Living with Anti-Vaxxers after the COVID-19 Pandemic


In spite of the absolute miracle that's already happening with the COVID-19 vaccinations, which nowadays is making me want to go dance in the streets (it's March of 2021), I'm thinking about the people who will never, ever, consent to getting a vaccine.

I live in Arizona, and I know that there are a lot of people who, for various reasons, are against vaccines, which we call "Anti-Vaxxers", and it's nothing new. And no, I won't be spending any time trying to argue with them, I'm a pretty persuasive person, but these people tend to have a world view that's so different from mine that they feel very strongly about their stand, and not only resent any view that opposes theirs, they can actually become violent. Best to leave 'em be!

So if you're wondering how to co-exist with these people in the future, I strongly suggest not arguing with them. I also recommend that you stay away from gila monsters and rattlesnakes, or anything venomous. Mostly they just want to be left alone, and that's not asking much. Give 'em some space.

If I ran the world, everyone would wear their seat belts, take their vitamins, exercise regularly, be kind to animals, plant a tree and care for it, the list goes on and on. And of course I'm hoping that everyone will get the COVID-19 vaccine. But I know that it ain't gonna happen. I'm trying to lead by example, especially the exercising and being kind to animals part, and I'm gonna eat more veggies, I promise!

After I get my second shot, in April, my odds of ever getting COVID-19 will drop tremendously. Of course, it would never be 100%, just as wearing my seat belt wouldn't protect me 100%, but I've always liked to increase my odds. Taking my vitamins, exercising, and eating my veggies won't keep me from the possibility of a massive heart attack, or stroke, but it lowers the possibility. That's how all of this works. You don't gotta be perfect, because nothing is perfect. It's an imperfect world we live in, and I'm fine with that.

My plan is to continue to live here in Arizona, and just be wary. The Anti-Vaxxers will still be around, and there may be times when I'm have to get closer to them than I would like, but it's part of the risk of life. As for gila monsters and rattlesnakes, you don't have to stop hiking, you just have to be mindful, and aware. Stay on the trails, and don't go sticking your hands blindly into holes in the rocks. But there's no need to live in fear, give them some space, keep them from striking distance, and you're chances are very good that you'll be fine.

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