It is times like we are facing today that no one could have ever dreamed of (or had a nightmare about). The City of New York on essential lockdown. The streets and subways are empty, the public locked in their homes and businesses closing down and laying people off. This hat not only hit us all, but it has hit us hard. When is it going to end? How will we repair the damage? For-Hire Vehicle (“FHV”) drivers have always been a concern of mine. They are hardworking, genuine and honest…and most of we trust them to transport us around NYC every single day. Millions of people getting in and out of cars all at the hands of the FHV driver who make the City run. Until the City fails to run? Who would have ever thought this would be the case. It could never happen. It would never happen. Well, we all know by now, very painfully for many, that it can happen,did happen and is still happening. Rest assured, we are all in the same boat. We are all hurting one way or the other. This is not my miserly loves company analogy but it is my way of expressing to you that I personally know that the FHV bases in NYC are doing all they can to stay alive. No customers calling or booking for transportation means no money to the base and no money to the driver. Drivers have empty cars but still, have bills to pay. Operators are being laid off and don’t know if or when they will get their job back. Those who still do have jobs have children at home because the schools are closed. Some days it’s like you have no idea how you are still managing, but somehow you do.
It is only in our darkest hours that we may discover the true strength of the brilliant light within ourselves that can never, ever, be dimmed. American self-reliance and entrepreneurship have never met a challenge it cannot overcome. Ingenuity in the face of new hardships is the cradle of great invention. On top of that, the rallying of governments, businesses, and individuals alike to respond in a collective manner that promotes the general welfare and greater good provides strength and reassurance that this moment is fleeting, and relief is coming. As such, this is an opportunity to forge a new way forward as it will be those who adapt to the present circumstances, proceed responsibly, contribute to the local, national and international cause, and protect themselves from future threats who will prosper in the end. Nelson Mandella once said “The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.” We have all hit a wall, but don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, and workaround. Stay strong and Stay Alive.
