THIS & THAT XIII

 

          Letter to the Philadelphia Inquirer, published 11-26-20

          “During the past eight months of the pandemic, I’ve kept every empty toilet paper tube displayed conspicuously in a large bowl on the dining room credenza.  Each humble cardboard tube serves as a remembrance of our provisions and our gratefulness for them.  Yes, we joined the multitudes searching for that one roll of toilet paper hidden in the back of the shelf.  Yet in all this time, I’ve never lacked one square of this valuable asset.  While the bowl won’t be used as a Thanksgiving centerpiece this year, it is a daily reminder of our many blessings during this time of COVID.  Maybe this activity is one of those odd behaviors brought on by stress and uncertainty, but it has carried me through these strange days with just a touch of humor while reminding me of our vulnerable humanity.”

          ---Leslie Wise, Erdenheim

 

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          November has now ended, with record numbers of new COVID cases.

 

          In my big-box store, the busiest in Philly, there were 9 positive tests this month among the 200-ish employees.

 

          And not even a sniffle among them.

 

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          “I don’t think we should shake hands ever again.”

          ---Anthony Fauci

 

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          The bureaucratic mind at work:

 

          On November 17, Pennsylvania Health Commissioner Rachel Levine issued new far-reaching mask rules that basically require everyone to wear a mask whenever they are with someone who doesn’t live with them.  The Order applies indoors, outdoors, and even in your own home.

 

          When asked about professional athletes, the state added a clarification to its FAQ site making clear that yes, professional football players must wear masks during a game:

 

          “Outdoors: Coaches, athletes (including cheerleaders), and spectators must wear face coverings if they cannot maintain sustained physical distance from persons outside of their household. This includes while actively engaged in workouts, competition, and on the sidelines, in the dugout, etc. If sustained six-foot distancing can be maintained, face coverings may be removed when outdoors.”

 

          A certain amount of howling ensued.  Shortly thereafter, a further question and answer on the issue appeared on the FAQ site:

 

          “Can an athlete remove their mask during play if the mask causes a medical condition, including respiratory issues that impede breathing?

 

          “Yes, the Order provides an exception in section 3 that provides that if wearing a face covering would either cause a medical condition, or exacerbate an existing one, including respiratory issues that impede breathing, a mental health condition or a disability. The order indicates all alternatives to wearing a face covering, including the use of a face shield, should be exhausted before an individual is excepted from this Order.

 

          “Using football as an example, wearing a mask in addition to a mouth guard and a helmet would likely create a medical issue for the athlete whether the athlete is a professional or youth player even if a previous medical issue was not present. For example, the CDC says that “wearing a mask with these types of protective equipment is not safe if it makes it hard to breathe.” There are other sports where there are similar concerns that a mask would create a medical issue where one would otherwise not exist in an athlete. For example, it should also be obvious that wearing a mask while swimming presents an imminent health issue.

 

           “According to Section 3, the athlete would be asked to work through alternatives that would reduce or eliminate the respiratory droplets that would impact others in proximity. If the sport, equipment, or exertion level does not allow for face covering to be worn safely then the athlete should not wear a face covering.

 

          “There are no exemptions for specific sports, leagues, teams, or levels. We know that some people don’t like masks. We are asking everyone to please give this their best effort so we can continue these activities and others as we all unite to fight COVID-19.”

 

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          “Medical experts say….”

           When you see this phrase in a news article, or when you hear the words on a TV broadcast, put down your newspaper or flip the channel to “Dancing With The Stars.”  What you are about to read or what you are about to be told is pure codswallop.

 

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          “Freedom faces a new enemy.  The tyranny comes under the disguise of expert and benevolent dictatorship.  The new rulers do not justify their right to dominance because of divine providence but now claim the right to rule the people in the name of universal health and safety based on presumed scientific evidence.”

          ---Anthony P. Mueller

 

Copyright2020MichaelKubacki