Daily review 29/12/2021

Written By: - Date published: 5:30 pm, December 29th, 2021 - 97 comments
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Daily review is also your post.

This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Don’t forget to be kind to each other …

97 comments on “Daily review 29/12/2021 ”

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  1. Dennis Frank 1
    29 December 2021 at 5:47 pm

    Not all mainstreamers are useless:

    Malta and Luxembourg raced to become Europe’s first country to legalise home growing (Malta won). The new German coalition government has agreed to fully legalise cannabis for adult use – showing how it can be done, by just doing it!

    In 2021, five additional US states — Connecticut, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and Virginia — legalised cannabis for adult use. That means that an additional 42 million Americans were liberated from the oppressive and failed policy of marijuana prohibition.

    State lawmakers also took steps to ensure justice for individuals with prior cannabis convictions. California, Illinois, New York, Virginia, and elsewhere moved to either seal or expunge the convictions of around 2.2 million people who formerly faced the lifelong stigma of a cannabis criminal record.

    https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2021/12/26/cannabis-year-in-review-the-referendums-long-shadow/

    Not all, but National & Labour make it seem they all are…

    • alwyn 1.1
      29 December 2021 at 8:48 pm

      "oppressive and failed policy of marijuana prohibition.".

      We of course are going to have an attempt at this introduced here.

      The propose that we will make it illegal for anyone under the age of about 14 today from ever being able to buy or smoke tobacco. Bet that turns out to be a marvelous triumph. I'm not going to bother looking up the details of what the proposal really is because it will be the greatest stuff-up since the US had their eighteenth amendment fiasco.

  2. joe90 2
    29 December 2021 at 6:08 pm

    The Chekist thug has memory-holed his predecessors' atrocities.

    Liquidation of the International Memorial

    12/28/2021

    On December 28, 2021, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation decided to liquidate the International Memorial.

    The formal reason stated in the suit of the General Prosecutor's Office is the absence of the label “foreign agent” on some materials. During the hearing, the inconsistency of these claims was clearly demonstrated.

    But today, the court finally named not a formal reason, but the real reason for the liquidation of the International Memorial: the General Prosecutor's Office claims that we are misinterpreting Soviet history, “creating a false image of the USSR as a terrorist state,” “lashing out criticism at the state authorities”. And the state, according to our opponents, is beyond criticism.

    The decision of the Supreme Court once again confirmed that the history of political terror organized and directed by the state authorities remains for Russia not an academic topic of interest only to specialists, but an acute problem of our time. Our country needs an honest and conscientious reflection on the Soviet past; this is the guarantee of her future. It is ridiculous to believe that the judicial liquidation of International Memorial will remove this issue from the agenda. The entire Russian society needs to remember the tragedies of the past. And not only Russian: the memory of state terror unites all the former Soviet republics.

    Of course, we will challenge the decision of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation in all ways available to us. And we will find legitimate ways to continue our work. A memorial is not an organization, it is not even a social movement. The memorial is the need of the citizens of Russia for the truth about its tragic past, about the fate of many millions of people. And no one will be able to "eliminate" this need.

    google translation

  3. Byd0nz 3
    29 December 2021 at 6:30 pm

    The crocodile tears are falling, forgetting that that time of history was the result of yet another capitalist inspired war that dragged the Soviet Union in by capitalist German aggression

    Stalin was a product of those capitalist aggression times. But still a Hero in many ways.

    fuck western capitalist crocodile tears.

    • Stuart Munro 3.1
      29 December 2021 at 9:14 pm

      But still a Hero in many ways.

      Wash your mouth out with soap – Stalin was the worst of men – a true peer of Hitler.

      "Even if you could tear the head off an elephant, if you are without humanity you are no hero."

      Not a hero – a totalitarian despot utterly lacking in humanity or indeed any other redeeming features – a ruthless self-serving power seeker that only fascist fanboys and America-hating ignoramuses could admire.

