Street Smart

Over the years, I’ve read the phrase “May you live in interesting times,” in fortune cookies and heard the same statement used as a toast. Legend says that the saying originated in China, and, although perceived as a blessing, is actually intended to be a curse. I have no idea which is true, but I don’t think there’s anyone reading this who wouldn’t agree that we definitely live in interesting times. Based on the way 2020 has gone so far, I’m pretty much leaning toward the ‘curse’ definition.

As I write this, we’re waiting on the results of the 2020 Presidential Election and it’s much too early to make any sort of prediction. Based on the way the 2016 election went, and the way 2020 has gone so far, I can comfortably state that absolutely nothing will surprise me! I hope we have a definitive answer soon and can move forward constructively, with what’s best for the nation as a common goal. That’s as far as I’m going in this column in terms of a political discussion. At this point, let the chips fall where they may. My personal prayer is that we come together after all of this and put the division behind us.

I’d like to focus instead on something more upbeat. This past Halloween I learned a pretty big lesson. This whole COVID-19 thing has really impacted everyday life for all of us. For some reason though, that all really hit home for me when I was told the kids might not be able to trick or treat this year because of the pandemic. That struck me as just wrong on every level. Because of all of the COVID-19 related restrictions, traditional door to door trick or treating was in jeopardy.

I’m a proud member of our local Elks lodge and was beyond impressed at the way our membership stepped to the plate to make things happen for the kids. The Elks sponsored an event called the Trunk or Treat, which took place in the lodge parking lot. Trunk or Treat is exactly what the term describes; instead of walking door to door and scaring a home’s occupants, the kids were able to walk from vehicle to vehicle and terrorize Elk members! The turnout was awesome and I expect this event to grow and continue long after the pandemic is behind us. Dozens of Elk members were on hand to pass out candy and estimates range between 150/200 little demons running around with a sugar high. I felt a little bad for the parents (okay, as a grandparent…not really) but it was so wonderful to see the kids being able participate in a somewhat normal way. I’d like to express my gratitude to all of the Elks who so unselfishly donated the treats and took the time to participate.

When we drove home from the Trunk or Treat at the Elks lodge, I saw dozens more kids and parents up and down Main Street participating in the Halloween festivities. A shout out is also in order for all of the businesses who put the children first and made it all work for the kids. Our community really is special!

This pandemic has been difficult for all of us and the stress shows sometimes. To many of us (me included), many of the rules we have to abide by seem down-right stupid. I get it and can’t disagree. That said…I’d ask everyone to consider this; Most of the people tasked with enforcing the rules don’t want to be in that position. I know this from personal experience. A buddy of mine is in a position where he has to remind everyone to wear a mask when they enter the facility where he works. When that person(s) is seated, the mask can be removed. Stupid rule right? I get it. However, that’s the rule my friend has been told to enforce. He doesn’t want to, but his boss told him he has to. His boss, in turn, has been told that the rule has to be enforced to protect business licensing.

I’d ask everyone to remember that the people asked to enforce these rules are just doing what they’ve been told. My personal spin? I disagree with these rules. In fact, I think most of the rules are just plain stupid. That said, many of the people locally who have been asked to enforce these "stupid rules" are my friends. Keep in mind too that many people are more comfortable when the rules are being followed. As I see it, wearing a mask to make life easier for some and support a friend, is more important to me than being selfish and making some sort a political statement.

I think we’ll eventually put this all behind us. It’s going to take time and there will be many “speed bumps” along the way. However, I truly believe that figuring out how to work around the obstacles (a small example would be the way Elks did with Trunk or Treat) and pursuing our many common goals will expedite the process. My hope is that we can all do this.

Blaine Blackstone is a retired Los Angeles Police Sergeant who enjoys the simpler life in Thompson Falls. He can be reached by email at [email protected].