Think of the Children

A child was denied entry to school for not following the mask mandate.  The parents are arguing that they should have a religious exemption.  This sickens me.  The same kind of people who say, "Think of the children!" whenever two men kiss on TV, now say "Screw the children!" where COVID is concerned.  These people will literally sacrifice their children's lives for their religion.

It's just like the people who refuse to take their kids to doctors for treatable diseases, because their faith tells them to pray for the child instead.  Except this may be worse, because the maskless kid could infect others, and lead to multiple deaths.  How very Christian of you.  If we give religious exemptions to mask wearing, where does that end?  What other laws can I ignore?  

I've always felt, believe what you want, worship how you want, as long as it doesn't hurt other people.  But this hurts other people.  The virus doesn't magically avoid your child just because you pray for it not to.  If all it took to survive was faith, the COVID death rates would be a lot lower.  Plenty of those who have died from the disease were religious.

"Why didn't you protect me from the virus, God?"  

"What do you mean?  I sent you protective masks and a vaccine!"

PEOPLE. ARE. DYING.

My aunt and uncle recently went to hospital with COVID.  My aunt is currently recovering, but my uncle has sadly passed on.

I didn't actually know my uncle very well.  In fact, even calling him my uncle feels weird.  I was already an adult when my aunt married him, and I've only met him a few times.  But he seemed like a good guy, and my heart goes out to those who knew him.

My aunt and I don't see eye-to-eye on a great many things.  I haven't fought with her directly, but we definitely have different ideals and beliefs.  Just a few months ago she was posting on Facebook, talking about why she doesn't wear a mask when she goes out.  And no, she did not get the vaccine.

I'm not going to bash her for her beliefs right now.  This is not the time for "I told you so" or getting preachy about karma.  I'm not going to spend this blog acting holier-than-thou.  Not only would doing so be in bad taste, but also, I just don't want to.  

Because I don't see my aunt as a villain, I see her as a victim.  My ire isn't directed at her, but at a certain news program, a former president, and a political party that decided disease prevention was too big a strain on their freedom.  

I grew up in a Republican household.  I know how enticing their beliefs can be.  Much like the Devil himself, Republicans can twist scripture until evil sounds holy.  Once you're raised with that mindset, it can be difficult to break free.  

As my aunt's condition improves, people keep responding to her status updates, praising God for her recovery.  Her doctors and nurses haven't had a full night's sleep in over a year, but sure, give God all the credit.  The same God who allowed her husband to succumb to the disease.

Back in the 80s, many Republicans declared that AIDS was sent by God to punish gay people.  Now we have a disease that mostly kills Republicans.  I wonder what they make of that.

Even though my uncle died of a preventable disease, and my aunt has gone through hell the past couple of weeks, I still have other family members who refuse to get vaccinated.  Because they think the Fox News hosts know more about science than the people who have devoted their lives to studying medicine.  Meanwhile an even more contagious variant is sweeping the country.  To quote John Connor, "We're not gonna make it, are we?"

I probably shouldn't post blogs when I'm sad and angry, especially when family is involved.  I don't want to type anything I'll regret later.  So, to those of you who refused to wear a mask for political reasons, and who continue to avoid the vaccine...  Today you get a free pass.  I'll save my angry rants and insults for a later date.  At least until my uncle is buried, and my aunt is out of the hospital.  

But for the love of God, please get the vaccine.

An Old Joke

I don't know if the photo above is real or if it's been shopped.  I do know of the church in the picture, and they are certainly crazy enough to make such a sign.  But it doesn't really matter if it's real, I've seen the same sentiment in many other places on the internet, sometimes from my own family.

It reminds me of an old joke.  You've probably heard it, but it seems very fitting right now.

There is a huge rainstorm.  Neighborhoods are evacuated due to flooding.  A man sits on the roof of his house, watching the floodwaters rise.  The water is now halfway up the roof.  Another man rows up in a boat.  "Quick!  Get in!"  

But the homeowner shakes his head.  "I have faith in God, and He will provide."  The man in the boat shrugs his shoulders, but rows away, looking for other survivors.  An hour later, the water is higher than the roof.  The homeowner has to stand up, gripping his chimney for support.  The water is up to his calves.  

Another boat approaches, piloted by an EMT.  The would-be rescuer shouts, "Come on!  Let's get you out of here!"  But the homeowner again refuses.  "I have faith in God, and He will provide."  The EMT shakes his head sadly, but he doesn't have time to argue when there are other people to rescue.  The boat leaves.

An hour later, the water is up to the man's neck.  A helicopter flies overhead, and tosses down a rope ladder.  "Grab on!  We'll lift you to safety!"  But the man refuses yet again.  "No!  I have faith in God!  He will provide!"  The helicopter flies away, looking for more survivors.

The man drowns.  In Heaven, he gets a chance to speak to God.  "Lord," he says, "Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to be here with you, but I have a question.  Why didn't you try to save me?"

And God answers, "What do you mean I didn't try to save you?  I sent you two boats and a helicopter!"