Commentary on Memories

Let me begin with lyrics from the song, “Memories” by Maroon 5:

“There’s a time that I remember,
When I did not know no pain
When I believed in forever,
And everything would stay the same.
Now my heart feels like December
When somebody says your name
‘Cause I can’t reach out to call you,
But I know I will one day.”

I’m reminded of contemplating the past for several reasons. Everything changed in March with the pandemic shutdown, and nothing has “stayed the same.” Movie theaters that are open show largely lousy films. Travel and indoor dining are relics of the past.

Most courts remain closed and it’s all about impossible to personally meet with Assistant U.S. Attorneys or State Prosecutors. You feel that the new mantra imposed on defense attorneys is “email me, brother, or leave me alone.”

And then you have the regrettable actions of President Trump. I’m writing this on October 5, and he remains hospitalized after contracting COVID-19. While we all hope for his recovery, the political chicken he has ridiculed has come home to roost.

As this virus continues to spread, resulting in over 200,000 American deaths, he has led a small army of supporters to resist wearing masks. The result is that he, his wife, advisor Hope Hicks, Kellyanne Conway and three Republican Senators have tested positive and this comes days after ridiculing Joe Biden for wearing the dreaded mask in the so-called debate.

While it’s bad enough that he continues to break with precedent and hide his tax returns, he also wants to hide a policy that continues to expose millions of fellow Americans to the virus. His campaign slogan should be:

“Reject wearing masks and vote for Donald Trump — if you live!”

In the memory of my hero, the legendary Cardinal pitcher, Bob Gibson, who just died, let’s also try to settle racial issues in the same manner that we support NFL and NBA teams filled largely with African American players. Will the virus bring our President to his senses so he can condemn white supremacist organizations like Proud Boys?

It’s time that we join Maroon 5 and remember what it means to be an American. In the words of Woody Guthrie that I have referred to before,

“This land is your land,
And this land is my land
From the California,
To the New York Island
From the Redwood Forest,
To the Gulf Stream waters
This land was made for you and me.”

Let’s challenge both Trump and Biden to lead our country to a World Series title. We’re on the same team, so let’s act like it.