by Inge Schiöler, who died on April 27, 1971. I'm offering this to join the T Stands for Tuesday blogger gathering. There's another cup at the bottom of the post.
*******
The Urban/Rural Divide
 |
| photo from the Flickr stream of The Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center (SEDAC) |
It's been pointed out to me that the divide in our country over the mis-handling of the current pandemic is mainly a rural/urban one. People located in more rural areas haven't (so far) been affected to the degree our cities have.
Memphis, Tennessee is an urban area. The 2018 city population was over 650,000, making Memphis the largest city on the Mississippi River, the second most populous city in Tennessee, as well as the 26th largest city in the United States. The Memphis Metro Area is the 42nd largest metropolitan area in the United States, with a population of well over 1,000,000 in the 2017 count. Some counties around us are rural and have no hospitals, or have hospitals without the capacity for intensive care for certain patients. Patients in need of that kind of care come to -you guessed it- Memphis, whose taxpayers prop up the rural areas in many ways.
Our response to this pandemic has been measured and reasonable, not driven by fear but by concern for the public health. You can see Memphis-related Coronavirus information at the city web site. We are continuing to see increasing deaths, though the increase is at a slower rate, and we have more than 2,000 confirmed cases. This for a contagious disease with no treatment, no vaccine, and which perhaps confers no immunity after recovery. And shall we talk about the Covid-19 patients who were sent home from hospitals who are being re-admitted with complications like kidney failure or stroke? That's not like the seasonal flu at all.
Our governor (Republican Bill Lee) had a stay-in-place order effective through April 30 and won't extend it, even though our state does not meet Trump's own guidelines for re-opening. Our county, among several others, is not included in his effort, and our mayor has announced an extension through May 5. Our city has made every effort to be prepared, getting field hospitals ready and opening numerous testing sites which are now available for some asymptomatic people. Testing is key.
Tipton County (with 95 Covid-19 cases when I checked the numbers, which continue to rise) is to our immediate north and has a population (as of the last census) of just over 61,000 and a population in its largest city of just over 9,000. There is a hospital in their county seat.
Fayette County (with 52 cases) is immediately to our east and has a population of just over 38,000 and a population in its largest city of just over 30,000. There used to be a hospital in the county seat, but it has recently closed, another one of many rural hospital closures caused by the governor's refusal to expand Medicaid here in Tennessee.
Desoto County, Mississippi (with 266 cases) is the county directly to our south and has a population of just over 160,000, with much of that being in the area adjacent to the state line bordering Memphis. The county seat has a population of just over 6,800. There is a hospital just over the state line in MS.
Crittenden County, Arkansas (with 164 cases) is the county directly to our west just across the Mississippi River and has a population of almost 51,000. West Memphis is their largest city with a population of just over 26,000. Their county's hospital closed in 2018.
Just look at the differences in case numbers across our state of Tennessee:
Our issues here in this large urban area are different from those of folks who live in small towns or out in the country. I've lived in all these sorts of places, so it's not like I don't know what it's like. If I can walk to the nearest 5 grocery stores and 3 drugstores and you have to drive 30 minutes to get to the closest shopping, our concerns are not the same.
When you drive into the city to enjoy your dinner and a movie or lunch at a favorite restaurant, because there aren't movie theaters and restaurants in your community, think about this:
Air-conditioning spread the coronavirus to 9 people sitting near an infected person in a restaurant, researchers say. It has huge implications for the service industry.So when you do get out, refusing to wear a mask because you know better than the medical professionals, and then you get sick but there's no hospital in your community: Thank the urban taxpayer for making your medical care possible. While you're at it, thank the urban taxpayer for most of your shopping, dining, and entertainment options, too.
