I wrote these words a year ago, after we had suffered a pandemic for eighteen months, and were facing an uncertain future with a terrible disease whose death toll was approaching a million of our own citizens. I couldn’t bring myself to share them back then. Why share them now? Because I want to be open and honest, to not keep secrets, and to help people who read my journal understand me better. So, for better or worse, here are my thoughts from last summer.

Have I really become that person, that cold, uncaring, selfish, irresponsible person who cares only about his rights, his privileges, himself?

When I think about how I feel when someone asserts their right to choose no vaccine, no mask, I have to ask myself if I am actually becoming that person.

When a person believes the misinformation, the lies, the opinions promulgated via the internet, ignores the science and the probabilities of survival or death, and chooses no vaccine, then contracts COVID and dies, and I say, “See, choices have consequences. Sorry, but not sorry,” have I become that person? When people make a choice between science and opinion, between reason and rationalization, between a solidly grounded faith and faith in the words of others, and it costs them dearly in terms of their life or their long term health, and I ask, “Why should I care?” have I become that person?

When I believe that God gave us free will, and expects us to use it to create a better life for everyone, in this era by developing vaccines and masks that can protect us from deadly diseases like COVID, and then look down on people who say that God will protect them when they won’t help protect themselves and their families, have I become that person?

I hope not. Maybe I’ve just become insensitive to the bad choices that people are making and the consequences they are experiencing based on a social media influenced culture of misinformation and opinion dispensed by those groups with their own hidden agendas.

Do I make bad choices? Of course, I do! We all do! And, I’m making my choices and decisions based on my perception of the facts and my desired outcomes, like everyone else. But I hope I’m using scientifically developed data and positions supported by fact, not misinformation, innuendo and hidden agendas. I hope my desired outcomes fall on the side of compassion, selflessness, and respect for my fellow citizens, and not just on the side of my rights, and my selfish goals. I hope I’m being responsible and demonstrating compassion and caring for my fellow citizens. I hope I’m recognizing that my rights end where they infringe on another’s right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

I’m sorry if I occasionally sound cold and insensitive with all of this sniping and drivel about masks and vaccines; but I’m getting tired of the garbage that passes for reason these days, and my patience is wearing thin. Right now, science and facts are on my side; and I choose life; I choose to protect life, yours, and mine; I choose vaccination and masks.

Trying hard not to become “that person” … Pops

It’s now 2022-08-26, and still this day, trying hard not to become “that person” … Pops