Recently, California Governor Newsom’s office sent memos to police chiefs statewide that beaches would be closing again this Friday as a result of citizens violating social distancing suggestions made to decrease the spread of COVID-19. Thanks to pushback from citizens and local government, Newsom’s directive now only covers Orange and Ventura counties, which are the locations that the media sent out photos of the "violating citizens.” NOTE: lifeguards reported that “most people followed social distancing.” And as for the crowds that were shown gathering under umbrellas…if they are in the same household, that doesn’t violate the mandate.
Newsom was told that it was not right to have the citizens of San Diego lose the ability to hit the beaches since they had followed “the rules.” In a classic case of publicity damage control, Newsom claimed he never intended to close San Diego. Unfortunately for him, local government has spoken up about his blatant lie. Regardless, it makes me very happy that local citizens, supported by their elected officials, can make a difference. Thank you County Supervisor Dianne Jacob for speaking up for us!
I rarely go to the beaches anymore. I don’t enjoy sunbathing as I did in my youth, and I've read too many accounts about sewage spills from down south that seep into our ocean waters. No thanks. I’d prefer to take a long soak in my own bathtub.
So why do I care? Because I am tired of American citizens being treated like idiots and having their freedoms being taken away. Punishment for the masses because of a few. Tired of the media sensationally reporting worst-case scenarios which only serves to rile people up, give them anxiety, and fill them full of stress. I’m also tired of receiving “news” tainted by the interests of who is reporting it, and by interests I mean the all-mighty-dollar.
While I don’t doubt that the virus that causes COVID-19 can cause illness and potentially death, I DOUBT that it single-handedly has caused the number of deaths being reported. Sorry, call me a doubting Thomas but the majority of cases I have read about (yes, I do read beyond the headlines) list an underlying health condition. Heart issues, lung problems, obesity, and yes…old age. Now, because of the social distancing rules and the closure of “non-essential” storefront businesses, many Americans are without jobs and a paycheck. I saw one person on social media saying that most people out of jobs weren’t complaining about the social distancing; it was the rich crybabies. Of course the jobless don’t care about social distancing; they’re trying to figure out where the rent/mortgage/food $$ is going to come from. Another social media troll said he wasn’t aware that “getting a tan” was one of our rights. No dumbass, it’s not about getting a tan. It’s about allowing citizens to have a voice and show that they can be intelligent.
I see a parallel to the changes at Disneyland that have occurred in America the last 30 years or so. Attractions that were once popular have to be removed or reconfigured because Americans take no personal responsibility. One or two people are dumb enough to try to jump out of a moving Skyway vehicle? Remove it. Punish everyone. I was involved as a witness for a lawsuit against Disneyland by a guest who fell over a rope (yes, you read that right) at the exit of the Indiana Jones Adventure attraction. Of course they lost, but how did it even get to court in the first place? No corporation big or small wants to be involved in legal action, so instead they dumb everything down. No personal responsibility leads to the blame game which leads to lawsuits which leads to dumb everything down to the DCD (Dumbest Common Denominator). I’m waiting for a lawsuit against Trump for the people who drank bleach and died. You know it’s coming.
While going to the beach may seem frivolous, for someone like me who likes to run outdoors to improve my health, if I’m not running with anyone and don’t come within 6' of another person while doing so, why should my ability to do so be removed? It’s a slippery slope about rights and this country is on the precipice. I encourage you to speak up; you just might make a difference as San Diegans did this week.
See more photos at my main website.
12 comments:
Well said Dave. Bravo! KS
VERY well said! Some governors and other officials have gotten WAY too big for their britches - perhaps none worse than Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, and it's great to see people in that state and others fighting when necessary to preserve their rights.
I am right with you on this one! This whole beach thing is ridiculous! As a photographer you well know that depending on the angle and lens used, one can make a beach scene look more crowded than it is! Or who is to say they didn't use stock footage? I read last night that Orange County is going to fight back on this - good for them! I also agree on the numbers being reported. The cause of death could be heart decease but if they had covid 19 then it is being reported as that. Also the numbers being reported against the actual number of people that live in said county is never given!!! The whole thing is indeed a very slippery slope as far as our rights and freedom in the country. I know I need to be careful because I fit in two categories, "elderly" (I use quotes because I sure don't feel that way) and immune compromised due to being on chemo. But I'm also not stupid nor am I fearful.
Completely awesome, completely agreed. Safety is one thing, social controls are another. I used to want a time machine to go back and see Disneyland, now I want it to find common sense.
I wholeheartedly AGREE!
Sue
Very well written!
You are a man after my own heart, Dave. Thanks for this, it made my day.
Well said my friend! I too am growing concerned about America's desire to "feel safe" over their desire to "live free" (reminds me of that old Garfield comic strip where Garfield runs through the pet shop opening up cage doors exclaiming to the animals, "You're free! You're free!" only to turn around and see them all cowering in their cages. He thinks, "Hmmm folks must not be heavily into freedom these days." So he runs back through the pet shop slamming the cage doors shut exclaiming, "You're secure! You're secure!"). The more control a government has over people's lives, the less individual liberties people will have. It's simple. BUT freedom does come with responsibility which I too want to emphasize here! It has been said that there should be a "Statue of Liberty" on one coast and a "Statue of Responsibility" on the other coast. I used to end my emails to friends and family with "be safe." I have not started ending my emails with "be responsible and be smart." But here I will sign off as I have done for years.
Always your pal,
Amazon Belle
I could have written this myself. This whole situation is a study in overreaction and overreach by the government. And the media? Useless liers trolling for "clicks." Get this overwith and let's go on with our lives. And for people who say it can never be "normal" again, I say b%##sh@t!
Please leave the politics out of your site. There are plenty of other places for that, and your views do you no credit -- however much other readers may agree with them.
KS, Irene, Fifthrider, Lou & Sue, Andrew, Edward Allen, Matthew, and Stu - thanks for the support. Much appreciated.
2nd Anonymous: I suggest you visit those other places. The name on this blog is “Daveland,” not Anonymous Land. And as far as my views doing me no credit...that’s your opinion, which does you ZERO credit here.
Word, Dave.
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