Covid Journal, April 3, 2020

Donald Trump is trying his damnedest to put POS in POTUS.

Today’s news just left me stunned (as I’m sure it did millions of other people in Canada and the US). Also, concerned that this will be the first in many bitter trade-oriented attacks against Canada in the months to come.

He’s asking 3M to cancel any new deliveries of N95 (anti-viral) masks to Canada.

(UPDATED: Here’s the very enlightened response from 3M).

Maybe in his way he can see why it’s important. The state of borderline anarchy that he’s helped create will certainly fuel the need to emergency equipment in the US.

Maybe we as Canadians should take the high road and simply respond with ‘the US will do what the US needs to do and we, as their partners, support them. In fact, we’ll make and donate millions more masks.’

But ultimately this situation is worrisome, to say the least.

What’s next?

I wouldn’t put it past him to put our entire food chain at risk.

Frightening.

Panicked as I feel about this possibility, it also points to a very real, optimistic scenario where Canada as a nation will finally clue in to the idea that we’re the ones being used in this long history of partnership.

I think people with 3M will take the high road and figure things out. Until then, Canadians need to figure out how we can take care of ourselves so that we aren’t constantly exposed to this kind of pettiness.

Bill Withers, musician, dies at 81

The singer of ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’, ‘Lean On Me’ and ‘Lovely Day’ has passed on.

He actually died on Monday, but I think news related to him was masked by the world going through the conniptions that it is.

Despite my anger, confusion, fear and concerns, I think it’s time for us to all embrace the words of Bill Withers and tell our friends, family and peers: Lean On Me.

Sometimes in our lives we all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there’s always tomorrow

Lean on me, when you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on
For it won’t be long
‘Til I’m gonna need
Somebody to lean on

Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you won’t let show

You just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you’ll understand
We all need somebody to lean on

Lean on me, when you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on
For it won’t be long
‘Til I’m gonna need
Somebody to lean on

You just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you’ll understand
We all need somebody to lean on

If there is a load you have to bear
That you can’t carry
I’m right up the road
I’ll share your load

If you just call me (call me)
If you need a friend (call me) call me uh huh(call me) if you need a friend (call me)
If you ever need a friend (call me)
Call me (call me) call me (call me) call me
(Call me) call me (call me) if you need a friend
(Call me) call me (call me) call me (call me) call me (call me) call me (call me)