Are you totally confused, yet? A year ago the CDC said we didn’t have to wear masks to protect ourselves from COVID-19. Then in a switcheroo, the CDC said we’d better wear masks or risk certain death.
Of course, that was when anti-science Donald Trump was in the White House. Now Mr. Science Joe Biden is allegedly in charge and his CDC on May 15 said fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks indoors or out.
Celebration time, right? Well, not so fast.
Vice President Kamala Harris sent a different message last week. While standing outside and completely socially distanced, Ms. Harris kissed her hubby, Doug Emhoff. That’s not in and of itself unusual. What was odd is they kissed each other while wearing masks.
Inquiring minds need to know: What gives? Even ultra-cautious California says the vaccinated may kiss their spouse without a mask. Presumably, you can also have sex without masks, although Governor Newsom has never specifically issued advice on that topic.
We need some Sacramento clarification right away because I have a feeling, at least in the parts of Marin for which I am familiar, a lot of maskless sex has been taking place.
GOOD ADVICE
I suffer from diabetes (Type 2, thankfully). I bring it up because it’s the kind of thing that can sneak up on you and get you if you’re not careful.
It’s estimated that over half a billion people globally have diabetes. And, only 1 in 10 are getting the care they need.
Failing to control blood sugar levels can have big consequences. Diabetes triples the risk of a heart attack and leaves people 20 times more likely to undergo a leg amputation. It can also lead to stroke, kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage, and complications during pregnancy.
Get checked out by your doctor. It’s a smart play.
TEACHERS AND THEIR MONEY
People as a general rule hate lobbyists. They think they exert too much power over the denizens of Sacramento. But, people love teachers.
So, Californians suffered whiplash last week when they learned that teachers were the No. 1 lobbyists of the Legislature in the first quarter of this year. And it wasn’t by a little.
Teachers spent $2.85 million in 90 days, which is twice as much as the No. 2 and No. 3 lobbyist groups … combined. (By the way, No. 2 and No. 3 were oil and gas lobbyists.)
Was it money well spent? Well, I guess it depends upon your perspective. I don’t think it’s entirely wrong to draw a line between teacher lobbying money and the fact that California remains the worst state in the union for getting students back to in-person schooling. If teachers were lobbying to get back to in-person school faster, it would have happened, don’t you think?
SPEAKING OF LOBBYISTS
This little tidbit comes from the San Francisco Chronicle. After Gov. Gavin Newsom attenended that infamous French Laundry birthday party hosted by lobbyist Jason Kinney, his lobbying firm posted a 25% increase in billings in the first quarter of this year.
It’s good to know the governor.
ONE MORE THING
— We are committed to excellense.
— Child: “There’s too much butter in the mac-n-cheese. Dad: “I’m pretty sure I was within the margarine of error.” Child: “Mom! He’s doing that thing you hate again.”
— Is it true you get mostly make-up exams in Cosmetology School?
OK, that’s enough this week. I’ll let myself out now. Thanks for reading. Be safe as we wind down this COVID-19 nightmare and, as always, be kind)
(You can reach Sherman R. Frederick by email at shermfrederick@gmail.com, or by phone at 415-408-1073.)
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