Letter to the Editor: It can be better

It can be better

Experts say get used to the new “normal” with the COVID lifestyle as another variant wave overwhelms this country and world again.

I don’t understand these protests about getting vaccinated or punching someone over wearing a mask. Seriously? If there was something out there that was lifesaving, then why not get it? It is a matter of life and death. Millions of people have gotten vaccinated and survived. We had to get vaccinated to go to school. I had no qualms about it.

I get it that people have a say over what goes into their bodies. I’m not trying to shame anyone. But, it absolutely baffles me that every day people willingly ingest poisonous substances and think nothing of it. Alcohol, drugs, tobacco and unhealthy foods (been there). Consider researching what ingredients the FDA has approved that go into our food, toiletries, and cosmetic products.

This isn’t political. We are not getting a lecture from a stern teacher or some hostile, authoritarian figure at the podium. Do people really want this virus gone as much as we can eradicate it? We do have some control. We’ve all heard the info and know what to do. I believe we first need to honor ourselves. We all have an eventual expiration date. Why not better the odds?

This virus doesn’t care about beliefs, color, gender, sexual orientation, career choice, patriotism, or political party. It only sees another human being to consume. We’ve seen dying patients in hospitals on the news wishing they had gotten vaccinated as others have who were lucky enough to survive.

I feel it is about a collective responsibility. What about children? What about aging parents? New parents? Babies starting life? There is so much hate, anger, and violence. I see a very self-absorbed and selfish country and world. Why? What a waste of precious energy. We don’t have to like each other, but we can respect each other.

A new normal would be refreshing — one that is defined by respect, understanding, non-judgment, and peacefully co-existing. We share this planet. I believe we all want the same basic things and for this pandemic situation to end. Yes? How fortunate we are to readily have this vaccine available.

United we stand, divided we fall. Please contemplate that thought as we are about to begin a new year. May it be better than 2021.

Natasha Osborne-Howe is a resident of Goshen.