It is difficult to find words for the disgust I feel for the
prepper mentality that has proliferated in the wake of the coronavirus
pandemic. People are hoarding vital
supplies, stocking up on guns and preparing for the apocalypse. The prepper world is flourishing.
Meanwhile, millions of medical professionals are risking
their lives to help those who have contracted the disease. Millions more are donating time and resources
to help those whose businesses or livelihoods have been destroyed as a
consequence of the pandemic.
In times of crisis there have always been saints and
villains. Humanity is a strange mix of selfless
nobility and craven self-interest. When put
to the test, each human being must decide.
Will I be a person who tries to assist others by some means, who is
willing to risk and potentially sacrifice resources or health for the general
good? Or will I seek to shield myself and my family and retreat from society, hoarding
whatever supplies and resources I can get my hands on, regardless of the impact
on others?
We are currently facing a unique challenge that crosses national
borders, racial and ethnic lines and even economic class. How we respond to this challenge will determine
whether the human race can survive in the coming years of potential pandemics
and climate catastrophe.
The costs in terms of life and commerce will be staggering
no matter how we respond. But if we are optimistic and work together in good
faith, we will make it through this period with a heightened sense of our common
humanity. We may even discover that our civilization becomes more united and
empathetic, and that we can make further progress on other daunting problems such as
war, genocide, refugees, immigration and climate change.
There are many saints among us who have chosen the high
road. In this time, it is the doctors,
nurses and other health professionals who are most worthy of our gratitude and
respect. We also are grateful for the people who risk infection in their jobs of keeping essential services and resources available But all of us can contribute in some way, whether it is donating
generously to worthy organizations, keeping our social distance, or helping
out neighbors in need.
The preppers and the hoarders are the vermin of society. They have lost their humanity and they have
somehow convinced themselves that a solitary, end-of-world existence is worth their
stockpiling of resources and effort that could otherwise have been put to good
use in our common need. Shame on them!
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