We, as a population, seem to have a remarkably short memory. Of course, detractors want to move on as soon as possible, but even those who understood the threat in some way were quick to forget. Early on, people were dying. Hospitals were beyond capacity, turning people away. Information was short and experts were doing their best to steer people. Yes, the government largely fucked its response. Continuing to downplay until it couldn't, then doing a small to absolute minimal amount of supporting people during a scary time. We as a nation cannot handle the stress and discomfort of the unknown, so we bury it with our dead out back. It's official policy, practically.

Outside of death, many more suffered signficantly with Long COVID. A wide range of symptoms with no known end date, just suffering. I never experienced the effects of Long COVID (I don't know, my memory's fairly fucked but that could be several other things), but I see the experiences of some of those that have. I mask to this day when out out of respect for myself and others. I don't blame you if you don't, but I see it as a service to others, and I like helping others.

The hottest take you'll find here is I think Americans are embarassingly selfish and weak overall when it comes to masking overall. It goes without saying but if you have something that effects your breathing, fine. I know most of America does not suffer from such things though. I, as an able-bodied man, wore my masks of varying types, qualities, and styles for 12+ hours some days. I would happily do so again. We're past all that though, I can count on one hand how many masks I see in a day, a week. The nation has moved on.

We'll probably experience something like it again in the near future. Our response will be miles worse. The information landscape was soured and the population poisoned on basic health practices. Keeping yourself healthy is a partisan issue, hooray for a functioning democracy.

My one unique experience is I did not ever get harassed for voluntarilty masking, despite being in a fairly conservative state and area. It's amazing what being 6'2" and 300+ pounds will do for you, I highly recommend it*. I did get harassed at work several times as frontline medical registration, and of course bitched at for asking for basic masking.

There's no point here, just thoughts. Several years out now from the nation largely grinding to a halt, we should look back from time to time. Those in power will never learn, but we can. We can do better for ourselves and our communities. Rest well to those that died, may those still suffering find good health.

* Note: I do not actually recommend it.