I had to laugh when I learned there is an asteroid in our general vicinity of the universe that is due to pass by on November 2nd. Yes, an asteroid. It has a name – 2018VP1. It’s not predicted to do any damage to our planet. It will likely fly right by us.
That’s a good reason for gratitude. We’re doing enough on our own to damage our planet and our species.
The thought of an asteroid should make us consider things for a moment. We have a deadly pandemic that has revealed the worst of the United States and killed about 190,000 people here as of today. We only have 5% of the world’s population but 20% of covid-19 deaths. The truth of our inequality has been laid bare and we are once again looking at the fear that Black Americans live with everyday. The far right has turned to violence against their perceived enemies, including a willingness to take human lives. And our president condones their behavior. Global warming has stepped up its activity by making conditions more severe for hurricanes and wildfires, which means more loss of life and property. While all of this is happening, the wealthiest Americans double and triple their wealth.
So why not an asteroid? And why not the day before U.S. elections? What about those elections? Of course there is all the mud slinging along with blatant efforts to suppress voting. There is also the first woman of color running for Vice-President. VP1. As in 2018VP1.
That asteroid is going to visit the neighborhood this November and possibly again in 2025. I like thinking it will pass by again in a few years. I wonder what 2018VP1 will find in 2025. I hope it’s better than what we’ve got going on at the moment.
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