Sports and COVID

Thought for the day

With baseball heading into playoff season, and college and professional football in full swing, it's time to talk about winners and losers.  Yes, sports is competitive and, yes, you win some games and lose some games.  But when the last strike is called or when the final whistle is blown, we like seeing players offering each other good natured congratulations or condolences.  If only this was the case when it comes to COVID.

Today, there are two coronavirus "teams" competing with each other.  One is the vaccinated and the other is the unvaccinated.  Each has tens of millions of followers (i.e., fans).  The outcome of games between longtime rivals like the Giants and Dodgers or USC and UCLA, for example, is nothing compared to the rivalry that has quickly developed between those who have rolled up their sleeves and those who haven't.  As a sports fan and a patriotic American, I wonder which team is going to win the battle against COVID?

In the world of sports, teams are constantly practicing and preparing for the next game.  The players meet daily to go over film of their last performance and study the strengths and weaknesses of their upcoming opponents.  They understand no two games are the same and that to win, you need a plan.  I think the same thing can be said about the pandemic.

No two days are the same when it comes to COVID.  Some days the number of people lost is more than those saved.  Other days, we are encouraged by the trend in vaccinations or hospitalizations only to be disappointed the following week.  The nation's "coaches" at the CDC and FDA have a game plan and know what it will take to beat COVID.  That's why they want their team to be fully vaccinated.  

If only those who play for the unvaccinated team were willing to suit up for the common good.  Isn't that the essence of the American spirit?  Isn't that what true sportsmanship is all about?  

-DF