In One Canoe

How many times have we heard this theme touted by leaders of all sorts? We’re a nation divided: politically, ethnically, economically, religiously, and more. We’re divided not only from one another but, too often, against one another. We’re at war with ourselves.

We saw our dividedness January 6th when the mob stormed the Capitol leaving the dead and injured in their wake. Less violently, some people refused to wear masks and others of us still don them every day. We have different approaches to the pandemic...read more on Medium

Of Barbed Wire and Butterflies

Somewhere between an election, the stumbling roll-out of vaccines, and the exhausting pain flowing from the previous Administration, I feel like an eternity of noise and isolation is finally giving way to hope. There’s a light shining, however dimly, at the end of the pandemic tunnel.

Instead of listening to politicians harangue the opposition, I’m doing some stitching. Rather than watching Senator Hawley’s latest excursion into QAnon myths, I’ve been reading — I mean, not just email but books, those things that have covers and pages and authors. I’ve even been able to sit down long enough to watch a whole movie, beginning to end….more on Medium.

Dr. Mike Answers 22 Common COVID Questions

Early this week Mary Fisher spoke about the COVID pandemic with Dr. Michael S. Saag, distinguished professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical School and an Infectious Disease researcher, clinician and commentator. Some of Mary’s questions rose from her own experience; others came from readers of this column. “Dr. Mike” offered some rare insights and perspective. (The interview was edited for length.)

Mary: Everybody seems nervous because we can’t get simple, clear answers to “what now?” questions. Frankly, we want this thing over. Now.

Dr. Mike: Understood. I do too. If everyone works together and follows common-sense advice, we may be closer to the end than many people think….more on Medium