Tag: COVID19

Opinion

Pulling the US together

Americans have been divided over everything from the January 6th attack on the US Capitol to Climate Crisis and COVID, but the forces that threaten our society are relentless. The carbon build-up in the atmosphere is causing changes to the climate that are clear to anyone paying attention, and the scientist are saying these changes are accelerating beyond previous estimates. COVID deaths in the United States are over 900,000 but we appear to be moving toward a more normal future of living with the virus. The January 6th committee in Congress and Justice Department are looking into Trump and his Allies in the insurrection as they would any criminal organization. While all of these issues continue in as public concerns we have a Russian threat to Ukraine and potentially US allies in Europe. America as usual faces a range of very real threats, but we do so with a president who puts this country (it’s people and it’s interests) first. Time is not a friend to our country or humanity for these issues except maybe COVID. President Biden and his executive branch have their work cut out for them, they will need all the support and votes we can give them

Opinion

There was good news in 2021

We live in a time of steroidal bad news, but there is reason for hope as we finish 2021 and roll into 2022. Joe Biden is President and Donald Trump is not, and the failure of the Trump coup effort to date is a reason for hope. The truth is stronger than it was in 2020 because Trump is not in office spewing a stream of lies. Scientist say that the climate crisis is bad, but could be worse. Because government and private industry are responding to the challenge the worst version of climate change may be avoided. More will need to be done on climate, but the good news is we have reason for hope, and must push for a more human-friendly planet on all people (as well as other creatures and living things). Governments and institutions are making progress in protecting society against COVID. You can feel the potential for a return to a comfortable new normal after the pandemic has become manageable. Responsible institutions and organizations are pushing the idea of human dignity and against far-right hate, misogyny, and nazism. Major issues will remain with us, but there are reasons to hope for progress and improvement in 2022 if we remain engaged.

Opinion

Is it too late?

The Omicron variant of COVID is making it’s presence felt while many Americans continue to refuse wearing a mask. The Build Back Better plan with half a trillion dollars in funds to fight climate change is blocked by one Democrat because no Republicans will vote for it. America and the world face existential issues as politics continue without reference to impending disasters. We seem to be whistling in the graveyard; not past it. The Antarctic ice sheet that is forecast to break off in 3 to 5 years is not discussed much on the evening news because we have trouble handling negative predictions. The idea seems to be that real estate moguls and elites in Florida (or other coastal areas) will be able to gain the high ground before the masses have a clue. We all need to spread the word to demand truth and justice while it is still legal to do so.

Opinion

Darkest before the dawn?

The saying that it is darkest before the dawn is hopefully true. We are living in a time of pessimism with good reason. Climate crisis, threats of authoritarianism, COVID and pandemics are a few examples of threats to our way of life. I think we have to stay hopeful and act to minimize the worst extinct of ourselves and others. It is hard to be positive at a time where the evidence says to prepare for the worst. Prepare for increasing threats to liberty and life, but work and hope for the better days ahead.

Opinion

COVID’s grip weakening?

Good news continues to come out about COVID treatments and vaccination rates, but we still have a group of vaccine deniers who could create a new round of pandemic for winter. Most Americans see the need to follow the science of vaccination, and lookout for other people by masking up; but some show the human conditions of misery and ignorance. The deniers lie to themselves and anyone who will listen. What do the deniers want; and what do most Americans want? The majority of us have to be clear and forceful in backing policies based on science if we want normalcy to return and stay. We cannot become tolerant of ignorance and lies masquerading as reasonable ideas. Research, act, and vote for a better future in America.

Opinion

Climate Collapse is a real possibility

We are living in a time of real human challenge due to the climate crisis. We seem unable to deal with a long-term existential threat because we prefer to be distracted by smaller issues. Our modern media does not handle trends well because we are too focused on money and our personal lives, not where we are heading. The scientists have told us all they can about COVID and the climate crisis, but many don’t want to hear it. Catastrophe is not something we want to hear about, we claim we don’t believe in it, or it is a hoax. Reality, nature, and science don’t care about what we want to believe. We are either ready to minimize the bad outcomes, or we are not. The UN says that climate change will take place at a level that will be devastating for current human societies by the end of the century. Does anyone care? Research, vote, and act for the best possible future possible.

Opinion

Biden lays down the law

President Biden said what most Americans are thinking about COVID vaccine and mask deniers; enough already. People who continue to deny science despite overwhelming evidence that vaccines and masks work is idiocy. The question that this behavior brings up is why are they doing it? Liars and idiots many times are haters of reality and truth; they want the world to bend to their will no matter who gets hurt. The Biblical story of Cain and Abel sheds light on this mentality. Selfishness and laziness are at the heart of the flat-earth, conspiracy driven, fascist-loving movement afoot in America today. President Biden is right in his belief that to protect America he must get tough in his defense of truth and science. Let’s support the President and all leaders who put the health of the people first, and never forget those Republicans who push selfish “freedom” policies that jeopardize life for political gain. Research, act, and vote to promote a better America with respect and dignity for all.

Opinion

Olympics spirit

The Olympics give us all a chance to see people engaging in fair competition and being satisfied with doing their best. In America today we see many people wanting to rig situations so that they cannot lose. Some want our society to place advantage on birth in the right family, race, or class. Politicians want to set up elections so that they choose their voters and determine the winner based on party. Trump and Republican governors give pardons to criminals based on solely on politics, while daring anyone to hold them accountable for criminality and indecency. Social media shows more examples of average people seeking to shape reality to meet their desire. Denying COVID, refusing to be vaccinated or wear a mask, assaulting flight attendants after boasting of wealth and influence. Many in our society have a problem with effort being recognized and accountability being equally applied. Research and act to for a dignified, decent future where effort and humanity is recognized.

Opinion

The sun will come out tomorrow

The drive for American leadership in the energy revolution is strengthening. and will grow stronger, thanks to a government/private-industry partnership. Building infrastructure and middle class resiliency will create a dynamic society working to solve huge problems (COVID19, healthcare, voting rights, equality, Climate Crisis to name a few) with truth and science. Healthcare, energy, cyber, educational, and human infrastructure are required for America to remain a robust world leader. The sun will continue to rise and heat this planet whether we do our part and protect a human-friendly atmosphere, or not. Research and act with urgency to protect truth, science, and a future for the human race.

Opinion

Get vaccinated

If you are still waiting to see what happens to people who have received the vaccination for COVID; stop. Get vaccinated to protect all of the people that you care about. Remember that your friends and family do not want to go to your funeral because you didn’t believe the doctors or scientists. Your friends and family don’t want to get sick because you failed to get vaccinated. We are way past the time when you can claim ignorance about COVID or the vaccine. Every adult has passed the point where excuses for not getting vaccinated can be considered reasonable. The vaccines and COVID are not a political issue. Conspiracy theories should not cost normal people their lives. Protect yourself, your family, and your friends by getting vaccinated.