      • Byd0nz 3.1.1
        29 December 2021 at 10:31 pm

        Anyone who supports Capitalist versus Capitalist wars such as the two world wars are partly culpable for the 27 million Soviet Citizen's death toll from WW2, not forgetting the lack of acknowledgments in recent WW2 commemorations for the Soviet contribution on defeating the Fascists. ie Hitler who is more akin to your beloved American Administration than Stalin

        • Stuart Munro 3.1.1.1
          30 December 2021 at 3:29 pm

          Big on projection Byd0nz, but fact free as usual – I don't love the US – they do plenty wrong – but their wrongs do not exculpate totalitarian despots.

          No-one who pretends to progressive values can go beyond Churchill's "If Hitler invaded Hell, I would make at least a favourable reference of the Devil in the House of Commons." in respect of Stalin.

          Stalin got a lot wrong without external help – though blind prejudice and ignorant folly may pretend otherwise.

          • Byd0nz 3.1.1.1.1
            30 December 2021 at 4:51 pm

            I dont hold much out for quotes from a racist like Churchill. He did'nt give a shit about Soviet people neither do the ones spilling crocodile tears over the original subject of the post I was commenting on.

            • Stuart Munro 3.1.1.1.1.1
              31 December 2021 at 5:58 am

              He did'nt give a shit about Soviet people

              Neither did Stalin, and, judging by your apology for Stalin, neither do you.

          • Hetzer 3.1.1.1.2
            30 December 2021 at 5:19 pm

            You are are a more generous soul than me Stuart, engaging with such a half wit.

    • McFlock 3.2
      29 December 2021 at 9:48 pm

      Lenin disagreed – saw Stalin for what he was.

  4. weka 4
    29 December 2021 at 6:31 pm

    There's going to be a lot of angry NZers tonight. Person who has just tested positive for omicron, came over the border, did 7 days in MiQ and was meant to do 9 days in self isolation. Went into the Auckland CBD on Sunday and Monday. Including to a night club and bars.

    The infected person was active in Auckland's CBD on December 26 and 27.

    Among the places visited was the Impala Nightclub.

    They also visited Sunny Town Chinese Restaurant in Lorne St, Partridge Jewellers, Ahi Restaurant and Soul Bar.

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-first-community-exposure-of-omicron-in-nz-confirmed-by-ministry-of-health/BT6J5E5L5RF6LOF4V3AGF3N6VM/

    I've never understood the new rules. Covid infectiousness periods haven't change much have they?

    • DukeEll 4.1
      29 December 2021 at 6:40 pm

      Meh, was always going to happen. Better to get omicron out and about early as all the data is pointing to it having a hospitalisation rate of less than .01%

      11000 cases and 60 hospitalised in NSW. Hardly scary stuff

      [next time you want to make a claim of fact about covid, put up a link to back it up. See Fireblade’s comment and link below for actual NSW rates – weka]

    • aj 4.3
      29 December 2021 at 7:20 pm

      Bloody unbelievable really. Unbelievable.

    • Bill 4.4
      29 December 2021 at 8:29 pm

      There's going to be a fair few happy and hopeful people in NZ tonight.

      • weka 4.4.1
        29 December 2021 at 8:32 pm

        have you stopped taking precautions then?

        • Bill 4.4.1.1
          29 December 2021 at 8:43 pm

          What? Fact. There are people who are hoping this is the beginning of community spread for Omicron because it is a far, far milder version of Covid than Delta meaning fewer deaths and serious illness among those infected.

          If by "precaution" you mean the likes of Vit D, zinc etc, well those things don't prevent infection, but lessen severity of infection. I'm living exactly the same way today as I did yesterday, and will continue to live that way tomorrow.

          I guess if I get determined to avoid infection and any chance of future immunity, I might throw in a Listerine gargle in the event of Omicron spread, if I'm around dense groups of people (hit those at a rate of ten to the dozen these days) …maybe a 1% Johnsons baby shampoo nasal rinse too. (the irony 🙂 )

          What about yourself?

          • weka 4.4.1.1.1
            29 December 2021 at 8:47 pm

            I meant precautions to limit spread: hand washing, mask wearing, distancing, scanning/signing in. I'll take that as a no then.

            (and yes, I continue to do those things, for my own sake, and the sake of people around me who are also at risk from covid).

            • Bill 4.4.1.1.1.1
              29 December 2021 at 9:00 pm

              You can make up whatever shit about me you like Weka. Though alternatively, you can if you like, and only for the sake of comprehension, read my comment.

