Hello again, hello!

I'm probably really dating myself, but it's like the Neil Diamond song, "Hello again, hello!" 

I'm pecking away on my laptop after being offline for a while, and despite the plethora of topics I have opinions about (like the atrocities surrounding the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the detrimental impact on the global economy, or Ford Nation's questionable decision to remove many of the restrictions surrounding this pandemic), the muse just wasn't moving me so I figured that meant I should take a break from writing for a little.

Well, to coin the epic Jack Nicholson line, "I'm baaaaack!"

The single largest reason for my hiatus was vacationing in Florida during the snowy horribleness of the 2022 Canadian winter, thoroughly enjoying my mother's generosity by sharing of her beautiful condo in Naples. For me, life on vacation is incredibly myopic, so my attention was only slightly beyond the end of my own nose. Having said that, something as huge as the Russian invasion of Ukraine was not on a level that could be ignored, and my understanding of the initial facts were thanks to the lens of the American media.

I'm going to share some thoughts ... that much isn't new ... and I'll likely ruffle some feathers with my words so it behooves me to apologize ahead of time because I don't share thoughts to offend, even though I know that there will be many that stand on the other side of any issue discussed. One of the most beneficial components of my writer's soul is that my happiness doesn't hinge on others affirming me, and by extension, I'm perfectly accepting of others looking at any issue from their viewpoint. It's okay that we don't agree and it doesn't mean either of us is wrong. 

However, I do draw the proverbial line in the sand with others criticizing my character, slandering me or resorting to questionable efforts to intimidate or physically coerce me to change my mind.

So please go ahead a disagree ... but be nice about it. 😉

Regarding the Russian invasion, I don't think many would argue with me that the only ones who support Putin and his henchmen are likely (a) woefully ignorant, or (b) live in fear of what he'll do if they say something. By my estimation, that leaves billions of us aghast at the events playing out at the hands of the Russian military as millions of innocents are so profoundly impacted, some paying the ultimate price. When the invasion began, I stared agape at the sheer audacity of the Goliath named Putin as he faced the David that was Ukraine, and like many, I was "all in" on a David-inspired ending. As each bloody day passed, cessations looked increasingly impossible, with global efforts mounted to force Russia to back down without sparking another World War appearing to have little effect. From where I stand, Putin's ability to create the perfect cocoon while steering the Russian destruction machine seems bulletproof since he's still alive and in power. It's my understanding that his total control of all information released to the Russian people effectively keeps them blissfully unaware of the truth behind the invasion. His outrageous lies about liberating oppressed Russians from Ukraine's Nazi-like rule is both ludicrous and incredulous.

Further to the point, the rest of the planet is either (a) dead set against Putin but powerless to effect any change without sparking WWIII or (b) agrees with Russia's socialistic platform but is VERY wary of the rest of the planet's reaction should they show support. It goes without saying that it's a very frustrating set of events for the rest of us since we are "between a rock and a hard place" and the fallout is impacting our wallets through the chain reaction effect on the global economy. Obviously, having to endure increased inflation pales in comparison to the what the Ukraines are forced to endure, but piled on top of dealing with a 2 year pandemic, the pangs of frustration are tangible, none the less. I don't see how someone as warped as Putin can save face at this point, and my heart bleeds over the death and destruction of Ukraine.

I am no expert on this conflict. My opinions are built on paying attention to first the American media, and now the Canadian media, as I seek to understand more thoroughly.

Now, add to this a spicy dish of crap like Ford Nation's questionable decision to start scaling back the restrictions surrounding the pandemic despite the very obvious positive effect they have had on the spread in Ontario. My understanding is profoundly biased by the education system blinders I have become so comfortable with, creating a skewed viewpoint of importance, leaving me shaking me head in disbelief. I don't think it would come as any surprise to people who know me that I feel strongly that Ford and his cronies have completely botched the management of the province's response, especially their handling ... or is it lack of handling ... of how it impacts our formerly world class school system. 

There is still overcrowding. There have been zero improvements to the ventilation systems. The flipping between in person, on line, synchronous, asynchronous, hybrid methodologies has resulted in massive disruptions in progress for so many frustrated, vulnerable kiddos. 

Add to all of this the removal of masking mandates, the one truly effective method (the proof's in the pudding) of stemming the transmission, knowing full well that unbridling already rebellious teens, tweens, and adolescents allows them to run rampant through the viral mists filling school hallways and cafeterias will inevitably result in spikes of infections. They fully acknowledge this yet seem to be bending to the vocal minority, very likely in an effort to sway votes in the upcoming provincial election. Regardless of where along the political continuum I fall, it is maddeningly frustrating that the transparent garnering of votes could have dire consequences for the province's most vulnerable. 

Top all of that off with a little viral biology.

In the event you weren't aware, viruses continually seek to improve their ability to propagate through good ol' Darwin's "survival of the fittest" theory. When a virus infects a body, it enters an infected cell, hijacks the nucleus, and forces the cell to replicate the virus' genetic code. During this process, there are often minor glitches in the replication that usually result in that one virus being ineffective, but with probability on its side, there are those long-shot mutations that result in an enhanced effect that increases the likelihood of that one virus surviving long enough to propagate. Joe Public knows these as variants. 

Why do you nee to know this? And how does it relate to masks?

IMHO, by removing the mask mandate, many school aged children will choose to throw their mask in the trash, continue their social habits, and expose themselves to increased chance of infection. Even if vaccinated, this offers the virus a chance to mutate, significantly increasing the likelihood of another variant, causing science to play catch-up all over again. I totally understand that we will be forced to live with Covid for the foreseeable future with the very strong chance of yearly boosters just like the influenza virus, but why give biology the opportunity to speed the process up when wearing masks is a simple and easy thing? 

Are they annoying? You bet! Are they uncomfortable? You bet! Are they a smart choice? You bet!

Oh well, like I already stated, I can hold a different opinion, have an animated discussion, and not harbour resentment or offense ... I'll still be wearing my mask when I return to school to help my teacher friends.