When the philosophical becomes the real

My political views tend toward the liberal side of the spectrum. I believe in progressive taxation, government oversight of industry, a woman's right to choose, equal rights for minorities, quality education for all children, and the need to mitigate climate change. But most of these stands are philosophically-based. As I often say, I don't feel I have a horse in the race when it comes to something like abortion rights.

The pandemic, however, is asking me, and perhaps you, to actually see some abstract concepts and beliefs become reality. A few examples:

Health care and paid sick leave. While I have always viewed good health care as a right for all human beings, the COVID19 plague demonstrates why it is not just a moral good, but a pragmatic one as well. I can have all the access to health care I need, but if the burger flippers at my local fast food joint have to come to work ill so they can pay their bills, that medical insurance is cold comfort. Everyone's health depends on everyone's health.

Educational technology. Despite having worked in the field of education for over 40 years, the last 30 in educational technology, I watched in frustration as tech remained an "extra" for too many teachers. As schools now suddently go from F2F to virtual, cries of technical illiteracy/inexperience are coming from too many educators. Not only do teachers need to know how to operate computers and learning management systems, but to use them in conjunction with best educational practices. No more tech laggards!

Exercise and diet. I've always tried to be a moderate eater and a relatively active person, but the stay-at-home orders have asked me and others to think more carefully about staying in shape and the actual steps one should make to achieve daily good health. I have read that the use of parks and bike trails in the Twin Cities metro area has increased between 50% and 75%. I guess I am not the only person who sees value in getting outdoors. I've been examining how to cook more healthy meals - plant-based, low sodium, less fat, etc. The pandemic will need to continue for a few more years, however, before I decrease my ice cream intake.

Air pollution. As I have hiked over the past few weeks, I have noticed just what a gorgeous blue color the sky has been. Yes, less driving means less smog and clearer skies. Not only is this change aesthetically pleasing, it has to be good for the lungs as well. Good environmental stewardship has immediate benefits for all of us.

Use of judgement. Do I really need to wear a face mask while walking on a lightly populated trail in a county park? Should I wear rubber gloves when grocery shopping? Do I need to wash my hands after I fill the car with gas? What is paranoid and what is prudent? The behavioral cautions/requirements have made me question how I make good decisions. It's easy to say I will make my choices based on scientific evidence, but when there is so much "evidence" with much of it being contradictory, that is easier said than done.

If nothing else, this plague will be a learning experience - at least for most of us. It will ask us to examine our habits, our values, and our lives. It will force us to apply our philosophies to real life situations.

What good might you see coming from the pandemic? What might you be learning?

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