Watching the news has been an experience. As a news junkie, I have found myself turning away from all news outlets to maintain a little sanity.
In television news terms, the “A Block” is the news at the beginning of the broadcast until the first commercial. It is where the most important stories are broadcast. Typically, a major derailment of a freight train in Northern Virginia would be an A Block story. On Friday, the 30-second mention was the lead-in to the weather report at 18 minutes after the hour.
The news of the week affects everything, including numismatics. Although the events in Minneapolis, Louisville, and Brunswick, Georgia, have their analogies to problems in the numismatic community, that will be left to another commentary. This week, I want to concentrate on the coronavirus:
- The pandemic is real and will be around for a while. It is not a government conspiracy. It is not overblown. And stop comparing the numbers of deaths to the flu. The flu kills 56,000 people annually, a 12-month statistic. COVID-19 has killed 104,217 (as of this writing) since FEBRUARY!
- COVID-19 does not care who you are, your political affiliation, or what you worship. You can be infected. Once infected, you can spread the virus even if you show no symptoms of the disease. History shows us this is possible. Look up the biography of Mary Mallon, better known as “Typhoid Mary.”
- The more scientists research the disease, the more they realize a lot is unknown. Last week, a preliminary report from a peer-reviewed medical journal revealed that people infected with COVID-19 are showing damage in their lungs. The study included people who did not show symptoms of the disease.
- Wearing a mask is not infringing on your rights and not a sign of tyranny. It is to protect everyone in the name of public health in the same manner that you are required to wear shirts and shoes when going to a restaurant. Your decision to not wear a mask infringes on my rights not to get infected since the masks are to prevent you from spreading potentially infected droplets from your lungs. If you want to make a statement, get a personalized mask with your message. Wear a t-shirt with your message. But wear the damned mask!
- And stay six-feet away from me. I would rather be six-feet away from you than six-feet underground!
Although Florida is open and the governor is lifting many restrictions, the Florida United Numismatists canceled the Summer FUN show.
Even though the ANA announced that they continue to plan to hold the World’s Fair of Money in August, sources report that Pittsburgh may not be fully open by then. Even if Pittsburgh is allowed to be in the “Green Phase,” according to the Pennsylvania governor’s plan, “Large Gatherings of More Than 250 Prohibited.”
Also, “All businesses must follow CDC and DOH guidance for social distancing and cleaning” includes dealers at their tables. Some dealers need a lesson in cleanliness and upgrading their people skills making this a barrier to holding the World’s Fair of Money.
Even if the ANA tries to hold the World’s Fair of Money, how many will attend? Are you going to travel in a closed metal tube to a show required to limit attendance? How many ANA members over 60 will attend? How many ANA members are over 60? I am 60 and 4½ hours away by car with friends in Pittsburgh that I would love to visit. I am considering not going under today’s circumstances.
Let’s do the right thing and cancel the World’s Fair of Money before going further embarrasses the organization.
Finally:
KEEP YOUR SOCIALLY SAFE DISTANCE!
BE SAFE AND HEALTHY!
And now the news…
Scott
The ANA and other numismatic organizations should consider how many of us will not be going to shows as much as we used to.
It’s expensive to travel to shows. Auctions, many dealers and the US and foriegn mints can be purchased from on the internet. By avoiding shows, you will have more money to purchase with.
Numismatics is runned by old fogies with no vision and are determined to.preserve the status quo. They are damaging the hobby.
With no apologies
Bob Graul
I’ll be there if it’s held. No hesitation whatsoever. I just turned 65. I haven’t missed an ANA summer convention in a decade, and I’m not inclined to miss this one.