Two viewpoints today that are worth a read and some consideration.

The first, I fled my country to find freedom in Canada. Let’s not lose sight of what freedom really means was posted by CBC News back on February 17, 2022, at the height of the so-named “freedom” protests. It provided another perspective on the fundamental right of people to be free that was being touted as a basis for protesting vaccine and mask mandates. I’m posting it now because, even though most of the protests are past, much of the animosity and resentments remain. And, unfortunately, as the second article makes clear, the pandemic remains, as well.

The second article, Don’t Be Fooled by the Great Pandemic Denial, gives an apolitical, medical science based summary of where we are today – particularly in terms of what is increasingly acknowledged to be COVID’s sixth wave, now building in Canada and around the globe. The author’s concern is palpable. As was mine reading the assessment of the likely course we’re on. It reminded me of the last wave, which is why I went back and dug up the first article.

Together, the two column provide a context for each other. They suggest not only will we need to be increasingly smart and prudent to survive the ongoing pandemic in anything like a desirable condition, we will need to be increasingly compassionate, as well.

I fled my country to find freedom in Canada. Let’s not lose sight of what freedom really means. CBC News. Feb 17, 2022. “Intimidation and threats of violence have no place in a free society.”

Don’t Be Fooled by the Great Pandemic Denial. The Tyee. April 4, 2022. “Leaders pretend lifting restrictions is fine. But vaccines alone can’t protect us from spread and harm.”