Eye on Faith: March 2020

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Welcome to the Real World

Christmas 2017 (Photo by Mark Jones)

Kudos to Meghan and Harry for taking a giant leap of faith into the real world. A world where bills mount and jobs are uncertain.

They don’t quite know their next steps any more than most of us do. They, too, are now wondering how this will all shake out. They have exchanged security for freedom, a “deal” which has been debated for centuries.

Their celebrity can work for or against them, as both well know. To whom much is given, much is expected. Will such expectations exceed their abilities to cope? Their endurance? Their joy?

These are the questions we all face, to one degree or another. Harry and Meghan can therefore serve as an inspiration for those who dare to pursue their own fondest dreams.

Resources

https://apnews.com/a696802aab961c94c490d2e47a703355

Copyright March 31, 2020 by Linda Van Slyke All Rights Reserved

Where Waldo Is

Waldo & Friends (Fair Use)

We no longer have to wonder where Waldo is. We can now track his every move.

COVID-19 has provided governments with a legitimate-sounding reason for smartphone surveillance. Forbes reports that this is already underway in China (surprise!), Singapore, South Korea, Italy, Austria, Germany... and has also been approved within the United Kingdom.

Is the United States not far behind? Such surveillance can be done in somewhat of an anonymous fashion, but can also be used to determine whether particular citizens are adhering to quarantine guidelines. Which brings to mind the age-old conundrum: Should freedom be exchanged for safety? And if so, to what extent?

Resources

https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2020/03/27/covid-19-phone-location-tracking-its-moving-fast-this-is-whats-happening-now/#65b36d3611d3

Sunday, March 29, 2020

'New York' virus?

Agnus Dei: The Scapegoat (by James Tissot)

It seems that everyone and their brother-in-law is looking for a scapegoat. Or in this case, an “escape-goat.”

Just as COVID-19 once seemed synonymous with “Chinese virus,” it now seems in danger of becoming synonymous with “New York virus.” States like Rhode Island have gone so far as to target vehicles with New York license plates.

Whether or not this is constitutional is currently being debated. However, the issue goes far beyond that. When particular groups and places are singled out in broad-stroke ways, prejudice lurks in the shadows. This must be guarded against, especially during times that lend themselves to vicious scapegoating.

Resources

https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/03/new-yorkers-trying-to-leave-coronavirus-epicenter-finding-the-cold-shoulder-everywhere-they-turn.html