May Article/2021 : You! Reckless and Irresposible ?

Reckless and Irresponsible

Local epidemics and global pandemics are not new. Causing mass hysteria and death, viral threats test human resilience as they come and go. However, sometimes the body needs a boost. Initially, it was easy to blame viral spread on government shortcomings. Yet together with science they have successfully endeavored to deliver multiple vaccines on schedule to assure the pandemic containment and eradication process is well underway. However, hindered by citizen complacency and reckless irresponsibility, not only are breaks in basic protocols (hand washing, mask wearing, social distancing) causing the fatality rate to periodically spike, but recent complications with Johnson and Johnson’s vaccine has triggered a growing number of people to feel a right to independently refuse vaccination. Beware the cause and effects of herd mentality.

Globally, leaders of government and science have near mandated vaccination and are issuing verification cards required for commercial travel (rumor hints counterfeit cards are already being sold on the black market).

History of documented experiences prove the U.S. has successfully faced, combated, and defeated multiple “Periodic Pandemics.” In 1633 migrating Europeans infected and killed many settlers and Native Americans with Smallpox (1770 vaccination completely eliminated outbreaks from the United States in 1972). Yellow Fever from the Caribbean invaded and killed 10% Philadelphia residents in 1973. Still causing annual worldwide deaths (95,000), the 1832 Cholera killed 10% residents in New York and other urban cities. Attacking children since 1858, Strep throat/Scarlet fever is still around. In 1906 Typhoid Mary took 25,000 lives before vaccine availability in 1911. Polio wreaked worldwide havoc from 1916 to 1955 while Diphtheria added 206,000 casualties to the hysteria in 1921. HIV/AIDS wreaked havoc during the 80’s. It took 10 years to get the 1981 measles under control. The Whooping Cough of 2010 still strikes every couple of years. But threats from the ever-mutating Flu (1918 spanish flu, 1957 bird attack, 2009 swine flu), might best reflect what to expect from this pandemic: Annual Vaccination!  Stronger COVID-19 strands have already mutated from England, Africa, and Brazil.

Point: Virus is a constant formidable adversary threatening to devastate human existence if ignored. Regardless of inevitable casualties, directives from agencies like the CDC (Center for Disease and Control) best assure government initiatives against viral invasion succeed. But how long and damaging a viral explosion will impact a community depends on citizen commitment to trust and comply. Current trends and statistics make responses to the pandemic especially important to families within congested lower income communities. Yet while complacency is already compromising the first line of defense, some are willing to gamble their natural immunity system is enough to keep themselves safe without considering how many, without symptoms, may be carriers able to hinder pandemic eradication efforts.

Are you part of the problem or part of the solution? Making “individual” decisions without all the facts and resources necessary to combat a “communal” crisis is reckless and irresponsible. Pandemics are won wherever government direction and citizen cooperation work together. To that end consider Massachusetts Bay Company’s 1634 “Oath of a Freeman”, a required loyalty pledge (a contract) vowing obedience and promise not to conspire against its governance or its membership (I, by God’s providence an inhabitant within this commonwealth’s jurisdiction do acknowledge self a subject sworn to yield both person and estate in support, vote and suffrage to the public wealth) So face it and move on with clear understanding: Render unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar and focus on keeping self and others vigil: Wear your mask, wash frequently with soap and water, maintain social distance, get vaccinated and under present conditions consider … You are your brothers/sisters keeper.