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Speaking of Revelations, here’s William Blake.

Yesterday I received reports of people planning to loot a supermarket, or blocking cars on streetcorners to demand money from the passengers. I took them seriously because they triggered my fear of food riots during enhanced ultramega super community quarantine. Fortunately they turned out to be fake news—like the one about the dolphins in Venetian canals, which I also believed because I wanted it to be true. The likelihood of our believing fake news increases if they confirm our fears, hopes, and prejudices. The question is: Who stands to benefit from frightening people who are already frightened?

Then there is the absurdity of mayors being attacked because they’re actually doing something during this emergency, like distributing food to their constituents or giving logistical support to health workers at the frontlines of the war against coronavirus. The pandemic has brought about a series of revelations—Revelations, if you prefer—about the world we live in. We’ve already seen the incompetent buffoons, now meet the idiots. Like the young Americans on spring break in Florida, defying social distance guidelines because they must exercise their right to party. “If I get corona, I get corona,” they declare proudly, as they lick toilet seats for Instagram views and prepare to murder their elders.

The weaknesses of our social systems are being revealed—everything rests on a delicate balance that is so easily toppled. Who would’ve thought (except for virologists and science-fiction writers, whose job it is) that we would all be shut in, besieged by an invisible enemy? Don’t forget the revelation of which corporate employers are scuzzballs, which ones use legalese to weasel out (apologies to weasels) of paying their employees or charge quarantine days to leave credits, pointing out that “At least you still have a job.”

My cleaning lady Linda, who lives outside Metro Manila limits, sent me a text message asking for another advance. Someone was typing the words for her, as she can’t read (which has not stopped her from building her own house while I continue to rent). They suggested Smart Padala. I don’t have a Smart number, but my friend Bubbles does. So I sent Bubbles the funds online and she tried to send them to Linda. Turns out Linda doesn’t have a Smart Padala account, and when I called her to explain that she had to register her number——

And then Bubbles thought of a plan. They live in the same town, so Linda could come to her village. Which is under enhanced ultramega super etc, so Bubbles would meet her at the village gate at 4pm. So Linda showed up at 1230. Anyway she got her cash (Thank you, Bubbles!) and those of us she cleans house for will send more in the coming weeks. But there has to be a better way. Now consider all the people who cannot go to work and do not get assistance from their local government units. Mayors, do your jobs, everyone is watching you.

Here’s a spreadsheet detailing more ways you can help people during this crisis. Thanks, Pat.