#TeacherQuarantine Day 9: Get Your House in Order

The first thing I did when I realized the extent of the Pandemic that was before us was to make certain my family was secure for the days ahead. We got a few more groceries than we normally do since the kids would be home. I took a close look at our finances. I checked the toilet paper supply.

More and more, I see many folks calling for a complete shutdown of the country. “Close all the businesses!” they exclaim. And while I agree with that in theory, because my sincere desire is for as few people to die as possible, I think it’s also important to note that we also have a country to run; even after the worst of this passes.

When you’re in charge of leading a country, I suppose you do the same thing I did. I mean, someone’s gotta look at the supplies & finances. And, while many Americans are thankful at the idea about getting a check from the government (eventually) a solid leader is going to look at the whole picture. It’s not cruelty to look forward and attempt to keep the workers of America working. A complete shutdown must be a last resort.

The Great Depression was real. I encourage you to listen to the stories of those who experienced it. We must gather the elders for perspective. It was devastating, and if we shut down entirely until this thing passes it’s very possible we may not recover anytime soon. Most of us have experienced a recession…but a Depression? The economic effects of all this make us very vulnerable as a nation and individuals for years to come.

Folks need solid ground and, fact is, stable finances help us to do that. It’s just facts. While I don’t agree with many of Trump’s antics, I do believe he understands money. I’m thankful that he has, so far, allowed the states to make decisions specific to where they are in this crisis. I believe things will get worse before they get better. And, I believe families will be stronger on the other side of this pandemic if we work on the things we’ve been neglecting at home.