Breaking the stranglehold of fear

To the Editor;

Cursory searches will lead people to these data presented. Of course, people have to actually search for them, as opposed to gleaning “information” from social media and corporate news…

My questions; What are we so scared of? In hindsight was this worth it?

June 2019 Maine legislators created the “Death with Dignity” law. Nine months later, Gov. Mills created “An Order to Protect Public Health,” lockdown. Mills acted unilaterally, in direct contradiction to the U.S. and Maine Constitutions writing 70-plus orders pertaining in some facet to COVID-19. The orders are written with the idea that COVID poses a significant public health risk. Therefore, utilizing title 37B, Chapter 13 she enacted a “state of emergency” to allegedly save lives. Essentially, if any governor enacting emergency powers writes an executive order it falls under this law. (opinion) It’s poorly written with no checks, balances, or oversight.

We know COVID-19 poses the most risk to persons over 65. Some stats show that across all ages around 0.64 percent of infected persons may die, meaning 99.36 percent of infected persons survive. (opinion) If a person wades through the intentionally confusing figures … They discover the risk of transmission is not that high. 

Ultimately, 99.98 percent of the world won’t die of COVID. So, which is it? Are we saving the elderly, or letting a doctor kill them… with dignity? 

“During 2020, COVID-19 was listed as the underlying or contributing cause of 377,883 deaths (91.5 per 100,000 population). COVID-19 death rates were lowest among children aged 1–4 years (0.2) and 5–14 years (0.2) and highest among those aged ≥85 years (1,797.8).”

If my math’s correct, two children ages 1 to 14 died with (underlying or contributing) COVID-19 in the U.S. These CDC data also say 4 kids ages 15 to 24 died with COVID-19 in the U.S. last year. If you believe the numbers given are unaffected by the financial benefit of those giving them. Critical thinkers wonder, what’re we scared of? 

We’re so scared we’ve shutdown 40 percent of small businesses, won’t let kids play together, won’t see grandparents. We’re scared to open schools, have weddings, sing, worship, hug. We’re scared into wearing fabric on our faces, despite inconclusive evidence of its benefit. We’ve led our children to believe human interaction is detrimental to their health. We’re scared into giving up medical autonomy. 

People smoke, yet it’s legal. People destroy their health with food; obesity, heart disease, cancer; where’s the outcry against PepsiCo and Doritos? Name three friends or family members you know with 100 percent certainty died of COVID, not just as an underlying or contributing factor. I’ve not found one person who can.

It’s political. Government is a tool; like a hammer, it can be used to build, or destroy. It’s people behind the tool determining it’s use. Politics is downstream from culture, what does it say about American culture? Understand; right or left wing, it’s the same bird.

Why aren’t we still scared of acid rain, terrorism, El Nino, illegal immigration? Gun confiscation? Water conservation? Pollution? Fear! Why would we leave home? Was COVID the excuse we wanted to stay home?

Why the fear? What’s to gain? Weak, corrupt, or immoral leaders have allowed this. CEOs, politicians, hospital administrators, education leaders, the science community could have said no. They could admit now; 99.98 percent will not die of this. None had the fortitude to say, I won’t be swayed by fear of shame, financial loss, extortion, or death.

Don’t get me wrong, I have fears. Not just that my opinions, or actions could hang me. I’m the sole breadwinner. I’m afraid my kids are growing up surrounded by immorality; people trading lies for bankrolls. I’m afraid they’ll think it’s normal to see grandparents once a year through a window, hiding their smiles. I’m afraid they’ll fear reception of a hug, or fear offering hugs to someone in need. Human interaction is more beneficial for our health than any shot.  

What do we do? So much fear, it sounds hopeless. The answer?

Reasonableness, and morality. People desire to wear a mask, open their business, get the shot, open their homes; they should be able to accept whatever risk by their own volition. Why condemn your fellow man for their choices? We could apply common sense, but to quote my father; “Common sense ain’t so common.” Stand for Truth. Raise your children with a moral compass. Cherish innocence. Turn off fear porn. Don’t traumatize yourself or your kids with media. Don’t invite the vampire in. Be a role model. Challenge your kids, but don’t raise victims. Don’t consent to madness. Break the stranglehold of fear, take a deep breath and walk out of darkness. Don’t take the ticket.

Tysen Ober

Dover-Foxcroft