Since the advent of Covid-19, a new and apparently widespread affliction has emerged: the 'inability' to wear a mask to mitigate the spread of the disease. This has led to an array of problems, not the least of which is the accusation that 'sufferers' don't give a damn about their fellow citizens. And no amount of effort to convince them that they will not suffocate or become ill if they wear a mask seems to help.
I therefore have a modest proposal for such people. Like I did long ago, learn to live within your limitations:
Like you, Lorne, I was born with limitations. I was born with a mild case of cerebral palsy. But I was able to walk, play sports and teach. As I age, I am stiffening up again. These days, I have to be mindful before I move. But I can move -- with the aid of a walker. I am grateful.
ReplyDeleteIt strikes me that, to make it through life, you need to practise those two qualities -- be mindful and be grateful.
Well-said, Owen. Mindfulness and gratitude are virtues that can carry us through much adversity.
DeleteCBC is reporting on a lawsuit by Vaccine Choice Canada against various the federal and Ontario governments. The plaintiffs claim mandatory mask ordinances violate their Charter rights. Might as well get it out and settled now.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.cbc.ca/news/health/coronavirus-charter-challenge-1.5680988
These people are pathetic, Mound. They seem to know all of their rights but recognize none of their responsibilities. While there may indeed be rare instances where a mask is unfeasible (possibly the autistic lad) the woman who is triggered by a mask could wear a face shield. Otherwise, the people involved in the suit should find something productive to do with their time.
DeleteWe are going to have to deal with this group again if and when a vaccine emerges. We have seen how disruptive the pandemic has been to local and the global economies, how it has impacted us all but especially the poorest and most vulnerable, the toll it has exacted in lives and long-term health outcomes. All of this will have to be weighed against the anti-vax argument "I don't wanna."
DeleteThere is no such thing as absolute freedom. Democracy can even demand that we leave our jobs, our families and go out to put our lives at risk when needed to defend our country. Yet something as paltry as a vaccine is oppressive.
Let them isolate themselves from us, form their own communities, what we might see as plague villages where they can gather and live as they choose because, by rejecting the needs of our community, they have made a choice.
I have said it before, Mound. I especially like your idea of plague villages, where they can be with their own kind. Everyone would be much happier with such living arrangements, I'm sure. We would be rid of the dolts, and the dolts would no longer have to subject themselves to the reasons and rules normal society requires.
DeleteThe less we mask-up and avoid 'spreader' situations today ...
ReplyDeleteMeans way more and longer mask-ups in the future
A shame, NorthernPoV, that simple truth seems to elude so many.
Delete.. 'fight the battles you can win' is the war cry of my sister.. I always tilted at windmills.. a rebel without a cause ridin a donkey.. Along with that attitude was one of 'play fair' .. She got the scholastic & musical asset.. and I got the pure essence of athletic ability.. I was a kid who could fly to eye level of a basketball rim or a high jump bar set at 7 feet.. but neither of us were gifted with parents who stuck around for the hard work and discovery of being parents.. Strangely.. in our own unique way.. we both ended up working with young people.. funny that.. and I told nobody but her.. I would remain a kid.. the rest of my life. I have a 35 year old punk kid who makes my heart soar.. and I wake up with the brightest, most beautiful woman on the planet & her two horrible dogs.. My sister did this in triplicate.. and found the steadiest man on the planet to boot.. Life is strange.. and a little luck never hurt.. being born Canadian is such a great start..
ReplyDeleteTrue gratitude can never be misplaced, Sal. It is one of the keys to living a contented life, in my view.
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