cancel our trip. But, the need to be near water was overwhelming and so we decided to wander around Lake Kittamaqundi in Columbia, Maryland. It was a nice walk and I was taken by the clouds in the sky reflecting off the surface of the lake. The amount of algae growth was evident in the water and I also saw two specialized boats scooping the algae put to clear the lake. 

Mowing the Lake
Columbia, MD
July 14, 2020

The water plant removal boats were interesting to watch. It was almost like they were mowing the lake. The bins were collecting massive amounts of the unwanted aquatic plants to help clear the lake. I was unaware of this process before yesterday. 

It was a nice walk and a good way to begin the day. Even Finnegan enjoyed the walk.

Today is a project day! Staining the deck day. It has been coming for a long time and I guess that there is no escaping that the deck needs to be stained and preserved. We will finally also unify the two tones of stain that are already on there deck from where we stained it after rebuilding part of it a few years ago! Home projects. As I always say, they are best when completed!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Random Pandemic Thoughts

Happy Bastille Day! Vive la France!

I note that the French are more effective combatting the coronavirus than we are. France has 209,640 cases and 30,032 deaths compared with the U.S. 3,364,547 cases and 135,615 deaths as of this morning from the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Research Center.  The seven-day moving average for new cases in France was 577 and the average for daily deaths was 16 as of yesterday, based upon New York Times reporting. The U.S,. by comparison has a seven-day moving average pf 60,521 new cases and 724 deaths, also from The New York Times. Just a thought--1 percent of the entire U.S. population has not been diagnosed with COVID-19.

I think the statement made the Florida governor the other day about schools is probably one of the most revealing for lack of understanding of how opening the schools is materially different from reopening the economy. 

"But I'm confident if you can do Home Depot, if you can do Walmart, if you can do these things, we absolutely can do the schools. I want our kids to be able to minimize this education gap that I think has developed." DeSantis. As reported by CNN on Friday, July 10, 2020. 

I am amazed that the governor did not see the huge difference between Walmart and a school. First off, wearing masks for an entire school day is going to be a tough experience for many kids and teachers. The spaces are closer together and physical distancing is tough to maintain. Additionally, a trip to Walmart is just that--a trip consisting of minutes. A day at school is just that--a day. We need to get the virus under control before kids can get back to school safely. 

Me in a Mask
Columbia, MD
April 4, 2020

This is a pandemic people--we need to get our heads-out-of-the-sand and take responsibility for ourselves and others. I do not understand the resistance to wearing masks. I think it is clear that states where mask wearing is mandatory are doing better combatting the virus than those where mask wearing is not enforced. That is one of the reasons that I am not in Florida this week--Floridians do not understand the importance of wearing masks. 

From all of the studies I have seen, there are no health issues associated with wearing masks, with the narrow exception of underlying medical issues like asthma or COPD. Some people have suggested that CO2 builds up--that has been patently dismissed as untrue. The worst part about wearing a mask? No washing it after use!

Take responsibility for yourself and stop blaming others!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Summer Friday

Welcome to the second Friday of July 2020. That is significant because we are in the second half of the year and it has now been a week since the Independence Day weekend which provided a means to escape the pervasive coronavirus presence. 

Last Friday I spent the day laying floors and preparing for the holiday. This Friday the summer is in full swing, except, I have no where to go. Just as it seemed that Chris and I would escape to Florida for a couple weeks--Florida became a coronavirus hot spot. 

Prudence dictated that our trip be canceled and as of yet it not has not been rescheduled. Were we afraid of contracting the virus? Not really, but flying and taking a Lyft or Uber does increase exposure chances. And then there is the shopping for supplies that has to take place. At least the beaches are open! We will try again in August and potentially drive the truck to ferry some larger things to our condo. 

Today, I will go to work and I am very happy to have a job. I will focus on my tasks while counting the hours until I can join friends to celebrate Happy Hour and the arrival of the weekend. At least there is a developing sense of normalcy in the upside down world. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

School Reopening - Crisis of Conscience

Whether to return to school, be they primary, secondary, or college, later this year has become another diversionary tactic by the administration. 

