worst to first

I'm proud of a couple of things.

First, as sappy as it sounds, I am proud to be an American. 

Our country is going through a difficult time. It is fractured. Racism still lives, despite decades and decades of reform. And our leader is beyond horrible. But still, I believe I live in a great country. I feel fortunate to have been born here.

Second, I am proud to be a New Yorker. 

Moving here was a decision I consciously made. I wanted to live in NYC, so I found a job and moved here. That was in 1984;  I have lived most of my life here.

Today was Governor Cuomo's last press briefing — 109 consecutive days beginning March 2. And despite some early missteps, he has been a strong and passionate leader through this difficult and unprecedented time.

NYC  once was the epicenter of the coronavirus — more cases per capita than anywhere else in the world. 

NYC alone experienced a staggering 17,389 deaths. 

But today, the infection rate is less than 1%. 

"We went from worst to first," Governor Cuomo said today. 

"Over the past three months we have done the impossible...We are controlling the virus better than any state in the country, any nation in the globe."

The government can issue directives, but if the people don't follow them, they are of no value. And New Yorkers did. 

I did what most New Yorkers did.  Nothing more.

I wore a mask. I socially distanced. I disinfected and wiped down groceries. And I cheered at 7pm for the many who were saving lives and making ours easier.

It's true what Cuomo says. New Yorkers are tough. And smart. 

Phase 2 begins on Monday.























One can only hope that people don't become complacent. That they stay observant. That they still wear masks. And that they remember, the virus still exists.

Oh, and one more thing I'm grateful for: that I'm not from Oklahoma.