The document is a column by Curt MacRae where he discusses coping with the current crisis and looks forward to a return to normalcy. He encourages readers to work together, help each other out, and demand cooperation from leaders. MacRae expresses optimism that if people make sacrifices now by following guidelines, then activities and gatherings will be able to resume, schools and businesses will reopen, and life will get back to normal. He also calls for reducing party loyalty and prioritizing the interests of the country during and after this crisis.

1. The Good Ol’ Days are Ahead
MacCrabby Rants -- BY: Curt MacRae
First, a personal note: Today’s column marks two years of ranting. Thank you to the editorial staff of
this newspaper for allowing 50 columns of rants, so far. I’ve received comments from many readers –
thank you. For the rest, email anytime – maccrabby@gmail.com.
Today’s column will have no campaigning, even though MacCrabby is still running for president.
We’ll get back to it, but…
Remember January?? When the stock market was booming, when we were getting together with
friends, when our sports teams were getting ready for the playoffs or tournament runs? Remember
shaking hands? Restaurants? Remember smiles?
Be assured; it’ll come back. And part of coping with what our country, our world, is going through
now, is to trust ourselves, our leaders, our peers to do the right things for the good of all.
And the other part of dealing with crisis is to be there for others. We’ll be OK. But maybe you should
only buy three hand-sanitizers, and less than a gross of toilet paper, so someone else can get some.
And when you hear, “I’m not going to let this make me a prisoner in my own home” (akin to “not
letting the terrorists win” after 9-1-1) remind that person that we’re only being asked to stay home for
a while. You’ll get out again to see friends, to have dinner, to see a movie and to socially un-
distance. Let’s share responsibility now for the good of all, down the road.
And let’s encourage our leaders to work together for once, because we need that. Let’s hope that
our president quits blaming past administrations and that our senators and congresspeople can put
party aside, instead of looking for a soundbite to make the news.
And maybe they’ll do what’s best for the country. Maybe this is what will bring us together. Maybe.
We’re already doing some good things. Private sector companies have been enlisted to provide
services and to implement new processes – that’s good. And, medical experts now seem to be
influencing policy. The economic impact is being examined and hopefully can be addressed, at least
partially. Congress cancelled their March vacation. While party interaction remains strained, a crisis
requires coordination. We should demand that, and not just for this crisis.
So, let’s turn to one another – maybe not in person, since many of us are social-distancing and self-
quarantining. But let’s pull together, sacrifice together, empathize with others, root for us all. Let’s
realize that some need help and let’s try to help. Let’s demand that our leaders put right and left aside
and root for US. Let’s all think “we” instead of “me.”
So, shut it down; shut it all down. Let’s get through it, keep our people alive, and then get back to
normal. Schools will reopen, stocks will rebound, concerts will return, sports will restart, and we’ll all

2. get together again. We’ll cruise, fly, go to Disneyworld and get back to the gym. Life will return to
normal, IF we all suck it up now and do the right things – ALL of us. Don’t be selfish, and don’t defy
guidelines that have already been set. Protect yourself and that will protect us all.
We’ll come back; we always do. But, let’s take the opportunity to change for the better. Let’s reduce
party-loyalty and initiate country-loyalty. And, not just for this crisis, but for our future.
One more request – each time the media talks about protecting the elderly, perhaps they could not
mention that the cut-off age for elderly is 60 – ouch!! Remember, 60 is the new-50… or 40
Good luck to us.
Curt MacRae lives in Coldwater and can be reached at 734/775-2500. He rants on
the first and third Saturdays each month; comments are welcomed -- MacCrabby@gmail.com