The president's statement yesterday, coupled with a nearly unenforceable threat to reduce funding, may be irrationally causing school systems to rethink their plans for Fall semester classes. 

The Wall Street Journal headline reads, Trump Criticizes CDC Guidelines for Reopening Schools. 

Schools are, and historically in the United States have been, community funded and managed. The president is using this flash-point to divert attention from a miserably implemented coronavirus policy which finds the U.S. as the most incompetent country in the world in dealing with the virus. Successful countries, for instance Italy, shut everything down. We are reopening too quickly, as seen by the recent spike in hospitalizations and ICU bed usage. Opening schools will likely cause the virus to spread even more quickly through the population. And while studies generally indicate that children are not as frequently affected or with the same dire consequences as adults what about the teachers and staff at the schools? And what about the transmission of the disease to parents and siblings and then through the social networks of the community? 

Reopening schools too quickly could be a recipe for disaster which might well ensure that no part of American society is spared the ravages of the pandemic.

Anyone who has been in a school knows that they were not designed with physical (aka social) distancing in mind. Look at the lockers, classroom loading, and cafeterias to name a few. Many school districts are wrestling with these issues. And an even greater concern, given some of the more recent reporting about the airborne nature of the virus, is the condition and quality of the air handling systems which could effectively make schools and school busses as well, petrie dishes for the virus. 

The irrational rush to reopen schools could well cost many more Americans their lives. 

A more measured approach to reopening schools and colleges is consistent with the needs of our society.  

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Flooring Project Update

Flooring at Jeremy's House
Elkridge, MD
July 8, 2020

The flooring project at Jeremy's house continues. 

We have been installing flooring every day for the past week. The house is transforming. 

The main level is nearly complete, we only have to install the trim. The materials for the trim should arrive today and then I will be having fun with my pneumatic nailer. On the upper level there is a small area in the hallway and most of one of the three bedrooms remaining. My knees are very sore, even wearing knee pads. I confess that I only worked three hours last evening as the light was such that I could not see the seams. We are being very critical about the seams and if they cannot be seen we cannot ensure the adjoining boards are properly joined. 

I have been making some complicated cuts around doors and into hallways. They take time to map out. I had one cut along an angled wall yesterday that was especially difficult because the wall was not at a 45 degree angle and I have go go back to basic geometry to figure out how to determine the angle. Actually, I finally remembered to just measure the length of the hypotenuse and it worked like a champ.  

While the coronavirus continues to rage across the country, this project is keeping us off the streets and busy.

I am hopeful of completing the project by Thursday night!

Next week's coronavirus project will be an adventure in deck staining! Oh joy! Anyone who knows me understands how much I dislike projects involving paint brushes and rollers!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Can I Get Away from it All?

The View from Jupiter Island Beach
Jupiter Island, Florida
November 6, 2019

I had planned to be on a Southwest Airlines flight departing Baltimore-Washington International Airport for Palm Beach International Airport this morning to enjoy a couple weeks in Florida and my condo there and escape to the beach. 

I canceled the trip due to the rise in coronavirus cases in Florida and specifically Palm Beach County. 

Coincidentally, there is a moderately comprehensive article in this morning's The Wall Street Journal titled,

Is It Safe to Travel Again? Your Coronavirus Questions Answered

Appropriately, the article features an image of a Southwest Airlines 737 in flight! 

Osprey Flying Free
Jupiter Island, Florida
November 7, 2019

The article appeals to those of us who want to get away from the new normal, whatever that has become, and attempt to find old fashioned escape-ism by collapsing on a beach somewhere and enjoying the sun, sand, and surf. 

Sadly, there are not many places open to travelers and even within the U.S. vacationers need to be mindful of quarantines and travel requirements. 

The opening paragraph of the article:

As countries begin to reopen, is there any place abroad where I can travel right now? 

Not easily. Many countries remain closed to nonessential travelers and non-residents. Some nations are gradually lifting their bans but only permitting in tourists from countries where the number of coronavirus cases is relatively low or steadily declining. The European Union lifted its internal borders last month and as of July 1, began allowing visitors from up to 15 other countries, including South Korea, New Zealand and Rwanda. But tourists from the U.S., where coronavirus cases are surging, are still prohibited from entering most European countries.

