A plea for the life of germs, our smallest pets

Today I speak for those who can't. Because they have no mouths and are one-cell creatures.

And they're gross.

I speak for germs – bacteria, viruses, fungi or protozoa. Their lives matter and we treat them badly, compared to other living things.

When  historians look back at this era in the world, there will be plenty of trends: climate change, population growth and the explosion of technology. But they'll also see that many of us – and I'm speaking to you, person who rubs their hands with Purell five times a day – participated in an annihilation of our smallest allies, the germs.

Our homes are filled with germ- and bacteria-killing products, from counter wipes to hand sanitizer to fabric sanitizer to germ-killing lights. It's on our minds constantly: When I use the restroom in my office building, I routinely see young men use paper towels to avoid touching the door as to avoid germs. I only presume those same men use all kinds of germ-killing agents.

Are we killing our tiny allies?

Let's first address the value of germs. Germs make our digestive system work, prevent infections, break down trash and make up antibiotics. (I'm not a scientist, so some of these "facts" may be wrong.)

When you need garbage to break down, germs step and and do the work. When you need to digest food, germs take the lead.

Yet germs are shunned. They do important work, but nobody appreciates them until they see something bad. Germs are the offensive linemen of the natural world.

But should we save germs regardless of their value? Why are they singled out for death?

Consider dogs and cats. How would you feel if someone began selling a product that claimed it killed 100 percent of dogs? You'd be outraged. Of cats? You'd be flummoxed.

But our stores are filled with products that promise to kill germs.

What are germs if not our smallest pets? The difference between a germ and a dog is only several trillion cells. (Plus the ability to bark, the need for food and a loyalty that's better than any person.) Like a dog, germs protect us and can turn on us.

The sad thing is that germs can't speak to defend themselves because they lack a brain, mouth and the platform from which to do it. And they're too busy doing their job, which is making the Earth habitable for us.

Two generations ago, the idea of animal rights and of bringing a dog to a restaurant were outrageous, but now they're normal. Consider how history will judge you if you consider this slaughter of germs. What will you say when your great-great grandchild asks you what you were doing while germs were being slaughtered routinely?

Germs aren't our enemies, they're our smallest allies.

And I'm writing this while preparing to wash my hands and go to the doctor's office, hoping my cold is just a virus.

Reach Brad Stanhope at bradstanhope@hotmail.com.