Editor's Point of View : George Beck, Ph.D.

Welcome to another excellent issue of Blue Magazine. We have a lot of information to share with you.

So far, 2020 has been challenging. The coronavirus is a significant health issue that has taken the lives of many people, and we at Blue Magazine mourn the loss of all those who died from COVID-19 related illnesses. We also extend our support to those continuing to battle the virus. 

We must also acknowledge the truth that the coronavirus has sadly morphed into a major political issue, and the collateral damages are devastating. Yet, it seems nobody wants to have this conversation. Why? Why can’t we discuss the starvation — the suicides and the utter destruction caused by the shutdown? Does anyone care that many people are down to their last few packages of ramen noodles? Why can’t we hear the perspective of the families struggling with hunger from loss of employment, and how sad it is they put their children in bed at night knowing they are hungry? Why is this not part of the discussion? As I said, yes, the coronavirus is serious, and so are starvation, depression, unemployment and suicide. 

Is it any wonder why protests to end the shutdown are assembling en masse? Many people are asking why these protesters are not listening. Some claim it’s a lack of education or a misinformed rebellious spirit that drives these folks. I see this differently. The rebellion against the shutdown is the direct result of taking a one-sided approach. People have legitimate grievances that are being ignored. At the same time, they are told to shut up — that science is the answer, and their struggles don’t matter. We must make certain the cure is not worse than the disease.

The road ahead for our profession is full of uncertainty. We are taking the brunt of the effects of the coronavirus and the shutdown, and in the near future could realistically see unemployment, increases in officers getting hurt or killed and wrongful prosecutions as the scapegoats of the shutdown. Be sure to check out the cover story where much of this is addressed.

As we move forward in 2020, it pains me to write about the loss of our Blue Magazine writer, Dr. Joseph Devine.

Dr. Devine was not only a coworker and mentor, but he was also my friend. No matter what time I called, he answered. We co-authored articles together. Leadership was his passion. He was a leader who built other leaders. He wasn’t afraid to lift others up.  Dr. Devine was a great man who genuinely cared for his family and friends. We’ll miss him greatly.  Dr. Devine’s sudden passing reminds us to slow things down and to cherish the good people in our lives and spend as much time as we can with those who really care about us. Rest In Peace, Dr. Devine. Your impact on the lives of many is everlasting.