Let’s be civil, and avoid the rush to try to return our state to ‘normal’

I humbly offer some thoughts on COVID-19, our governor and where a lot of New Mexicans are with respect to wanting to “open up” our state.

First, I completely understand everyone’s frustration with the lockdown and impatience with the hardships of the restrictions. This is not easy for any of us — some, of course, much more so than others.

Second, I’m sorry to see so many online and inthe-media New Mexicans express mean-spirited, even hateful comments toward Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. These are unprecedented times. None of us has ever faced anything even vaguely like this community, state, and global crisis in our lifetimes. Our governor is a bright, hard-working, conscientious person who’s doing the best she can to do what’s best for New Mexicans. She’s not an “idiot.” She’s not trying to “punish us.” She’s not a socialist trying to forever micro-control our everyday lives.

Has she done or not done some things that should have or should be done differently — especially with the benefit of hindsight? Not so much to me, but I appreciate that others legitimately might answer “yes.” But please, even if you strongly disagree with what she’s doing, try to show some compassion and empathy for the position she’s in as the leader of our state. She literally has the lives, safety and well-being of 2.1 million men, women and children in her hands. Think about it. What an overwhelming responsibility.

It’s easy to criticize and be an arm-chair quarterback from the comfort of our living rooms. Forcefully comment on what you think she should be doing, but consider doing so with respect for her and yourself and a minimum degree of human decency. And if there’s things she has done you support and are grateful for — like jumping on the problem quickly two months ago and preventing an initial huge outbreak, in my opinion — then praise her and show some gratitude for that as well, regardless of whether you’re a “D” or an “R.”

Third, regarding many people wanting to “open up” the state now, and understandably wanting life to return to some degree of normalcy, what, specifically do you mean by that? Hopefully, everyone recognizes that it is ill-advised to open everything right away like it’s an on/off light switch, but that we must do so in stages and see how it goes. Allowing a 5,000-person rock concert next week would be ridiculous. So what aspects of “open up” are the most important to you? What specific restrictions, to ourselves, on businesses, do you think can and should be relaxed or removed? If being closely around other people was just a risk to ourselves and not others, then it should be an individual decision. But that’s not the case. Not with this virus. Yes, some retired people like me have the luxury of choosing to stay home and avoid the risk of being closely around others. Many people, like working-class people in our health care system and retail employees, don’t have that option. They desperately need that paycheck. They have to put themselves at risk, whether they want to or not. Is everyone willing to wear a face mask inside stores to, if not protect themselves, protect the employees and other customers? I hope so, but I’ve seen a lot of violent opposition to simply wearing a mask for the 20 to 30 minutes people are inside stores. States like Georgia and Texas are ahead of us on opening up. What’s the big deal to wait a couple more weeks to see if their experiences went OK or whether it was a disaster?

Be well. Be safe. Blessings to you and your loved ones.