              Curious. When you write of "people around me who are also at risk from covid", I assume you are referring to people who are at a higher risk of severe illness or death rather than just risk of infection, yes?

              If so, and seeing as how Omicron seems to essentially waltz past that double vaccination, the Listerine and Johnston's shampoo gargle and washes are worth reading up for anyone sensibly concerned for their well being.

              I know that for me, seeing as how data is sparse on effects in those with no immunity (either from pharmaceuticals or previous infection) – then hey.

              • weka …
                29 December 2021 at 9:09 pm

                It's a simple question Bill: are you hand washing, mask wearing, scanning/signing in, social distancing etc as advised to prevent spreading covid?

                Curious. When you write of "people around me who are also at risk from covid", I assume you are referring to people who are at a higher risk of severe illness or death rather than just risk of infection, yes?

                No. Until we know how omicron impacts on long covid rates, including from asymptomatic infection, I will continue to protect myself and others. It's not hard, it builds resiliency, and it future proofs us for another pandemic. Or the next variant.

            • Rosemary McDonald 4.4.1.1.1.2
              29 December 2021 at 9:01 pm

              I'll take that as a no then.

              Mmmm…you know that washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding crowded spaces and respecting personal spaces is what some of us do as a matter of course…whether we're living in the Time of Plague or no, no?

              Not having partaken of the Pfizer Product doth not a barbarian make…

              • weka …
                29 December 2021 at 9:04 pm

                some of us being the operative phrase apparently.

                (am well aware that many unvaxxed people take precautions 👍 I was referring specifically to what Bill said)

                • Bill …
                  29 December 2021 at 9:10 pm

                  Bill said – I'm living exactly the same way today as I did yesterday, and will continue to live that way tomorrow.

                  Which implies…absolutely nothing that would be along the line of your disparaging and somewhat stupid response.

                  • weka …
                    29 December 2021 at 10:58 pm

                    And you still haven't answered my easy to answer question 🤷‍♀️ That's three opportunities to do so.

                    It's not an irrelevant question. If people are arguing that we're better off with letting omicron have free rein, then it's reasonable to want to know if those people are not taking precautions to limit spread and help protect people. It's also not unreasonable to think they probably aren’t given the position on omicron.

                    • Bill …
                      29 December 2021 at 11:14 pm

                      The question you asked was (quote) have you stopped taking precautions then?

                      The relevant portion of my answer was, and for the fourth time – (quote) I'm living exactly the same way today as I did yesterday, and will continue to live that way tomorrow.

                      Three weeks ago (or however long ago that was) I could sign into some places that I can no longer sign into – that's changed. But since 'yesterday'? Or in light of today's news? And tomorrow?

                      As I already pointed out, (fifth time now) nothing changes.

                      btw – I don’t advocate giving Omicron “free rein” – never have. There are people in society who need protection. That has always been the way with Covid, but the “powers that be”, by dint of the way they have distributed a leaky vaccine, obviously beg to differ on that point.

                    • weka …
                      29 December 2021 at 11:36 pm

                      Pendant away all you like. I asked really clearly,

                      are you hand washing, mask wearing, scanning/signing in, social distancing etc as advised to prevent spreading covid

                      You've now implied that you sign in and will continue to do so. What about the rest? Really odd that you just won't say.

                      As I already pointed out, (fifth time now) nothing changes.

                      I don't know what you were doing before, so this doesn't answer my question.

                      btw – I don’t advocate giving Omicron “free rein” – never have. There are people in society who need protection. That has always been the way with Covid, but the “powers that be”, by dint of the way they have distributed a leaky vaccine, obviously beg to differ on that point.

                      What do you advocate then? Because I thought you were arguing that we will be fine with omicron because it's mild, will protect us from Delta, and therefore we should stop restrictions.

                    • Bill …
                      29 December 2021 at 11:49 pm

                      I advocate for a public health response that's based on health and best medical practice – not politics, as has been the case to now.

                      As said elsewhere, all of the data from across nations indicates, that in terms of raw numbers and regardless of observed infection rates, Omicron inflicts far fewer instances of serious illness and results in fewer deaths than Delta. Seeking to preserve the presence of Delta when it's observed that Omicron displaces Delta is medical malfeasance that will cost lives.

