WORLD UPSIDE DOWN

What a world in which we live with massive unpredictable changes turning life upside down for too many people.  

"The Neighbor's Window" -- An emotionally moving glimpse of life with a turn  -- Academy Award Nominated Live Action Short Film 20 mins. you can view for free here:   https://vimeo.com/376861194

Note:  This film’s snapshot of life takes place in the comfort of modern day life in a big city, quite unlike what many are experiencing around the world.

I think of all the peoples who have been displaced from their country due to fighting, other life-threatening, devastating circumstances in their land, who are seeking a peaceful life in a new country but find the challenges they face finding acceptance overwhelming. 

I am eternally grateful to live in the U.S.A. and mightily treasure this democratic republic’s freedoms from autocracy and theocracy that depress many in the rest of the world.  We are encountering political forces attempting to weaken our system in that regard.  This makes me especially attuned to recognizing those seeking to alter the nature of this great country in which I reside -- determined to ensure a strong majority to protect our freedoms.    

Some unfortunate people around the world we hear little about now, but will hear more in the future, are those losing their homes due to the effects of climate change with oceans rising, tides flooding beach residents’ houses and businesses.  My own country’s shores will experience this, too, though maybe not in my lifetime.

Here in Southern California the rain we typically receive this time of year so far is not occurring. Our promising water accumulation from the end of last year dwindles with each passing rainless or snowless day as our totals are now only one-quarter inch above normal.  Concerns continue that we not return to recent years drought conditions necessitating water rationing.  Increased destructive wildfires are a risk as we consider the devastation Australia is experiencing.   

Adding to environmental issues is the present health emergence of  the Coronavirus in China which has been associated with wildlife marketing there.   The World Health Organization has issued a Global Health Alert for this escalating medical emergency which has now also been specifically designated to be a Public Health Concern in the U.S.   

We can hope this virus will not mirror that of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic after WWI actually thought by some to have originated in China according to a Stanford University study.  My mother described that flu in the U.S. taking a significant toll on friends, neighbors of all ages in her quite uncongested rural Great Lakes state farm community where homes were scattered miles apart from one another. Reportedly 2-5% of the world’s population died.  Some still get the facts wrong about this flu as noted in The Conversation.

  

Last week with the Coronavirus rapidly spreading, a plan was announced for the U.S. Embassy staff and some others to be evacuated by plane from Wuhan, the virus’ city of origin, to nearby Ontario International Airport.  Los Angeles TV stations aired video of preparations to accommodate the arrivals who were to be quarantined there for two weeks.

Within a day or so of the evacuation plane’s scheduled U.S. arrival L.A. news reported the flight was redirected to March Air Force Base where the 200+ evacuees would be examined and stay for three days, then if cleared for release they could leave, but would continue to be followed for symptoms.  They could choose to remain on the Base for the entire 14 days for medical monitoring as some evacuees have suggested they might do.  

After the plane's March AFB arrival one of the evacuees reportedly attempted to leave the base prematurely but was prevented from doing so.  He was subsequently ordered to remain there the full 14 days. 

There have been a few Los Angeles area news reports in the beginning which have later not been in verifiable factual official accounts.  In fluid changing situations occasional misinformation can occur.

A succinct New York Times Coronavirus report current as of 2/02/2020 provides further details.

My earlier Internet searches for additional Coronavirus information resulted in my finding John McGory’s American Speech Company’s blog in which he describes Wuhan with photos.  John is originally from Columbus, Ohio, is 65 years of age.  He had to relinquish his seat on the evacuation flight due to passport problems as reported by UK’s Daily Mail news so he remains in Wuhan. 

I anticipated following John’s blog reports but have not seen any since January 27^th.  I’m left to wonder about the circumstances he may be experiencing including if he has food which is becoming scarce, if he may have been evacuated elsewhere, whether his reports might be censored since laws limit free speech in China, or a worst case scenario that he has become ill.      

Follow your stable reliable trusted news sources for current updates on the Coronavirus where you live and do not fall prey to other purveyors of sensationalism, rumor and alternate facts or false truths.