In fact, the Canadian border remains closed to non-official U.S. persons!

Also from the article:

Can I take a road trip? Are there coronavirus checkpoints at state borders? 

As more hotels and national and state parks reopen across the country, road trip vacationsare picking up speed. Only Florida currently has checkpoint, on Interstate 95, just south of the Georgia border, to screen travelers. Those visitors arriving from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut are required to quarantine for 14-days. New Mexico has a checkpoint on US 64, leading in and out of Taos Pueblo, which is closed indefinitely to nonresidents. For other roadside travel restrictions, see AAA’s Covid-19 map at TripTik.AAA.com. And for more road trip guidance, including tips on how to safely get gas and food along your drive, read “Expert Advice for a Safe Road Trip.”

And so I remain in Maryland, hunkering down even though the state is slowly reopening. I long to be free to "move about the country" but I am smart enough to realize the now is not the right time. Yet.

Well, I have more flooring to install and next week I have a deck to stain. I am definitely keeping busy--maybe too busy with my full-time job and then my full-time projects. 

But, I'd really like to get away from it all, but safely and smartly.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - July 6. 2020

1. The first Monday of July 2020 has arrived. The second half of the year is underway and we have already enjoyed the Independence Day celebrations. July is my favorite month of the year!

2. This week marks the third planned vacation that I have canceled this year due to the pandemic. Chris and I had planned to head to Florida for a two-week  getaway to check on our condo and enjoy some beach time. We canceled the trip due to the coronavirus explosion underway in Florida.

Calla Lily after the Rain
Elkridge, MD
July 4, 2020

3. Sometimes the flowers in our gardens are worth remembering. I enjoyed this calla lily after a brief rainstorm on July 4th. 

4. The work renovating the floors of Jeremy's house continue. The main level is complete and the upper level is about 50 percent complete. The hardest part has been the transitions between rooms. But it looks great, fresh, and clean!

5. Why do some people prefer to tear down rather than build up? 

6.  The hot weather has been great! I have been enjoying time in and around my pool--well, when I have not been busy laying flooring. I have been relearning the meaning of hard work!

7. The trees and grasses are green. It is an image that I indelibly fix in my mind to remind me of summer during the other seasons. 

8. Today in History. On July 6, 1957, Althea Gibson claims the women’s singles tennis title at Wimbledon and becomes the first African American to win a championship at London’s All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

Gibson was born on August 25, 1927, in Silver, South Carolina, and raised in the Harlem section of New York City. She began playing tennis as a teenager and went on to win the national Black women’s championship twice. At a time when tennis was largely segregated, four-time U.S. Nationals winner Alice Marble advocated on Gibson’s behalf and the 5’11” player was invited to make her U.S. Open debut in 1950. In 1956, Gibson’s tennis career took off and she won the singles title at the French Open—the first African American to do so—as well as the doubles’ title there. In July 1957, Gibson won Wimbledon, defeating Darlene Hard, 6-3, 6-2. (In 1975, Arthur Ashe became the first African American man to win the men’s singles title at Wimbledon, when he defeated Jimmy Connors.) In September 1957, she won the U.S. Open, and the Associated Press named her Female Athlete of the Year in 1957 and 1958. During the 1950s, Gibson won 56 singles and doubles titles, including 11 major titles.

U.S. Coronavirus Death Toll Nears 130,000 as Infection Rate Surges - The Wall Street Journal

Global Stocks Jump, Led By Surge in Chinese Markets - The Wall Street Journal

The Fullest Look Yet at the Racial Inequity of Coronavirus - The New York Times

The Invisible Caste System Behind American Racism - The New York Times Magazine

7-day average case total in U.S. sets record for 27th straight day - The Washington Post

Places with highest daily reported cases per capita - The Washington Post

Australia closes state border for first time in 100 years after COVID-19 spike - Reuters

Hong Kong court denies bail to first person charged under new law - Reuters

US Navy responds to Chinese paper’s tweet on ‘carrier killer’ tech - Fox News

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

Let the Fourth of July always be a reminder that here in this land, for the first time, it was decided that man is born with certain God-given rights; that government is only a convenience created and managed by the people, with no powers of its own except those voluntarily granted to it by the people.

