“I’m so done with the pandemic”

People who say they are “so done with this pandemic” (a phrase I’ve been hearing a lot lately in conjunction with arguments to remove mask mandates, end vaccine mandates, and eliminate other forms of virus mitigation) would’ve been utterly useless to our country in 1943.

Two years into World War II. Another two years before we defeated the Nazis and Japanese.

Or 1867. Two years into the Civil War. Another two years before we finally reunited our country.

Or 1777. Two years into our War for Independence. Six more years before we freed ourselves from the shackles of British tyranny.

“I’m so done with the pandemic” is a perfectly reasonable sentiment. After nearly two years of pandemic protocols, it makes sense to feel frustrated and tired. But to use that sentiment as an excuse to ignore the recommendations of public health officials, forgo the overwhelming needs of our hospitals and healthcare workers, and simply quit now is a pathetic choice.

Justice Neil Gorsuch, for example, refuses to wear a mask on the bench, forcing Justice Sonia Sotomayor to participate in proceedings remotely because she has diabetes, a condition that puts her at high risk for serious illness, or even death, from COVID-19. When the omicron variant arrived on our shores, Chief Justice John Roberts requested that the justices wear a mask to protect their colleague.

All complied except for Gorsuch. He is apparently done with the pandemic, too.

These frail, pathetic, Faberge eggs act as if Americans have never been forced to make uncomfortable, collective sacrifices for more than two years before now.

Thank goodness these fragile snowflakes weren’t alive when Americans were battling for the very existence of our nation and the sacrifices required were even greater than they are today.