Commentary

I suggest that our current social distancing is the exact opposite of what that Summer of “Love” entailed. And this is not entirely a bad thing.

The real and imagined differences between liberal and conservative Quakers stem from complex historical, social, and theological forces.

It seems more fitting to say that we lived on despite the scariness, absurdity, and uncertainty of the events around us, held and inspired by a small community that was gracious enough to host us during a pandemic.

It appears this virus is providing us an opportunity to have just a small taste of the pain and trial that many experience every day.

Throughout history, we as a society have collectively decided to rename epidemics after marginalized communities, primarily non-white countries.

Those in the midst, in the fields, on the docks, in the stores, working in the urgent care clinics, on the front lines; those running toward the fires, toward the viruses, marching directly into the wars, the genocides, the famines; while the rest of us run away, hoarding.