This is not a Christmas post... it's just something that DH and I were talking about one day and many of you may not agree with these sentiments - just realize that I'm stating how I think about the situation on my own blog.
I had listened to someone on the news talking about the new variant, Omicron. They were saying that it "seems" to be more contagious, but less deadly (nothing new, we've all heard this) - but - they also said (and I'm paraphrasing) "... and those of you unvaccinated out there who might feel, OK, I'll take my chances with Omicron... need to realize that although you may not get very sick, the person or persons you come into contact with may not fare as well. So if you've not a medical reason for avoiding the vaccine, then get vaccinated for the good of those around you. It's the right thing to do."
When I was mentioning this to DH, he said that his take on all of this was more like... we're at war with a common enemy (Covid)... and in war, one must count on your brothers (band of brothers/soldiers)... to protect not only themselves, but you as well. And in this war, the only way we have to do this is to get vaccinated and wear a mask, etc.... for your own protection and your fellow soldiers.
Now when I think about those unvaccinated (for health/medical or other reasons), I think of conscientious objectors They should not go to war as they would be of no use in a war... not willing to fight/kill (which is understandable) and in war, they would be a danger to the other soldiers who could not count on them.
I feel like those who refuse to get vaccinated (for other reasons besides health/medical), are like conscientious objectors in that they are of no use during this war... but besides that (which makes the pandemic war a little more dangerous), they can inadvertently bring the enemy (Covid) to their fellow soldiers and cause their death. So in that way, they are actually aiding the enemy (Covid). I realize that this is 'a bit harsh', but that's what it seems like to me.
Now I also know that those of us that are vaccinated and wear a mask, etc. can still be contagious (vacs and masks are not a guarantee), but at least we're doing everything available to us to protect ourselves and others.
And those of you that don't consider this a WAR... I ask, how do you condone the loss of over 5 million lives globally (over 800,000 in the US) and not call this a war? Maybe you have not lost a family member or close friend (yet) - but others have and it may not be a matter of "if" but "when" your turn (or mine) comes.
I may not post this now with Christmas just a few days away and to be honest, I'd like to keep the magic and feel of the season for a little longer before continuing with this war and 4th wave (Omicron)... which has already started and sure to rear it's ugly head even more in the weeks after the holidays.
This is one of those early morning posts - the things that run through your head and won't let you continue sleeping. So bear with me. I welcome your comments - but know that if they are ugly or down-putting, they will never see the light of day. Again, this is just how I see things... and don't expect that everyone sees them this way.
As always, thanks for reading and putting up with my early morning ramblings. It's therapeutic to get these things out of my head. I know we're all so tired of hearing any more about Covid... but let's face it, it hasn't done with us yet.
Hugs (virtual),
Rian
Other posters I saw when looking for something that 'fit' this post:
(Posting this Thursday, Dec. 30th... wrote it before Christmas... since then several people we know have been tested positive for Covid after family or friends' Christmas gatherings (so far no one we have been exposed to - yet).
I agree whole heartedly, except that I would not classify most of those who refuse to wear masks or to practise social distancing as conscientious objectors. I am not that kind. Many of them don't seem to have a conscience. It is all about them.
ReplyDeleteYou may be right, EC, but I hope not. Most of the non-vaxxers I know have health or personal reasons for not getting vaccinated. But I do fear that many are using politics for their reasoning - which is sad because lives are on the line.
DeleteTotally agree with every word. I'm having trouble understanding any anti-vaxxer, no maskers reasons. Just wish your post could reach them. Maybe as a letter to the editor?
ReplyDeleteOh, Patti, it wouldn't do any good. People are going to 'see' things as they want to see them. It won't be until someone close to them dies - and even then I'm not sure they won't rationalize that somehow.
DeleteYou definitely said a lot of what I have been thinking. I especially take umbrage with those who have young children and refuse to be vaccinated to protect them.
ReplyDeleteI know, I see young kids with their parents in the mall or in the grocery stores... and think, OMG, no masks, no nothing. It's possible that the masks, etc. may not help, but why take the chance with your child's life??
DeleteWe have exactly the same views, Rian. And I wonder why this has become a political issue, when lives are at stake. Fortunately, I think Omicron is less dangerous and may be the way we move from pandemic to endemic. Thank you very much for posting this.
ReplyDeleteSince omicron does seem to be less dangerous, you could be right, DJan. Let's hope so.
DeleteYes, agree.
ReplyDeleteSusan
Thanks for reading, Susan.
DeleteI'm in Canada, and our provincial laws, at least in most provinces if not all, are a bit stricter. Mask-wearing is mandatory here in all indoor public places, recommended for outdoors if you can't socially distance.
