If you thought we were out of the woods with the Covid-19 pandemic then you should know better by now. There is just no way this things is over. Reports are coming out of countries rapidly on growing number of cases, at least two of these countries, Singapore and Taiwan, had incredibly low cases overall before the sudden surges. The new variant seems to be attacking younger people just as the schools are set to open and just as mask mandates are beginning to become even more politicized than they already were with politicians and subpar news anchors using the issue to cause even more violent attacks on the citizens of this nation. When will it end? Probably not in May. The glaring fact is we are probably not ever going to obtain herd immunity and this is going to mean that we will be having those holiday gatherings and live events mostly outdoors. The health experts in this article particularly emphasize the dangers of socializing indoors. Outdoor parties, while kept to a minimum are likely acceptable, but it is always better to wear a mask to optimize your level of protection. I know it is not what you probably want to hear, but your protection from the virus is increased considerably when you wear a face covering; this has been demonstrated time and again so I do not expect to convince anyone who does not already know this. I am just stating that, like it or not, there is actual science behind my reasoning here. It is not just me being "paranoid", a word humans often use in place of the word "rational" or that I am a "introvert", a term that just means icky to most people in America. I do not long to keep myself away from others; I stay away from others because it is a smart thing to do. It decreases the spread of germs just as masks do; we all know this. So why do we need to keep saying it? Why do we keep dipping our toes in to test the temperature of radioactive water? We are playing with fire here folks. The combination of anti-vaxxers, intimate indoor gatherings, increase in travel, along with emboldened unmasked buffoons is a ticking time bomb that you do not want to be around once it has been ignited. It is quite important for people to remember that the human mind is prone to believing in what is easiest, the idea that everything will be alright in the end is a belief of ours, not a reality. There is no just all right. There is no status quo. There is no simple life. These are fantasies we tell ourselves to alleviate the pains of reality. But we must also recognize that our pain is real, that our pain must be addressed and healed. We cannot wait until we are sick to embark upon this task. Who will be left to fight for us if not ourselves? There is no rescue team coming for us after all; we must save ourselves, as usual. Whatever you believe the CDC's reasoning for making this mistake in judgement is your business, but I believe it will have very dangerous consequences. I do not see any reason why another surge would not occur, considering that only 34% of the population is vaccinated and that young kids cannot even be vaccinated yet. I do not see how all of this sudden stimulation in intimate events will not have a negative effect with this ridiculous honor system the CDC has put in place. What people do you know that are actually going to follow this system, especially if they know that no one is even going to ask them for any kind of identification to prove that they are not just lying to get into the event? Yeah, yeah, liberty, freedom and justice for all! Aren't you a yankee-doodle dandy? Well, enjoy your apple pie folks, enjoy your hot dogs, enjoy your chocolate chip cookies. Hey, you have whatever you like with an extra side of deep fried pickled lies, and it is all on the house for only three easy payments of $5.99. You know, it is what you want to hear as usual and it is for free at an affordable price. I hope you understand there is no rationale to this, no rhyme, no reason. There is only selfishness.