Summary

The article emphasizes that the collective "we" as a society are the "They" responsible for addressing and resolving the pandemic, with essential workers and community members stepping up to fulfill critical roles.

Abstract

The text discusses the concept of "They" as a societal construct, referring to those expected to solve problems like the pandemic. It challenges readers to recognize that "They" are actually "Us"—the citizens, essential workers, and community members who contribute to the response. The author, a former police officer and prosecutor, reflects on the power and responsibility of those roles and draws parallels to the current efforts against the pandemic. The article acknowledges the diverse group of "They's," including healthcare professionals, scientists, law enforcement, and even minimum wage workers, who are working tirelessly to maintain normalcy and safety. It serves as a reminder and a tribute to the collective "Us," urging recognition and support for those on the front lines, while also distinguishing between the true heroes and those who fail to contribute positively during the crisis.

Opinions

The author believes that the responsibility to address societal issues, such as the pandemic, falls on the collective "Us," not an abstract "They."
There is an appreciation for the dedication and sacrifices made by essential workers, including healthcare providers, first responders, and those in less visible roles.
The article suggests that the power to effect change lies within the community, and that individuals should not underestimate their own potential to be part of the solution.
It criticizes the tendency to shift responsibility to others, emphasizing that everyone has a role to play in overcoming the pandemic.
The author expresses gratitude towards those who are actively contributing to the fight against the pandemic, often at great personal risk.
The text implies a distinction between those who genuinely work towards the common good and those who exploit crises for personal gain or contribute to misinformation.

We owe them so much.

Who are “They” And When Are “They” Going to Fix This Pandemic?

And who is the wrong “They?”

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The infamous “they”.

Who are “they?”

We’ve all heard it said, or said it ourselves: “They” said we’ll be fine. Don’t worry, “they’ll” fix it. Or the old, “Someone” should do something about this.

Well, I hate to break this to you, folks. “They” is “Us.” “Someone” is “Us.”

That’s right. We, the people, are “They,” and “Someone.” And it’s up to “Us” to fix this problem.

Who is “They?”

I was a “They.” And I loved it.

“Call the police. ‘They’ will help us.”

As a police officer, I was acutely aware of the power I held. I loved being the one the citizens called for help. I reveled in the fact that I was a “They.”

I loved speeding to the scene of a crime, catching the bad guy in the act, protecting the citizen in distress, chasing a perp through the streets of the city with lights and sirens, and being the ONE.

The ONE the citizen called for help. To protect them from bad guys or to provide life saving first aid until other first responders arrived to take over.

Even after the most exhilarating chase, or a fight with a parolee that could have ended with me hurt or killed, or providing that life-saving first aid at a traffic accident, I wasn’t done, yet. I still had a shift to finish and more work to be done. Because I was a “They.”

A police officer can arrest you on probable cause alone, and take you to jail, depriving you of your liberty. He can shoot you and take your life, justifying it by demonstrating his life, or someone else’s life was threatened. That is a lot of power.

“‘Someone’ should put these bad dudes in jail for life.” Yeah, the prosecutor will convict him/her.

That was me. I was that “Someone.”

I reviewed thousands of arrest reports and determined whether there was enough evidence under the law to prosecute a human being. That standard, one that every prosecutor is supposed to use, is, “Can I prove this case beyond a reasonable doubt in front of a jury?”

If the answer was “No,” then the case should not be filed and the defendant should be released. If the answer was, “Yes,” then we filed the charges and began our prosecution efforts.

A prosecutor can ask for your bail to be raised, can file a weak case and get a plea bargain out of you, and they can take you to trial, convict you and ask for a long sentence or probation. That, too, is a lot of power.

All of these things are abilities that should not be taken lightly, and I didn’t.

I loved those jobs. Even with all of the risks and the low pay. I would do them again in a heartbeat today, just to be able to help again.

I took those jobs seriously, I took my oaths seriously, and I knew how much power I held.

So, what does this have to do with the current Pandemic?

Those people who are trying to save you and me. . .those are the “They” and the “Someone” we talk about when we need help. “They” are the people who went to school for a long time to become doctors, nurses, scientists, law enforcement officers, and, yes, even some good politicians.

“They” are your neighbors, parents of your child’s friends, fellow churchgoers, the guy you just flipped off for going too slowly in “your” lane, and the person in the supermarket crying because they can’t find toilet paper after a long shift at the hospital.

“They” are the police officers who are still out there trying to protect your property and your lives, the firefighters who are trying to put out burning buildings, the EMT’s who are taking your loved ones with the virus to the nearest hospital.

“They” are the minimum wage workers who are keeping the drive-thru’s open, the supermarket shelves stocked in the middle of the night, and wearing the security guard uniforms that you laugh at and call “wanna-be’s” and “rent-a-cops.”

“They” are keeping the power on, the water flowing, and the toilets flushing.

“They” are driving the trucks cross-country for hours to keep the supply chain open.

And there are so many more “They’s.”

All of the “They’s” and the “Someones” you refer to when you think something should be done are out there right this very minute, fighting for you, and to bring our civilization back to “normal.”

“They” are the people that you, and I, and hundreds of thousands of others, are applauding in the streets at a certain time every night in cities and countries around the world.

“They” are humanities best, doing their best, to save us. And while “They” do it, they risk their own safety and lives, stay for days away from their loved ones, and are actually getting sick and dying.

California has a website set up to bring in students and retired “They’s” to help us out. This is unprecedented in a time we are not at war.

Not a Lecture, a Reminder

Now you know who “They” are.

But you don’t need this lecture. And I don’t mean to preach.

You just need a reminder. You already know all of this. Because chances are, you are a “They” but don’t give yourself enough credit.

So I will. You deserve it. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

And you also know who “They” aren’t. Just watch television and read the news.

And remember, when the time is right, who the right “They” are. . .and who are the wrong “they.”