Encouragement from the Past

I watched movie set during WW2 the other day, no it was not Patton. 

Churchill studies reports of the action that day
with Vice Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay,
28 August 1940, © IWM (H 3508)

I was, however, reminded of the dire circumstances being faced by the British, especially after Dunkirk, and I recalled a very famous speech made by Winston Churchill to demonstrate the resolve of the British people in the face of Hitler's armies. So I went and found a transcript to read.

It was an inspiring address--but it was the last paragraph which spoke to me. As I hunker down now, alone but yet still inextricably entwined with my community I felt a sense of encouragement in reading the words and changing, in my mind, references to the Germans to COVID-19. And even the very last sentence apparently still rings true given what is happening with COVID-19 across Europe.

Winston Churchill's complete address delivered on June 4, 1940,  to the House of Commons, titled We Shall Fight on the Beaches is at the link.

I have, myself, full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to defend our Island home, to ride out the storm of war, and to outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary for years, if necessary alone. At any rate, that is what we are going to try to do. That is the resolve of His Majesty’s Government-every man of them. That is the will of Parliament and the nation. The British Empire and the French Republic, linked together in their cause and in their need, will defend to the death their native soil, aiding each other like good comrades to the utmost of their strength. Even though large tracts of Europe and many old and famous States have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of Nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God’s good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old. 

I highlighted a couple of really important points that the Prime Minister made.

We must each do our part and we must also consider how the actions we take today could affect ourselves or others tomorrow or in two weeks.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Escaping Coronavirus

Me Sitting on the Car Flying
RadioFlyer
Elkridge, MD
March 18, 2020

Chris Retrieving Golf Balls that She Just Hit
Radio Flyer, Elkridge, MD
March 18, 2020

Another day played out in America. The COVID-19 pandemic continued and I grew more weary of hearing about it everywhere I went and on every news show. I had a medical appointment in the afternoon and it felt as if I was walking into a biohazard zone, but I was comforted in the care they took to keep everyone safe.

It's a pandemic, got it! 
It's bad, got it!

I needed a moment of escape. So what did I do? I took to the air with Radio Flyer, my trusty drone, to get some images of the Springtime and escape the pervasive reality for a few minutes. It was a 12 minute flight achieving a maximum altitude of 48 feet--not even higher than the tallest trees. It was the first flight since December 14, 2019. 

Bartlett Pear in the Neighbors Yard
Radio Flyer, Elkridge, MD
 March 18, 2020

A Tree in Full Bud Preparing to Leaf
Radio Flyer, Elkridge, MD
March 18, 2020

The flight was not about time nor distance, but rather documenting the arrival of Springtime. 

And it was a nice Spring day! Although the temperatures were a bit cool, the sun shone for much of the day and we began working around the house doing those springtime projects that just need to be done. 

It was Day 3 of America under COVID-19 siege. But my spirits flew with my drone, at least for 12 minutes, and then it was off to my medical appointment. 

Someday I hope we will all look back and remember these weeks as the time when we grew together as a nation against the unseen evil. But, for now we need to band together one day at a time and, when we can, find healthy ways to escape the dire news and restrictions on everyday life. 

We are all in this together.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The New Normal

For the moment, I remain a member of the employed and working portion of our society, despite the increasing numbers of my friends and acquaintances who have thrown off the daily grind for retired life at the beach, or elsewhere. I remain aware Monday's arrival and look forward to Friday afternoons. 


With the country hunkering down to combat the virus, I have noticed that the roads are less congested during the first two days of this week. Of course the schools and many businesses are closed which significantly reduces the amount of morning and afternoon traffic. The lack of sports activity as a diversion is a very real problem--we all still speak of sports, like it was something that ancient civilizations used to have. 

The stock futures are down again this morning after yesterday's rally. I guess it was to be expected. The down-up-down pattern will continue, I guess. 

The news just gets worse, it seems, with each passing day. 

Keep up hope! We are all in this together, even though we have to maintain social distancing.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

As America Slows

Day 2 of the coronavirus forced social distancing commences today. Maryland shuttered more businesses yesterday in an attempt to stem the advance of the virus. 