If you made it this far, I'd just like to say this: If you don't watch the news and so don't know what's going on with the coronavirus anywhere else except maybe NYC and in your individual community, and all you see is Trump suggesting that disinfectants taken into the body or used on the hands might be curative... please don't tell me this pandemic is #FakeNews, that people die all the time anyway, and that our city should just get back to business as usual. I'm tired of being judged by people who aren't interested in looking for facts or seeing beyond their own personal situation, and I'm tired of the patronizing attitude of people who claim I've bought into some conspiracy intended to hurt the president they still believe in. If you want to open up your county, fine, although I've heard it said opening up some counties is like having a peeing section in a swimming pool. Our county isn't ready yet. And it's not because our Business-Friendly mayor doesn't want to see all the businesses hopping. Trust me on that.
There are real public health issues involved with this disease. We're dealing with those as best we can. I'm glad you're fine, really happy for you, but we are not there yet. Quit judging us.
P.S. Memphis had one of those "Liberate" protests downtown at the courthouse. It was strangely led by a man from Fayette County. His county is reopening this week as part of the Governor's plan. Why was he here?! He had 6 fellow protesters with him.
End of rant.
I have equally spirited rants on crape murder and lawns. Perhaps another time?
*******
Caveat: I'm having this discussion on Facebook as well as other online communities like blogs. This isn't directed at any one of them. The divide is a general one, not related to what any one person on Facebook or the general internet has said.
*******
Now, I need a soothing cup of hot, strong, black coffee. Please join me,
and I'll listen to your rant on your own subject of choice.
Posts
I live approx. 50 miles West of Boston is a small, rural town. Boston is now the current hot spot for the corona virus second to NYC. Initially, I thought the virus wouldn't effect my town, but as of 4/22 we have had 24 confirmed cases of the virus. Confirmed. There may be more because some people are like Typhoid Mary, they carry the virus and spread it, but don't show symptoms themselves. It has also hit closer to home for me. My cousin's daughter and his wife both tested positive for corona virus. They live closer to Boston. Governor Baker (Rep) of Massachusetts has given an initial target date of May 4 when the state can open as the numbers are not skyrocketing for Covid cases. However, Boston mayor, Marty Walsh, has said there is no way he would allow the city of Boston to open on May 4 even though that's an unpopular opinion. I'm sure he and the governor will come to a plan that won't back track the efforts that have been made to slow the virus. I'm grateful for their careful leadership for the Commonwealth. They put the people first. Not the economy and the stock market.
ReplyDeleteI've been hearing about Boston. Shocking :( Our state is reopening this week, with voluntary rules the state won't enforce *sigh* Cities with their own health departments get to make their own considered plan. Except for Chattanooga for some reason. I'm not sure what's going on there.
DeleteYesterday afternoon, Gov. Baker extended the stay at home advisory until May 18. There's a simulation that is being run at MGH (Mass. General Hospital) using MA data. The researcher has said that the data is showing the timing to reopen for business is too soon. Opening by Memorial Day will show a resurgence of the virus by July 4. The models indicate the things especially the beaches shouldn't reopen before the end of August. There will be so much pressure on the Baker to reopen especially the beaches and tourist industry.
DeleteOh, and I forgot to mention though the MA date rate has plateaued, it hasn't come down for the past 2 weeks. Which was the main reason for the extension
DeleteWow, yes, I'm sure the pressure will increase as the tourist season comes. Beaches are hard to close, because the thought is, "Look at the space! People oughta be able to maintain the distance." Sadly there's not _that_ much space. Our zoo is having huge financial problems, which will only get worse. The postponement of Memphis in May and its huge BBQ and music festival until October is financially devastating for some people. I'm glad officials continue to hold the line, but it's hard :(
DeleteOh, thank you for your insightful post on the subject. and Happy T Day
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy a spirited discussion :) And I have Opinions lol
DeleteI enjoyed reading your "rant" ...lol ... it's interesting to find out how other countries and states are approaching things, our approach is revised and updated every three weeks here in the UK. We are still in lockdown at the moment and our statistics have come down so it seems to be working. The still life painting is beautiful and your little bird cuppa made me smile too 😀. Sending you Happy Tuesday Day wishes and keep well! Hugs, Jo x
ReplyDeleteThe little bird cup came from a local Goodwill store. It leapt off the shelf and into my hand and wouldn't say no lol
DeleteI think our local city/county folks are doing a good job of evaluating the situation. They're having briefings daily to give updates and to answer press questions. It's scary to think that right over the county line they're opening back up.
Here in CA things are pretty tightly locked down but rumbles are beginning to be heard. Shelter at home, masks when out and the rules for us until the end of May. I've heard there may be some very minimal changes to the restrictions announced next week. I enjoyed, and agreed, what you wrote. Some people's ideas amaze me.
ReplyDeleteMasks are so hard to come by... We've ordered some, and I'm using a bandana in the meantime. I may wear a mask for the foreseeable future when I'm at the grocery store. It'll be a while 'til we have a vaccine, and a 2nd wave could be bad :( I'm doing what little I can to help. It's not much :( I don't see much CA news, and it's interesting to hear that from you. Thx!
DeleteI read your rant, and I'm no Trump fan, but if you think it's only Republican politicians who don't care about the commoners, and all Democrat politicians do, you would be mistaken. I was part of the cheering section for New York Democrat Governor Andrew Cuomo. Then I learned about this: Jan 21, 2020:
ReplyDeleteGov. Cuomo unveiled plans Tuesday to reduce the state’s looming $6.1 billion deficit by forcing New York City and other local governments to rein in their Medicaid spending — or pay for it on their own.
Cuomo’s $178.6 billion budget plan also would slash nearly $2 billion in state aid to the city and the 57 other counties around the state.
Cuomo’s Medicaid proposal would only give them a 3 percent annual increase in their healthcare costs for the poor.
After that, local governments would be on their own in terms of paying for any hikes, Cuomo said.
I was careful not to include any partisan politics in my rant. Cuomo's briefings have been informative and encouraging, but he has a history and I'm no fan. I don't know anything about the New York political environment.
DeleteWell ranted my friend! The 'overlord' of our county is also all for opening everything up and getting life back to normal, and has been opposing Mrs Merkel all the time. Funnily enough, he's also hoping to be re-elected in November.... But he hasn't suggested disinfectant being given by intravenous drip - yet! Einstein said that the difference between genius and stupidity is that genius is limited. Happy Coffee drinking, happy T Day, Valerie
ReplyDeletelol! Stupidity has no limits, that is true.
Delete...what rural folks don't seem to understand is that as a percentage of population cases can be much higher and the medical resources aren't there! We are all in this mess together, lets fight the damn thing.
ReplyDeleteAmen!
Deleterant away-that's kinda what I did today-I don't remember being this totatly stressed out except when Hubs is going through heart surgeries-it comes down to people not listening-and our primary doctor is out and may not return this year-but a nurse today I think felt my frustration and set up a phone call appointment with a different doctor in that office-sooooo grateful I just couldn't get through to anyone that we live in a lake house with many steep stairs and Hubs can not and should not be walking up those stairs right now haha we made an appt with her for June and by then we should know more about if our long time doctor will return or not--and at our ages now we need now a doctor close by-am going to check him out tomorrow. we got reassured by this phone call that we are doing the right thing-that he should not be doing much standing on that leg right now---anyways sorry did not mean to go on so long. I kinda figured too that urban and cities are two totally different set ups-the county I live in is very rural and the city I go to for food now is very rural with mostly farmers and mennonite so big difference. we all need to follow guidelines and just be smart about things. thanks for stopping by
ReplyDeleteNot at all, I like the "going on" and talking with each other. Our regular doctor has just retired, and I can't help but feel like this mess is the reason she's doing it now. They'll transfer us to another doctor in that same practice, though, so that's good. The pressure to re-open is being felt, and we're gradually moving in that direction, but I'm wondering if that predicted 2nd wave will hit before a vaccine is available. Ah, well, all we can do is all we can do...
Deleteyes they are saying this may hit again with the flu so I think we will be in the house allot again if that happens we are people that need the flu shot I used to get so ill before I started taking it-when I worked for the phone company as a telephone operator we had to come to work sick so that just kept spreading it around the office-once I got the flu shot I was more protected for sure we will get covid vaccine for sure
DeleteI didn't used to get the flu shot either and only got the flue once or twice in all those decades, but my hubby is high-risk so I get it now for them. A vaccine will be a breakthrough. I dread the 2nd wave. I'm so ready be be out in one of the parks or walking along the river, or something... but that's a different rant ;)
DeleteLovely art share as always. And what an informative and interesting read. This virus certainly does need to be taken seriously! I am unsure of what our PA governor is going to do once we get close to the May 8th shutdown deadline...it may go on a lot longer but there is a plan to very carefully and slowly phase in more business openings. Time will tell. Nice having a cuppa and discussion with you. Keep well, and happy T day!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like how our county is setting it up -carefully phased plans based on the medical data. They're ramping up testing.
DeleteVery interesting your post, here we are in confinement from March 15th, and for now, until May 10th. But, according to the data for the next few days, it is possible that it will be extended for another two weeks. We have many infections and, unfortunately, many deaths as well. Children can go out for an hour every day since last Sunday, is that the most correct thing? I don´t know. Because, apparently, many children have developed a rare pathology , consisting of heart inflammation and abdominal pain, among others. It is happening in several countries in Europe, and they are studying it, in case this pathology was related to Covid-19.
ReplyDeleteEverything is very complicated, what is clear is that this is very serious, and that you have to protect yourself very well and do massive tests.
I hope everything happens soon.
Happy T-day! and I love that painting, and of course your coffee mug!
Stay safe and well, and big hugs
Caty
Hearing the strange secondary complications is scary. It'll be a long time before we learn what's going on :(
DeleteA good rant, which we all need now and again.
ReplyDeleteI would rather be safe and stay home these days and I've stopped listening to all the new programs. just the ones that are giving out current information. This virus is going to control every ones lives for a very long time to come
Happy T day wishes. stay safe.
Yvonne xx
I agree. People keep saying they want everything opened up but I wonder how many will be secure in going back to their favorite restaurants :(
DeleteI follow a lot of worldwide and local charts about COVID and pay attention to the rules of the day. I gave up on the news long ago. I just want facts.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you and yours. Stay safe.
Belated Happy T-Day! Eileen xx
I look for news that provides facts ;)
DeleteI for one, loved the beautiful painting you shared today. It's gorgeous and from an artist I was totally unfamiliar with.
ReplyDeleteRant away, dear. Our western counties are starting to have people dying from the virus. The difference is, the bigger cities have resources the smaller towns don't have. I recently told CJ some of the small towns no longer have a grocery store, and their hospitals have all been shut down due to funding shortages. I feel for the people who live in the western part of the state. Ours is supposed to open again on May 4, but Kelly (our democrat gov) may change her mind. She shut down our schools for the rest of the school year before a lot of states did.
I stopped watching the Trump rallies thinly disguised as COVID updates. The more Trump talks, the more stupid he looks. Even Fox news (yes, it's cable) has stopped praising him every few minutes. Just the die hard MAGA Fox reporters are following him through the gates of hell. Personally, I like that he is doing all that talking and showing what an ass he is. The more people are exposed to him, the harder it will be to defend him to the death. And it's THEIR deaths, not his.
I feel for the first responders. I saw today a woman who was doctor and treated patients, got the virus, got well, went back to work, then committed suicide today (or yesterday, maybe). We need to relieve these health professionals, but how can we when the states are opening again.
I saw something cute the other day. It was a photo of people milling around the Michigan state capital with signs that read, "Our choice, no masks," and "Our choice, we want to return to work." Isn't it odd that these die hard republicans have finally opted for the RIGHT TO CHOOSE!!
I watched his open-the-businesses press conference today, and his rambling answer to simple questions is worrying. I'm amazed no one is addressing the obvious medical problem here. Here's one example:
DeleteReporter: "You've spoken about your friend who passed away. I was wondering if you've spoken to the families of anyone else who's lost loved ones to Covid-19. If there's any particular stories that have affected you."
Trump: "Well, I have many people, I know many stories. I've spoken to 3, maybe I guess 4 families unrelated to me. I did, I lost a very good friend. Also I lost 3 other friends, 2 of whom I didn't know as well, but they were friends, people I did business with, probably almost everybody in the room did. And it's a bad death. It's not a, it's a bad thing. It grips onto some people. Now we've found that young people do extraordinarily well. That's why I can start thinking about schools, but of course we're ending the school season, so ya know it wouldn't be, probably you'd be back, you wouldn't be back for too long. I notice where Purdue University, a great school in a great state, wants to open, and have students come in. I think that's correct. Some colleges, I think I saw Harvard, wants to have students come back in the fall. I would hope that they'd have a, have students. I think that the whole concept of computer learning is wonderful, but it's not -tele, tele-learning- but it's not the same thing as being in a classroom in a great college or a college of any kind. College, university, there's nothing, you can't replace that. So hopefully they're going to be coming back. Young people do very well with this horrible scorge [which is how he pronounces "scourge"]. They do very well. So I am going to see you tomorrow, and we'll have other things to talk about. We have a lot of interesting things. I don't think we should have a news conference today, because this is a news conference in addition it's a celebration of these incredible people that have done such a good job. And I think we've found a couple of stars in this room today. I won't tell you who, but ther are a couple. This guy here is the biggest star in the room [light applause], right? [Trump claps his hands]. We'll all agree he's the big... I vote for you, OK? Great job you've done, and I really appreciate it too. I appreciate you being here. Couldn't have done better."
Some else asks a question.
I couldn't read it ~ I'm taking a mental break from the reality of it all ~ The coffee looks promising ~ blessings & love to you...and remember to look for the good, the lovely, the comforting and breathe ~ Love, K
ReplyDeleteI understand that :) I tried to separate out my rant so folks could skip that part easily. Coffee is a blessing, my patio is a joy, I enjoy my online activities, and nobody I know personally is sick. There are good things to be thankful for :)
DeleteI get exactly what you are saying. How disrespectful to all the medical workers who are on overtime in many places, never mind many of them haven't seen their families in weeks. Perhaps when those people who are out getting tattoos or not social distancing come down with covid-19 they should take some disinfectant to be cured. Enough said. Maybe I will need a big glass of before bed wine if I keep going on. I like the art today and also your pretty coffee cup. Hope it was a nice T day. Hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteYesterday Pence was defending breaking Clinic policy by not wearing a mask *sigh* Yes, we should have more respect, I agree :(
DeleteI empathize with you. I agree with you. What more can I say...I'm in a state that's never even had an official lock down. A partial shut down with schools and certain businesses and churches, I believe. Our cases are on the rise. Like you said--it's like trying to have a peeing section in the pool. We're liberal Minnesotans now living in a very conservative state. Feels uncomfortable and unsafe. I have never understood how people can watch and listen to Trump and not see who he is. Beyond me.
ReplyDeleteWe border Arkansas, which was also one of the few states that never ordered any kind of policy beyond the national one. The Arkansas state that borders us doesn't have a hospital. The West Memphis, Arkansas, mayor seems to get it at least... I heard Trump yesterday, and he's unable to maintain focus even long enough to answer a question. Scary.
DeleteI couldn't agree more. I am continually amazed at how badly this has been handled on almost every level. I'm lucky to live in a state (Michigan) where our governor is, I think, responsible and doing an excellent job in trying to keep things as safe as possible. And she gets flack every step of the way by her state House and Senate, not to mention the protestors. We're "gently" opening up, although I am shocked and disgusted that with so many, "give 'em and inch and they'll take a mile" in terms of not distancing, wearing masks, etc. Rick had to make an emergency trip to the hardware and no employees were wearing masks and social distancing there and elsewhere has not been enforced. I understand the concept of self-policing but it can work out badly. I live in a medium-sized city that is doing a pretty good job per capita but the small rural town I stay in up north has had a high per capita rate and it makes me very nervous.
ReplyDeleteI do realize that the world I knew and loved has changed radically in the past four months, and it hasn't been helped by the national response, combined by the "It's all about me" mentality I've been seeing a lot of. I have stopped watching the briefings and pick up relevant info later. And I have to say yesterday when the Veep was the only person who didn't wear a mask in Mayo Clinic after being told "because I didn't want to cover my eyes" I was ready to throw in the towel. (By the way, does your mask cover your eyes? Mine doesn't.) I long for hugs and gatherings with friends too -- but I'm willing to wait it out for as long as it takes -- which I fear might be a very long time.
Amen, and amen. I'm watching video of the briefings afterwards, mainly because it makes it easier for me to write down unedited answers he gives and post them to Facebook lol The man doesn't seem able to give a coherent, focused answer. And Pence saying he's tested all the time so knows he doesn't have it is missing how testing works. He's not _likely_ to have it, I'll grant you, but it's a shame he's willing to take the risk however small that he could infect someone else.
DeleteOur state has begun re-opening, though our city and county have not. The common air circulation in buildings makes me unlikely to go to a restaurant any time soon. I'm continuing every-3-week grocery trips, but that's as much as I'm willing to do.
I dread the 2nd wave :(
I think it is absolutely ridiculous that any one thinks it is time to release from lock down. I am thankful that our provincial Premiere said no to releasing any one or any thing just yet. Infection & death rates are still too high. I read that more people in the US of A have died from COVID-19 than in the 20 year war in Vietnam. Sobering numbers.
ReplyDeleteYes we've topped 60,000 known dead here, and I believe many who've died without first being diagnosed aren't being counted :(
DeleteI love the art but that cup is so beautiful it's my winner!
ReplyDeleteAs for Covid -19 and Trump ...I am grateful for our National Health Service and the way things are being run here! We are still in lockdown and for my age group expect to be for a lot longer. There are folk 'urging' the government to get Britain back to work with no idea how much planning that is going to take for us all to stay safe from a second wave! Boris is back now and I hope is stays strong enough to stand up to the bullies! My Rant Over!!!! Belated Happy T Day, Chrisx
I was so pleased to see Boris get through it so well. He came out of his experience with high praise for your NHS. I wish we had had the foresight y'all did.
DeleteGo ahead and rant! You are allowed. For me it is interesting of course to learn a bit more about the situation in the US. Spain has independent regions, like your states. I live in Andalucia, which is the largest independent region. We have our own government for local things.The regions are divided in provinces, who can also make certain rules. Fortunately in our province of Granada, we have had very few corona virus cases, and then most of then in the city of Granada. So our rules are going to be relaxed according to the figures. I am happy with how they are handling it here. The lockdown is not nice, but it is for the best I think. Restaurants as from May the first are allowed to do take-aways and perhaps after a few weeks they will be able to have customers in outside seating with distance rules. We shall see.
ReplyDeleteHappy belated T-Day,
Hugs,
Lisca
I agree a local approach makes more sense. Our city is entering phase 1 of its re-opening of businesses this coming Monday, though many businesses never closed. Our restaurants were open for delivery and take-out/pick-up throughout it all. It'll be a long time before I go to a restaurant, but I'll head to the park as soon as they open :) Like you say: We shall see. I hope it works.
Delete