COVID-19. The Big Lie.

I have seen a lot of people posting about how COVID-19 is a lie. That it is bullshit and there is nothing to worry about. You're entitled to your opinion, and for some, there is nothing to worry about. But for many, there is a lot to worry about. It is the same conspiracy theories and language that was used in the 80's and 90's when HIV/AIDS hit. I know, because I ran towards the virus at a time when many ran away. And on the sidelines, there were a lot of people saying it was a lie. Truth be told, over 32 million have died since HIV/AIDS first hit. And that's no lie.

It is easy to think that it's not a problem. And in fact, for the majority of us, it is not. But just because it doesn't affect you, doesn't mean it is not a problem. For many it is not real, because it has not touched them. But for for me, it has touched both my friends and family. And it certainly has decimated the community I work with.

I am not here to convince you that the world is going to end. But I do hope to open your eyes that the world is going to end for some. And when we extrapolate that out, those who have, and will lose a loved one, will be a lot more than a few.

I spent 20 years of my life holding people dying of AIDS. I heard every bullshit arguement out there about how it was man made, the government did this to us, or the medications will just make you sicker. My thought then, is the same thought I have now. When there is a fire, you don't stop and think who started it, why they started it and who it is going to affect. You just put the damn fire out. I didn't need to know if this was a punishment from God, or made in a lab. I didn't care how you contracted it, or what color your skin or sexual preference was. I just saw you hurting, and wanted to help.

Whatever your thoughts may be on this virus, try using a little compassion. It may not touch you, and I pray to God that it doesn't. But don't be part of the problem. People are dying. Families are losing loved ones. Is now really the best time to minimize someone's pain by saying it's a lie? Do you want to be the person who makes this political because you have been inconvenienced? How about we level up? Offer a word of comfort or at least offer some silence.

There will always be people who run to put the fire out. Not your calling? Not to worry. I'm not asking that you do anything at all, other than be respectful of the words you utter during a pandemic. Your world may not be ending. But for some, it already has.