We're all in this together

Many of us have had friends we've known for a long time. My best friend and I went to high school together. Since then we've climbed Mt. Whitney, ran a marathon and did a 100-mile bike ride. We've done a lot together! Up until Covid, we still managed to meet at the beach and ride 25-40 miles. We decided to resume our beach riding, but things have changed a little. He wants to wear a mask while he rides and our normal hangout, where we have a late breakfast when we're done, is no longer on our agenda even though it's outside. I don't agree or disagree. Not that it would make a difference. After all, it's his choice.

There is so much misinformation out there it makes it hard to decide what is right and what is not. Some of us have had friends or family die from the virus, we've also had some friends or family unvaccinated and survived with nothing more than a bad flu. In our case, we've both been vaccinated and had the booster, but even at that, our approaches to the virus are different. Again, there is no right or wrong here, but many people have very strong feelings one way or another.

The spread of the virus is treated differently from one area to another. Los Angeles County has mandated "no mask, no proof of vaccine, no service!" California is tightening its rules on Covid while states like Florida and Texas are going in the other direction. There is no consistency here, even countries in Europe have taken different approaches with Great Britain now going the way of no masks.

We've all taken a different approach to how we're dealing with Covid, and tensions sometimes run a little high. That's our right. We do get to decide. But along with that right (as with any right) comes a responsibility. We must try and be sensitive to our neighbors, family and friends. We're all in this together!

Marty Pay has been a local Farmers agent for over 32 years. He is a certified financial planner and teaches finance at a local university. His office is at 212 W. F St., Tehachapi. (661) 822-3737.