Needless anger

by Amy Monteith, Hamilton

Sadly, anger is prevalent in our world, and it doesn’t help for me to be angry too. But I am.

Here we go again, just after life started getting better. Covid is back in the news, although now it’s worse. The Delta variant is striking hard, far worse than Covid-19 itself. Hospitals are once again filling beyond capacity, especially in states and regions where a majority have refused to vaccinate or mask. Places where too many have not listened to the science and facts, apparently too selfish to think about others.

For those who don’t mask, do you know the heroes? Do you know teachers/school support staff and the strain they experienced last school year? Do you know healthcare workers who are exhausted from the first round of covid, overwhelmed physically and emotionally? Do you know front line workers who’ve been risking their health and lives for a year plus, so you can buy groceries, gas, and other provisions?

Do you know families who have struggled to get through a pandemic with kids and parents at home juggling online school and work? Do you know people with at-risk health conditions? Do you know elders? Do you know children who have suffered from being away from their friends, school and normal life? Do you know someone, or several, who have died or suffered long term health or financial consequences due to covid?

There’s no shortage of accessible public health information and facts about covid. Yes, it does change, that is the nature of science. As we learn more, directives change, as does the virus itself. We’re fortunate to have access to information that helps navigate this devastating disease. It’s clear that the best way to stop the spread of covid and its variants is to get vaccinated and wear a mask indoors, if you’re fortunate enough to live in a country with access to vaccines and masks. We got a brief respite from masking, but clearly we weren’t ready. The Delta variant is here, hitting hard. Even vaccinated people are getting covid, although their symptoms are milder, so they’re not seeking hospitalization. The vaccine is working. It’s not 100%; no vaccine is, but its benefits far outweigh any risks.

How can the refusers be so selfish and, pardon me, ignorant? Do you really want all our local businesses and employees to take another financial hit? Do you really want kids to have to stay home again? Do you really want hospitals to fill up again, putting a strain on all medical professionals and services, as if the first year weren’t enough? Do you want restaurants, businesses and services to have to close again? Do you want to be separated from your loved ones again?

This isn’t about personal freedom, it’s about personal responsibility. Please think about someone besides yourself. Please get a vaccine and wear a mask. Try a little kindness and consideration towards others. It goes a long way in making the world a better place for all.