There is a disease ravaging our nation and the world at this time.  The innocent sounding name is Covid-19.  Theories abound that China created this virus, with the help of certain Americans that appear untouchable, then released in on the rest of this world.  If this is true there is no adequate way to punish this evil communist nation.  Reality says we may be fighting this disease in various variants for generations.

I like many others felt the news was being blown out of proportion and just a way to instill fear in an otherwise complacent people.  Reporting of deaths, as incorrect as it was, was another way to create confusion and submission.  The over reporting of deaths was exaggerated because of the lack of separating those that died from Covid apart from those that died with Covid.

Early in 2020 I began to see shortages of toilet paper and paper towels as people began to over react and hoard these commodities.  Work places began instituting ridiculous rules for the work place and sending people home to work remotely.  We jumped at the chance to deprive our children of a year in their education.  Social interaction came to sudden stop.

Elsewhere in the land lawlessness began to show its face.  Riots, murders and destruction of property ran rampant under the title of “peaceful protests.”  The criminal George Floyd became a hero and a literal war emerged.  Our environment and culture was changed immediately.  Politicians became promoters of division and making people dependent upon the government and therefore puppets of big government.

President Trump tried, with no partisan help, to change things and calm the issues.  Covid-19 remained in the headlines with no control insight.  President Trump initiated a program to develop a vaccine for the virus called Warp Speed.  He worked to have pharmaceuticals create the vaccine in record time, which they did.  The vaccine wasn’t perfect, it didn’t stop the virus, but it threw up roadblocks to spread and lessen the effects.

Again, I like many others was skeptical of the vaccine being promoted.  I felt testing had not been performed properly and long term effects were unknown.  In conversation with my doctor in his office I asked about my taking the injections.  His response was immediate and his manner never changed.  “You mean you haven’t already had it.  With your existing conditions you’ll probably die if you don’t get them” got my attention.  Reluctantly I got vaccinated, not fully trusting the medicine, the government or the science surrounding it.

Let’s move forward a few months.  As I stated earlier the vaccine was not going to stop the virus, but it would weaken it.  One morning I woke up not feeling totally right.  By afternoon I was feeling bad and began to realize why there had been a run on toilet paper months earlier.  Next day I was tested and unfortunately I have to say I suffered tremendously for the next several days including fever, chills and headaches.  Soreness covered all of my body.  I kept extra rolls of toilet paper in my bathroom to ensure I had an adequate supply nearby.

Thankfully I had swallowed my pride and ego and got the shots.  I understand I had a mild case due to being prepared and having been vaccinated.  I can’t imagine what a more severe case would have been.  I’m lucky that the infection never penetrated my lungs where most fatalities were the result.  I’m improving every day but face another week of self-imposed exile from the outside world and humanity.

This is a long story about nothing I guess but I would like to say one thing and be heard.  Forget the politics and mixed messages being put out by media and others.  If you haven’t been vaccinated I suggest you get up and go get the shots.  It may not be perfect, but it lessens the suffering you might encounter without them.  Get vaccinated if you haven’t.  I survived because I was vaccinated and I want you to survive also.  It’s your body, your choice, but I vote in favor of it.

The thoughts and ideas expressed above are exclusively those of Jack Straley and www.justplaintalkwithjack.com  We may agree, and that’s fine, or we may disagree, that’s okay too.  My sole purpose is to encourage others to think, study, and become involved. Exercise your freedom and above all, when presented the opportunity, please vote.