When we look at the numbers from those autocratic monoliths such as the CDC we can see that the average age for death from this disease is 80+, and even then it hits those with multiple co-morbidities; overweight, diabetic, heart issues, etc. The chance of death from COVID below that age is significantly overstated by orders of magnitude. We can all look at the infections in both masked and unmasked areas and see that these curves and rates are the same.

We have also seen that the Ivory Towers, as our host has so well put it, put segments of our society through events such as the Tuskeegee syphilis experiments to devastating effects on both health and trust. Is it any wonder that there is a vaccine hesitancy among certain groups?

I come from exactly the same environment as Mr. Woodhouse, Berkeley, with one generation removed. My mother was born at Alta Bates, both of her parents attended Berkeley high school, and her grandfather was a prof at Cal from the early 20th century. I know full well what he speaks of in the arrogance and hubris of those people, that class.

Covid can kill. But, and this is the most important part, so can a car crash. Anything that carries risk can kill, and we aren't managing our risk. I am vaccinated as I generally agree with that, but I do not agree with destroying bodily autonomy by forcing this on the reluctant. They are also carrying their risk, at a level they are comfortable with. We are shutting down polite society to placate the most risk-averse among us. We are willing to destroy our hard-fought civil liberties for this.