Celebrate the best in our nature, and ignore the worst

Crises bring out the worst in people. They also bring out the best.

The past few weeks have provided many examples from both ends of the spectrum here in B.C. On the sorry end, we have people like the selfconfessed and self-celebratory hustler-couple who bought up stocks of Lysol wipes and cleaning liquid from Vancouver-area Costco stores in early March, then turned around and sold them online for more than four times the amount.

There’s the thief who stole the catalytic converters from three Lower Mainland ambulances, the other thief who broke into the trunk of a Vancouver paramedic’s vehicle and made off with a bag containing uniforms, boots, masks, a stethoscope and other necessary work equipment, and all those other thieves breaking into and vandalizing closed shops and restaurants here and on the mainland.

The pandemic has seen its share of hucksters peddling coronavirus “cures.” Preying on people’s fear and hope, snake-oil salesmen are hocking everything from vitamins, minerals, teas and essential oils to spinal manipulations and ozone-and-UV blood treatments.

Both the College of Chiropractors of B.C. and the College of Naturopathic Physicians of B.C. are investigating members for falsely advertising supplements or treatments to build immunity to COVID-19.

Some of the snake-oil claims are truly bizarre. Let’s be clear, inhaling hot air from a hair dryer might burn your mouth, but won’t cure COVID-19. Drinking water every 15 minutes will keep you hydrated, but won’t keep you safe from coronavirus. And, no, your stomach acid won’t kill the virus in your lungs if you drink enough water.

The crisis spells “opportunity” for hackers who are sending emails baited with coronavirus information and apps that infect computers with malware. A few months ago, we were getting daily phone calls purportedly from Canada Revenue Agency or the RCMP threatening arrests and jail time if we didn’t provide untold amounts in gift cards, bitcoin deposits or our banking information.

Now we’re getting calls seemingly from the Public Health Agency demanding credit card information for COVID-19 prescriptions or from cons spoofing as legitimate charities and asking for money for COVID-19 victims or research. It’s the same ol’ confidence trick dressed up in new, coronavirus clothes.

Fraudsters, cons, hucksters, snake-oil salesmen, narcissists and sociopaths will always be ready to turn a situation to their advantage. They thrive most when the world turns tops-turvy.

But the past few weeks have demonstrated the goodness in people, too.

At the top of the list are the health-care workers who, despite the risks to themselves and their families, show up for work day after day to look after those most stricken by this new disease.

Don’t forget the staff at south Island seniors-care homes who are arranging schedules and working to keep their residents safe from the virus. University faculty and staff across B.C. and Canada have turned their labs and workshops into small-scale factories for muchneeded medical equipment.

A cyber defence team made up of volunteer IT professionals from across Canada is working to protect hospitals, health-care providers, municipalities and critical infrastructure from online attacks.

Truckers are moving goods to ensure we can still eat. Bus drivers are still moving people to the jobs at hospitals, grocery stores and other vital services. Mechanics are still keeping those trucks and buses running.

And we can look closer to home — right around us, in fact. Many people in our community are picking up groceries and supplies for vulnerable or self-isolating neighbours, some who might be acquaintances only. Many regular folk with time on their hands are volunteering childcare, pet care, yard care, and other routine day-to-day support to essential workers. And many of those who may not have much time but are still employed are sharing some of their earnings with those in the community who are less fortunate.

The tremendous success of the Rapid Relief Fund proves this generosity.

It is times like these that bring people together in community to help out when and where they can and to share what they have with those in need.

We need to be vigilant for the dark side of human nature. However, in times like these, we have opportunity to celebrate and be grateful for the very best in human nature, too.