Yesterday,. the CDC made a major announcement about how all people who were fully vaccinated for COVID-19 no longer had to wear a mask or social distance whether outdoor or indoors (with a few minor exceptions). There was more to it, but that was the big news. The really big news. Later, President Joe Biden had small press conference and addressed it all, as well.
Three things impressed me about Biden's speech, and none were the momentous news. The first was that President Biden did not make the initial announcement. He didn't hog the limelight to get all the attention and make it seem like it was his news. Instead, since it was a CDC directive, he let the CDC itself actually make the announcement. What a concept. The second was that in his speech, Joe Biden did not make it about him. About all he had done. About how the news was all about him and that he soaked up all the praise due him. He didn't ask thanks for himself and his great leaders. In fact, what he praised first was the incredible hard work of "the scientists and researchers; the drug companies; the National Guard; the U.S. military; FEMA; the nation’s governors, doctors, nurses, pharmacists," who he said moved Heaven and Earth to get get the country to this point. Again, thanking others first and science -- what a concept. But after that, he did what most impressed me. He went ever farther, and said -- "I need to single out one more group to praise: the American people. The American people. For more than a year, you’ve endured so much and so many lost jobs, so many businesses lost, so many lives upended, and so many months that our kids couldn’t be in school. You couldn’t see your friends or family. All the moments that mattered so much — from birthdays to weddings to graduations — all postponed. And most tragically of all: the lost lives." And then added: "You’ve endured all this. When your country asked you to get vaccinated, you did. The American people stepped up. You did what I consider to be your patriotic duty. That’s how we’ve gotten to this day. Imagine that. He thanked the American people -- whatever their politics, and just for getting the vaccination. Making clear that it was that action, their sacrifice, the loss of human lives, their "patriotic duty" that helped accomplish this moment and ultimately brought all this science to fruition. Putting it all together with an understanding of what people actually endured. And the third thing in his speech that impressed me He said -- "You know, some may say, 'I just feel more comfortable continuing to wear a mask.' They may feel that way. So if you’re someone with a mask — you see them, please treat them with kindness and respect. We’ve had too much conflict, too much bitterness, too much anger, too much polarization of this issue about wearing masks. Let’s put it to rest. Let’s remember, we’re all Americans. Let’s remember that we are all in this together." Imagine that. Talking about kindness. And respect. To treat people well, just for making a personal choice that makes them feel comfortable and safe. Because we're all in this together. Yes, the medical news from the CDC was wonderful. There is still a very long way to go, most especially throughout the world, but this was a significant day. But having a leader of the country was was willing to make it about the American people and kindness and not about himself was arguably as significant for building on the moment and completing the task. Not just this one, but those to come.
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AuthorRobert J. Elisberg is a political commentator, screenwriter, novelist, tech writer and also some other things that I just tend to keep forgetting. Feedspot Badge of Honor
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