Summary

The text reflects on the concept of consequence in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of personal choices and their impact on public health.

Abstract

The author, P.G. Barnett, shares a personal reflection prompted by a writing challenge from Timothy Key on the theme of "consequence." Barnett delves into the significance of personal decisions during the COVID-19 crisis, noting the stark contrast between those who adhere to safety guidelines and those who disregard them. The essay underscores the idea that every action, whether it's wearing a mask, washing hands, or social distancing, carries a potential outcome that can affect not just the individual but the broader community. Barnett acknowledges the complexity of consequences, where some individuals seem to evade the negative effects of their actions, while others suffer despite following the rules. The piece also criticizes political decisions that prioritize economic interests over human life, particularly calling out the impact of denialism from leadership figures. The author concludes with a hope that people will consider the weight of their choices and the consequences they bring, especially when those choices affect the well-being of others.

Opinions

The author believes that the consequences of our choices, especially in the context of the pandemic, are not always immediately evident or fair.
Barnett expresses frustration with individuals who engage in risky behavior and seemingly avoid negative outcomes, likening it to luck.
There is a critical view of certain politicians who make decisions that favor economic stability over public health, with specific criticism directed at the former U.S. president's handling of the pandemic.
The author emphasizes the importance of understanding that every decision has a consequence, which can be either positive or negative.
Barnett hopes that people will reflect on the impact of their actions, particularly when they lead to self-gratification at the expense of others' well-being.
The essay suggests that some individuals may regret their choices if they lead to severe health consequences, highlighting the importance of making informed decisions.

WRITING PROMPT

Typically A Matter Of Consequence

A story prompt from Timothy Key

As a writer, editor, sometimes cook, and always bottle washer and around the house sanitation worker, I find it getting more challenging to pursue my reading passion. Lately, I’ve found an article I want to read, been pressed for time (which all of us are running out of), and then saved it with the intent to find that elusive time to read it.

Great plan, right?

Never works out that way, right?

The great thing about taking four days off in a row (yes I actually did it) is that I can get my writing out of the way first thing, then around noon or so, I actually appease myself with the decadent pleasure of reading for a couple of hours.

I started this afternoon off by reading a piece by a writing pal of mine, Timothy Key, only to discover it was a writing prompt. A challenge. A call to action on my part to write something (a poem or a piece) on the word — consequence.

It got me to thinking (oh shit here it comes), and I thought, and I thought. Then I started thinking about all this COVID bullshit we’re currently dealing with, and then I thought about the consequences of the choices we make.

Consequence. Huh. What are the odds?

Wear the mask or don’t wear the mask. Wash your hands or not. Wipe your groceries down with antiseptic or don’t. Wear gloves or not. Gather unrestricted in bars and restaurants or don’t.

What is the consequence of these choices?

Some may say come on P.G. the consequences are clearly evident. Are they? Are they really? If someone chooses to do or not do any of the above, is it possible they could get sick?

As painful as it is to admit, there are some crazies out there who have more luck than discovering a leprechaun sitting on five pots of gold holding two bouquets of four-leaf clovers.

Regardless of the stupid shit they do, somehow, the consequence of their stupidity never bites them on the ass.

For the rest of us, we understand and try to play the rules of survival. It’s like a game of Jumanji, only for real.

We know it’s a documented fact the microbiological organisms of this deadly viral infection can persist on surfaces for up to seventy-two hours. It’s also a documented fact transference of the disease happens when these microorganisms are ingested through your nose, your eyes and your mouth. Almost always by touching your face with your hands.

Us rule players know, the consequence of not wearing a mask or wiping down our groceries, or washing our hands immediately following coming in contact with common access areas, could possibly be devastating.

Still, there are hundreds of thousands of people who dangle rabbit’s feet from their keychains and have kissed the Blarney Stone, who don’t do any of these things.

Will they experience the consequences of their decisions? I’m far from possessing the expertise or the intelligence to say for sure.

What I do know is that currently, there are one hundred and seventy-one thousand people in the USA alone who have died as a consequence of either their own or someone else’s actions.

Let that sink in for just a second.

171K Humans have died over the first half of 2020 because of the consequence of either themselves or other Humans making a decision that seemingly served no better purpose than making them feel good about themselves.

And what about the consequence of these lunatic politicians who daily make decisions slanted more toward survival of the economic infrastructure than the cost of Human life?

How many lives could have been saved had a particular idiot in the WH not made a criminal decision to declare the “China” virus a hoax? The consequence of his actions alone cost America dearly not only in prestige but, more importantly, in human life.

I wonder if the man even ponders the consequence of his actions. If he did, he’d be a worse raging lunatic than he already is.

When my children were little, I used to tell them with every decision they will ever make in life comes a consequence. Some decisions will be wrong, and the consequence will most likely turn out bad as well. Some decisions will be right, and the resulting consequence good.

And then I would tell them some of the decisions they’ll make may be good and the consequence will be disappointingly bad.

Hey, it’s life, but the recurring theme is no choice is without its consequence.

It seems to me that a lot of people blitz through this life making choice after choice after choice, never thinking about the consequences their decisions have on themselves or other people. It’s almost like a shit ton of people are only interested in experiencing self-gratifying moments, and they’re going to do whatever they need or want to do to attain them.

Regardless of the consequence.

I hope when and if the day comes when some of these same people lay sick in hospital beds they’ve taken from those who really need them, they genuinely believe the decision they made that brought about this consequence was worth it.

Thank you so much for reading. You didn’t have to, but I’m certainly glad you did.

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