LET’S TALK
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With the standoff between the protesters and the government and so much at stake, it has become imperative to voice other opinions on the situation.
Let me start by saying that all humans are fallible and can never be 100% right, however, they can be 100% wrong. Those who are opposed to compulsory vaccination must realize that and so does the government.
Having both sides determined to achieve their goals is not helping. Let’s bring a little bit of humility to the conversation. Let’s talk about compromise, making amends, and finding a way out of this harmful and poisonous situation.
I believe in science. Insulin alone saved billions of lives. Nonetheless, I am of the opinion that the protesters should be heard. No human being can come up with a perfect answer to anything. Restrictions, lock downs, and mandating vaccination may not be the perfect answer either.
In fact, many scientists are now suggesting a different approach to deal with this pandemic. So, why not talk to the protesters about rescinding this mandate and have them offer something back in return.
For instance, we can ask them what would they do in case the pandemic gets out of control again and causes the death of millions of people? Would they be willing to do anything to help their fellow human beings?
What about hospitalization and the need to only help those who can survive while letting the ones with no chance of survival die? This is exactly what happened in many countries including countries in the first world.
According to statistic, the vaccinated have a better chance at recovering from the virus than those who are not, so would that be a reason to revolt again? Also, how about those who prefer not to be in contact with the un-vaccinated, would their right to do so become an issue? Furthermore, if your right to choose has been granted, why harass those who do not agree with you? After all, they have rights as well. Just remember that this issue is a matter of life or death for many people.
My intentions are not to attack or offend anyone. I am just hoping that both sides would come to their senses and save the nation from this dangerous and harmful situation. My thoughts are just part of the conversation.
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Robert Skaf
February 11, 2022
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TIME FOR NEW MEASURES
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At the risk of opening myself to attack and criticism, I feel compelled to share my thoughts with my friends and customers.
At the beginning of the pandemic, we all thought that once the vaccine becomes available, we would all go back to enjoying a normal life. Unfortunately, the virus proved to be very cunning and elusive, even for top scientists. This is when the situation got very complex and difficult.
Our political leaders from all sides of the political spectrum -guided by top notch experts- did a great job looking after their people. Now they must rethink their policies. Simply, things are not the same when compared to the start of the pandemic.
I am going to list the reasons why our leaders, including scientists, should rethink their approach and evaluate their strategy.
1- Though, Canadians were very cooperative, many of us refused to take the jab.
2- The virus has made it clear that it is not going away
3- People are confused. Our leaders are now divided. Many of them are lifting all the restrictions.
4- Even some scientists are talking about the benefits of letting nature takes its course.
5- Even Anthony Fauci, a top US scientist, admits that we are all going to end up infected. Which means that this virus is now no different than any other flu that cost the lives of millions every year with or without a vaccine. We learned how to live with previous viruses without so many restrictions and now it is time to learn to live with this one in the same manner.
6- Yes, vaccines are the answer. However, that was at the initial stage. Many experts are now assessing the toll restrictive measures are taking on both our mental and physical health.
7- Saboteurs are now taking advantage of our Covid fatigue. They know that many of us can sympathize with them.
8- According to some scientists, those who fight the virus with natural immunity may provide valuable information on how to deal with the pandemic.
Here are my suggestions about what should our leaders consider.
1- Lift as many restrictions as possible. You can reintroduce different measures if needed.
2- Tell people the truth. You are not going to find the perfect answer that is going to please everyone.
3- Advise those who believe in vaccine to do what is in their power and control to protect themselves. For the record I am one of them, in fact, I would gladly go for a fourth dose. For instance, they can receive a fourth shot when it becomes available. They can continue to wear protective face covering and other PPE like gloves.
4- Be assertive and candid with those who refuse the vaccine. Let them know if they become very sick to the point where their chances of survival are very low, there will be a chance where the system cannot look after them. This is already the case in many countries.
5- Start thinking of new ways to look after the infected. Look at caring for them at home as opposed to hospitalization.
6- We have many other problems to deal with beside Covid. Every day people die from smoking, from drug addiction, and from all sorts of accidents. And let’s not forget pollution. Covid should be treated as another threat. We do not treat those who smoke or abuse substance as criminals. So, there is no reason to treat those who refuse the vaccine as such. We all suffer when our friends and family members fall victim to addiction. The unvaccinated are also our friends and family; we should also be willing to suffer for them. If catching covid is the price we must pay, so be it.
7- Billions of people around the world did not have a chance to receive the care offered to us in our fight of the virus. They seem to survive. Even autocratic regimes are being flexible. In Russia, very few people are vaccinated, yet they seem to survive. We should not follow their example, but we can find a balance to protect ourselves without so many restrictions. We cannot carry on with lockdowns forever.
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Robert Skaf
February 14, 2022