Weak messaging, opportunities lost

That's Gneiss! #185

Jul 25, 2021

The mosquito reproduction vat next door has been untouched by human activity since I last wrote to you. Unless there’s been 3:00 am dips (I think we would have heard that due to the proximity of our bedroom window). The afternoon breezes blow a constant stream of tree detritus into the water, which of course is also evaporating. Mosquito breeding continues unabated.

I’ve noticed recently that the local news has really pulled back on Covid reporting in the last couple of weeks. There used to be daily articles with updates on the number of case counts here in Washington state, and at the time they were in the 300-400 range. We’ve been officially “open” since June 30, and no surprise the cases are going up again.

Back up to 1,105 cases yesterday! Over 1,200 the day before. Nice work people.

I am tired of this and starting to feel really angry again. The goal for reopening was 70% initiated vaccination by June 30th. We did not reach that goal, but we opened anyhow. What kind of lesson is that for people? They didn’t really mean it so individual action doesn’t matter? Not to mention, the Puget Sound counties carried the weight for the state vaccination rate, which again sends a particular message to the slackers. Sounds like a group project in grad school.

One of the failures since the beginning of this whole thing has been weak messaging. If only the messaging had been more like this, an old WPA poster from the 30’s.

YOUR choices can lead to death.

Your choices can also lead to harm for others.

Weak messaging around Covid I say. They missed an opportunity to scare the crap out of people, and instead this malarkey about FREEEEDUUUMB gained traction.

YOU CAN’T MAKE ME wear a mask/get a vaccination.

I do MY OWN research and I know better than the scientists!

My god why do so many people act like bratty toddlers? Have they forgotten all the vaccinations they got as children? Do they not understand their actions affect others?

We’ve been listening to KEXP a lot since we’re still without Michael’s new computer and therefore his wonderful music collection. They are heavily pushing live shows and giving away tickets right and left for upcoming events. NO mention of the pandemic or reminders for people to get vaccinated and be safe. Are people mad? Are they suffering mass denial? I get that people want to get back to “normal” and musicians are desperate for their livelihood. But gathering indoors, in large groups of people standing packed together is asking for disaster. There WILL be unvaccinated people not wearing masks in those gatherings, and my friends the Delta variant is a DEMON. The touring musicians will be going from city to city, with fans crowding around them and people wanting to connect. I know what shows are like. Delta will be hitching a quick ride across the country.

We’re going to stay home a little longer. The pandemic is not even close to being through with us. Let’s hope more folks see the light and get vaccinated quickly.