Spare me the condescending narratives
The news media’s lack of curiosity and lazy reporting, casting aspersions on those who choose not to get the Covid vaccination never ceases to amaze me. Media reporting would have you believe there are only two reasons people choose not to get the vaccination.
The first group, we are told by the media, are mind-numbed zealots who will do whatever former President Trump tells them to do, regardless of their own personal safety. It’s Trump’s fault. This narrative is so ridiculous, one only has to point out the fact it was President Trump who provided the funding and legal protection which enabled the scientific and pharmaceutical industry to create a vaccine we are told is close to 100% safe and effective, in less than a year. Nearly every scientific and medical professional, including Dr. Fauci, thought this was an unrealistic pipe dream uttered by the ignoramus inhabiting the White House. Turns out Trump was right and the medical geniuses were wrong. The only serious politicians declaring they would not trust the vaccine were Democrats. Andrew Cuomo suggested he mistrusted not just President Trump, but also the Food and Drug Administration under Trump.
The second group of people resisting the vaccine, it is implied, are those too stupid to know what’s best for them. If only they paid attention to the experts, they would surely see the light. In fact, many have done extensive research on the issue and have legitimate questions. The critical issue ignored by nearly all media is the question of natural immunity, due to having had Covid and recovered. I can find several studies (including one from the Cleveland Clinic and another study of UK healthcare workers) indicating natural immunity is at least as effective as any of the vaccines. I can find no double blind, randomized study suggesting natural immunity is not effective in protecting against serious illness due to reinfection of Covid. There are suggestions, but no factual studies, warning those with natural immunity may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others. There are suggestions, but no factual studies, warning antibodies might wane over time. In each case, the same can be said of those who have been vaccinated. If there were widespread cases of serious illness among those who have previously recovered from Covid, I am quite certain the news media would be all over the story.
I am not anti-vaccination. If the vaccine had been available before I had Covid, I would certainly have gotten the vaccine. I have been tested twice for antibodies since having Covid in November, the last time just two weeks ago. In both cases I showed positive for Covid antibodies. I’m not an unhinged, crazy, red state Trump supporter who reflexively does the opposite of what the Biden administration suggests. I am not uninformed idiot too stupid to understand the value of vaccines. I am a well-educated individual who has had Covid, recovered and has antibodies against re-infection. When presented with compelling data indicating natural immunity is not effective against re-infection, I will get the vaccine. Until that time, please spare me the dramatic, condescending narratives about how I’m too stupid to manage my own life.
Jack Andrews, Mendota Heights
Why not fight all bigotry?
Rep. Ilhan Omar has called on Congress and the State Department to create a special envoy to fight Islamophobia, and was joined by several dozen members of Congress.
I wonder why Omar, who has had to issue several “clarifications” following remarks perceived to be anti-semitic, didn’t focus her concern on bigotry in general. “We must all stand united against this horrific rise in hate,” she said.
In the last year, acts against Jews and Jewish houses of worship have skyrocketed, and there have been violent attacks against Jews in several American cities. Asians have endured similar conduct and acts of violence, especially since the beginning of the pandemic and its distorted designation as “the China Flu.”
While Omar’s intent is laudable, it would seem that at the same time it is somewhat thoughtless when so many other groups have been attacked for their religion or ethnicity.
Alan Miller, Eagan
‘That kid is incredible’
“That kid is incredible” (July 25) was a heartwarming story, and congratulations to little Richard, his parents, Beth and Rick Hutchinson, and the caring staff at Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis who cared for Richard for six months following his birth before he went home. Also congratulations to Dr. Stacy Kern, the neonatologist who cared for Richard the day he was born.
I wondered about the other doctors involved at Children’s who “were hesitant about the viability of birth and did not want to strain the child.” Apparently, this led to “ a full day of emotional conversation and heated moments“ with the doctors agreeing for Beth to go into labor.
Not wanting to “strain the child” and “the heated moments of conversation” — did that mean those doctors wanted to abort the child so as to not strain the baby? If so, shame on them.
Lastly, thanks Ava Kian for reporting this challenging but wonderful story.
Ed Le Clair, Mendota Heights
A place where we can talk to resolve our differences
Hello there. I am 15, and I live in St. Paul. I have lived here for a little over four years now, and I am reflecting on my time in this city. I find this city to be very close-knit, like a community. For example, my family and I often go to neighborhood barbecues run by the local church’s Men’s Club. There, I can feel welcomed without being judged, while at the same time, I can interact with people my age and not have it feel awkward.
I also find St. Paul to be very organized. I know some people may not like a neighborhood grid pattern, but I do. It allows me to navigate the streets of Macalester Groveland quite well.
Lastly, I believe that St. Paul is a symbol of unity. With all of the craziness of the last year, I have come to believe that St. Paul is a place where we all can and should come to talk with one another to resolve our differences. I hope Mayor Carter can have more roundtables on issues that affect all kinds of people.
Thomas Pollack, St. Paul
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July 29, 2021 at 05:00PM
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Letters: Spare me the condescending narratives about how I’m too stupid to manage my own life - TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press
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