Let's live

We are living in a world full of changes that are announced to us day by day. While most of us still cannot enjoy 5G cellular networks, they are already talking about the benefits of 6G. Quantum computers have once again become the subject of several articles, and the Metaverse seems poised to revolutionize the relationship between the physical and virtual worlds.

Of course, all of this is still, or will initially be, for the few. Like all technological advancements, it takes time before the majority of the population can benefit from it. There was a time when having a telephone line cost a fortune, the first cell phones were prohibitively expensive, and wall-mounted TVs cost the price of a car.

Like everything in this capitalist world we live in, things boil down to supply and demand. New product launches begin with low supply and high demand. It's the idyllic moment for every capitalist, when they quickly recoup their investment and then, when supply increases, it's all profit.

This also applies to the moment we are living in. The pandemic perfectly illustrates the cold, capitalist nature of the world we live in. In the beginning, a simple mask cost a few dollars each! Today they cost pennies. The same goes for everything related to Covid, including the vaccines that save lives. It would be no different with human misfortune.

If the world is like this, we share some of the blame. It doesn't matter if we live in democratic countries, dictatorships, under left-wing or right-wing regimes. Most human beings are consumerist, and their desire for comfort (in every sense) is the same for everyone. The launch of the latest cell phone model attracts crowds. Grand events for its launch and pre-sales of what hasn't yet reached the market are announced, sometimes months in advance, always with interested parties. 

While we try to maintain at least some of the life we ​​had two years ago, that darn virus insists on reminding us who's really in charge now. Without any shame, it changes its appearance like someone changing clothes, and announces with great fanfare that it's still here. Like an unwelcome neighbor, it knows how to make a lot of noise.

We've barely finished receiving our valuable vaccine dose and now they're telling us we need another one. I took the first and then the second as scheduled. Then they told me I should take a booster as a third dose, and now, as indicated for those over 60, another booster, or fourth dose. If this continues, it will be three doses a year, one every four months.  

I have nothing against continuing to get injections, as long as I continue to prevent the disease in its most severe form. Current vaccines don't completely prevent Omicron, but the difference between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals is significant. For now, practically all those who have died are unvaccinated. Those who were vaccinated have mild and transient symptoms without sequelae.

I continue to do my best to be part of the group that in the future will say they didn't get sick. I follow the vaccination guidelines and don't leave home without a mask; I even wear one when walking in the street. I've been working from home for a week and intend to continue for another week or two, depending on the situation here in Israel. Currently, we are approaching 50.000 new cases per day, but the pessimists are already telling us that we could reach 300.000!

Much has already been learned from this pandemic. Unfortunately, it's still not enough, but for someone learning to drive while sitting behind the wheel and accelerating, much of this learning already helps experts and those in charge in making decisions. What happened is that if before the car moved slowly and allowed for a more comfortable learning experience, now it's accelerating at 120 km/h and the experts need to react quickly to the obstacles along the way. They do what they can.

I'm receiving news from friends and acquaintances who have recently been infected with this new wave. Vaccinated people, who take care of themselves and thought they were protected. Many still don't understand how they got infected. The important thing is that so far, they all report mild symptoms and full recovery. The lesson is that all it takes is one chance and that scoundrel Omicron will get you! Don't be careless.

Amidst all this, the polls continue to show that Lula is the absolute leader in any scenario, with or without Omicron, I mean, with or without any of the contenders for the position. A very good chance of winning in the first round. To ensure this doesn't change, take care of yourselves, every vote counts and we will need every vote. Get vaccinated and continue wearing a mask.