CDC


This morning, someone posted that the CDC kept warning us about COVID19 but hadn’t told us what to do—she wondered if we should buy masks or stock canned goods. And of course, she “thanked” Trump for slashing the CDC budget so they couldn’t “protect” us. She also mentioned that the CDC was responsible for “confining” the virus.

Naturally, I responded with “what exactly are they supposed to do that they aren’t doing or can’t do? They’ve already said to wash your hands, stay home if you’re sick, etc.” and her reply was “Okay, I’ll just listen to Trump and not worry about it. The CDC is probably making a big deal about it anyway.”

I have a lot of problems with this conversations.

First, yes, the CDC has told us to up our handwashing game, that masks don’t work, COVID19 is likely to get to the point of community spread.

Second, no, they haven’t said to stock food and supplies but to me, and to many, that’s a common sense approach even for a wait and see problem—in other words, before it becomes an emergency.

Third, any budget cuts do not prevent the CDC from expanding on their list of precautions—money doesn’t limit their words in a press release or interview, they could certainly add to their list if the situation warranted it.

Fourth, while the CDC’s purpose IS to control the introduction and spread of infectious diseases, in point of fact, both of these things are impossible for a government agency. The CDC can become aware of a disease, the CDC can make recommendations to slow the spread of a disease, and the CDC can research and concoct a vaccine or a cure. Many people make the mistake of thinking the CDC can actually control these things. And saying so, honestly, makes you look kind of naïve.

Fifth, her last comment of “okay, fine” was the equivalent of another dig at Trump and a blatant willingness to overlook any other single thing I said which, in essence, was “It’s not a bad idea to stock up on a few things just in case, and to do so for any potential emergency.”

Some people refuse to take care of themselves at all, relying on the government to tell the truth, in a timely fashion, and for SOMEONE to make sure they’re fed and medicated and so forth. Don’t be that person. Use common sense—I promise, it won’t hurt you.

Here are my recommendations:

Avoid places with large numbers of people—those people could have been anywhere in the last month, maybe even China; or sat on a plane next to someone who had; or—there are plenty of scenarios.

Have enough food, water, medicine, and other supplies to last you a month—and that’s conservative. You might feel well, you might BE well, and you may still be able to go out and shop; but will there be anything in the store? Those who package the food may become sick, or those who deliver it, or those who work at the stores. Yes, even the almighty Amazon may be effected.

Keep your gas tank full, in case maybe you need or want to go elsewhere, particularly if you have a welcome destination and you live in a large, heavily populated area. Keep all your important papers in one accessible location so you can grab those too, if it comes down to that.

And finally, read about COVID19. It doesn’t help anyone to bury your head in the sand. Read different points of view, listen to different announcements, and draw your own conclusions. Depend on yourself.

Okay, Boomer!


Let’s see how many people I can piss off today…

A couple days ago, I went to look at an advertised page that looked interesting. I filled out the questionnaire until I got to the part about my gender. The choices were “male,” “female,” or “non-binary.” And that’s where I lost interest. And of course, I commented and told them so.

Someone responded this morning with, “OK boomer.” I laughed at their comment because, really? I did, however, resist the urge to correct it to “Okay, boomer.” But I digress…

If one has lady parts, so to speak, one is a female; if one has boy parts, one is a male. That’s it. Period. One may “feel” like either or neither, but feelings don’t count in biology—as an aside, these are often the same people who claim feelings have no part in science.

As another aside, I saw a meme recently that stated that archeologists only ever find or put together or extrapolate that ancient bodies are either male or female, not the new fad of “non-binary.”

Yes, I’m saying it’s a fad. A trend.

Look, I don’t care what gender you’re attracted to, I think all people are attracted to others in one way or another regardless of gender. Some embrace it, some reject it, some fight it, and some are just assholes about the whole issue.

Additionally, we are all the sum of our parts—simply because you might feel “manly” for a day because, perhaps, you’re doing traditionally “manly” things, it doesn’t mean you’re part male. Or vice versa. Heck, when I was a kid, I wanted Hot Wheels for Christmas; I also played with Barbies. Now, I do all kinds of things that often are considered male or female jobs. Still doesn’t make me non-binary, I’m still a female.

Biologically speaking, you’re one or the other, regardless of “feelings.” Feelings are fleeting and changeable and vary according to, well, one’s feelings. Someone once told me that there are four basic feelings: sad, mad, glad, and afraid. All the rest are more subtle words to describe those feelings, shades of gray.

Feelings don’t make the person, and they certainly don’t make the gender. If you’re mad one day, that doesn’t make you an angry person; if you’re sad one day it doesn’t mean you’re depressed.

And for heaven’s sake, stop using “they” as “your” pronoun. It sounds stupid. It IS stupid. “They” is plural, always has been, always will be. If you call yourself a “they,” I’m going to assume you were diagnosed with multiple personality disorder and that there are several of you running around inside your head.

Also, if you look like a female (or male), I’m going to refer to you as a girl or woman (or boy or man) and if you take offense at that, I’m sorry, but HOW, exactly, is anyone to know what you “prefer” to be called? Maybe you should wear a sign around your neck unless you prefer someone greet you with, “Hi, what are you?”

Do you all remember when most professional writing used the pronoun “he” to refer to unknown persons in an article or story? Then it all changed to “he or she,” which is awkward, or sometimes he/she. You know, because women are important too. I get that. Often, now, a writer will alternate the two, sometimes saying “he” and sometimes “she.” That can be confusing, but it’s much less awkward.

Now, many of you probably believe it’s because of PATRIARCHY, and while that may have had something to do with it a few centuries ago, as most writers were indeed men and women often had to use male pseudonyms in order to be taken seriously, it’s actually because the population is not divided equally. It’s something along the lines of 51% male and 49% female; hence, the use of “he.”

Oh, one more thing. You can call me a boomer. I don’t care, but just so you know, I was born in 1964 so I barely made the cut…