Nothing is Inevitable

 We (really Joan Louise) have been struggling to get a Covid Flu vaccination. It has been amazingly difficult. What is even more perplexing is the difficulty of creating a system that can achieve the goal of herd immunity before not only more and more people die, but also before the new strain (strains?) emerge, creating a need for a new vaccine. In short, we are living in an horrendous period of history.

This blog is precipitated by Andrew Sullivan’s Weekly Dish, “The Vaccines Race Against Time”. He references his history with AIDS that he survived with some difficulty, but witnessed so many deaths. He references the period between 1980 and 90’s when the pandemic seemed to have no end in sight. Eventually, therapies were developed that addressed the pandemic. 

Sullivan’s major point that the changes in the virus over time that made it so difficult to achieve herd immunity seems to be relevant with the Covid virus. The virus has already mutated and we are no where close to achieving 60-80% of the population being vaccinated. Literally, our situation of being under strict protocols (even if not adhered to) could endure for a long time, as with AIDS. 

I am frustrated by the inability of national leaders to do their job. History will write the story that so many will not read because they are dead! I am more disturbed by our national leadership. The difficulty of accessing vaccines seems amazingly difficult. We have personally experienced the difficulty, even though we have the time to use internet to access various sites. Getting up at midnight to access a site only to find out later that it is filled is so frustrating. For a nation that go into space, develop all sorts of advancements (cf. developing now three vaccines), and such advanced scientists, it is unbelievable that we are so far behind in devising a way to distribute the vaccines. 

Equity vs Equality

 I am aware of multiple divisions in our nation. In fact, it is fractured as other nations are. Reading various books, e.g., First Principles (Thomas Ricks),  On Tyranny (Timothy Synder) only emphasizes the predicament resulting from human limitations. Re-Enchanting the Earth (Ilia Delia) details the long history from pre-historic times through the evolution to humans who remain in so many ways primitive in their dealing with one another. One of the problems confronting our nation at the moment is the distribution of resources, crystallized by the argument over equity versus equality.

First, let’s distinguish between equality and equity when considering the distribution of resources. Equality focuses on the fact that all humans are essentially the same. When a nation is confronted with economic distress, it appears fair from one dimension that any national distribution of resources should encompass as many as possible with the same amount. In short, we treat the general population the same and exclude only those with great wealth determined by statistics.

Equity examines the same population but focuses more on those with significantly less resources and seeks to give them more than those with more, albeit still in need, given the national economic situation.

I support the view that equity should dominate. To give the same too everyone earning less than X the same seems unfair and only increases the problems associated with enhancing national unity. I am in no position to suggest the markers that would determine the various distributions for those in need, but I remain convinced that our nation’s well-being will only be more vulnerable without focusing on issues that separate those making X from those making Y. 

Never Learning

 

We are living in historic times, but I am aware that such a perception was shared since the beginning of time.  Whether the philosophers of Ancient Greece and Rome or the biblical writers, there is a common thread that they had to deal with societal disturbances resulting from an imbalance between the rich and poor. Aristotle wrestled with disruptions and battles resulting from inequities. Biblical writers dealt with the same phenomenon. Society does better with sharing the wealth. There is no example of history of peace without a degree of sharing the benefits of Mother Earth.

I am depressed by the plight our world. We have gone through World Wars, developing more and more powerful arsenal of power in the name of maintaining peace, only to find out that we are no where near such a goal. We are only a step closer to destruction beyond measure because we humans have not learned the value of sharing. To be satisfied with the measures of peace and security seems to stimulate others to focus on the inequities, resulting in more aggression.

Daniel Maguire has provided many insights to understanding our existence. We have two common features: age (he is 89) and was also a priest at one time (educated at Rome no less). He too left the priesthood but continued his study of religion, especially Christianity. He has been a professor of theology at Marquette University. But as I, he came a long, long way, characterized by this book, “Christianity without God”.

This particular blog has been triggered by a chapter in his book, “When HistoryTurned a Corner”. Whether it was Aristotle indicating that “only justice holds the city together” or Thomas Aquinas referencing Aristotle in “Justice consists in sharing”, he proceeds to walk through the history with moments when it becomes clear that all win by sharing. Otherwise, disparities ultimately culminates in some sort of warfare. Historically, this repeated phenomenon brought us interludes of peace. Now, society is faced with the phenomenon that many nations have the power to destroy virtually everything. 

It brings me back to the title of this blog, “Never Learning”. Our nation is splitting apart! Admittedly, we have been splitting apart for decades, but now it has become so apparent and devastating. The events of January 6 were overwhelming but only confirmed not only that we were divided but divided by weapons designed for killing enemies of our nation but also enemies within our nation.

Having grandchildren forbids me from losing hope. I could not bear thinking that they were to be the victims of destruction caused by prior generations. So, I hope that their elders will devise a way to “come together”. Surely, the need is evident, even if the solution isn’t.