2020 - half time

In January Australia was burning and the House was impeaching Donald Trump.   It's an election year and the rhetoric, propaganda, posturing, spin and shenanigans are ramping up.  Billions are set aside to try to persuade voters or disenfranchise voters and twist the electoral process.  The economy is riding higher and higher on a basis of debt and promises.   It is now not possible to live normally in America without buying a product somehow produced or touched by China.  Immigration (from S.America in particular) has become a very ugly and inhumane issue,  equal rights are on the block, environmental and educational programs dismantled and the justice system in jeopardy.   Change that we've been working for in my lifetime is questioned. ...   ....   ... 

Then along come a virus to make it all VERY INTERESTING!

A new coronavirus infecting the world causing an amazing plethora of symptoms and levels of sickness and death (Covid-19).  It's not just the flu.   To try to protect as many people as possible while scientists try to come up with a solution and doctors and hospitals try to cure and care for the ill, the world shuts down.  People are sent home, to self isolate, wear masks, social distance.  No bars, gatherings, concerts, busy offices, shopping malls, movie theaters, etc.   Only 'essential workers' please.

It's interesting who is considered essential...    Doctors, nurses, firemen, police, politicians, laborers, trash collectors, sales clerks, meat packers, etc. 

Trillions of dollars are made to be given to US to help everyone survive the shut down.  Despite promises of transparency, and help for the those affected the greatest, a large portion of the money was given to billionaires and friends of politicians. 

So here we sit.   Midway through  a most INTERESTING year...   waiting for the four horsemen to continue their romp through the world.