APMA News - September/October 2020 - 34

APMAPAC Chair
By Barney A. Greenberg, DPM

The New Normal: If You're Content,
You Can Skip this Article

The summer has come to an end, and we have all learned
a new way of everyday life. The COVID-19 pandemic has
impacted every facet of our lives-as individuals, as well as
our families, friends, practices, communities, and associations, and of course our ability to try to make a difference
for the future.
The public health emergency has increased our anxiety,
depression, and at times, even our anger. Personally, I am
angry. My mother-in-law, who is 98 and lives in an assisted
living facility, has tested positive for COVID-19. Thankfully,
she is so far asymptomatic, but who knows what the next
few weeks will bring. My first grandchild was born, and we
cannot travel to see him. My residents are under strain and
are concerned every time they get called to the emergency
room to see a patient.
When is it going to stop? I don't know, but what I do know
is that making and solidifying relationships with legislators
and supporting their re-election efforts are still the best ways
to bring about the changes we want to see in the world.
Regardless of our political party affiliations, we all have
the ability and responsibility to speak our minds, to lobby
for our beliefs and agendas, and to make a positive change
for our profession.
The 2020 elections are rapidly approaching, and our
friends in the US House and Senate need support from members like you. And APMAPAC needs your grassroots participation in political action.
Political Action = Commitment + Meaningful Donation to
APMAPAC
34 APMA News September/October 2020

Just before writing this column, I participated in a Zoom
fundraiser with Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL) and Rep. Raul Ruiz,
MD (D-CA). Dr. Ruiz provided us with a top-level synopsis of
what is happening with the virus, the economy, and the stimulus packages being debated at the time of this writing. Each
of the 10 participants was then given a chance to comment
and discuss our individual needs and priorities. It was very
interesting that the internist, pathologist, physical therapist,
airline pilot, and air traffic controller all had concerns similar
to those expressed by podiatrists.
Political action works by making relationships, getting face
time in small groups, and of course showing support. Each of
us should be comfortable developing these relationships. We
need your grassroots participation. This issue of APMA News
includes a list of the candidates supported by APMAPAC
thanks to the generous donations from members across the nation over the past two years (see page 25). Please make your
donation today to help us solidify these relationships and promote podiatry and its priorities in the legislative arena!
It is time for all of us to get involved in political action. Not
later, tomorrow, or next week.
This article is my last as APMAPAC chair. I hope it has
moved you to become politically active. Visit www.apma.org/
donate and make your meaningful donation to APMAPAC
now to make a better tomorrow. n

http://www.apma.org/donate http://www.apma.org/donate

APMA News - September/October 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of APMA News - September/October 2020