Steve Cameron blog: Watch Those Words
Still here.
I’d like to ask you for a favor.
Each of you.
It seems like such a simple thing, but too many Americans are taking words for granted, and perhaps doing great harm.
I’m asking that you know EXACTLY what you’re saying whenever the conversation turns to this miserable coronavirus – in other words, most of the time in these difficult days.
Look…
There are some truly bad actors out there, people who are stupid or mean or simply not right in the head.
I’m talking about the kooks who do the unthinkable, like intentionally sneezing on grocery store produce.
These are the whackos like the woman at Lake Tahoe, the one who licked several items of jewelry for reasons known only to her – and hopefully, her psychiatrist.
These people are beyond a request for help, or even for just a hint of common sense.
I am not normally vindictive person, but I fully endorse the idea of treating acts like some we’ve seen as terrorist activities.
In these cases, the possibility of literally causing illness and maybe death exist for no reason other than a terrible, terrible lack of feeling for fellow human beings.
Furthermore, if some of these idiots are found to know right from wrong in the legal sense…
Punish them appropriately.
But the favor I have in mind today isn’t directed at the nation’s nut jobs.
It’s for you, reasonable neighbors who understand how we’re all frightened by COVID-19 and don’t want to hurt a soul.
The problem is that there is SO much information floating around about the virus that some of it seems contradictory or just plain puzzling.
Please, please…
Don’t add to the whole scary situation by casually tossing out facts or theories that are nothing more than rumors.
Or worse, disinformation aimed at terrifying everyday citizens.
If you’re involved in a conversation about the virus -- and who isn’t? -- all I’m asking is that you’ve checked and re-checked the source of what you’re saying.
This is one of those situations were hundreds and hundreds of so-called “experts” get quoted, and their statements drift across TV and/or social media.
Then there are sources whose “facts” are nothing more than opinions, and need to be considered as such.
Faulty and even potentially dangerous messaging can spread even faster than this wretched virus.
Just as an example, I’ve heard so many arguments and counter-arguments about wearing masks that…
Well, it tells you that even medical experts and the world’s top immunologists haven’t been certain exactly what to do with this new and puzzling coronavirus.
With such a cloudy picture available to Joe Public, it seems like our best response often should be: “I don’t know enough, so I’m listening to my doctors and our public health officials.”
Period.
This isn’t a time for going rogue, folks.
It’s even less a time for passing along information you heard from Uncle Bill, who thought he read it on the internet – or maybe he heard part of it on a TV broadcast.
Or maybe not.
Please, please…
When in doubt, take NO chances with what you do – or what you say.
It’s not just your health and your life.
It’s ours, too.
• • •
The blog appears each Tuesday and Thursday, and you’re welcome to join. Any time, on any subject. Or with any opinion that doesn’t get us sued.
scameron@cdapress.com
Facebook: Steve Cameron