People acting in unison

Scarcity in the Time of Coronavirus #4

The ongoing disaster that is the Coronavirus may have taught humanity an important lesson. Our economic system for the past several hundred years has been based on “Every man for himself,” (women have been disregarded in this system). 

At the same thing, millions of us have been trained by the factory system that we must work together as a team. Working people have enshrined that concept in unions, marches and demonstrations and culture, such as Ralph Chaplin’s song, Solidarity Forever: https://genius.com/Ralph-chaplin-solidarity-forever-lLyrics

Because we had this counter-culture, we were receptive when scientists said that we had to entirely change our way of living. No more jobs, no more congregating in bars and restaurants, no more hugs or handshakes, just splendid isolation which we might share with loved ones, or be totally alone, and endure it, even revel in it.

Humanity has passed an important test. We have learned that no matter our gender, our skin color, our age or country, we must come together in solidarity. It’s the only tactic that will stop the virus in its tracks.

This fight isn’t over, and still more will pay the ultimate price. It may become difficult to retain our solidarity as spring brightens into summer and we are beckoned to join the fun in the park, or concert, or beach. Even so, we have taken a big step toward becoming one people in harmony with planet Earth.

On this day, I think of a peaceful man, one of many, who gave his life for us, but not until he left a legacy that includes these pregnant-with-hope words: “Imagine there’s no countries, Imagine all the people living life in peace.” (from John Lennon’s Imagine) We are closer than ever to making his words a reality.