UNWORTHY THOUGHTS

I have been appalled, angered, mystified, and frustrated by the belligerent refusal of so many Americans – even healthcare workers – to get vaccinated. Their behavior puts me in mind of the fire insurance marks or plaques that were posted on insured buildings in the 18^th and 19^th centuries in England, America, and elsewhere. These plaques, which are now collector’s items, once played a very important role. Their function was to tell private fire companies which houses had paid insurance with them and ought therefore to be protected when fire broke out. It is literally the case that a horse-drawn fire engine would ride out during a fire and pass by burning buildings until the firefighters came to a building exhibiting a plaque of their company.

 

The idiots declaring their independence by refusing to get vaccinated or wear masks quite comfortably and unthinkingly expect hospitals to admit them and care for them should they contract the virus.

 

I quite understand that it is morally unacceptable for me to wish that hospitals would turn them away when they show up needing admittance to an intensive care unit and expensive high-tech medical care for the disease they have wantonly refused to protect themselves against. But still, but still.