An aerial view shows an area of South Beach
that the city closed in an effort to prevent the spread
of the coronavirus on March 16, 2020 in
Miami Beach, Fla. Miami Beach city officials closed
the area of the beach that is popular with college
 

spring breakers and asked them to refrain from large
gatherings where COVID-19 could spread.An aerial view shows an area of South Beach that the city closed in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus on March 16, 2020 in Miami Beach, Fla. Miami Beach city officials closed the area of the beach that is popular with college spring breakers and asked them to refrain from large gatherings where COVID-19 could spread.Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Life is devolving for many people. So far, it is not music worse than a bad snowstorm, but in a couple of days it is going to become very real as more and more services are lost and businesses shut down. I kind of wish that had a nice beach to walk on, which reminds me that even our renters in our Florida condo decided to head to their home early. But wait, some beaches are being closed--which makes no sense to me. But, I guess they don't want the college kids to congregate on the beaches. 

There are rumors of impending dire governmental actions out in the public as the fear of the unknown increases. 

The ABC News Report at the link recaps much of the day's events. 

One aspects of the closures really concerns me--that is the closing of the churches and worship opportunities. During times of crisis, some people turn to the churches for comfort and support, with the closing of worship opportunities, I worry that these people may become disconnected and disconsolate. I know that our church is reaching out aggressively to find and help those in need--and hopefully others are doing the same. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - March 16, 2020

1. Yesterday was the Ides of March. Today marks 30 days until it is time to reckon with the tax man. This is not my favorite countdown of the year. Oh well, render unto Caesar, I just wish Caesar was a bit more responsive and less oppressive about his tax bill. 

2. Welcome to Coronavirus forced social distancing. Will this become the new normal for American society. 

George Gipp

3. I was reminded of this famous quote as a source of inspiration for each of us during the coronavirus crisis: "I've got to go, Rock. It's all right. I'm not afraid. Some time, Rock, when the team is up against it, when things are wrong and the breaks are beating the boys, ask them to go in there with all they've got and win just one for the Gipper. I don't know where I'll be then, Rock. But I'll know about it, and I'll be happy." - George Gipp

4. I watched a movie about a WW2 situation over the weekend and I believe there are parallels between the mobilization of the American populace to fuel the Industrial Complex during the 1940's and the mobilization of the American populace to control coronavirus today. We can do this. There will be sacrifice--but if we believe, we will persevere.

5. The Mall in Columbia is closing in response to coronavirus. 

6. I attended a very nice wine event over the weekend during which I was able to sample a wine which is not going to be released until April 11th.

7. Words of advice. Do not allow yourself to become isolated and solitary. Continue and even increase your communication through phone and other means as you wrap yourself into the cocoon of social distancing.

8. Here is an interesting item--the Fed cut interest rates over the weekend and stock futures are down, again, this morning. Oh wait, I've seen this headline before.

9. Today in History, 1792. The United States Military Academy–the first military school in the United States–is founded by Congress for the purpose of educating and training young men in the theory and practice of military science. Located at West Point, New York, the U.S. Military Academy is often simply known as West Point. Located on the high west bank of New York’s Hudson River, West Point was the site of a Revolutionary-era fort built to protect the Hudson River Valley from British attack. In 1780, Patriot General Benedict Arnold, the commander of the fort, agreed to surrender West Point to the British in exchange for 6,000 pounds. However, the plot was uncovered before it fell into British hands, and Arnold fled to the British for protection.




Headlines

Does Coronavirus Mean the End of Sports as We Know Them? - The New York Times

Calm and compassion: Ministers preach stirring sermons about the coronavirus — in empty cathedrals. - The New York Times

American Airlines cutting international flights by 75% amid demand collapse - OANN

From Eiffel Tower to Moulin Rouge, Paris landmarks close in virus clampdown - OANN

Gasoline becomes more affordable, just when Americans don't need it - Reuters

UK government evokes wartime Blitz spirit for fight against coronavirus - Reuters

Dow futures plunge 1,000 points after Fed cuts interest rate to zero - CNN Business

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

This week, President Reagan on taxes:

“Government does not tax to get the money it needs; government always finds a need for the money it gets.” 

“You can’t be for big government, big taxes, and big bureaucracy and still be for the little guy.” 

“The American people are not undertaxed, the government in Washington is overfed.” 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Coronavirus Survival

Life is about to go onto hold for the next two weeks as we implement social distancing to thwart the spread of the virus. 


Businesses, schools, libraries, activity centers all will be closed--yet, life will and must continue!

A list of Baltimore and Maryland closures it at the link: Closures. 

Chris and I have been working on preparing for two weeks of near isolation, except that I expect to go to work. Baseball practices are, as might be expected, canceled.

