With COVID-19 Carry A Big Stick
With COVID-19 Carry a Big Stick.
Hi Everyone,
I write this short column somewhat in jest. It is legally arguable that never before have you been able to carry a big stick and point it with qualified immunity at people demanding that they stay away from you. COVID-19 has, as we all know, created a new social distancing paradigm. While social distancing is now de rigeur, many people just don’t seem to understand distances, especially, keeping the proscribed minimum six feet of separation.
So, for the time being, walking and carrying a big stick (Teddy Roosevelt would likely have approved!) to physically demonstrate a minimum of a six foot distance seems to be acceptable – if not a good idea. In other words, pointedly directing someone to refrain from invading your safety zone or cordon sanitaire does not seemingly, for the moment, carry the same risk of being charged by the police with assault (creating apprehension in a third party that you are going to beat his head in with it).
Obviously, how you communicate to someone to stay back is all important, undergirded by both social and legal considerations. Be sure to understand the difference between an assertive versus a belligerent response. The former will let someone know in a matter-of-fact way to give you space. The latter may be considered an overreaction on your part that might either provoke unwarranted violence or, at the very least, a complaint against you lodged with the police possibly supported by photos or video.
Common sense before COVID-19 dictated that anyone within five feet is a potential threat. So, we’ll add a least one more foot of common sense. To be sure, the novel coronavirus creates a whole new dimension in our early warning radar. Naturally, most people expect others to maintain a proper or respectful distance. Since time immemorial, swaggering with suitable walking stick or cane with swagger can send a message of deterrence.
Surely, if people now condition themselves, when circumstances allow, to keep unknown third parties at the required six-foot distance, the world will be much more socially aware. Hence, it might become a considerably more polite and safer place. It will be interesting to see if this social habit becomes more permanently engrained. If it does, the reaction gap will increase infusing the advantage of increased reaction time to defend. I welcome everyone’s thoughts. Stay healthy.
Kidah,
David