We sometimes forget that great truth, and we never should. 

   -- Ronald Reagan Essay on Independence Day written during 1981 as published in Real Clear Politics

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

There is no "I" in "We"

Yesterday we celebrated our nation's independence. It is my favorite holiday. But of course, celebrating independence or the creation of a country is not something done only by Americans. Most other countries in the world also celebrate their creation or independence. 

Canada Day, for instance, was on July 1st. 

Bastille Day, July 14th,  celebrates the beginning of the French Revolution leading to the creation of the French Republic. For those of you who know me, you know that Bastille Day is my second favorite foreign holiday. The French really know how to celebrate!

Independence Day Pool Celebration
Elkridge, MD
July 4, 2020

Our family celebration was subdued by comparison, but there was a lot of fun in the pool. It was a hot, humid day and the pool was refreshing and a fun place to celebrate. We also enjoyed fireworks launched being launched around the neighborhood as darkness fell.

We partied and remained within our family circle observing proper respect and distancing for coronavirus. Maybe we overlapped two family circles. 

Our celebration focused upon our country our country--not a person or a political party. The politicization of Independence Day is contrary to its meaning. Sowing seeds of divisiveness, especially for personal or political gain is anathema to the day. Shame on those who did so yesterday. Independence Day is a day for unification and affirmation of the founding principles of our nation. 

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,
  -- Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
  -- Constitution of the United States, 1789

There is no "I" in "We."

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Independence Day - 2020

It is July 4th! 

Where are the bands, the parades, the fireworks with which Americans celebrate the founding of this nation?

They are muted and canceled. 

Unlike most other July 4th's excluding the Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Civil War--America's homeland and its citizens are under direct attack on multiple fronts. The mood of the nation is gloomy.

Despite attempts to call it fake and a democratic hoax, coronavirus is attacking Americans everywhere. Despite the bravado displayed by our leaders attempting to reassure us that the virus is under control the rising numbers of cases, hospital admissions, and dangerously low supply of ICU beds tell a different tale. They tell of failed policies that were too late, too little, and too disorganized to be effective. 

Let's face it--when American interests are under attack we usually swiftly, forcefully, and effectively respond. Coronavirus, however, is thwarting the meager, disjointed, and predatory responses of the government. States and counties are being left to fend for themselves because of the vacuum that is the response of the federal government. The statement attributed to Benjamin Franklin upon the signing the Declaration of Independence: "We must all hang together, or we shall surely hang separately," is clearly true in dealing with the coronavirus.

"Make America Great Again," has made America the laughing stock of the world. European countries will not allow U.S. travelers to visit, for instance Italy denied five Americans admittance.  Despite this, the bravado and deception continue as evidenced at Mount Rushmore last evening where thousands gathered without proper spacing or face masks to hear, as one agency reported, Trump Uses Mount Rushmore Speech to Deliver Divisive Culture War Message.

On this July 4th, America is under attack on multiple fronts: disease, divisiveness, and deceit. Citizens recognize this and our Independence Day celebrations will smaller. 

But there is patriotism deep inside my heart that brings optimism believing that tomorrow will be a better day. As long as the sun rises I can make tomorrow better than today. 

Thomas Jefferson
Third President of the U.S.
Primary Author of the Declaration of Independence

For some words of encouragement, I went back to one of the founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson, who like myself was a big fan of Independence Day. 

"The fourth of July, the epoch of American independence, is a day when the heart of every American must glow with pride and gratitude. No village, however sequestered, no citizen, however obscure, forgets the celebration of the anniversary of his country's liberty! Through all the land, from the shores of the Atlantic to our mountain-tops, the sounds of gratulation are heard; the roar of cannon, and the peal of bells, announce the auspicious morn, and people of every rank hasten with their festive offerings round the altar of liberty."
  -- July 4, 1809

Do not not despair, accept the ability to effect change and critically evaluate what is happening in our country. The power is in your vote and your emails to elected representatives. Through it all, we must also celebrate that we have power--the power to make our voices heard and to effect change.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD