Large Fierce Mammal

“‘And it is also said,’ answered Frodo: ‘Go not to the Elves for counsel for they will answer both no and yes.’

“‘Is it indeed?’ laughed Gildor. ‘Elves seldom give unguarded advice, for advice is a dangerous gift, even from the wise to the wise, and all courses may run ill.’” ~ Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, Three is Company, J.R.R. Tolkien

Every day, whether they choose to or not, Canadians have the option, live or streamed later, to watch the COVID-19 briefings offered up by their Provincial or Territorial Government, and the Federal one. As these have played out, they have fallen into a pretty much standard format:

1. Total number of confirmed and presumptive cases, as well as how many deaths, and a general (although not pinpoint) idea of their geographic distribution;
2. An update of measures being applied and/or under consideration;
3. Reminders of what is expected of the public to help limit the rate of spread;
4. Admonishments for non-compliance with yesterday’s Item 3; and
5. Questions from the Press.

In between, a plethora of sources offer up interpretations of those announcements in various flavours and lens colours, and a parallel cornucopaea of more targeted examinations ranging from mild to piquant.

When the COVID-19 pandemic was first declared and Canada began openly announcing its developing response, the stated goals were to “flatten the curve” by limiting opportunities for rapid proliferation of infection to make sure medical services are not overwhelmed by everyone getting sick at the same time, and do everything necessary to support and streamline the efforts of all involved in the fastest possible realizations in research, mitigation, treatment, manufacture of vital supplies, and immunology. As days have drawn out into weeks marching forward to no clear end in an uncertain future, an absolutely fundamental set of goals that should be foremost in the public mind by now has faded into the background. Drowned out by a daily parade of talking heads attached to visibly exasperated officials; stamping feet, wagging fingers, and uttering dire warnings. With this has come the unveiled threat of an open ended suspension of all or part of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms —

“These are, no doubt, very fearful times. But what we hope is not in the cards is a government invoking the “Notwithstanding clause” in section 33 of the Charter. That would mean that there are no restrictions on those governments that decide to enact laws that abolish our legal rights and fundamental freedoms.

“That, in our opinion, would be an unnecessary overreaction and a dangerous one.

“Let’s not give the COVID-19 virus that power. It is causing enough havoc; let it not infect the rule of law.” ~ As civil liberties erode, Canada must not allow COVID-19 outbreak to infect the rule of law

Likely to play out or not, Justin Trudeau leads a minority government after all, the message is stentorian, and little else can be heard over it. As I wrote in a poem inspired by another crisis:

A Parable

By LFM

The Horsemen four we’re taught to fear,
The “quiet ones” we’re told to ward,
But hearken not the storm crow’s cry,
That seeks to blunt both wits and sword.

The children of Apocalypse
Are daughters, and but two my Son,
Worth a dozen horsemen each
Know them both before they’ve won!

Cacophony, the first is called,
Her voice belies her name to thee.
So silky soft, ‘twould rule your mind,
No urges left to fight or flee.

Seductive is Cacophony,
With thrilling words to fill the ear.
She seeks to make a slave of thee
Ere meaning of her name is clear.

And when her voice is all you hear,
This sister’s task is nearly done.
The clock ticks down, the sands run out —
Prepare to meet the other one.

All warning of her onset drowned
By clamour of Cacophony,
Swift and sure, the end has come.
This sister’s name – Catastrophe.

Think on this until next time.