Some good news: My captor and I had success in scheduling an appointment for the C19 Vaccine. Unfortunately, our first born son won’t be too happy about it.
But we should, and do, feel lucky. Particularly in a time when vaccine appointments are offered as prizes on game shows and in state lotteries, included in estate planning, and traded for cigarettes and nylons.
Our good fortune aside, have we had our collective ‘Covid, enough!’ moment yet?
Americans aren’t always patient people, but our willingness to lock down and put our lives on hold the past year has been remarkable.
But patience is wearing thin: We’ve gone from the amazing, unheard of news that a vaccine(s) was developed in under a year, to being frustrated that it will take some time to produce and administer. And being frustrated that appointments are tough to come by. Apparently, the 65+ set is technologically challenged (which takes our mind off our random physical and mental challenges), which hasn’t helped, and makes one wonder when Consumer Cellular will come to the rescue.
In retrospect, I believe the country has handled this dramatically better than our “experts” and institutions.
How ‘bout that FDA? People are dropping like flies, and they are approving vaccines for use in 3-4 weeks, when it could /should take 3-4 days. You don’t need FDA to spell urgency… On the plus side, the bubonic plague vaccine was just OKed.
How ‘bout that media? There has actually been a recent reporting of good news – grudgingly – but there is always a ‘but’. And always a “the end is near, if you…”, which this week is … “if you attend a Super Bowl party”. In response, the NFL has mandated social distancing at the game, which means huddles will cover a lot of ground, zone pass coverage only – no man to man, and the end zones being expanded to enable responsible TD celebrations. They are also urging us to use our “inside voice” to cheer, to avoid transmitting “spit modules”. My captor and I are watching the game alone, which will make the $1/square game a lot less suspenseful.
How ‘bout the Chinese? After starting this whole thing, I read that the Chinese propaganda machine is trying to discredit the U.S. vaccines as unsafe, and bragging that theirs is more effective. They cite clinical results with 100% of participants being cured. Those who weren’t were taken out and shot.
How ‘bout those teacher’s unions? Seems like a reasonable demand that schools can only reopen when all the students are covered in bubble wrap. Their latest demands include an early spring, cigarettes and nylons. And the removal of student’s “spit module” glands.
How ‘bout the Government? I don’t know how (or if) Government works, but I’m getting nervous that it works a lot like big companies do. Which should make all of us very nervous.
But in defense of big companies, at least they have something we want to buy. And they might actually move quicker than government, the latter now telling us that this is the most urgent crisis ever, and help should be here quickly. By late March…
Regardless what our elected officials ultimately choose to do, my advice is to assume you’re going to get screwed, and you’ll never be disappointed.
Frustrating yes, but at least the end is in sight. I will sign off now – need to go check the vaccine dress code.
To enhance your reading pleasure, pair this post with:
The Angels Want to wear my red shoes Elvis Costello
“I used to be disgusted, now I try to be amused”
Rock and Roll Doctor Little Feat
“Two degrees in bee-bop, a PHD in swing, He’s a master of rhythm, He’s the rock and roll king”
“Ask the Rock and Roll Doctor’s advice”
Pitseleh Elliot Smith
“They say God makes problems, just to see what you can stand”
The “pairing” with music is clever, but I have a bit of advice. Dump all of the attempts to understand or justify ANYTHING going on with the news or government these days, and just spend your time (with your precious captor of course, M.B.) listening to good music. We know lots of good music, but can’t say the same for politicians or the “news of the day”.