What are you going to do when the lockdown is over? I know that nothing will ever be back to the normal that we had before but at least it will be different from the normal that we've been dealing with since March. We have gotten used to working remotely, we've gotten used to zoom meetings and we've gotten used to exclusive takeout when ordering from restaurants. We have gotten used to a whole host of things during this pandemic and some of the things we're now doing are things that we will continue to use after we return to the office and a "normal" workday. I'm fully prepared to continue the practice of having people participate in meetings remotely. I think it is a time saver and a quorum maker when it comes to high level business meetings.

I'm hopeful that these procedures will continue to be a part of our day-to-day at work. Amidst these positive things that have occurred during the lockdown there are some things that I will definitely not get used to.

I don't think that I will ever get used to the polarization of America. Since the beginning of the lockdown I have seen a marked increase in the divisive nature of our society. I'm sure, as you read this, some of you are agreeing with me! Some of you are thinking, "I agree Steve! Those crazy (insert political party here.) The political rhetoric has been stepped up during this time of COVID and many people are taking this opportunity to be absolutely vile to their fellow man.

Unfortunately, it's not just Democrats or Republicans who are acting divisively. The racial divide has gotten bigger during the past 4 months, since the murder of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia.

Please understand where I'm coming from on this. In my position at the Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce we have adopted a position of "no position" when it comes to political hot button issues.

The problem that I have is peoples' reticence, nay, downright stubbornness to the concept of public health and safety. I understand that you don't like wearing masks. I understand that you have a deep command about the science behind the effectiveness of masks in relation to the coronavirus. But I have to say that IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT YOU!

I learned tonight that somebody whom I've known for many years has been admitted to the hospital with complications of COVID 19. This person was doing everything correctly and following the guidelines for protecting oneself against this dangerous virus and this person still got the virus and is now fighting for her life. My friend wore a mask for you but you didn't wear one for her, and now she is fighting for her life.

Ok, I get it, the mortality rate of COVID 19 is less than .00025 percent, or some insanely low number. I don't know that exact number of the mortality rate because it is irrelevant! If YOU contract the virus then it's 100% likely that you will contract the virus. And when YOU have the virus it doesn't matter how few people in the world have it. It only matters that YOU are now fighting for your life because of some bonehead who was inconvenienced by wearing a mask.

If you think wearing a mask is inconvenient then boo-hoo, it's awful to be you. Put on your big boy pants and stop being selfish. Wear a mask, let's eradicate this virus and let everybody get back to business again. Let's put COVID 19 in our rearview mirror and get our economy back on track. The sooner the better too! As soon as we have a complete, healthy, society then we begin to rebuild our businesses. When that day comes, and everybody gets back to doing what they do best, then it will be all about you again!