It’s safe to say we’ve been living in a totally different world these past weeks, and been forced to change many “normal” things we used to do, many of those things we took for granted. We’re now doing things, following new restrictions, and making sacrifices, to help stop the spread of COVID-19, and do whatever else we can for the good of all in this situation. Suffice it to say, the normal we’ve been used to, will no longer exist when this is over. It’s believed we’ll establish new normals when this ends, but will all the “normals” change, or will some things that should change still be epidemic to our lives as we move on?

I’m speaking of the Red-Blue Flu, better known as the long political parties (both parties) battle going on, even in the midst of this crisis. Example: It’s unbelievable each party tried to come up with plans to help those struggling financially during this pandemic, throwing in things that had nothing to do with COVID-19. Each developed a plan, with their own party agenda. Then the “flu” battle continued as each side rejected the other’s plan, each party mud slung the other party, until they at least met long enough to come up with something with which both sides could agree. Their “agreed” stimulus per person was about the amount of what those arguing were making from their salary for about a day or two, and personal party agendas items were still included in the package.

Amidst trying to fight the Coronavirus and help those affected by it, some politicians were taking credit for this/that, pulling muscles patting themselves on the back. Some leaders in higher offices were telling some in offices not as high, that if they wanted help/supplies, they had to ask nicely, or be complimentary to ones in higher offices. Then, in press conferences, politicians from one party tried to sound like all leaders were on the same page by giving credit to some from the other party with emotionless “atta boys/girls,” which might as well have come out as, “way to go skunk face.” It’s happening from both parties, and these examples don’t even begin to tell the whole story.

Many people, not all, during this pandemic, have stayed home as much as possible, they’ve made masks and donated whatever, be it money, or supplies, to help in any way possible. Many people are losing salary due to having shut down businesses, or not working because their workplace was shut down. Most have spent numerous hours, even days, trying to reach state Unemployment Insurance agents trying to get something to help them get through this as best they can. Yes, some institutions/business are offering extra time to pay on monies borrowed or owed, but monies will need to be paid back sometime. All loans will not be completely forgiven.

Some professional athletes, team owners, entertainers, have donated money, supplies, and talents to help people get through this time of stress and uncertainty. I haven’t heard of many spreading the Red-Blue Flu losing their salaries, or reaching into their overstuffed pockets to donate to the cause. Maybe, they (BOTH SIDES) think they’ve done their share in the creation of the economic relief package. After all, who can’t live on $17.14 a day? (Question, will stimulus money be income taxed? Asking for a friend.)

Right now, the only thing that should be on the minds of the Red-Blue Flu infectors is both parties giving a hundred percent focus and effort toward doing everything possible, financially and medically, as can be done for all people. Political agendas, elections, ego-feeding praise, assigning blame, or playing “Can you top this,” all aspects of the Red-Blue Flu, need to be flushed along with today’s high priced T-Paper. The Red-Blue Flu seems to have also spread to SCOTUS, evidenced by party partisan decisions made lately. Seems all government branches have now been infected with this “Flu.”

We’ve all been affected by the Coronavirus. We shouldn’t have to fall victim to the Red-Blue Flu as well.

Possible cure? Abolish political parties, and the Electoral College, have separate President and Vice President elections, and expect, no DEMAND, government officials to check egos at the door and live by what’s said into microphones so often, that “We’re all in this together.” It’s time they acted those words instead of just saying them.