Why I Love Being an American Citizen

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

1st Corinthians 12:7

In our community, like many others, we can only go out to shop for food, exercise outdoors or seek medical help. In Asheville we are locked down. On a recent trip to the grocery store, I noticed people avoiding me and subtly I was avoiding them. Now it would be easy to take this personally, but social distancing has become the norm. 

And at first, I was a little put off, but through a good and healthy self-scolding, I realized it wasn’t something to take personally. It was my neighbors complying with the new way of life. Politeness and respect has emerged in most people I see. People waiting for others to go by, to keep the six foot barrier. Conversations in parks held at a distance.

And it is working, all of the models which predicted a higher infection rate are being proven overly conservative. The modelers have explained, that the models didn’t project that social distancing would work. They were afraid Americans wouldn’t comply. They don’t know the America I know. 

As I have thought about it, what else would I have expected. Most people are following the rules. Trying in their own way to eliminate the impact of the Corona virus. A banding together by Americans to do whatever they can to help fight this deadly disease. This is what I have seen in America for many decades. In tough times, Americans help out.