If Only

​A couple of people recently returned to Brisbane from visiting Melbourne.  They lied to get back in.  They were carrying Corona Virus.  Boy have they set the cat among the pigeons.   I am angry and disappointed.  The selfish actions of a couple of people have meant thousands have had to do things they would not have needed to.  That is the tip of the iceberg.  People could die because of them.
It got me thinking about “if only.”  It seems their actions have rightly caused a great “if only” response from all Queenslanders.
I ask myself though where that ends.  We want to eliminate such behaviour.  There is a good chance fines and imprisonment will do it.  Personally if anyone dies as a result of their actions I reckon they should be up for murder.
But I think “ok we get rid of that.”  Problem solved.  Now we will be right.  Then there are the mass murderers.  Got to get rid of that if we want to not have “if only’s.”  So we get rid of that.  Oh and then there are paedophiles.  Got to get rid of that.  So we do.  The if only’s are only taking a break though.  Domestic violence.  Got to see an end to that if we want to not have “if only’s.”  So we legislate against that.
The thing is, I reckon I could go on and on.  Having gotten rid of some major problems I could get down to “they are having a 20 minute break and they are down for 15 minutes.”  Got to get rid of that. They are speeding.  “Got to get rid of that.”  They are being selfish at home.  “Got to get rid of that.”
There are definitely things that as a society we need to get rid of.  I have a problem though with degrees of wrong.  What I consider a minor thing may be a major thing to someone else. To me wrong is wrong no matter the degree.
I don’t reckon there is an adult that does not habour an “if only.”  Knowing that is the case does not mean consequences should be forgone, but I do wonder if pointing the finger is safe when I have so many pointing back at me.
There are those that withdraw behind walls and maintain a garden because they know there is something in them that brings on an “if only.”  They imagine that withdrawing from society will solve the problem.
The trouble is, wherever I go I take me.  Not facing a problem does not mean the problem ceases to exist.  Also blocking my ears and talking so I do not hear, does not mean the problem does not exist.
Others go to a building far removed from everyone and perhaps pledge silence.  Silence when we speak is probably a good course of action from all from time to time.  Thing is, if I withdraw, I may be removed from the situation, but the situation is not removed from me.
Personally, I would rather deal with something within my control and move on in the midst of all my friends and the circumstances.  There are certainly some circumstances I do not like, and I think it is right to highlight them and push for change.  But I do not think I have a leg to stand on setting myself up and knowing my life is full of “if only’s.”
I need to alleviate them.  I know I have my work cut out for me and I need help.  It all keeps me busy.