I really loathed writing about this virus. But, it's just so hard to avoid its extreme impact. To balance the despondency associated with it, I'll try to strike a balance with some positivity that can be derived from it.
- The Government is responding in a reasonable, but expeditious manner. In Minnesota, unemployment benefits are authorized for people displaced by virus-induced employment issues. That's good. On the Federal level, there has been legislation passed to provide for sick leave and similar benefits. Now, this is not to say all will agree the measures were fast enough, strong enough, etc., but people in Hugo are seeing action from the government towards a positive, supportive end.
- It is, I'd say, a somewhat necessary wake up call. The economy has been booming the past couple years, unemployment next to nothing, downtown White Bear Lake is flush with people walking about to eat, shop, and spend money. I think we got to a point where we were taking things a bit for granted. Now, I would prefer the wake-up call was something less than the dramatic hammer that's swinging, but a bit of time to reassess may be good.
- There's money to be made. The market is down something like 20% percent (if not more, I don't want to do the actual math). What does that mean? It means Apple stock is 20% less than it was a couple of weeks ago. Is Apple really 20% less valuable than it was a couple of weeks ago? In the very short term, doubtful. In the long term, no chance I think.
- Litigants are taking a bit different perspective on the urgency of their matters. Litigation is important, very important for the participants. The Minnesota Supreme Court just mandated a 2-week hiatus from non-urgent and new matters. The ultimate effect? I don't know. A trial set for this past Monday is now on hold indefinitely while the courts deal with an already overpacked schedule.
It is not easy, but I encourage you to try and stay positive and believe this too will pass. There's always a chance to do something good, even if it is not easy. Take this time to do something good!
