Page 5 - Newsletter_Spring_2020

TRYING TIMES FOR OUR FAMILY....

....WE WILL, WE MUST PERSEVERE!

A Letter from the Editor
Jon A. McLaughlin ‘73

As I write this letter it is mid-May and we are in the
midst of preparing ourSpring/Summer ’20 edition of the
North Star News. Times are challenging for myself and
my immediate family and equally challenging for my
adoptive family—the alumni of Houlton High School
I have gotten to know over the many years as editor of
the newsletter. I felt it prudent to speak to you in this
forum.

In March of this year, the United States became
embroiled with the most serious natural disaster to hit
its shores since the Spanish Flu Pandemic in 1918. We,
and the rest of the world, were taken by surprise with
the 2020 Corona Virus Pandemic.

Presently, there are over 6.88 million cases of Covid-19
in the U.S with the unfortunate and disturbing footnote
that as a result we have over 200,000 deaths attributed
to this terrible affliction.

Maine has fared well during these trying times with a little over 5106 cases with about 4407 cases recovered. While much
better than most states, sadly 140 of her residents have died.

Normally one to take a stoic view of an issue and firmly take a stand either for the issue at hand or an overwhelmingly position
against, I have found myself at odds with myself at many different junctions. As time has passed, I have a great feeling of
compassion for the small business owner that has seen his or her business drop to nothing overnight and not been able to do
anything to change it due to quarantines, social distancing, mandated shut downs and all the other new lingo that have become
buzz words associated with this disaster.

Businesses are chomping at the bit to get back to work and many are protesting to not only Maine’s governor to open things
up, but also many of the governors in the states that our alum call home are being pushed into action. Then there are our
various state governors trying to do what they think is best for their state’s residents. Which is oftentimes seen as anti-business
appearing for the states’ businesses.

But open too soon or without the proper procedures in place and a state government risks flare ups with new cases and deaths
and no one wants this either. I see this side of the argument as well. So, I am torn with no side to come out and take a stand
on and it bothers me. I know I want my family to be safe and I think that local and state officials will do what is in their best
interest and I feel that our business communities will rise above this crisis and come out the other side of this stronger and
better focused than ever just as it has during many other crisis. I hope this is the case not only with my family and the families
in our hometown of Houlton, but with all my adoptive families. I know that to make this work we cannot make Corona Virus
a political issue. It is not about a Republican stand or a Democratic concern. It is not about placing blame on anyone now.
There is time to debate faults after this crisis has passed. Let us treat this as an invasion upon our land by a foreign power and
all do what is necessary to defeat this invader as we would any invader that abuses our safety and rights.

Let’s all stand tall and side by side to defeat it with respect for our governing officials, health care and other first responders,
with businesses small and large working on solutions and let’s make sure our families know that they are special and important
to us and our future.

Yes, these are trying times for my families, but I am praying for you all and we will persevere, no we must persevere through
this as we are all united and always supportive of each other.
God Bless you and God Bless the United States of America.

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