        • fender 4.4.1.2
          29 December 2021 at 8:52 pm

          Probably never took any, luck of the Irish is all that's needed.

      • koreopono 4.4.2
        29 December 2021 at 8:52 pm

        I've been looking forward to this day. The milder omincron will hopefully wipe out Delta and all the fear mongering will cease. I am also looking forward to the day in the not too distant future that people start to realise how illogical and mad many of the rules are. This was evident to me today as I walked into a packed food court and every person sitting was maskless, while those walking within the space had to wear a mask, makes no sense. Now that Omicron's come to the party, hopefully it will bring some sanity when the fearful and mindless realise it's nothing but a sniffle. Woop woop!

        • weka 4.4.2.1
          29 December 2021 at 9:06 pm

          please fix username for next comment, ta.

          • Koreropono 4.4.2.1.1
            29 December 2021 at 9:40 pm

            Done – it's been a while but now that the new regime has entered full swing guess I will be in often to check out just how the liberals are narrating the situation 🙂

            • Shanreagh 4.4.2.1.1.1
              29 December 2021 at 10:08 pm

              Would love to know what you are talking about. I guess you are metaphorically tapping the side of your nose to those who know what you mean ……no second thoughts sounds as though it could be a bit 'wrong' wing as we call it now.

            • weka 4.4.2.1.1.2
              29 December 2021 at 10:38 pm

              haha, all good (there's a kind of a bug on some devices where typos are easily missed in the name and email fields)

        • Shanreagh 4.4.2.2
          29 December 2021 at 9:40 pm

          Yeah right.

          No Tui but drinking a Rose so that will have to do. wink

          A sniffle for many people can lead to unsniffle like conditions eg those who are immuno-compromised or whose breathing can be affected.

        • Rosemary McDonald 4.4.2.3
          29 December 2021 at 9:42 pm

          "Makes no sense." I must have said those words 3,468,990 times since February 2020.

          I'm with you…we must all stop being so afraid.

          • Bill 4.4.2.3.1
            29 December 2021 at 9:59 pm

            we must all stop being so afraid

            The Covidian Cultists will be having none of that, you hear!

          • Shanreagh 4.4.2.3.2
            29 December 2021 at 10:03 pm

            I have not met anyone who is afraid. I have met many who are sensible and continuing to mask up, physically distance etc. It is not life as it was pre Covid and adapting to a new way does not mean people are afraid or being reckless.

            • fender 4.4.2.3.2.1
              29 December 2021 at 10:18 pm

              "Tough" guys who have anyone and everyone's number, not just Mickys, will call it whatever they like.

          • weka 4.4.2.3.3
            29 December 2021 at 10:39 pm

            I'm with you…we must all stop being so afraid.

            People pick their fear: covid or the vaccination or the government…

          • mpledger 4.4.2.3.4
            30 December 2021 at 8:15 am

            Tell that to the immuno-crompormised, the medically vulnerable and all the people who love them.

            • Rosemary McDonald 4.4.2.3.4.1
              30 December 2021 at 8:45 am

              Yep…our household of two ticks those boxes… and yet we remain uninjected and unafraid.

        • mauī 4.4.2.4
          29 December 2021 at 10:19 pm

          To add to that, the unvaccinated are banned from using the food court arent they? But they are allowed to walk past and around the food court within the mall. Shameful really isn't it. Like an overnight private takeover of public interests.

    • weka 4.5
      29 December 2021 at 8:48 pm

      Fucksake, now Stuff has doxxed the idiot.

    • McFlock 4.6
      29 December 2021 at 10:03 pm

      Self isolation doesn't work, because while most people can be trusted, there's a non-trivial number of fuckwits in the population.

      Could always ankle-tag them, maybe.

      • weka 4.6.1
        29 December 2021 at 10:53 pm

        non-trivial seems to be an overlooked concept at the moment.

      • Craig H 4.6.2
        30 December 2021 at 12:03 am

        Hong Kong trialled it and went back to MIQ, so it's not unique to NZ by any stretch.

