If you’re angry and you know it, shake some hands! If you’re angry and you know it, shake some hands.! If you’re angry and you know it, and you’re face will surely show it, if you’re angry and you know it, shake some hands! As our worldwide community is torn asunder by the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve noticed some truly disturbing behaviors being acted out here in the good ole USA. Behaviors that are apparently expressing a disdain for common decency. As health professionals advise US citizens to practice “social distancing”, these malcontents are using violations of personal space to intimidate and antagonize their victims in an effort to gain power over them. These actions are disgraceful and degrading to both the perpetrators and those they victimize. If we are hoping for happy, healthy and well-adjusted communities here in the states, and I must assume that we are, then this type of behavior needs to be exposed and condemned for precisely what it is – Self-Hatred Externalized.
Handshaking has long been used as a traditional gesture of mutual respect among men and women. For many men, there is an unspoken social initiative which gauges another man’s character by the qualities of their handshake. Supposedly, firmness matters. There’s seemingly even bigotry and racism attached to the act of handshaking. In the business world, there seems to be an aversion to any handshake other than the typical white man greeting (missionary position?) demonstrated in the photo to above. Having been raised in a typical, blue-collar, New England household, I was taught that any other form of affection between two grown men was a direct violation of the “Real Man” code, and therefore an abomination to manhood. 
I guess this is why it has taken me so long to get comfortable with the act of hugging another man to show my appreciation of their friendship. For this reason, I’ll be forever appreciative of my Son Christopher and his extensive tribal council of beautiful human beings for their continuing education in the artful expression of bi-gender affection. I love my Son, and I extend that love to all the people he loves, and also to those who love him. If human beings could learn how to put all philosophical, theological and political differences aside and just take care of each other, I firmly believe that we could experience a universal shift in consciousness, moving steadily toward long-term peacefulness and ultimately, a more compassionate, worldwide unity. Well, I guess I’ve revealed my poker-hand now! Confessing openly that I care deeply about ALL human beings, regardless of age, race or gender association, is likely to be a high crime against the white man code of ethics. How do I plead, you may ask? 
Guilty as charged!
As an optimist, I want to believe that we humans can grow stronger and more compassionate during times like these. As a progressive thinker, I want to believe that we can learn from every mistake we make, improving ourselves and our communities in ways that make the world a better place to live. As a promoter of equality, justice and accountability, I am challenging the bullies, brats and bitches to summon the self-control needed to contain their hateful, fear based behaviors, or at least to turn them inward, upon themselves. Do us all a favor, and get out of the way! Allow the sensible people space, so they may deal with this global pandemic in a civilized and socially healthy way.
"Grand Providentia United" 