Fighting the Deadliest Enemy

THE VIRUS isn't going anywhere, it'll be with us a long time, and it may get worse before it gets better, according to Michael Oesterholm (sp?), director of the Center For Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the U. of Minnesota., whose book "The Deadliest Enemy; Our War Against Deadly Germs" explains that humanity is eternally engaged in a life and death struggle against the microbiological biosphere, which we can and do survive rather well, assuming we continue to fight intelligently. His other observations include: cleaning surfaces incessantly is irrelevant, hand washing and mask wearing are not, the beach is as safe as any place because its outdoors and teh wind is blowing, its safe so long as we don't hug and kiss, and having a campaign rally indoors with nineteen thousand people attending without wearing masks, while screaming in each other's faces is lunacy. So there, you have it. Most alarming is that the epidemic, by keeping kids at home and diverting resources, will most certainly result in other epidemics, including some oldie goldies, like small pox and measles, as kids do not get their vaccinations. also, of course, is the price we pay for keeping kids way from each other, and stunting their growth by depriving them of social skill development. Each time I go to Wal Mart, as infrequently as possible, i see fewer people than before wearing masks. Once again I am reminded of the self absorbed dismissive arrogance of the American people, particularly those who ignore and disrespect science, and those who listen to virus-seriousness deniers like Mr. Trump. the American refusal to to make simple sacrifices has turned the United States into a death camp, with the most severe Covid 19 epidemic in the world. Again, point to Trump and the right wing, gathering together needlessly in Tulsa to spew hatred and disinformation. The good news, if there is any, is that we should be physically distant from one another, but not socially distant, for we need each other now more than ever.