A New Beginning!

               As we start the cooler time of the year, the issue of wearing masks and social distancing will take on a new meaning for all of us.  I believe it is safe to say that we are all somewhat frustrated and fatigued by the bombardment of news that COVID-19 will make a resurgence in the coming months.

               Many states are reporting an increase in the positive testing of their citizens. Certain parts of New York State were recently declared “hot” spots and were being temporarily shut-down or closed to prevent the spread of the contagion.

               The advent of more people being in closed facilities, stores, restaurants, etc… may lead to an upsurge in the infection because this is an air borne disease.  It is now be more important than ever, to wear masks, practice social distancing and to wash out hands. All of us would like the COVID-19 to just “go away.”  That will not happen and things could get worse if we relax and drop our guard. 

               At the writing of this article, at least 220,000 Americans have lost their lives because of COVID-19. That is a very grim statistic. Certainly, individuals with pre-existing conditions need to be more concerned because of the way the infection invades the body.

               I am not a doctor or a scientist but I respect those individuals because they have the knowledge and training to provide guidance and hopefully in the not to distance future, a vaccine. Until, however, that time arrives, we must all look out for each other and do our best to protect one another.  This disease has affected not only the old but the very young and those in between. It does not discriminate based on your age, your social status or who you are.

               As letter carriers, you see the day to day grind that this disease has on the public and the customers that you serve. I believe that your presence in your Community (route) on a daily basis provides hope and support for many of our customers, especially those who are house bound.  You are the face of normalcy (excluding masks) and just seeing you keeps a semblance of a routine that people can rely on.

               The present political climate that exists in our Country I believe, does not provide the hope that is necessary to get us through this crisis. I believe that many Americans are frustrated by the political climate and when they vote on November 3rd or mail in their ballot, it will be a vote for a change.

                This article will be received after the election so I am not going to comment what the outcome is mainly because I do not know what it will be.

I think it was Abraham Lincoln who said: “You can fool all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.”

                I believe that will be the case after November 3rd. We will have a “new” President and a “new” Congress.  Hopefully, we will have a “new” beginning and “new” hope for all Americans and a promise of a better and healthier future.

                Therefore, I would like to Wish All of You and Your Families a Blessed and Healthy Thanksgiving. God Bless All of You and Keep You Healthy and Safe!