Last week Chris was busy stocking supplies for the coming weeks. I was not much help, but I did make sure we have enough wine. Wine is, after all the perfect food! While we cannot live on bread alone, I'm pretty sure we can live on wine alone!

Be well and take care. Remember, even if you are practicing good social distancing--you are not alone!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

And the Dog will Lie with the Cat

Finnegan, Riordin, and my Foot
Watching a Movie
Elkridge, MD
March 13, 2020

Weird things happen sometimes. 

For instance last evening, Finnegan and Riordin were laying together on my legs as I watched a movie.

That does not happen often around here as Finnegan tends to be a bit territorial and usually chases Riordin away so that he can enjoy the lap or space all to himself. But not last evening. It was like the lion laying with the lamb. 

I did record Riordin and Finnegan sleeping together once before, on Easter Sunday last year as they enjoyed a sunbeam. But, it happens infrequently. 

Watching them provided a much needed break from the coronavirus news. I was supposed to have a baseball practice today--but that fell victim to the "out of an abundance of caution" cancellations that are sweeping the nation. Which is also the reason that I will not be traveling to NY this coming weekend to visit my parents--I would not want to unwittingly become a vector for the transfer of the virus.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

A Bright Moment Amid the Sea of Closures

When I walked outside with the dogs this morning, I was greeted by the sweet smell of Springtime on the breeze mixed with the moisture of the rain which had fallen overnight. It uplifted my spirits during a period when the news of coronavirus has become so prevalent that is seems to be the only thing we are hearing. 

We are at war! But it is not a war against a virus--it is a war against ourselves and our needs to be with people and at events. We are not designed as solitary people living lives without interaction with others. 

The list of closures is expansive. 

If you can think of it, it is likely closed.

In Maryland schools close as of Monday for two weeks along with all associated activities. Additionally, gatherings of 250 or more people are forbidden--and that includes churches. The Baltimore cruise terminal is closing as well.

It should be remembered, however, that life is not ending, we are only "sheltering-in-place" until the plague passes by.

In terms of my own personal vendetta against the coronavirus, I have thus far been unsuccessful in getting refunded for travel and most lodging expenses associated with my now canceled Italian vacation. I continue to work that, however, and am hopeful that at least some money will be refunded. 

I note, however, that the wineries remain open and so there is respite from the closures and dire news.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

I Just Gotta Say This

I was amazed last evening as I watched the President speak to the nation about the coronavirus. The President gave the most cogent, thoughtful, and meaningful address of his presidency. 

It was the first speech that he has given where he did not blame Obama or the democrats for the situation we are facing. He took responsibility for the actions he was taking. Yes, there were some exaggerations--for instance the President said he took early and intense action, but I felt as if the country was taking more of an ostrich approach to the coronavirus when it all began. He also called for unity and encouraged the country to come together.

I was especially impressed with the following paragraph which displayed an acute sense of history:

From the beginning of time, nations and people have faced unforeseen challenges, including large-scale and very dangerous health threats. This is the way it always was and always will be. It only matters how you respond, and we are responding with great speed and professionalism.

Note: Speech quotes are from The New York Times

I immediately thought of the Black Plague during the Middle Ages and the Spanish Flu of 1918-1920.

The economic impact of the coronavirus is being felt--the markets are crashing, people are getting sick, but hopefully last evening's speech will help stem panic and help people approach the situation from a more rational and informed point of view.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

When to Panic? Not Now!

When panic ensues nothing good happens. 

I am concerned that we are becoming so focused on COVID-19 (a/k/a Coronavirus) that panic is setting in. 

I am seeing panic in the stock markets, and on the news, and in our leaders as they attempt to deal with the impact of the virus. It is hard to miss--but, we need cooler heads and and a calm approach to what is happening around us. 

Let me put the coronavirus in perspective.

Johns Hopkins Coronavirus World Chart
March 11, 2020

As of this morning, according to the Johns Hopkins coronavirus tracking chart, there have been 1031 cases in the U.S. with 29 deaths. 

According to the CDC, there have been 18 million cases of the flu, 180,000 hospitalizations and 10,000 deaths in the U.S. this influenza season – including 68 children. 

Here is a headline from USA Today:

Coronavirus is scary, but the flu is deadlier, more widespread

I just had to cancel my April trip to Italy because of coronavirus and I am losing a bundle of money. But I have a better chance of becoming infected with the flu--and no one seems to care. 

Keep calm in the face of ensuing panic. 

Take precautions, be careful and live, live without fear!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD