The Cavalier

On the first full day of North Carolina’s “Phase 2” reopening I went for a bike ride after lunch and saw that Joymongers was open. I remembered that the governor made an eleventh hour call to include brewery taprooms on Friday evening. On the way back, I rode up to the doorway and gave my favorite bartender a thumbs up sign as a sign of support. I had a fleeting thought to come down for a quick pint, but felt that might not be prudent. But to my surprise, I got a text later from neighbor Ray who said he and his wife were heading down. So, in a moment of derring-do, I came to a quick decision to join them. I think it was a good decision as it felt as safe as a walk in the park and I also saw Mark (a biochemistry professor) and his wife (a pediatrician) there as well. I posted my picture on Facebook and got no one clutching their pearls--aside from a little veiled skepticism from my cautious cousin. Even though I felt it was a good step for me simply to allay my normal anxiety about everything, I still worried that my circles would secretly be thinking I had joined the MAGA crowd. (More on the local cancel culture in a future commentary perhaps).

Yet as I debated their imaginary diatribes, I felt smart about getting my views solidified on the matter. In this politicized time we live, there is sanctimonious arrogance on both sides of the debate (basically the balance between health and economy). We can praise the “heroes” that staff the emergency rooms and grocery stores. But at some point if those of us who have the luxury to be able to isolate and protect ourselves aren’t willing to take some risks and start ending the boycott of the “non-essential” economy, will the heroes’ courage be all for naught?

Everyone can have their own opinion on the issue. But whether they like it or not, life at the end of the day boils down to risk management practiced by each individual. Hopefully their assessments will be made on facts they have found and others’ smart opinions instead of anonymous internet memes and other media or political humbug. The “either you’re with me or against me” mindset is not helping the individual’s plight.

More: The Cautious

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