      • mpledger 4.6.3
        30 December 2021 at 8:22 am

        What pisses me off the most is that the media was running this relentless campaign, day after day, about people missing out on MIQ. And the government caved and let people self-isolate at home and then the inevitable happened. How many people will now say "why do I have to self-isolate when that guy didn't?".

        The media never had stories about the medically vulnerable or the elderly and how grateful they were for covid-19 being kept out of NZ.

  5. Patricia Bremner 5
    29 December 2021 at 8:24 pm

    Wow!! I am booked in for my booster at the hospital on Jan 12th. This is getting quite worrying. I don't think those who frequent bars and clubs will give up their New Year Parties, so stay home and celebrate small. Get your booster, use all other methods to be safe as many of us could not survive this. Keep your spirits up and those saying we are just scaremongering.. you go first we will wait to see how you do. Older and yes wiser.

    • weka 5.1
      29 December 2021 at 8:30 pm

      Thing that worries me is whether the people who say it's the beginning of the end of covid will stop doing all the things to prevent spread, or if they will now believe that there's no point.

    • Rosemary McDonald 5.2
      29 December 2021 at 8:55 pm

      …as many of us could not survive this.

      The vast majority of us will Patricia…do what your Mum told you to do…drink plenty of fluids, take your vit c, your vit D3 (about 5000IU) your Zn (about 20mg) eat your veg and get plenty of sleep. Keep the doors and windows open.

      • weka 5.2.1
        29 December 2021 at 9:05 pm

        Vast majority, that's ok then, never mind the dead people. Or the disabled ones.

        • Shanreagh 5.2.1.1
          29 December 2021 at 9:35 pm

          Agree Weka, the jury is still out on the potential impact of Omicron on our community. It seems to spread rapidly and therefore possibly put pressure on our health system with the sheer numbers needing care.

          I had not realised the bloke had breached his isolation when he went out and about. We were lucky once with the Aussie tourist in Wellington who did a full weekend of sightseeing with Delta but did not pass it on.

          https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/445570/australian-traveller-who-visited-wellington-has-delta-variant

          So booster, masking, scanning in, physical distancing. Apart from the booster, due January, I have not stopped doing the masking etc, even while out in the streets. In my suburb most people are masked when out, in fact today I saw only three who were unmasked. Two of whom, elderly folk, were coughing out, not into their elbow or tissue or handkerchief. They had the look of tourists and also had the 'do not approach me because I will bite your head off' belligerent look. So I moved as far away as I could from them until they had passed. Just bad manners, and as Rosemary says people 'shoulda' been doing this mouth covering Covid or no.

          We have decided not to go out for NY though amazingly, bearing in mind Covid whichever variant, we have two invites. 'They' can do it – my good health matters more than a one shot wonder party in a crowded house……….

      • Shanreagh 5.2.2
        29 December 2021 at 9:14 pm

        I like this one better…..I think it has Robin Williams in it.

  6. Koff 6
    29 December 2021 at 9:38 pm

    To those here not worrying, and being happy about the anticipated arrival of Omicron, perhaps look at the current hospitalisation figures and deaths in Denmark I linked to on Open Mike. 30 deaths a day (27th Dec.) as the hospitalisation rate rose lagging behind soaring case numbers, mostly happy clappy Omicron. Denmark has the same pop. as NZ.

    • Bill 6.1
      29 December 2021 at 9:42 pm

      I'm aware of the numbers in the UK (v low) and South Africa (v low) – and that the numbers in those countries are hospital patients who returned a +ve test – meaning the already low numbers are inflated somewhat.

      In Denmark, what is the %age of Omicron v Delta, and how do they tabulate their hospital Covid numbers?

      • Shanreagh 6.1.1
        29 December 2021 at 10:00 pm

        Not sure where you get the view that omicron is very low in UK

        https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/25/uk-sets-new-record-for-covid-cases-as-omicron-sweeps-london.html

        https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-omicron-daily-overview

        I know there is a view that we minimise the impact by slating the figures as they (the unfortunates with Omicron) apparently have been admitted to hospital with other ailments and just coincidentally tested positive for Omicron. Some sort of weird rationalising is going on. I have read also that some counting Omicron are now seeking another definition of what a 'case' of Covid is (omicron variant) Apparently the argument is that unless you have been either prescribed something or admitted to hospital then you should not have your 'case' counted.

