Everything is essential
Being a mature age of 39, almost 40, I have worked in several industries and succeeded. Opticianry was fun while I was in Los Angeles, but dog grooming captured my heart when I returned to the Antelope Valley. I’m now onto another venture to keep my travels funded because while I loved pups, they’re not as lucrative as I need.
Both of these industries have been severely damaged by the quarantine and to the onlooker, sure, they’re non essential. But during this lockdown, I’ve recieved calls about dogs needing their nails trimmed or if I could fix a pair of glasses. Naturally I helped where I could, but I am currently employed and don’t have much time to be driving around for a potentially dangerous bite, or carry all tools needed with me at all times. I don’t have access to the facilities needed for proper services and you’re asking me to risk my health for you. When the premise of putting another person’s life at risk for your need is in your face, you reevaluate what is “need”.
In my opinion, all business is essential and we’ve watched as Sweden took necessary measures to ensure a fairly normal life while dealing with a potentially dangerous disease. Seven weeks later, they’ve boosted their herd immunity and are slowly adapting to a CovID-19 world. People easily forget that Walmart and Target Employees are putting their lives on the line for your needs but they don’t seem to be affected by corona or dropping dead like the media says. However, for some, the pandemic has left them disabled or suffering with little to no options. Broken glasses can’t be replaced at the neighborhood Optometrist, and many overwintered (matted) pets did not have access to shops for services. These services are still being provided by a few places like Walmart Optical, or veterinary offices, but the few facilities left simply cannot handle the load of needs and in some cases, pets suffer because a groomer is much less expensive than a vet bill; and they can wait.
I stand on the corner and I remind every soul that every job is essential because it is. The green eyed monster of jealousy is an effective tool and I will happily remind a Black/Hispanic/Asian driver that it’s unfair that their Black/Hispanic/Asian barber or beautician can’t open, but some “rando” can sell masks on the corner, or fruit. The ice cream man still rings the bell down the street and the “elote” (corn) man can be heard around the block, essential services, I’m sure. Those little red pills laced in emerald dismay hyper-focus all that is wrong with the rules regarding the lockdown. As soon as I finish screaming my truths on the corner, those drivers lay on the horn and agree that it’s time to get back to work. We all need to pass out small factuality’s that will shatter the stone grip Medusa Pelosi and her gorgon nephew Gavin Newsom have on the minority community. Every job, every service, every one, is essential.