I suppose as an example of the “shelter at home” existence, the other day I found myself watching Korean baseball on ESPN. More to the point, I only recently realized this Monday is Memorial Day, the unofficial first day of summer. (Of 2020, the unofficial year that wasn’t.) If last weekend was any indicator, get ready for the crowds. I know because this past Sunday I went for a long bike ride that turned out good news and bad news.
The sun was out, the air was fresh, the exercise felt great and the city had opened the bike path. As a result, I rode much further than I anticipated, all the way to the north end of the path. (Out of shape from so much time indoors, I momentarily contemplated calling Uber for a ride home.)
As for the “bad news,” after months of being cooped up, everyone in L.A. seemed to be at the beach. Worse, most were not wearing masks or practicing social distance. (And, the next day, our precious beach looked like a landfill.)
While I was rather exasperated, with the “mask-less masses” continuously blocking my path, wisely I didn’t say a word. But, as weird as it sounds, I was reminded of the 1948 movie, Treasure of Sierra Madre.
The scene in question was where Humphrey Bogart is confronted by a group of heavily-armed banditos who are after his gold but claim they are “Federales.” With his rifle pointed, Bogart shouts, “Show me your badges.” The jefe bandito shouts back defiantly, “We don’t need no stinkin’ badges!” Unfortunately, it seems there’s a growing group of Americans across the land and right here in our fair city whose attitude appears to be “We don’t need no stinkin’ masks.” (How’s that for an awkward segue?)
As if we needed more divisiveness in America, we’ve suddenly got the great mask debate. In the 2000 election we became a “red and blue country.” (Which I know sounds like the entire nation belonged to the Crips or the Bloods.) Now we’re “mask wearers” versus “screw your masks, it’s my life.” (Except if you spread the virus it’s not just your life!)
Little did I know as I was blithely riding my beach cruiser, a mask controversy was brewing on the beautiful grass between the Victorian restaurant and bar on Main Street and the Heritage Museum. It seems a sun worshiping and carefree crowd were picnicking and schmoozing sans masks and social distancing.
It was as if the Covid-19 pandemic, which has infected 5 million world-wide and taken 323,000 lives, was a thing of the past. If only. As I write this, the WHO reports today saw the greatest number of infections in the history of the pandemic and California reported it was our 2nd worst day. (#Sad.)
I found out about the Victorians from a post on NextDoor.com. Personally, these folks ignoring pandemic guidelines and possibly helping spread Covid-19, really tick me off. So much so I made the mistake of posting my emotional reaction.
Almost immediately I found myself the subject of some mud-slinging and name calling that I’m still trying to ignore. (For example, I don’t dare publish a link to this column or fear a pitchfork and torch crowd at my door.)
While this is a generalization, it seems the mask-less are Trump supporters and the others just don’t watch to “catch the Covid.” I suppose I shouldn’t be so surprised. After all, Trump routinely doesn’t practice his own administration guidelines.
Who can forget that infamous day two weeks ago when he toured a mask producing company in Arizona. Even though there were signs posted on every wall to wear a mask, and everyone else was, he wasn’t. He says he doesn’t look good in a mask. (I hate to break it to you, Donnie, it isn’t the mask.)
Reportedly, Trump doesn’t consider wearing a mask is “manly.” Ironically, I think the real reason is because a mask might smudge his bronzer make-up. Between make-up and hairspray applications, reportedly it takes him 2 hours to look “presentable” though I might use another word. (Meanwhile he says he’s taking hydroxychloroquine which makes me wonder if he washes it down with a little bleach.)
From my viewpoint, on a positive note “my sources” tell me today there was a zoom meeting between the police and others. Suffice it to say, the mask-less and no social distancing picnics city-wide may be over.
So here’s wishing you a wonderful and guideline-safe Memorial Day honoring fallen soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice. (Forgive me, but as opposed to the self-centered who won’t even wear a mask.)
Because of the crowds, I won’t be going for a bike ride. That said, I’ll try to do something more exciting than watching Korean baseball.
Jack is at: facebook.com/jackneworth, twitter.com/jackneworth and jackdailypress@aol.com
