Many people believe that to stop a deadly pandemic, the end justifies whatever means are necessary. While I agree that we have to stop this pandemic, and we will, we must also have the patience and faith to do so in a manner that is fair, orderly, and kind. Many people have recently contacted me asking how they may be able to “cut the line” in getting the vaccine earlier because they “can’t wait to travel” or “want to go out again.” (Keep in mind, that vaccinated status does not give anyone a free pass to travel or do whatever want, myself included!)
It’s worth remembering that the means by which we get to the other side of this are a measure of our character. If we succeed in opening minds and hearts, the question is not only whether we’re proud of what we’ve achieved. We should also ask whether we are proud of how we’ve achieved it.
Did you continue to go to bars without masks and pretend like this wasn’t happening while millions of people died? Half a million of your own Americans? Someone you know or at least a second degree acquaintance? Or did you shelter in place and work on your own sense of self-worth, sustainability, and heart opening?
I don’t believe it’s my place to change anyone’s mind. I’ve just been here to give you the facts during this pandemic and let you make your own choices based on the data. While our numbers are downtrending, we are still facing over 3,000 deaths per day. While it is down from our height of 4,500 deaths/day, that is still 3,000 souls that lose their bodies every day. Every. Day. And you may be contributing to this with your cavalier actions.
All I can do now is hope that you rethink your actions when you want to travel or gather in large groups. That you bear whatever side effects may come with the vaccine, knowing that you will likely save someone (if not several people’s lives) by dealing with a sore arm, or headache, or 24-hour muscle aches. That, compared to death and/or the long term lung damage alone would be worth it. I hope to stay open myself and understand other’s thinking and ask if they’re open to some rethinking. And I hope you understand that there is dignity to waiting your legitimate turn for this life saving vaccine. The rest is up to you.
Love, Dr. Yang