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This opinion piece was written and submitted by Mike Shutran, Green River City Councilman.

I would just like to remind everyone that regardless of what is going on around us with the Covid-19 Preparedness Measures being taken, we must never forget that we are all still neighbors, family, friends, community members and most importantly Americans.

We are in this together just as we are with any other crisis or natural disaster. We should be compassionate to those around us. We must keep a watchful eye for the select few who may choose to take advantage of the situation or those in need.

We need to make certain that everyone has an equal opportunity to procure the items needed to ensure their lives are not upended by the unnecessary hoarding and panic buying that has been exhibited as of late. We need to remain calm and focused, show gratitude and exhibit humanity.

We need to mindful and ask ourselves if we are setting a good example for our youth. The manner in which we treat one another is of utmost importance and it plays a huge role in how young adults will address future issues. The next generation is much more likely to follow our example than our advice. Look for every opportunity to do something positive for those around you. Set the tone by interjecting positive energy into an otherwise negative situation.

Let us all be thankful that we live in such a great community within Wonderful Wyoming. Fortunately, here we have an abundance of wide-open spaces with which we can explore the reach of our social distancing.

In closing, please remember that it is never the situation we face, but rather the way in which we react to it, that defines who we are as human beings.