Nobody should be surprised that after over two years, many people are at the very least sick and tired of this terrible pandemic and its effects on their life. However, this should not serve as justification for certain people's complete contempt for the greater good and adherence to precautions for the protection of public health! How did this become a political issue when there are already so many?
Evidently, putting their own political and personal agendas and interests first? How many more must contract an infection, end up in the hospital, endanger others, or even pass away? We are yet unsure of all the potential longer-term repercussions and impacts, and many seniors and immune-compromised people have lost their fight. Why does this country, despite its efforts and expenditures, have one of the lowest immunization rates among first-tier wealthy countries worldwide? Everyone is sick of it and wants things to go back to normal, yet the efforts of a small minority hurt our collective efforts and our ability to maximize our efforts! With that in mind, this essay will try to quickly evaluate and discuss this, as well as the reasons why we need to improve.
1) Conspiracy theories: For a variety of reasons, some people prefer to embrace unsupported beliefs over the truth. It started with denials, evolved into accusations, and produced negative resistance. Is there anyone out there who hasn't seen a loved one pass away or experienced it themselves? While everyone has the right to their own viewpoint, they do not have the right to their own set of facts. When your actions put others in danger, it is quite another thing than when they merely hurt you.
2) Politics: Why has this issue—which seems to be one of common sense—become political, like so many others? A workable solution and thoughtful strategy are very different from whining and complaining, denying the problem, and being stubborn.
3) Science and data are important: Mike Bloomberg frequently says, "We have faith in God. The rest, bring information." History demonstrates that in order to develop effective, fact-based initiatives, a science-based plan must be endorsed and supported by public health, medical, and scientific staff and experts.
4) Resistance to mandates: Despite the fact that public health mandates have been implemented in the past, it appears that the current state of the nation is the most divisive in recent memory. One should not assume they are more knowledgeable than the professionals just because they disagree!
Either we go forward more cooperatively or the atrocities continue. America, wake up before you lose this battle along with many others! It depends on each of us!