Common Courtesy Is Always Appreciated

I know we're smack in the middle of a potential Swine Flu Pandemic, but even if we weren't, it would be nice if people showed one another some common courtesy.

I just got back from a trip to the main branch of our local library and, while I hate to admit it, I cut my visit short because I feared catching whatever the woman standing next to me was suffering from.

I was enjoying myself, browsing the best sellers' section, when a woman walked up to check out the selections. Only I'm betting she couldn't see too much due to the violent coughing fits she kept having. Now, while I'm not usually one to panic over catching some random germs, I have to admit that standing there listening to the woman hack and wheeze, then watch as she reached out and pulled a book from the shelf, definitely made me a little uneasy - okay, I admit it, I practically held my breath until I got out in the parking lot.

This just proves how very susceptible we are to the current panic over the spread of the latest biological scourge to hit...the Swine Flu. You can see evidence of concern all around us, from the prominent display of anti-bacterial hand sanitizer at Walgreens, to pictures in the media of people sporting a variety of Michael Jackson type face masks, and employees actually washing their hands in the restroom. People are becoming more worried every day.

Some of the reactions might be a little over the top, in my opinion. Countless public events are being canceled and, in fact, the entire Ft. Worth ISD has decided to cancel classes until May 11 (although I'm not sure what's so magical about May 11th).

Roger and I listened to this news with mixed reactions of fear and disbelief. Mine was mostly disbelief, his was mostly fear. Here's a tip: Want to strike terror into the heart of a professional educator? Just wait until summer break is so close they can feel it and tell them there's a chance you'll be slapping another week onto the end of the school year. But be warned - it's not a pretty sight, let me tell you.

I don't know how this whole Swine Flu scare will play out, but my guess is there will be more cases of the illness and, possibly, even more deaths, before it's over. I hope not, but I think it's smart if we all play it safe and use basic common sense.

Let's stock up on the hand sanitizer gel and if you're coughing up a lung, do us all a favor and STAY HOME!