Corona Log Entry 8/2/22

Corona Log Entry- February 8, 2022

        It is a cool and foggy morning here in SW Florida. A cold front is just blowing through the area, dropping temperatures for all of the unhappy beach goers. This frigid blast had just delivered sheets of rain and snow across the Northeastern United States, in an arc from Texas to Maine.

       We had been to the Library for books this morning  and enjoyed stopping for coffee and muffins at De Roma’s Deli, before settling in to read and enjoy the warmer afternoon.

       The Coronal angelus has tolled for over 900,000 Americans since its arrival two years back. It seems like a lot longer. The Omicron variant still rages across the land. Most of our area hospitals are at 100 per cent capacity with Covid-19 patients. Most other states report similar numbers. Fortunately, there are reports that the actual death toll is decreasing here in the United States. There is a glimmer of hope that the Covid-19 virus is losing steam due to lack of victims. Far and away, the vast number of recent Covid-19 deaths are with the unvaccinated.

      In New York State and NYC mask-wearing is still mandated for any inside activity. Florida of course is wide open. The state’s population suffers because of all of the political posturing and denial of medical precautions.

     The Moderna drug company has just developed a vaccine for children under five years of age. That is a great relief to many parents. They are also developing a fourth “booster shot” for all individuals who are immune compromised. It hasn’t yet been launched nationally as a mandate. The national weariness is palpable. It has generated an entire protest movement in Ottawa Canada, by truckers who are opposed to vaccine restrictions, for those crossing the U.S. border. Prime Minister Trudeau says that they will not back down from the mandates, until the disease ebbs more and Canada is safer.

     Economically, we all still struggle with effects of the plague. The unemployment rate is down to 4%, and there are still millions of job vacancies going unfilled. Many businesses are curtailing their hours of operation, because of lack of staff. The supply chain snafu is still with us. It is manifesting itself with actual shortages on store shelves. Frozen potatoes, some paper products and other odd items are in short supply. Federal officials are still “working on the problem,” with their usual deliberative and distinctly glacial speed.

     The stock markets are jittery, rising up and down from variable announcements. One gets the impression of a cattle herd on the verge of stampeding, just waiting for the right loud stimulus to set off the panic. Gas prices are up because of all the turmoil. We paid $3.40 for a gallon of regular gas yesterday. The tumult in the Ukraine, from a threatened invasion by Russia has all suppliers on edge, ready to raise prices.

    Increases in restaurant prices and every day commodities in stores are causing a stir. Are they real of just avarice-oriented? No one knows for sure.

    In the world around us, the Winter Olympics are being held in Beijing, China. There will be no spectators because of Covid-19 restrictions. Controversies have also arisen because of human rights abuses, by the Chinese govt., against their Uighur minorities in far western China.

    In Washington, the Congressional Investigative committee, looking into the causes of the January 6, 2021 insurrection and invasion of the U.S Capitol, is in full gear. Over 400 witnesses have been interviewed. Concomitantly, U.S Courts have handed down a number of jail sentences for those accused of participating in the raid and riot. Recently ex- President Trump said that he would “pardon all of the participants” if he runs again for President and wins in 2024. There is some mention of the tooth fairy and the Easter Bunny helping out his cause.

    Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer announced that he will retire at the end of this year’s SC term. That will set off another Congressional fire-fight over the naming of his successor. President Biden has said that he will propose a much-qualified African American female for the seat. Republicans have already said they won’t vote for anyone proposed. It is business as usual in the capitol.

      The populace is bone weary of the Virus. Omicron doesn’t care. It is still infecting the millions of Americans who chose not to be vaccinated. Many millions across the planet would gladly take their place, in the vaccination line, had they the opportunity.

My narration of our time and events grows just as weary. Still, things are what they are and we get by. We take things as usual, one day at a time and hope for a better tomorrow.

                                               -30-

                                            (796 words)

                                    Joseph Xavier Martin