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I have been pastoring a long time. So I agree with my fellow letter writer who praised our leaders for giving more excellent leadership in this crisis, than other countries enjoy.
And I agree with the exhortation of a commenter that those of us who pray, should give them good strong prayer support. In fact, of course, that's in the Bible.
But my first two degrees are in science. And so this is to say I find the scientific information and advice we are being given, by medical and public health folk alike, very simple and compelling. It makes good science, and good sense.
I know why most do not agree with my religious input. I expect that. But it baffles me why I hear on the radio, that in Canada, the U.S.A., and the U.K., crowds were flocking to beaches and parks on Saturday. Like normal.
Maybe I have a point of view, being in a higher risk category. And I am indeed practising social isolation. But my motive is not mere self-preservation; rather, "Love your neighbour as yourself".
Or, as John G. Paton, the missionary, said, "I was not so much afraid that one of them might kill me, as that I might kill one of them!"
I admit that human nature is, and history right back to the Old Testament shows, that the odd leader, on gaining control of a population, gets to liking it, and will not let go. But I say we have to take that risk, because this is a wartime situation.
If Metric confuses you, two metres is six-and-a-half feet. Let us all stay apart! And at home. There are good scientific reasons for this.
Ralph Wood
Orillia
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