THREAD

Good morning Twitter,

Please indulge me, because I have an overwhelming need to share a #COVID19 rant.

In the past month, this pandemic has taught me some very ugly truths about far too many of my fellow Nova Scotians. /2

I have always been proud to be a Nova Scotian. I have always believed the people here were among the best anywhere when it came to giving, caring and stepping up for their families, neighbors, friends and even total strangers. /3

What I have learned is that's an illusion. It's how we like to think of ourselves. It's not reality.

I live in a small town on the South Shore. I work in health care so I'm still driving back and forth to work. And what I see on a daily basis is shocking to me. /4

What I see makes me ashamed of my province and too many of my fellow Nova Scotians.

I see too many willfully and blatantly disregarding the Public Health orders to social distance and #StayTheBlazesHome and out of our provincial and municipal parks and off our beaches. /5

Seeing this makes me fearful about the inevitable community spread of COVID19, particularly knowing my 89 year old mother and I are both in the 'vulnerable' category. It makes me angry. And now I'm angry that I'm angry. I don't like feeling this way. And so I ask myself ... /6

how is it possible that so many Nova Scotians believe the rules do not apply to them? How can they be so selfish and thoughtless? Do they really not care enough about their own vulnerable family members and friends to just deal with it so we can stop the spread of this virus? /7

To all you Nova Scotians not social distancing, driving to parks, walking your dog on our beaches (my mom counted 10 on the beach across from her house yesterday), having 6 friends over to help you build your new deck (yes, I saw you) and gallivanting around ... /8

instead of staying the blazes home, I am ashamed of you and I'm disgusted that you are either too selfish or too stupid to be ashamed of yourselves.

Just one person not following the rules is cancelling out my effort and sacrifice. I can't help but see it that way. /9

Do you think I like not being able to visit my mother or being able to enjoy our beautiful beaches and parks? No, I don't. But I'm doing it for myself, my mom, and yes, for you too. The least you could do is return the favor.

Signed,
One Pissed Off Nova Scotian

@StephenMcNeil