        This strange attitude seems to forget that Covid is a notifiable disease as is influenza. You can get mighty ill with influenza while still being treated at home with bed rest, analgesics, hydration etc. I think you could get ill with Omicron, be treated at home with bed rest, analgesics, hydration. The point for public health is whether you have it or not. How you were treated for it is an answer to another question.

        • Bill 6.1.1.1
          29 December 2021 at 10:14 pm

          Numbers of hospitalisations requiring serious treatment are low. Number of deaths are low. Number of infections are through the roof.

          Both South Africa and the UK (and everywhere else form what I can gather) count as "hospital covid cases" those who have incidentally returned a +ve test. That twists perceptions to believe things are more onerous/serious than they are – it stokes unwarranted fear.

          Counting infections as "cases" is misleading – no two ways about that. Bloody stupid, or politically opportunistic, for governments to have detected rates of infection labeled as cases and for those case numbers to drive public policy.

          No denying Covid can be serious and even deadly for a small percentage of those who get infected. That the government public health messaging and actions didn't focus on what people might do to lessen the impacts of infection (eg – free vit D, zinc, good sleep, loss of weight, less alcohol etc), and instead went all in on "project fear" and invasive forms of social control is, to my mind, a bloody good reason to be looking at lamp posts in an alternative light.

    • Shanreagh 6.2
      29 December 2021 at 9:44 pm

      Yes I saw that. Jury is still out on the impact it may have on our population. We are all wise to still be cautious ie 'treating all wires as live' as they used to say when I was a kid and we had, or seemed to, have constant power cuts while lines were upgraded etc.

      • Bill 6.2.1
        29 December 2021 at 9:55 pm

        Number of deaths and serious illness from Omicron are lower than from Delta everywhere.

        The numbers Koff provided are for a country with only about 10% Omicron – ie, most of the deaths being recorded (however they are tabulated) are for Delta.

        Food for thought? By all of the available data across multiple countries – insisting that Omicron be "kept at bay" is insisting that unnecessary deaths occur.

        • aj 6.2.1.1
          30 December 2021 at 10:30 am

          Number of deaths and serious illness from Omicron are lower than from Delta everywhere.

          Considering the number of vulnerable people that have already died, the global toll, this is no surprise. It doesn't necessarily mean Omicron is less dangerous

    • Rosemary McDonald 6.3
      29 December 2021 at 9:50 pm

      Koff. Denmark does more tests than anywhere in the known universe so they're going to detect more cases. It is the deepest winter in Denmark and the Grim Reaper is making his annual harvest. Much of the crop will have Te Virus as well as whatever put them on The List.

      The numbers, taken from statistics bureau Our World in Data on December 27th, place Denmark as the country with the highest incidence of the virus.

      It should be noted that there is a large variation in the amount of testing undertaken by different countries, with Denmark among the countries that tests the most per resident.

      Other metrics show Denmark in a more favourable light.

      These include the number of people hospitalised with the coronavirus. 608 people or 105 per one million residents are currently admitted to Danish hospitals with the virus.

      The latter figure is significantly lower than in a number of other European countries. In Bulgaria, Poland and Hungary it is over 600, while the figure for France is 250 hospital Covid-19 patients per one million residents.

      Neighbouring Sweden and Norway had 51 and 65 hospital patients with Covid-19 respectively in figures dating from just before Christmas, though Sweden’s hospitalisation figures have since spiked markedly.

      The week before Christmas saw Denmark register 21 deaths with Covid-19 per million inhabitants. Hungary, Slovakia, Poland and Croatia posted figures up to 4-5 times higher, though it should be noted that different countries have different criteria for the data.

      • mpledger 6.3.1
        30 December 2021 at 8:30 am

        I was around Wellington hospital about a month ago and it was jam-packed. That was without any covid-19 cases at all. It would not take many hospitalisations of covid-19 people to screw up the health care of non-covid-19 people.

        • Rosemary McDonald 6.3.1.1
          30 December 2021 at 8:43 am

          With absolutely no resiliency built into our public health system in NZ this could very well be the case.

          NZ Hospital System…brought to it's knees by successive negligent governments.

          Including this one.

