There IS good news out there, you just have to look for it. It doesn’t sell newspapers (those that are still in print) or get clicks on the websites that are where readers eyes focus on today. Actually, the good can be found all around us–in our neighborhoods, stores and medical offices. Recently I have had multiple doctor visits. As my wife and I are oft heard saying, “growing old is not for sissies.” Forget the diagnoses, just know that we have good physicians, a decent hospital with up to date equipment and more. All this in a town with a population of less than 10,000 people.

Like many places in America, there is controversy in our town about wearing masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. No violence, however. Over 90% of the shoppers in local stores DO wear the required masks–maybe 95% plus. So, we don’t have a raging epidemic here. What there is of it is likely spread by tourists or returning residents who have traveled elsewhere. We haven’t left the vicinity since the first weekend in March!

New Mexico’s governor is maligned by many on the other side, but the state is doing quite well in terms of reducing transmission below 1 and has a low positivity rate. In a few days, some relaxation on dining and religious service restrictions will ease. That’s good news and all I had to do to find it is look on the New Mexico website. Of course, the US as a whole is the worst in the world in controlling COVID-19. Congratulations to all of you who live in other countries. Eventually, we will come to our political senses and embrace medical science and rejoin the modern world.