May 23, 2021 Commentary from just a chair

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May 23, 2021 Commentary from just a chair: Nothing happened today that was bad. That is a good thing and a time for reflection. There was some more movement on the distribution of medicines. The families that are being supported will hopefully benefit from the medicines that will be provided tomorrow. In the meantime, I have entered a new space for reflection in the solitude of a lockdown where I live on the screen. This COVID-19 experience has been a play on the idea of selfishness. Why do we choose to do things that do not benefit us directly, or do things that might appear to have greater value beyond the self? It all started with a bondhu in Texas. A simple phone call, an inquiry, and that got me into the process. For me, it was a selfish act – one that was very centered in providing answers for a bondhu – as I would have for myself. Then I realized that being selfish could extend to larger degrees of separation and some acts could be framed within the “selfish” framework but ends up extending beyond the solitary self. But this is not just trying to find a framework for one’s actions but brings forth some challenging policy questions as well. As I am working out the way in which the O2Cs would be utilized, and keeping in sight the need to protect and secure the expensive machines, I am working on how far, in the degrees of separation, will these O2Cs travel. How selfish should I be? This is a tricky process. The word is out about the Wake Forest O2Cs (and there are a lot such similar O2Cs out in circulation now, but still not enough), there are calls for the machine. Trying to answer the call it is like flying a plane while building it. I am trying to develop the details of the agreement for the second machine and spent some time talking to two wise people about it.  Procedures and terms are quickly being developed so that the machines can be used to provide optimal support for people in need. I am making headway because here I am surrounded with good people. People who actually care and do things rather than point to the flaws and the problems. People who find solutions. People like a young COVID-19 survivor, just 21 days from the day of symptoms, bringing so much energy to providing support for others that I stand humbled and see the relentless energy of the person spending hours on the phone helping out. This is inspiring and this is what is needed now, and the need will continue for some time. But more than the need, it has brought out qualities in people, and exposed people for who they really are and how they think, when the World is calling out for help. Some go out and risk it all, others provide measured counsel, and others cloister themselves to a suffocatingly small circle. COVID-19 is not only an inflexion point, but it is the “show and tell” for who people really are. Are you ready and willing to answer the call, or would you rather be selfish? Interesting dilemma, but I have seen people who are willing and ready to get past Floyd’s “Mother” and not be sheltered in, “Mama's gonna keep baby cosy and warm.” It is way past cosy and warm now.

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