People want guarantees, the problem is that on this side of the grave, there is only death and taxes. Everything else is optional.

Questioning authority is a long standing American trait, that includes government.

As a student of history, America has yet to see the best or worst of humanity.

We have a Republic, not a democracy, if you question it, recite the Pledge of Allegiance, in your mind. It will confirm we are a Republic.

Those who are on the front lines, with the responsibilities and the constant increase in exposure deserve our praise and support, especially for those who are not there doing it. Yes, my life has gone pretty well, but spent roughly 40+ % from age 4-12 in hospitals, good training for a pandemic. It also gave me a good insight into what doctors, nurses, both can and cannot do. We are all human, it would help if others remembered that.

Herd immunity is usually 70-85% vaccinated, with covid it may be down to 34-43, depending on some studies. Even if that is so, getting vaccinated is not the worse thing one can do.

This is not a new year, it is just a continuation of time, marked off by man, to be different. Biden will not bring about all or even much of what was hoped for. It is just out of or beyond his control. No, Trump would not have done any better. At our best we can but do what we can, accept what our limits are, and try to understand the difference between them.

For all the critiques, your missive is quite fine, am just a quibbler at heart.