DAY 55: "Stacked Against Us"

 As predicted, the USA reached half-a-million Covid deaths this week. A report published in the professional medical journal The Lancet estimates that 40% of the deaths occurred as an indirect result of the Trump administration's flagrant disregard of the danger, as well as from a decline in organized healthcare beginning as early as the Reagan era.

Vaccines show promise for curbing the disease but not necessarily for blocking the virus. Anti-vaxxers recently shutdown a vaccine drive at Dodger Stadium because it wasn't enough that they themselves refused the vaccine, but that they felt compelled to spread the risk to others. This crowd has vowed to continue their activities. 

Our own landlord here at home has openly refused to take the vaccine despite his age. That way he can make others co-dependent upon the self-perceived whims of his lord of choice.

What these actions seem to have in common is the placement of several severe limitations on the freedom of choice for a majority of American individuals who really just want to protect themselves and everyone in their orbit. But it's all too much to ask, apparently.

DAY 40: "Case# 621000069"

     Brandon was contacted recently via email from the Domestic Violence Coordinator, a part of the combined Shoreline & Kenmore Prosecutor's Office. It seems Jim jumped bail for his hearing in late January, so a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. I've been waiting for another shoe to drop regarding this case, perhaps this is it. I've written to the DVC and asked to be included on the mailing list for any updates. 

     I have no real prediction as to Jim's conduct, as he'd often been self-contradictory and exhibited openly contentious behavior towards his employer and our landlord. We're not even sure he had truly tested positive at Amazon for Covid, or if that was just a ruse on their part to get rid of him, at least for a time. Conversely, he could have developed symptoms which have kept him from appearing in court.

     I'm torn between making inquiries or leaving this whole issue outside my limited panorama. It's a headache in the offing --- yet another aspect of the virus that could strike at any moment. Jim's capable of acting like a decent human being, and I'm sure he sees himself that way despite evidence to the contrary. I had hoped he'd find some peace from all this but things may be getting worse for him now.

DAY 34: "Phase 2 Day"

     Washington State enters Phase 2. Elliott Bay Brewery now allows limited indoor seating, but we elect to sit near a heater outside just to be safe. A return visit won't be in the budget for quite a while, but we got to talk to Dré during lunch. He had to get a Coronavirus test before he started his new job at Fred Meyer, but no regular testing is required as an ongoing concern, which seems a bit risky. 

     Earlier, Rick had questioned the sense of opening the State up to Phase 2, as worse viral strains are brewing just over the horizon. 

     We concur. Time to pay, tip, and leave!

     It was good to have the opportunity to meet & talk about nothing for a time. And after a short busride home, we put away our groceries and are greeted by a happy dog.

DAY 33: "Messages From The Frontlines"

     Not too much to report on the Covid front. The new variant of Coronavirus, B117, has shown up in 33 countries, including Israel, Singapore, Denmark, and in 8 North American States so far. At the very least, the strain is more contagious, but not necessarily more deadly to those infected. 

     Another variant arising in South Africa is called B.1.351 or 501.V2. The Nigerian variation already shows the 501 mutation. 

     It seems the danger is growing. Does this movie have a good ending? I tend to watch old movies so I don't have to think about it.

     A woman, hysterical, calls Hartmann's show today. She's just lost her Aunt to Covid. She, like many of us, has no patience for the Republican Party's calls for Unity, to put behind us all the loss of lives and livelihoods. "Trump needs to go to jail and the GOP need to follow him." We need to force change in America, she says through tears.

     The suffering is real, and too easily dampened by the language we use to discuss it. …Or even think about it.