Part I.
The other day I went into my local Ace Hardware store. I could have gone to Mernard's, but I like smaller stores when possible. Not that I don't like Mernard's. I do. In fact, I would not have gone to Home Depot, or Target, for example.
But that is a different bit for later.
On the glass door upon entering the store there was a bright orange sign which clearly implied that masks were required to enter the store, "per governor orders." I acknowledged the sign and entered the store...maskless.
The store was quiet as usual and I was promptly greeted upon entering by two masked employees. I had no desire for conflict but I was preparing to be confronted about not wearing a mask. They were both by the same corner at the front of the store, a good distance from me.
"Hi there. What are you looking for?" said one of the employees. I responded and she told me what aisle to look in.
I wasn't confronted, thank God. But I was prepared. I was prepared to be understanding and kind. I was also prepared to stand up for what I believe is super important right now - STANDING UP!
By complying there is no conversation. No conflict. And that trend will only compound in time, quickly. Think about it. We went from normal to three masks, two shots, and one vax card really fast!
By refusing, you force a situation. You force the players, the pawns in this instance, to make their own choice. You put the burden on them now. A burden that their employer created, not you. And they know this.
Now the choice is on them what to do. Do they confront you about a mask and risk a rash response, or look the other way like you did and focus on the task at hand.
In this instance they chose to comply. That is, they chose to comply with the situation that you created for them. Your choice, your confidence, your “standing up” for what you believe in gives you freedom.
All this must, however, be taken into context. This approach might not work as well at Target or Home Depot where they may have security who might choose to intervene with you, or even scarier, more employees.
Now, onto that “different bit” from before.
The "Different Bit"
Standing up is not about refusing to wear masks or get the covid vaccine. It’s not about rebelling, let alone against authority. It’s about figuratively finding ways to keep the power with the people. And it begins with small day-to-day choices you make, such as shopping.
All these stores would have what I needed and all were within the relative same proximity. Price was not a concern because all I needed were some cleaning supplies, and price differences would be nominal. Each would also have their own unique levels of COVID-19 restrictions and enforcement.
This is where stores have a choice. Each individual store operator has choices to make about which restrictions and requirements they will enforce, and how. They can choose what is displayed on store fronts, how to respond to customers, how to respond to corporate and local authorities, and so on. Employees have choices too.
Customers will return to stores where they have the best experience. These stores will thrive and the others will effectively be forced to step more in line with what customers want by, are you ready, standing up to the authoritarianism threatening this nation right now.
But we must do this NOW, while we have time. All of us. Every single one of us who cares about and wants to preserve the extraordinary human experience known as the United States of America and its Constitution must be committed to standing up whenever possible. Not in war, but bravery, and not in daring.
He who is brave in daring will be killed;
He who is brave in not daring will survive.
Of these two kinds of bravery, one is beneficial, while the other proves harmful.
Some things are detested by Heaven,
But who knows the reason?
Even the Sage is baffled by such a question.
The above excerpt is Chapter 73 from the Tao Teh Ching (as translated by John C.H. Wu), ancient Chinese literature from about 500 B.C., the complete text of which can be found on my website www.taotehching.org.
Whenever I can, I try to include references to the Tao Teh Ching in my writings because like the Holy Bible there is wisdom and insight that is applicable to everyday human life in these texts. And I believe that in this case, this passage applies.
I share this here to form a bridge. A bridge into a world steeped in humor, humility, and mystical virtue. A bridge to a place where others are committed to standing up for our God-given freedom and liberties which, allow me to remind you, are protected by the United States Constitution. Think about that. You actually have something to fight for.
This is why you should care what I have to say.
In my follow-up piece I will share the conversation I had with a customer outside the hardware store in the parking lot on his phone. He was upset because his friend’s wife had agreed to get the COVID-19 vaccine, and in less than 24 hours, she had a stroke.
A Few Related Items Worth Knowing About…
In the meantime, here are a few things probably worth your time knowing about and related to our cause with the newsletter. Enjoy and thanks for subscribing.
Here’s a video from a tourist who visited the World Trade Center on September 10, 2001, the day before 9/11.
Ken Burns, the historian who did the Civil War miniseries, says the current culture in America is “equal” to World War II, the Depression, and the Civil War. “We’re looking right down the muzzle of that gun,” Burns said. (Mediate)
More than a dozen governors and two attorneys general late on Sept. 9 issued statements defying the Biden administration’s impending vaccine mandates for federal workers and private-sector workers.
A new study says the Moderna COVID vaccine is significantly more effective long-term (92% effective after 120 days) than Pfizer’s vaccine (77% effective after 120 days). It’s potentially a big deal, since more than half of vaccinated Americans got the Pfizer shot. (Yahoo News)
Wisconsin Introduces Bill to Curb Social Media Censorship and Deplatforming (NOQ Report)
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