As COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to spike at an all time high all over the world, the gulf and uneasiness between the vaccinated and non-vaccinated continues to widen at a breakneck speed. And with the Delta variant diagnoses climbing and other strains teeming on the horizon, sicknesses, deaths and mass hospitalizations are sobering as well as saddening. Sadly, cases among our school aged children continue to increase–with some resulting in death. School systems all over the state have the unfortunate task of deciding how to safely continue their curriculum. Our healthcare heroes are physically and mentally exhausted and hospitals are filled to the brink.
Despite all this, both sides of the argument appear to be dug-in and standing on their beliefs. Everyone’s right and no one’s wrong. The non-vaccinated feel their freedoms are being impinged upon and that the vaccine and mask wearing is a conspiracy created by the government to control its citizens. I’m all for the sacred rights and freedoms afforded to every citizen by our constitution, but it’s heartbreaking to see people you know succumb to COVID-19 because they chose not to get vaccinated. Even when they begin feeling ill, they stubbornly believe they’ll get over it and heal. Personally, I’m going to do any and everything in my power to ensure my safety and well-being.
Those of us vaccinated are optimistically concerned for everyone. Granted, there are cases where those fully vaccinated contract COVID-19, but those cases are few and far between. Even then, chances for survival are markedly greater. It is my fondest prayer that the entire world take this threat seriously and tackle this together. Let’s stay masked up, keep our hands clean, stay socially distanced…and pray. Please err on the side of caution, safety, and science.
Charles R. Butts Jr. 