ReplyDeleteI do not view the anti-vaxxers (not the extremely rare ones who have a LEGIMATE medical reason) as "conscientious objectors" in a war. Like the first person who commented, I see them as completely selfish and irresponsible. Yes, I understand issues of personal rights and freedoms, but unless you live alone in the back woods somewhere, you are part of a wider community and have a responsibility as a good citizen. I see the die-hard anti-vaxxers as utterly selfish and self-centered, with no regard for others at all. I have no sympathy for them, and I have absolutely no sympathy for anyone who chooses to travel, then gets caught in pandemic restrictions or cancellations. (But that's another matter!) I also have no patience for people who can't do actual bona fide research (such as on our Ontario COVID Advisory Board website) and who rely on social media fake news for their points of view. Really? Are they sheep? Can they not think critically for themselves? Apparently not.
Anyway. Sore spot with me. As you stated, even if fully vaccinated and masked you can catch and spread COVID, especially Omicron, but I do believe it our civic duty to do our very best to mitigate the effects and consequences.
Before Omicron, I would have said we'd be dealing with the pandemic for another two years. Now I think four to five, if we're lucky, as it seems one variant will be replaced with another, indefinitely.
Not a happy thought to wind up the year; nonetheless, here's to better days--and years--ahead.
P.S. I'm excited to say that I have your book on order, Rian, finally! I've been out of reading mode so long, but now am becoming interested again. I've just finished Sophie Ryan's cosy cat mystery series, have her Magical Cats series as well (under Sophie Kelly), and have the Miranda James series on order now too. So I will have lots to read, if I can just focus long enough to make headway. :-)
"I do believe it our civic duty to do our very best to mitigate the effects and consequences." I definitely agree, Kim. Taking the vaccine is a risk... but it's less of a risk than getting Covid... which for some may be a death sentence. And if wearing a mask can possibly save a life, how hard is that to do?
DeleteAnd Kim, you might check out The Dalai Llama's cat series by David Michie. I have enjoyed those also.
...not sure why that reply came up under anonymous???
DeleteToday, my 21 month old granddaughter was diagnosed with Covid. Her dad has had it for the past week. He, along with my daughter, had appointments for their booster next week. Please, if you are waiting to get the booster, don’t put it off any longer.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely add your little granddaughter and son to my prayers... (our DIL who is a nurse did have Covid last year and luckily neither my son nor their young daughter came down with it). I hope you have had your vaccinations and booster.
DeleteAgree completely. And I am powerless over other people's choices. Except if they knock on my door and they're unvaxxed, they're not coming in.
ReplyDeleteI understand, Linda. We have a sign on our door that says "Mask Required"...
Deletei enjoyed this, the message is an important one!! new cases in new jersey are staggering....
ReplyDeletewe had fun over the holiday season, much of what we did, we either did alone or outdoors. we did see some family, but i have not seen my mom or bother, both refuse to get vaccinated. my mom has covid...
but that's all i am going to say...
oooooh and i answered your question on my blog, nice of you to be concerned about me!!
We saw the vaccinated kids at Christmas (and the weekend before)... but not my daughter and her family who are not vaccinated. We did see them for a short visit at Thanksgiving... but we were all masked. It's difficult, but not impossible to stay in touch with family members who don't think the same... but we respect each other's beliefs and boundaries.
DeleteI certainly agree and would not be as polite as you are. People who can physically get the vaccine but do not are playing with murder.
ReplyDeleteIt is a difficult situation... and one made even more difficult with lives on the line.
DeleteI certainly agree with you, everyone who reasonably can, should get vaccinated and boosted.
ReplyDeleteI do however have some sympathy for some who refuse to get vaccinated. I think there is a contingent out there who can’t understand the pandemic or how vaccines work. This being so, they went to someone who they trusted and thought this person did understand asking for an opinion as to whether they should get the shot. The person they asked, either unknowingly or intentionally, misled them concerning the need for vaccination and/or the lack of serious negative effects from the vaccine. The person asking the question believed this and based their decision to not be vaccinated on this misinformation. I do feel sorry for these people.
However, there are bullheaded people out there who say “You’re not the boss of me, I decide things for myself, and I’m not going to do it, so there!” These people are a menace not only to themselves but to others around them. I do hope that there will be some negative repercussions for them. I don’t think there’s anyone who can convince them to act otherwise. I have no sympathy of any kind to offer them.
Sorry for the rant, but it’s good to get this off my chest, rants do often help with that affliction.
Rants can be therapeutic, Vic. It's good to get your feelings out (at least in a relatively safe environment)
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