The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly…this week in Rhode Island 2/28/2020

THE GOOD

Ash Wednesday, Lent, Spring

We’re all in need of some spirituality. Unfortunately, Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season came in with a hush as the country’s attention turned to a virus. Let’s remember this holy time and the solace it can bring. And spring can’t be far behind.

Friends of the RI Veterans Home

We give a shout out for the men and women who have raised their voice about problems at the RI Veterans Home. Yes, it’s a palace, of sorts, according to one radio talk show host, and we should be so proud. But! When doors are too narrow, whirlpools spew forth rusty water, parking is anything but close by and convenient, and food is inadequate, who charged in to demand change? The veterans, themselves! They took to Facebook to come together – they called talk radio stations – and now there is a report that puts a path forward calling for adequate funding for this “palace” that was built. With a waiting list as large as the number of people in the home, it was also built without addressing the true need for service. But – we put this on The Good column, because the veterans are “on it” – and this week we will start a new Veterans Column to help raise their voices.

THE BAD

Supply Chain

How can our country be so ill-prepared with surgical masks, supplies, and medication? Back in the Nixon administration, we empowered China to take over making “everything” – and they eagerly did it – now we will have shortages that begin with out-of-stock surgical masks (just look at the boxes to see their ‘Made in China’ labels), and go to just about every product we touch and need. Particularly troublesome? Generic medications, especially antibiotics. Let this be the wake-up call we need to take back our manufacturing and never be so beholden on any one nation that could have a spigot shut off suddenly for different reasons.

Closure of Memorial Hospital Report

An official study report confirmed what we knew before the steps were taken to close Memorial Hospital. The closure has had dramatic impact on our state’s healthcare system. It’s caused dramatic changes in Miriam Hospital’s Emergency Room, and stressed other hospitals. But, more than anything, it’s driven healthcare away from a needy population – one of the neediest in Rhode Island. They just stopped getting care. And that price is a high way that will come due – one day.

Chris Young has died

No one more passionate about a cause. Sure, he could go over the edge, but probably no one reading this has ever devoted so much energy and time to a cause they believed in. While his adversaries praised him and even politicos who vehemently disagreed with Chris spoke glowingly about their respect for the man, the father, the husband, one media outlet used words less than 24 hours of his death that were hurtful, unnecessary, and worthy of a call-out. There is a GoFundMe set up for the family ( https://bit.ly/2VuIXdZ ). Rest in peace, Chris Young. Our thoughts are with you, Kara and little Mary Grace.

THE UGLY

Coronavirus

Fear and panic are not necessary. And those who are using this for political squabble or gain are particularly ugly. National crises used to bring us together, not tear us apart. Remember 9-11 and how we all put out our flags – our differences drawn together by a singular act of solidarity. Where has the American spirit gone? It’s time we find it again – coronavirus might be the wake-up call – or it might be a disaster far beyond a health threat.