"We're all in this together, are we? Not at all. Some are more "in this" than others. Let my people go!"

Colin Kaepernick, then that purple-haired women's soccer player, CNN, MSNBC and virtually any Hollywood personality you care to name has pretty much driven out any desire to post "United We Stand" anywhere. Sort of like; I can't find a house having both a police memorial flag and a "Beto" sign. TD

By Karen Larson  "Lawn signs sprouting in my suburban neighborhood state: "Graduating Class of 2020 — #AllInThisTogether."  Our seniors chose that message, no doubt, because it's in use everywhere.  But one more pronouncement of our so-called "togetherness" may make me scream.  Across the country, some are more "in this" than others.  It's all a matter of being essential.  Or not.  Or caught at a particularly good (or not so good) stage of your life or career.  How do you prepare for the unexpected?

"My dentist is non-essential.  It's impossible to offer virtual dental services.  Too bad for those who have gone without dental care for more than two months now.  My dentist owns and operates a small business.  I wonder how long can he continue to pay the rent without any income.  Yet government workers and members of our news media are essential.  Who makes these decisions: essential and non-essential?  Using what criteria?  I'm happy for those deemed essential and those who can work virtually.  I'm delighted that a few stores continue to be open.  However, that left a huge swath of the population wondering where the next paycheck will come from.

"My hairdresser has been allowed (allowed!) to re-open her home-based business starting next week so long as she operates at 25% capacity of her former load.  Too bad for the many customers who have waited for months for the regular services she performs for them such as perms and colorizations and cuts.  . . .

Karen Larson is mad as hell and isn't going to take it anymore.  She has been at the bottom of several companies and at the top of one.  She has been a wordsmith and the one who wields the red pen.  She is a parent with grandchildren biological and otherwise.  Now retired, she enjoys sailing on Lake Superior with her husband, Jerry, among her many hobbies.