OPINION | If you want to see God laugh, tell him of your plans

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Editor's Note: César Grajales has 10 years of experience in different fields of the world of politics. He is the founder of the consulting firm Bridge 305 INC. He is also a registered lobbyist and coalition director for the NGO The Free Initiative. He participates weekly as a political analyst in different media. Opinions in this column are from the author.

(CNN Spanish) - "If you want to see God laugh, tell him about his plans." I think I heard this expression from one of my grandmothers. I don't remember which of them said it, but it must have been while I was making a cup of hot chocolate for breakfast. I do not know the origin of the phrase, but the subject in it suggests a religious origin. However, and leaving spirituality aside, this simple and public domain saying, today more than ever seems to me of great philosophical depth, don't you think so?

A few months ago, people hugged each other effusively under the splendor of the fireworks that announced the new year. New gym memberships were being bought, paid vacation packages ready to go in the spring or summer of the Northern Hemisphere, famous singers with fully sold tours, scheduled sporting events, new movies with release dates, hotels and restaurants waiting to please crowds, my wife and I planning our cruise trip through the Nordic countries; In short, such different agendas without knowing that weeks later the same fate awaited us ... learning to live with two words: coronavirus and quarantine.

In recent days that phrase has been spinning in my head in such a way that it has forced me to ask myself, what is its true meaning? I have concluded that it speaks to us of humility. The humility of recognizing how fragile we are as a species, that no matter how much power and money we have and accumulate, a microscopic enemy can bring us all to our knees. The humility of accepting that as a vulnerable species we need to be united, not only to get rid of this pandemic, but to advance as a civilization.

I have the feeling that perhaps many are having the same thought or feeling when they see entire communities come out onto the balconies of their homes to cheer up. Listening to artists sharing their talents on social networks, and seeing how that character idolized by millions, now appears as normal and fragile as any of us. I like to see stories on Instagram where people applaud and recognize our healthcare workers as heroes. A community that today struggles endless hours to try to return us to normal life safely. A normal life - which I hope - comes with a more humble attitude and a more humane, more united mentality.

Other plans completely altered have been those of governments. In the United States, for example, the Senate and the House of Representatives have had to work at full speed to develop an economic stimulus plan that maintains the country and its citizens with a certain financial normality. After several debates, a support plan was finally voted and enacted as a law, which, although not perfect, generates relief for all segments of the country.

According to the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center, 90% of those who declare taxes in this country will receive some type of assistance derived from the CARES Act, as this stimulus package is known, will generate direct economic aid to about 80% of those who live in this country with legal status, who have a social security number and who have declared their taxes for the years 2018 or 2019.

Direct deposit to account or check will go to individuals who reported to the Internal Revenue Department (IRS) an income of up to $ 75,000 a year. These individuals will receive a government refund of $ 1,200. Married couples who filed their returns together and reported a profit of up to $ 150,000 will receive a refund of $ 2,400. In both cases, if they have children under the age of 17, they will receive an extra refund of US $ 500 for each child. Individuals or married couples who have earned more than the previous amounts, will have their payment reduced by US $ 5 for each extra US $ 100 they had in income, up to the amounts of US $ 99,000 for individuals and US $ 198,000, for married people. .

Another very important part to highlight is aid to small businesses. These businesses are the engine of the United States and included in this plan US $ 349 billion for a program called Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). This program will provide assistance to millions of small businesses so they can keep their businesses operating and their employees employed. What's interesting is that eligible small businesses with fewer than 500 employees will be able to borrow up to $ 10 million. And something very positive about this program is that this money will not necessarily have to be paid if the loan proceeds are used according to the criteria defined by the CARES Law. Namely: payment of wages, insurance of employees, rent, mortgages, electricity, water, telephone, etc ..., everything related to keeping the business going.

Within this plan, sole proprietorships or self-employed persons, independent contractors, businesses from indigenous communities that meet the Small Bussines Administration (SBA) size standard, veterans organizations that meet that same standard were considered as small companies. and non-profit organizations. They all qualify for PPP. However, this program, which was launched on April 3, has unfortunately had obstacles that have prevented small businesses from accessing the process. Let's see what happens on April 10 when independent or self-employed employees can request it.

The CARES Act contains a lot of valuable information that will help mitigate the economic crisis in the United States derived from this pandemic. And to you, dear reader, if you live in this country, I suggest that you spend time looking for this law and see how it can help you. Surely there is something for you there. And remember, if you want to see God laugh, or fate, tell him your plans.

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