William T. Robinson, Jr.
I know I can’t be the only one confused with the hesitancy or straight up resistance of so many people who refuse to get the COVID-19 vaccine. It is so necessary to help combat this crippling, devastating corona virus that has interrupted our lives since its arrival. This is the same virus that has visited so many families bringing unrelenting pain, suffering, and death. One cannot dismiss that this is also the same virus that literally brought our economy to a standstill and held us prisoners in our homes.
I know that the nation as a whole prayed as well as demanded that the government and all its noted scientists and research institutions put forth all efforts possible in finding ways to combat this menace with expediency. This was a virus that effected everyone, especially those with preexisting illnesses making them more vulnerable. Maybe I was mistaken, but I thought the nation as a whole was committed to helping bring back some normalcy in our lives. This could only be accomplished by subduing and arresting this horrendous virus.
Although many claimed to be onboard in working together to fight this pernicious coronavirus, personal selfishness and apathy toward the welfare of others seems to have surfaced. Some people who are asymptomatic seem to have little if any regard for spreading the virus to others or in getting a vaccine. Understandably, some people just refuse to get the vaccine because they are leery and feel enough time has not expired to let us know the long term effects of the vaccine. That may be true, but right now saving lives and trying to regain economic stability should be prioritized. In fact, I remember when we as a nation were praying and hoping for a vaccine as quickly as possible. Our prayers were answered. But we have some people for political reasons refusing to adhere to the available blessing.
Believe it or not, there are some people who have decided not to take the coronavirus seriously. They rely on unsubstantiated rhetoric from demagogues and extremists. The most ironic part is that some of these people are the same ones who were crying about the economy shutting down and doing whatever was necessary to get it kick started and back on the right track.
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine or at least wearing a mask if not vaccinated are the most concrete solutions we now have in combating the effects of the coronavirus. Alternatives could very well be hospitalization and death. Right now we do know that the more people vaccinated will help combat the spread of the virus, bringing things back to some form of normalcy. I thought this was what we as a nation were praying for. Evidently God heard our prayers and offered us a way out. I am reminded of the saying: “Be careful what you pray for. You just might get it.” Apparently, the vaccine isn’t enough for some people. But I would argue that we got a reprieve with the COVID-19 vaccines, even if we don’t know all the long term answers. But it is better than continuing to add to the rising loss of lives we were experiencing, as well as the crippled economy.
We should have enough faith and belief knowing that God has heard our prayers and is working with us. Shame on those who are knowingly casting aspersions on the need to be vaccinated. They do this for the sake of personal or political gain. It should be noted that many of the people refusing to be vaccinated also reuse to wear a mask.
There are a number of conspiracy theories promoting the omission of getting a vaccine. They are fueled with distrust toward the government. Maybe some of this apprehension is warranted, but by the same token we have been thrown a bone that some feel is heaven sent.
In closing, I would like to remind those vested in businesses (who cried the loudest about our economy) to be cognizant of the gift they have been offered that they may not be taking advantage of. Also, remember the adage ‘a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush.’ As it stands, we have been offered a bird in the hand. Let’s appreciate it and use it to our advantage.
