Here we are a year and a half removed from our initial universal lockdown and the old saying holds true: the more things change the more they stay the same. Also too, if nothing changes, nothing changes. Even though myself and many of my friends and associates are fully vaccinated, this whole World seems like we are back to Square One with regard to pandemic management. After a late spring and early summer showing so much promise of a community, state and nation fully reopening after over a year of being mostly closed, our old friend Covid-19 has raised its ugly head again along with its Delta variant, afflicting mostly those who have opted out of vaccination and sadly, children. In the month of August, Covid-19 was again the third leading cause of death in the USA. Let us not parse words here, we are nowhere near being out of the grips of this particular crisis by any reasonable metric.
At the beginning of autumn 2021 we are confronted by the persisting hazard of a lethal contagion threat. Unfortunately, the despicable effects of politicizing this disease is still wreaking havoc among our population and imposing upon us a dichotomy that is as ridiculous as it is bizarre. Whereas we all now have ample reason to be hopeful thanks to the tireless and focused efforts of the scientific community to stay out in front of this and other viral invaders, so much of their work is being offset by misinformation regarding the science of the issue and its deliberate production and dissemination as part of an extreme political fringe agenda. Certain eternal truths still hold sway though, willful ignorance and orchestrated malicious stupidity are still their own punishment. This would not be so bad if the results of such idiocy did not have such an extreme detrimental effect on so many of those around them. A pro-science podcaster has released a video highlighting a number of mouthpieces of the anti-science wing of a major political party and how they have met their end. Many thanks to Seth Andrews, The Thinking Atheist.
Video: Right-Wing R.I.P–The Cost of Covid Conspiracy Theories
Whereas 1 in 500 nationwide have met their end courtesy of Covid-19, here along Old Route 66 the scourge of Coronavirus has claimed the lives of nearly 1 in 400 Oklahomans. As the American fatality count from an avoidable contagion presses on to 700K mark, it has left that of the 1918 flu pandemic in the dust. With the emergence of the Delta variant of Covid-19, herd immunity may not now be possible. Even though there have been a some breakthrough cases, vaccinations have had a high success rate at keeping their recipients out of the hospital and especially out of the ICU. Regardless of being vaccinated or not, the tried and true mitigation protocols have had a high degree of success when stringently practiced even as they were before the availability of the vaccine. After all, masking, handwashing and social distancing is still an overall effective century old practice.
It is extremely disappointing to accept the reality that relatively little has changed with regard to hazard versus lifestyle from a year ago. Sadly, so many who are determined to reclaim their life pre-Covid are the ones representing the majority of the new infections. It would be a great deal more helpful in the quest to contain this infectious threat if everyone could get on the same sheet of music. It is also very telling of how broken the United States really is when such an issue is so politicized that shunning mitigation protocol and refusing vaccination is now in certain quarters considered to be a patriotic act in the most twisted of ways. It is comforting to know that the there is an elected Chief Executive at the national level who believes in science and at least has a plan to deal with the pandemic. It is disheartening to see over forty percent of the population react antithetically to all the incumbent Administration’s efforts to reduce Covid fatalities. It has even been suggested on talk radio that many in the minority party in the Congress may be very concerned that the President’s Covid policy may succeed which would be a disaster for them in the midterm election. It is mindsets like this that are occupying the seats of power that make it easy for a few of us, Yours Truly included, to give serious thought to giving up on this experiment in human self-governance. On a personal level, little has changed in my life in a year’s time. Even after taking the Moderna two-vaccine series and having thus far been successful in evading exposure to the virus, I am still feeling exposed to the threat. In accordance with CDC and OSDH recommendations I have been avoiding large crowds, particularly in enclosed venues and have resumed abiding by all recommended mitigation protocol, criticism be damned. Knowing people who have survived critical illness due to Covid, there is no guarantee that surviving it ensures return to full pre-disease level of wellness and function. I do grudging accept that one day my heart will stop beating which will mark the end of my natural life. I simply do not wish the cause of my own heartbeat cessation to be from a contagion the avoidance of which is entirely possible through reasonable precautions and vaccination. A year and a half into the throes of pandemic, Covid-19 and its variants is still the one in charge and calling the tune. I still prefer to number among those who respect it and survive than be a member of the crowd who ignores it and dies, needlessly.
I certainly agree with your reasoning and your conclusions! Working at a luxury retirement complex, comprised of retired doctors, lawyers and big business execs, I am heartened to report that 99% of them are Pfizer vaccinated regardless of their largely Conservative political views. The more Progressive residents have made themselves known to me, largely through their general kindness, neighborliness, and generosity to others. It’s a rather fascinating study; the behavior and habits of aging Boomers within the microcosm of one Senior Living facility. Observing and interacting with all of them, as I do from the Front Desk during the evenings, I have certainly noted a wide range of behavior and reactions. It is patently clear to me that, no matter the political opinions, the vast number of ‘middle-of-the-road’ residents and the Progressive folk are kind and out-going and the few truly ultra-conservative people are the pills who think that rules don’t apply to them and from whom most of the unreasonable complaints come. While not enough numbers for a true study; it’s a pretty telling observation.
Off to work for me!
My faith in humanity has been sorely tested for quite awhile now and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight, especially with the advent of the latest variant. There are far too many people who are cavalier in regards to other people’s lives and are unwilling to guard even their own loved ones’ lives. Whether it’s from ignorance, rebellion, or whatever their attempt at justification is, when it affects the very existence of others, it’s no longer just “their call”. I don’t know what the solution is, but I shall continue to remain cautious and aware of my surroundings and the people in it. Thank you for your clarity, consideration, and (un)common sense – and for voicing your outrage and concern. It is both warranted and needed.
Cogent, topical, and well-written – as usual – Stan.
Late in August I finished my second full course (two injections) of the Pfizer vaccine – my personal answer to the “booster” question.
I cannot answer for – much less, understand or invest emotionally in – those who follow the advice of the Rogan, DeSantis, Carlson, and Abbott ilk.
I only know what works – and makes sense – for me.
In this issue, at least, Gump’s “stupid is as stupid does” is pellucidly apropos.
🙁🙏🏻🌵