Social distancing

As I live through one of history’s major pandemics, it gives me pause to consider the implications and ramifications on our society.  I think about all the lives lost and the economic suffering, and it makes me sad that so many people are struggling so badly.  I am thankful that my own family has been spared so far, but I worry every time my dad goes to work in the hospital. The next wave of Covid in Colorado might be just around the corner.    

As someone with autism, social distancing does not feel like a crisis to me, so I guess I have a hard time understanding why people are willing to risk their lives and the lives of others (who may not have even made the same choice) to hang out with friends at places like bars and beaches.    How has being willing to wear a face mask in public turned from a public health policy that helps all of us into a political issue that pits one party against another?   How do our highest governmental leaders not set an example for the rest of the nation which then requires the public health officials to work twice as hard to reset the expectations and educate the public on the risk of the virus?   

I just don’t understand how our country, the supposed richest and freest in the world, now leads the world in virus cases and deaths by such a wide margin.  Don’t tell me it’s about testing.  It’s not.  It’s about an unwillingness to give up little freedoms temporarily for the benefit of others.   It is truly tragic to me that we have that level of selfishness.   As cases again explode all over the country, I can only pray for the healthcare workers and the essential workers who put their lives on the line so that some can express their “freedom” by not wearing masks and gathering in crowds.   If only the consequences of your choices were yours only . . .   

Let’s be smarter, less partisan, less selfish, more considerate, more kind, more willing.   

Aaron.  

About author

Aaron Jepson

I am a 21-year old male who was diagnosed with autism at age 3. I am only partially-verbal and have a very difficult time expressing my thoughts by mouth but I am able to type on an I-Pad. My goal in life is to help other people with disabilities, and to let the rest of the world know that most people with autism are intelligent and capable and can make a great contribution to this world. I am funny, athletic, and most of all, handsome. And I am a fast runner, a cool skier, and a sweet mountain biker.

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Comments(4)

  1. REPLY

    Sherry Adamson says

    You are so smart ! I would like to write your name in for President! You have a kind heart! Thanks for sharing!

  2. REPLY

    Nora Lopez says

    Amen Aaron! You are so very wise.

  3. REPLY

    Melanie Walthall says

    This is amazing. Now we just need to get everyone to read it!

  4. REPLY

    Carol Bain says

    You are so articulate with great thoughts. It must be great to have the ability to do so at this time of your life. And yes I agree with your bio that you are handsome with great looking blue eyes.

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