A Failure Of Citizenship

That is the assessment in today's Toronto Star editorial of those who refuse to get vaccinated, thereby holding the rest of us (or, as I like to say, the sane majority) hostage. 

And it is time to start making them pay for their obdurate, anti-social stance.

It is their irresponsibility that is largely to blame for the restraints under which Canadians are currently required to live.

It is no surprise, then, and largely to be applauded, that exasperated jurisdictions from Quebec to countries in Europe have opted to raise the cost of demonstrably anti-social behaviour.

 In Quebec, the province’s health minister Christian Dubé announced this past week that, as of Jan. 18, Quebecers will have to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to access provincial liquor and cannabis stores.

“If they can’t protect themselves, we will protect them against themselves,” said Dubé. “And we will make sure that they understand very clearly that if they don’t want to be vaccinated, they just stay home.”

European jurisdictions are hardening their hearts against the vaccine-refusniks with some relish. For example, the French President wants to make their lives hell:

 Macron told the newspaper Le Parisien that he wants to “piss off” unvaccinated people by making their lives so complicated that they’ll relent and accept the vaccine. The unvaccinated, he said, are reneging on the obligations of citizenship.

Other European countries are getting tougher with the unvaxxed. Italy requires proof of vaccination – or of having recovered from COVID — for entry to a host of public spaces. Greece is levying a monthly fine (called a “health fee”) of 100 euros ($144) on people over 60 who won’t get their shots.

Unlike Erin O'Toole, who pleads for understanding and accommodation for those who thumb their noses at the health and safety of their fellow-citizens, most prefer the stick over the carrot at this critical juncture.

But right now the responsible majority are paying an enormous price for the stubbornness of the recalcitrant – and it is not the former who should be asked to make endless accommodations. 

The majority of people who “did the right thing” and got vaccinated are effectively being held hostage to the selfishness of the few. At this point it’s entirely reasonable to raise the price of irresponsibility, and make life more difficult for those who won’t get their shots.

Ontario and other provinces should follow Quebec’s example and turn the screws further on the unvaxxed. 

To that, I have nothing to add other than my whole-hearted agreement. 

 

 

The Unvarnished Truth

 

H/t Theo Moudakis

Truth be told, I don't feel much like writing these days. The news is unrelentingly grim, the pandemic soldiers on, and the stupid continue to run around extolling their 'gospel.' My sympathy/empathy for the unvaxxed is non-existent, and given the deaths they are and will be responsible for through cancelled heart and cancer surgeries because their kind are filling the hospitals, I have reached the point that if they do expire from the disease, I really don't care.

Just like I don't care about the planeload of covidiots that chartered a Sunwing plane to Mexico. You have probably already seen the video, but if not, have a look.

I am happy to report that Sunwing, Air Transat and Air Canada are refusing them transport home. 

Oh, and one more thing. Thirty of the miscreants have come down with Covid. 

My heart does not bleed for them

Extreme Revisionism

You may remember Capitol Hill rioter Jenna Ryan. The blonde, well-put-together Texas real estate agent  travelled on a private jet to join the January 6 festivities and wound up getting into a spot of trouble that netted her 60 days in lockup.

This unrepentant and self-justifying lady granted an interview with NBC's Kate Snow. The house-seller reveals, in my view, a prodigious lack of self-awareness as well as bottomless self-pity as she 'proudly' trumpets her victimhood.

Please start just after the 13-minute mark:

Third Time Is Not Always The Charm

 Somehow, this editorial cartoon speaks to me.

H/t Michael de Adder

As The Year Closes Out

As 2021 comes to a close, if you are still looking for a worthy cause to contribute to and get a tax receipt from, I have a suggestion. But first, allow me to provide a bit of context.

As a teacher for 30 years, my deepest respect went to those who stove the hardest to improve themselves. They might not have been the best writers or the most apt students, but their willingness to work hard meant that I would always be there if and when they sought extra help. That offer of help was extended, of course, to all students, but I always told them they had to ask for it; my forcing them to come to see me would have been a waste both of my time and theirs. 

In that spirit, and also in the spirit of ongoing reconciliation efforts, I would like to heartily endorse a non-profit called Inspire.

Indspire is a national Indigenous registered charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people for the long term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities, and Canada.

Our vision is to enrich Canada through Indigenous education and by inspiring achievement. In partnership with Indigenous, private and public sector stakeholders, Indspire educates, connects and invests in First Nations, Inuit and Métis people so they will achieve their highest potential.

I have helped support the organization for awhile now, and its mission to help those seeking higher education resonates with me, as I sure it does with many others.  

If you decide to contribute, you can do so with confidence. Here is what Charity Intelligence Canada has to say about Indspire:

The charity reports that 90% of students who were supported by Indspire’s BBF program graduated from post-secondary. 

According to a 2020 Indspire report on the BBF program, nearly 60% of grant recipients hold a bachelor’s degree or above and more than 17% hold a non-university certificate or diploma. Of BBF recipients who are no longer in school, 89% are employed. 

While Ci highlights these key results, they may not be a complete representation of Indspire’s results and impact.

Charity Intelligence has rated Indspire as High impact based on its demonstrated impact per dollar spent.

Education may not be a universal panacea, but it is the best tool for success that we have. And in a world in which many of us feel increasing helpless, overwhelmed by forces beyond our control, it is gratifying to know that there are still things we can do that have an impact. 

 

Americans Behaving Badly

While the title would seem to be redundant, the following story demonstrates especially well how crazy our neighbours to the south are:

A Los Angeles woman is facing a federal assault charge after she allegedly punched and spit on a man aboard a recent Delta Air Lines flight following a mask dispute.

Patricia Cornwall was detained Thursday at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after passengers told authorities that she had caused a disturbance on Flight 2790 from Tampa.

Cornwall was returning from the restroom when she saw a flight attendant conducting beverage service and blocking the aisle, according to the complaint. After Cornwall asked the flight attendant to help her find her seat, the flight attendant requested that she find an available seat until the conclusion of the beverage service, the complaint says.

 “What am I? Rosa Parks?” said Cornwall, who is White, according to the complaint.

Upon hearing the comment, the complaint says, the male passenger sitting in seat 37C told Cornwall “it was an inappropriate comment and that she ‘isn’t Black … this isn’t Alabama and this isn’t a bus.’ ” He then called her a catchall term popularized in recent years to describe an entitled, demanding White woman who polices other people’s behavior.

“Sit down, Karen,” he said to Cornwall, according to the complaint.

It was then, as they say, that chaos ensued: 

It would appear that flying the friendly skies in the U.S. is becoming an increasingly rare experience.

 

And Now, A Word From Tech Support

I do believe this says it all.