Why I support them.
I do not like to comment on political issues; they are way too controversial and divisive. However, seeing the current brouhaha over the COVID-19 vaccine, I am going to express my opinion about the vaccine mandates for public school students and teachers. NOTE: This is only my opinion based on personal experience.
“A cloud like a man’s hand…”
It happened after I retired from teaching: I did not get my annual sinus infection. After twenty-two years, I did not get a cold, the flu, or a sinus infection. What is this? What is going on? Then I realized. After twenty-two years, I was not around sick students. Go figure!
(Note: There has been some misuse of the phrase “Occams’s Razor.” This is a correct application of it.)
If I were still in the classroom today, I would insist on vaccinations for all my students as a condition for my teaching them. I know, I know…parents have rights. I get that. But, Parents, you do not know what it is like with your children. Teachers have rights, too.
I used to get complaints from parents all the time about their kids. How difficult they were; how hard it was to raise children these days. I know that, and I empathize. But, Parents, imagine having thirty or more of your kids in a class! It’s great! It’s rewarding, but it also can be a challenge. I don’t think it is too much to ask that your child does not make me sick.
So, in conclusion, if you as parents do not want your children to be vaccinated against COVID-19, that is your choice – go for it. But please do not foist their potentially infectious bodies on some poor teacher.
FYI: In 2018, I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma; I am currently in remission. The chemotherapy damaged by heart, so I am now dealing with congestive heart failure. (So yeah, I know about side effects.) I have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and recently received the booster shot. I also got my annual flu shot. I am doing fine. Life is good.
Objects in a Bag 