Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): We will get through this TOGETHER and only together.

The daily briefing of late has been filled with fairly alarming news. And, while I am cognizant of the potential dangers the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic poses, I don't want to merely add another voice of fear to the conversation. So, today's blog is designed to remind us how great we are as a people, a country , and a planet.

Music speaks volumes to how great we are so here are two of my favorite songs that speak to that greatness.

"This land is your land, this land is my land From the California to the New York island From the Redwood Forest, to the gulf stream waters This land was made for you and me As I went walking that ribbon of highway I saw above me that endless skyway And saw below me that golden valley This land was made for you and me." Woody Guthrie

"I'm Uncle Sam, that's who I am; Been hidin' out in a rock and roll band. Shake the hand that shook the hand of P.T. Barnum and Charlie Chan. Shine your shoes, light your fuse. Can you use them ol' U.S. Blues? I'll drink your health, share your wealth, run your life, steal your wife. Wave that flag, wave it wide and high." Grateful Dead

America. She is one of the most remarkable countries to ever exist. Whether you were born in the “land of the free, and home of the brave”, or emigrated from another part of the world – everyone has heard that the ol' U.S of A is the greatest country on Earth. That’s because what’s happened in our short history is truly impressive. We may not have the vast amount of history as our British cousins across the Atlantic, but since 1776, we’ve still done some things that are impressive to say the least.

Our Constitution. It’s been called by many around the world as the greatest piece of literature to ever be written. Offering a balanced view of the government’s role and the individuals responsibility to practice self-control, it is one our finest achievements, and what keeps us unique and a leader in the free world.

Our Land. Where else can you see the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, and the brilliance of the changing of the leaves on an Appalachian Mountainside? Take a walk on the white sands of the pristine beaches of Emerald Isle, NC. Rivers, deserts, tropics, and the Midwest plains come together to create enough sites for a lifetime. In America, you are always a short drive away from seeing something that will truly take your breath away.

Our People. America is made up of her people, and when it comes to people, we’re clearly the cream of the crop. Although certain news outlets would have us believe that the color of our skin defines us and that every color hates the other, most of living here in Emerald Isle, NC and elsewhere in this fine country simply haven’t ever experienced such nonsense. We’re not only looking for the easy way for us, but we want America to be the vibrant, charming beauty that we know her to be. That’s what sets us apart, and that’s what would be good to remember when we happen to differ in our ideological, spiritual, and political views. And, when we deal with the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Our Opportunity. We are the land of opportunity. This fact is why people have flocked to our shores from the very beginning. If you want to succeed here, you can. It might be hard, and require a healthy amount of blood, sweat, and sob sessions – but it’s possible.

Not all of us are going to be in the 1 percent of the world’s wealth. But, we can grab the opportunity right in front of us with both hands and do some good in the world. And, this is especially important while we wrap our brains around confronting a very serious pandemic that potentially can threaten the way we live.

Our Freedom. The USA is a place where we can (and should) peacefully and respectfully disagree. We are free to think what we want about life in general. Everything America stands for is freedom of thought and avoidance of oppression. That is the American dream, isn’t it? And, it is this freedom that we must protect as America, its leadership and its people confront how we will address the ever sprawling threat from Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Over the next several days, weeks and months, I urge you to make sensible hygienic decisions. Elbow bumps rather than handshakes. Avoid large crowds. Wash your hands obsessively. Do not touch your face with your hands. But, you must live, also. Express common sense and do not fall prey to the fear mongers out there. And, Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) be damned, hug your family.