Let’s Channel Theodore Roosevelt!
Day 40 (?) of Blogging through the Corona Virus April 28, 2020
Let’s invoke the intelligence of our former Republican president, Theodore Roosevelt. He called for a “living wage high enough to provide for education and recreation, to care for immature members of the family, to maintain the family during periods of sickness, and to permit of reasonable saving for old age.”
During this pandemic, our inequalities and injustices have become magnified. We call our health care workers “heroes and essential workers”- these same workers are not offered a single day of paid sick leave. These front-line workers often lack their own health coverage.
Reflecting on the principle that all labor has dignity- a powerful op-ed by Gene B. Sperling (April 26, New York Times)he states a compelling platform for our future. Economic Dignity for All. Give it a read, Mr. Biden. Give it a read, Americans. There are so many jobs that could be created: tutors, job coaches, disability counselors, sustainable small scale farmers, unlimited possibilities- especially if they were supported by living wages, workers rights, health coverage and dignified conditions.
This could be our defining, beautiful age. We have already changed, adapted, and shifted many of our paradigms, our privilege, etc. We are ready, to get our hands dirty. We are ready to reach out and think of new ways to look out for our neighbors and community, workers all.
Thanks for letting me express my optimistic vision. Maybe we will recognize each other walking on the street, with our creative face coverings…..But I won’t take myself that seriously…especially given the fact that this is the fortune I got in my fortune cookie today:
“An Optimist is always able to see the bright side of other people’s troubles.”
Love to you, and you, and you.
