The Shame of Blame

 When I turn in to the latest on the virus news, the first thing I hear is blaming. There is blame attached where there can't possibly be blame. This morning's news interview, I heard, included a slam against the long-suffering doctor in this province who has never faltered in spite of constant criticism for not being able to see into the future. The questions asked by the experienced journalist amazed me. He asked why Dr. Henry didn't  tell us what would happen, before this or that, because it could have been prevented. But the truth is that no one, not anyone, knew. The doctor explained this but the interviewer seemed unable to grasp the facts. The world is trying to keep up with the changes that take place daily in our coping with the implications of this virus that we are all fighting. It will stop only if we do certain necessary things. And yes, it has dire effects on many people but there is only one way to stop it. It seems that there is a thick layer of blame by many that, to me, doesn't make sense. How is it the fault of those doing their best to keep up helping us and giving us advice that is ignored and they are constantly hammered at by the media with questions whose answers have been given over and over again. Media seems bent on trying to find the negatives to make a big name for themselves. Is that good journalism? Anyone who is out there blaming other people for the virus and its changes is simply not thinking clearly. It's a virus. Blame it. There is desperation in trying to keep up with the changes and it is an action/reaction situation of course. Desperation is to stop this creeping virus as quickly as possible while at the same time trying to save lives. There is no time to spend months and years of testing, finding out what will save lives. Why don't the critics use their heads? They behave like impetuous children sometimes when actual children are wise enough to sit still and learn  in their sphere. Not only has blame become the byword in all sorts of ways in the media, it resides in our very own social circles. Instead of "how are you doing", the question seems to be "who can we blame for our problems".  Not "how can we work together to solve this". The virus is the enemy, not those trying to quell it. Those at the top are exposed to what I feel is horrendous chopping away at them while at the same time they are trying to cope with constant criticism and public doubt. Their energy is needed to help us, not to defend themselves, and yes, even their personal lives sometimes with this never-ending present day need to blame everyone and everything else for every wrong that has ever occurred. Blame doesn't fix anything. Blame is the nerf ball that holds a dart or the snowball that has a rock in it. All blame does is hurt another human being just like us, one trying to do the best they can and still live on building their daily lives. Flinging blame rocks around randomly to hope for a target is pointless.  There is no one to blame. It's a virus and it doesn't hear you. The solution to the virus situation is patience and kindness with and toward each other.  Top officials also need our kindness. What I want is a "vaccine" against the latest disease of blaming. Like you, I am sickened by blame that is currently flung about randomly on everything and furthered by so-called self-interested journalists. Good reporters report.