More seriously, do what small things you can to help small businesses, especially sole proprietors that depend on walk-in traffic. I’ve been buying gift certificates and dropping $20 bills in the tip jars of the different restaurants I like in SE Boise (where I live), for example. The virus crisis will pass, and I’d like to have a semi-normal community to return to.

Feb.19: “I think it’s going to work out fine. – So let’s see what happens, but I think it’s going to work out fine.”

Feb.24: “The Coronavirus is very much under control in the USA. … Stock Market starting to look very good to me!”

…Buffoonery leadership.

Yes, let’s “do the next right thing”. Admit the mistake and hope for better in November.

The 1918 influenza pandemic was first identified in the US in spring 1918.

An estimated 500 million people or ONE_THIRD of the world’s population became infected with this virus. Deaths estimated at least 50 million worldwide with about 675,000 occurring in the United States.

That’s 675,000 people not being our “ancestors”. 500 million if you are an immigrant.

Please note- THAT virus did not go away in the summer.

Keep calm.
Do not be afraid.
Do the next right thing.

While we all can and must take steps to protect our health and economic well-being, giving in to panic and fear will only make things worse for ourselves and for those around us.

With so many changes happening day-by-day (and even hour-by-hour) planning ahead has become next to impossible. For now, all that we can do is the next right thing. Live a day at a time, and let tomorrow worry about itself.

Remember that our ancestors faced far worse pandemics and economic crisis than what we are going through. They survived (otherwise we would not be here), and we are carrying their DNA. Let us honor them by facing the current situation with courage and a steady resolve!

One of the largest US toilet paper producing plants is here in Idaho, the Clearwater Paper Corp. of Lewiston a subsidiary of Potlatch Corp. They make the Kirkland brand of toilet paper.

Most of the Charmin brand is made in Utah.

So, technically Idaho has more toilet paper than the price gougers.

Every cloud has a silver lining, as the saying goes. Growth will come to a complete halt, almost overnight. And that is something we can all look forward to.

A bit of a clarification: The church has closed the missionary training centers (several scattered around the globe) and is not sending out any NEW missionaries. Those who are currently serving will continue to do so, but in a much-different capacity than normal. (I would expect a focus on common-sense, low-risk community service.)

“Mormon” church congregations will not meet together for now. We have been encouraged to serve our friends and neighbors, but limiting our face-to-face exposure wherever possible. (Personally, I believe face-to-face is relatively benign, as long as neither face is coughing or otherwise spewing, and with a good hand-washing afterwards.)

Who’s to blame for this mess? Does it really matter right now? Let’s press on and try to minimize exposure… and if we’re exposed, don’t share! I’m tuning out the finger-pointers, and also the “science” as presented by people who are anti-vaccination raw water drinkers! (Remember “raw water”? – just drink water right out of the ditch! It’s good for you!)