Corona XLI – do over

It was bound to happen. Yesterday I ‘met’ with a group of very smart friends from many different professions (lawyers, librarian, restaurant owner, billionaire businesswoman, diplomat, an engineer, doctor, renowned theater critic and, somehow, me) and we talked about the Terrible Pandemic. Every one them is vaccinated, every stated that they will continue wear masks are considering double-masking in any indoor venue. This because Delta variant surging my country, there reports breakthrough infections some hospitalizations among vaccinated. seems experiencing do over.In language (American), over repeat action. In English English, ‘do over’ beat someone up, so maybe applies just as well. Australian doover something for which you can't think proper term, in, ‘this on tip shoelace.’ Which actually aglet. don't know why that. also skin region animal (or cannot reach scratch acnestis. golf called mulligan. There, focused before told me to! play golf, but if did, would need lot mulligans. ‘Mulligan’ may have originated when David Mulligan Quebec repeated opening drive 1920s, or it been John ‘Buddy’ New Jersey who known poor shots 1930s. Another theory referred Irishmen started frequent elite clubs early 1900s used derisively. Just case last true, refer this over.’ (See? again.) So, having over.I hate this. love going out public, eating restaurants, theater, getting there. But probably right. Despite vaccination, certainly offers great deal protection, real risk could contract awful virus become injured. went shopping after our meeting, masked up supermarket. The thing is, many, people not vaccinated (and absolutely refuse be vaccinated) dispensed social distancing, air thick highly transmissible bug. health ministry Israel has released report popular vaccine (the got) only 39% effective against infection 91% severe disease (these numbers keep changing, by time read – said, protection down, isn't good anyway). And go away. Probably ever. this.Still, hope. Frequently speak listen them. most common reason am given concern mRNA vaccines, while these extensively tested monitored time, true unknowns long-term consequences bolus mRNA. same adenovirus-based vaccines. I'm saying concerns justify putting themselves their families at deadly (whose effects extent), often wanting Reportedly, protein-based undergone successful trials under consideration approval, perhaps hesitant (in experience, extremely hesitant) it, approved. Hey, whatever works.Which brings mandates. Many companies institutions (including mine) issued orders no enter facilities. countries, such Italy France, ‘vaccine passes’ being (under protest) we'll see how works out. pretty confident lots counterfeit cards passes circulation; already be. Enforcement issue, sure. Yes, countries (like Australia) caught ignoring policies during lockdowns heavily fined, never other places where live). People prefer ‘free’ get infected, overwhelm hospital ICUs cases, die. guess it's better than wearing mask. seat belt cars.The history belts country informative. 1968, all automobile manufacturers were required put cars. However, through 1980s, 14% National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had mandated 1973 cars interlock mechanism prevents car starting without driver's fastened, Congress responded making illegal 1974 dictated buzzing ensued limited eight seconds). Then, 1980, Ronald Reagan became president, first things he did rescind rule include belts. NHTSA sued, eventually Supreme Court United States (SCOTUS), (surprisingly, today's SCOTUS) ruled NHTSA, remained ever since.Then, 1985, Elizabeth Dole, Secretary Transportation made US must contain driver's-side airbag unless two thirds states laws (with penalties) 1989. Today, state does law (New Hampshire, whose motto ‘live free die,’ although say die’), 90% use nationwide.So Dole-style over. Maybe tell insurance should place penalty They penalties smokers, sure can penalizing unvaccinated effect, pay extra treatment unvaccinated. won't work national plans (but hey, can). conservatives letting want, case, raise rates fly. does, more point viral transmission really decline little nothing. It's big maybes), worth shot. (Get it?)I hoping wasn't write ‘Corona Files,’ looks like we're So I'll here again, Meanwhile, ‘tea’ needs