I appreciated the erudition of The Tribune’s Editorial Board in their reference to Monty Python’s Flying Circus. Further research would have unearthed a buried gem — “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” and its classic scene depicting the Black Plague with the admonition, “Bring out your dead.”
Given the lack of political leadership nationally and statewide, this admonition is extremely applicable to analyzing The Tribune’s recommendation to put our children back in school. First, if our political inmators had done the correct scientific approach in March by locking down our social system for two, or perhaps, three weeks, we might be enjoying the freedom New Zealand, Australia and other scientifically informed countries are now, including having their children in school.
But, no, we wanted to exercise our freedom by not wearing masks and socializing in large groups. Witness the Thanksgiving carnival of large gatherings and celebrations. Amongst the gatherings I suspect no one uttered, “Bring out your dead.” The same false logic by mostly alarmed parents who stridently urge to put our children back in school. The result, maybe and hopefully, the children will not suffer. but, with our children being a vector, many adults, particularly the most vulnerable will suffer, if not die.
Larry Madden, the superintendent of Salt Lake City Schools, is a bulwark against false thinking and policy. That is, he has steadfastly maintained the policy of virtual learning to protect not only our children, but their parents, grandparents, relatives, neighbors and friends. Don’t poke holes in the wise, scientific, bulwark against COVID-19, unless you are personally prepared to see the ravishes of disease and death.
As Ronald Reagan said, in a different context, we need to stay the course. With the vaccine on the horizon, now is not the time to succumb to the loudest voice, but instead observe the rules of science. Wear a mask, keep social distancing and keep our children/grandchildren at home until the pandemic has subsided. Be safe, be smart.
Pat Shea, Salt Lake City
