There is a small statue in my hometown with the name "Collateral Damage". The first time I saw it, I didn't really understand. I had to look up the meaning of the word. Many years later, I learned there were more Vietnam Vets who had committed suicide than had died in the war. Are they considered collateral damage?
There are a few posts here that discuss topics that remind me of the term collateral damage as it pertains to the ongoing war against Covid-19. Is this a term that would apply to the young emergency room doctor that committed suicide? Is it an explanation for the lives that were lost in the many elder care facilities? Or, perhaps the untold future lives that will be devastated if not destroyed by the pandemic?
At this moment in time I have not been personally harmed by Covid-19, physically or financially. I can say I have only been slightly inconvenienced. But I know there are many others who will not have the money to pay rent, mortgage, car payments, insurance premiums. NEVER in my lifetime has there been such a level of financial hardship for such a large number of people -- and with such a level of uncertainty of how to piece life back together.
For those who have expressed an opinion that we must maintain levels of physical separation without regard for financial insolvency -- I am wondering how closely you have been affected. We've learned of several deaths of loved ones. But I'm speaking of a young, newly married, first time father who had to close his business, empty the building, and walk away. What is his next move? He can't even look for work. Self employed, can't quickly file for unemployment. He's grieving. Not as deeply as for a life lost -- but his future, his dream? Gone.
There are a few posts here that discuss topics that remind me of the term collateral damage as it pertains to the ongoing war against Covid-19. Is this a term that would apply to the young emergency room doctor that committed suicide? Is it an explanation for the lives that were lost in the many elder care facilities? Or, perhaps the untold future lives that will be devastated if not destroyed by the pandemic?
At this moment in time I have not been personally harmed by Covid-19, physically or financially. I can say I have only been slightly inconvenienced. But I know there are many others who will not have the money to pay rent, mortgage, car payments, insurance premiums. NEVER in my lifetime has there been such a level of financial hardship for such a large number of people -- and with such a level of uncertainty of how to piece life back together.
For those who have expressed an opinion that we must maintain levels of physical separation without regard for financial insolvency -- I am wondering how closely you have been affected. We've learned of several deaths of loved ones. But I'm speaking of a young, newly married, first time father who had to close his business, empty the building, and walk away. What is his next move? He can't even look for work. Self employed, can't quickly file for unemployment. He's grieving. Not as deeply as for a life lost -- but his future, his dream? Gone.