  7. Koreropono 7
    29 December 2021 at 10:49 pm

    I am not sure which 'fear' response I want to respond to first, there's so many to pick from. So I will just go straight for the jugular.

    We're all going to die. One day we're going to die of something, could be cancer, heart disease, could be old age, aids, hep c, it could be Covid. Meanwhile most sensible people are doing the best they can to boost their immune system (because we all know that the health system is not doing much of anything for anyone with Covid).

    If it's covid that evenually kills you, then you're one of the unlucky 0.05% of the under 70s or one of the 0.15% of the over 70s. Death unfortunately is inevitable. Suppose we can run around screaming that the sky is falling and force everyone to live in caves and wear helmets and ban them from looking at the sky or whatever (someone will be mad enough to want to ban the sky) but regardless of the measures taken it does not change the fact that we're all going to die anyway. Meanwhile Omicron is looking like a splendid choice of Covid to catch (if you have to get one, and you will), I say let's not look a gift horse in the mouth. Now I am off to live and ponder the madness of humans who think that walking into a cafe with a mask on, then sitting down and taking said mask off, while punter after punter are maskless breathing each other's air, germs and any viruses that are there to be breathed in. And the mask serves what purpose? Is that to make you feel better or protect you? There's not a whole lot of protection going on in the cafe scenario, is there? Or do we want to ban cafes next?

    • observer 7.2
      29 December 2021 at 11:28 pm

      we all know that the health system is not doing much of anything for anyone with Covid

      Tell that to the over-worked, stressed, under-paid and yet dedicated people who are working constantly to save lives. Say it to their faces. Walk up to them and say "you are not doing much of anything". Go ahead.

      Or you could just say "thank you". If you can't bring yourself to say that, just fuck off.

      • Bill 7.2.1
        29 December 2021 at 11:39 pm

        A health care system and individual nurses or what-ever who work within it are two entirely different things 'observer'.

        I wonder. Did you rail against the specialists and nurses (heroes to a person not so long ago) who got rendered jobless when they declined injections of m-RNA? And if not, why not?

        And for the ones who rolled up their sleeves for two injections, but who will draw a line at the third, will you react to their loss in the same fashion as you did for the first tranche who, because of bureaucracy and politics, can no longer dedicate themselves to ministering the sick and injured among us?

        • mpledger 7.2.1.1
          30 December 2021 at 8:43 am

          They are not two independent things – people and the system work together to provide hospital level care – without the system organising drugs, food, water and cleaning systems and the qualified people to put those systems into action then our health care would fall apart.

          • Rosemary McDonald 7.2.1.1.1
            30 December 2021 at 8:54 am

            The only thing holding together what passes for our healthcare system is the people at the coalface.

            The 'system' functions, such as it it does, in spite of the meddling from petty bureaucrats, not because.

            This may very well change as those most invested in healing will be forced out, leaving behind those most concerned with maintaining their income.

      • Koreropono 7.2.2
        30 December 2021 at 8:44 am

        What I will say to their 'overworked' faces is "why, if this is the disaster that everyone's been led to believe it is, why have they stood back and said nothing while their colleagues, good doctors and nurses were let go”.

        I will also ask them why so many of the injected (and young people) are filling up the ER with an inordinate amount of heart and neurological problems, and being told they're simply panic attacks and being sent away without any treatment.

        I will also ask them why they have continued to follow the directive to not mention anything negative about the injection, while patient after patient turns up with injection related injuries. I have a lot to say to those 'stressed' people whose hippocratic oath is superseded but directives that serve no purpose other than injecting people regardless of the harm it causes.

        You can tell me to 'fuck off' all you like but I won't and I will continue to point out the obvious. We are all actually going to fucking die and that's a fact and instead of running around with your eyes closed wailing about the sky falling in and demanding that everyone else close their eyes, open your fucking eyes and let that brain kick back into gear and ask yourself why, if this injection is so safe, why doctors and nurses are putting their careers on the line and refusing to have it.

        Meanwhile I think I will hit the sushi shop today with my child and watch as they serve her sushi, while I refuse to give them a pass and I will do that in shop after shop because this discrimination, segregation and abuse of people is where the real sickness lies and that's got far worse repercussions than Covid.