The enthusiasm of 2021 is wearing thin, at least for me. I fear expressing that sentiment out-loud may evoke bad luck or tempt fate in some fashion or another so I mostly keep it to myself. As 2020 and the pandemic dragged on it was hard to find any positives to cling to. There were a smattering of feel-good stories designed to take our mind off reality and they worked relatively well—at first. As the bad news kept stacking up, it became increasingly more difficult to find those longed for endorphins to boost morale. Every aspect of life was effected by it, and if not that, then it was the social upheaval, and for good measure the political climate was so toxic it was nearly impossible to escape the sour mood. Early into the pandemic, an increasingly common retort was “I can’t wait for 2021!” Now of course no sane person thought there was a magic switch that would flip the moment 2021 started but it certainly made the situation easier to cope with, and often the only real positive thing to say. I caught myself saying it with increasing frequency—maybe saying it enough would increase the likelihood of it happening. Of course 2021 came and by January 6th, I was pretty much done with this year too.

I vented my concern last post on those choosing not to get vaccinated and will not rehash it again. So, being unable to change or influence that, I will express what I think “may” happen. Since 90% of those getting ill from Covid are unvaccinated, I think insurance companies will step in and require a signed waiver of sorts releasing them from any costs associated for Covid related expenses. I think it unfair that my insurance costs increase due to the costs incurred by those needing medical care for Covid that have knowingly refused the vaccination that most probably would have eliminated the need for care or greatly reduced its negative affects. This is not me passing judgement for your decision not to be vaccinated but it clearly holds you responsible for any costs incurred for your refusing treatment that is 99.5% effective. Along the same lines, I worry that diseases, measles and polio as an example, will come roaring back because of this new constitutional freedom against vaccination. I hope I am wrong here and that educated people can clearly and logically see the importance of getting their children immunized.

I hope the government, either local, state or federal does not make an attempt to quarantine or reimpose a lockdown. If they try, it will quickly turn into civil unrest the likes of which we have not experienced before, and that statement considers the social upheaval in 2020. Regardless if it is in the national interest, people will not comply. Many did not survive the pandemic, holding on only through stimulus and unemployment checks, so another round of the same will be catastrophic. Even those that complied the first time are out of time, money and patience and will not go quietly into the night, and those that railed against it sure as hell aren’t going to comply!

It appears to me that we as a country have a new evolving pastime. We seem to like, maybe even thrive on cultivating partisan opinions. It is like a badge of honor, allowing us to promote our ideas while tearing down the opposition for the sake of our “cause.” The pandemic, or the challenges it created, oddly brought us together. We may have taken opposite sides of the argument regarding its validity, but we all helped each incrementally as best we could during it. We left the divisiveness to the election, allowing us an escape into which we could vent for and against each others crazy ideals. The election is in the rear-view mirror now (for most anyway) but that doesn’t mean we don’t crave an argument! My preference is for acceptance and long-term survival but that doesn’t mean I don’t hold an opinion.

Here it is: I am 66 and really don’t want to fight, especially about personal choices, regardless of whether I believe I’m right or not. Your opinion is yours and mine is mine—can we at least agree on that? I will preface this with a scary possibility—I am not willing to concede my freedom as an American, and hope it doesn’t get to a point that this fact is threatened—and no, I do not see being asked to wear a mask in certain situations as a violation of my rights—sorry, it just doesn’t. Of course there is the likelihood that each side of this argument feel their core beliefs are in serious jeopardy and truly fear the direction the country is going. We need to let the constitution lead our way and allow the Supreme Court to do what is expected to keep civility and law. I acknowledge I don’t understand the reasoning behind those choosing not to get vaccinated, but except the fact they will not. Of course, If they opt out of their Covid shot but continue their normal routine, It is my position that any increased costs incurred by Covid that are directly related to your personal choice not to be vaccinated should be paid by said individual. Similar to tobacco. If you use it you pay a premium, if not, you don’t. Pretty simple. And masks. If any business, office, etc, etc, requires the wearing of a face-covering in or on their property, just wear the damn thing! You will not die and throwing a tantrum is embarrassing. It is clear that the sign most businesses have posted at their entrance stating if you are not vaccinated, please wear a face-covering is the most ignored rule since the speed-limit was lowered to 55 in the 70’s. If you feel uncomfortable going into a space, with or without a mask, don’t go, but don’t threaten. Same goes if a mask is required, do not yell at the employees in that building because your constitutional rights are being violated and you are going to prove a point! That business, whatever it is, wants to stay in business and that is the safest and most effective way to protect everyone and provide employment. 90K restaurants alone have closed during this pandemic. Think about that.