Pandemic Panic versus Peace

In light of the “pandemic panic” which is presently creeping through our nation, and the world, I think it is important to step back, and put things into proper perspective.

Nothing captures the imagination like a new scourge, and too often we worry about remote risks while ignoring real dangers…The best antidote for this kind of fear is the facts  – Marc Seigel, MD, NYU School of Medicine

Let’s take a look at just a few of those facts. Globally in developed countries the yearly leading cause of death is Heart Disease (over 3 million) , and in Developing Countries: HIV/AIDS (over 2 1/2 Million) In America alone, the average annual death rate from heart disease  is over 650,000.  Cancer: 550,000. Our alcohol related deaths are over 75,000. And regular old influenza and pneumonia: anywhere from 36,000 to upwards of 64,000 nationally (due to conflicting data). Now, contrast that with the recent “Swine Flu” tally. Mexico = a few hundred. USA = 1.  A Mexican toddler visiting Texas, who contracted the virus in Mexico and had “underlying health problems”.

Bottom Line: No Need To Panic.

What the world needs now is healing by staying calm, and coming together. That can only happen if we refuse to buy into the media rumor mongering. We must reject panic & fear, and embrace peace & faith.

Are these perilous times? They are. But there is no need to fear. We can have peace in our hearts and peace in our homes. We can be an influence for good in this world, every one of us. – President Gordon B. Hinckley, 2002

One “influence for good”  I find inspirational is a non-denominational organization formed four years ago called  Playing For Change.  The PFC team travels throughout the world, finding local street musicians, recording them, and then remixing the pieces into amazing works of art. 

“Don’t Worry” is the first original work recorded which was written by Pierre Minetti in Barcelona, Spain and speaks of the unity we all share on this planet. As the song states. “Let’s don’t worry my brother, in this world we are all the same, we must find peace…” The video features over 20 musicians from 4 continents who have never met in person, but are connected through the message and the music.

As children of God, each human being has unlimited power within themselves to create peace. We each can heal and lift and change the world for good, one person at a time. In short, let us choose to spread a “Pandemic of Peace” through word, deed and song.

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