As you read this, it is important to remember that this essay really is a dispatch from the front lines. I get to write about this aspect of what we are going through as a nation, because I am of a certain age, and I have a pre-existing health condition. I do not want to seem mean or cruel or unfeeling, but merely share the viewpoint of someone from this perspective.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has met and come out with a recommendation on who should receive the new corona virus vaccine first, as there will be very limited amounts. I do not think at my age that I should be anywhere near the front of the line for one important reason --- I am no longer essential to the running of our society. That does not mean that people do not love and care for me, which is true for most of the older people in our country. But our passing, while difficult for one grief stricken family, would not affect society at large for a nanosecond. At the top of the list should be the health care workers and first responders who are on the front lines of the battle against this far-reaching pestilence. Then, for me personally, my heart goes out to the teachers who are striving in many ways to keep life somewhat normal for the precious children who are our future. For the betterment of society at large these are the people who should get the vaccine before anyone else, certainly anyone my age.
We send young men and women off to war, because we older people can no longer do the physical and mental things necessary for battle. I look at my grandchildren, and know that as a society we have not only decided, but accepted, that they are the ones who may have to make this sacrifice for the rest of us. But now we are in a battle in which we older citizens can participate. We alone can say that we will face this virus without a vaccine, so that the younger members of our society, who are working every day for the country’s safety and betterment, can continue their good work. We have had a good run, with things that many of our younger citizens do not, and may never have --- to include guaranteed health care coverage, Social Security and, in many cases, pensions. We are not being asked to do physical things we can no longer do, but only stand aside, and let those who are contributing to our society’s well-being and future continue their good work. Let us crown our long lives in this special country by showing a willingness to fight this battle in a way only we can offer.