Commentary: Unleashing March's Lion

I would like to not talk politics on here. Nor do I want to talk about war. Or, crime. Or, anything that causes anxiety on both a personal and collective level. 

We’re two years into the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have not paid attention, the world has changed around you. 

Food prices have gone up. Fuel prices are jumping up. Real estate and automobile values continue to climb. 

Airlines are ramping up to return service on international routes, some of them are pulling out of certain markets because of a “military operation” a world away. 

There have been plenty of resulting actions taken because of that “military operation.” Cancellation of a Formula 1 race, removal of sponsors, changes in trade agreements and economic sanctions are among the actions that took place just recently. 

In turn, a refugee crisis is about to take place in Europe. Is the continent and the world prepared for this one?

Still, there is a global pandemic to manage. We’re not even at an endemic stage, yet. 

While we’re experiencing a decrease in cases of the latest variant of the virus, who is to say that another strain is on the horizon. I certainly hope not. 

Just recently, the mask mandate was lifted in the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. You still have to wear a mask inside city-managed buildings until further notice, however. There are a few stores, office buildings, and such where masking up will be required.

Yes, some directives may not to be your liking. You may be one of those who is angry that your work has been affected by supply chain issues worldwide. You’re not the only one who is angry and upset. 

One wonders who angry and upset a society should be when some of your fellow citizens are about to devalued for who they are through legislation. This has been an ongoing theme in this country. To remain in power, one must lessen a group seen as a threat. That, in itself, is a global pandemic that has never been given a vaccine for. 

Don’t ask me who to blame for all of the above! If any of it affects you, find solutions to make your lives better. It is your responsibility to do so. 

We all have to make difficult decisions. I have to, as well. It is part of my new job. In order to make things better, you have to pause, breathe, and make that decision.

Some decisions will not be easy. It is how you execute them after you decide on a course of action.

I am always the optimist. I truly believe we will be stabilized as a planet again.

March's lion will become a lamb soon. Let's hope for sooner than later.

All photos by Randy Stern