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Sunburn — The Morning Read Of What’s Hot In Florida Politics — 12.20.21

America is simply not ready to handle omicron. Image via AP.

By Peter Schorsch

Peace on earth?

We’ll get back to you on that one. That’s because, in this season of good tidings of great joy that shall be to all people, we know that with Christmas less than a week away, the virus continues to intrude on what we used to know as normal.

Pro and college teams are postponing games again. Some restaurants have shut down. News reports seem like reruns from a year ago.

It should be obvious by now that we can’t wish COVID-19 away. We can’t legislate it out of existence, nor do we dare pretend it isn’t there. It’s always there in its various mutations.

We will get through this and have a merry Christmas, damn it.

And yet, even amid reports of rapidly increasing cases and ICU beds in short supply, we do have hope — at least compared to this time last year.

Now, there are vaccines for anyone who wants to receive a shot. It’s worth noting that the vast majority of people battling infections are not vaccinated. They chose the freedom to catch a deadly virus over the common sense of protecting themselves and their families.

Last year, people were advised to forego family gatherings because of the danger of infection. Grandparents didn’t see their grandkids. The glee of Christmas morning wasn’t quite the same if you had to watch it over Zoom.

This year, airlines are adding flights to accommodate the significant increase in the number of people traveling to meet with relatives they may not have seen in a couple of years.

They still must wear masks on those flights, which seems to be an issue for some, judging by the number of videos we’ve seen of people behaving badly on planes. Those grinches put a minor inconvenience over the mask requirement over courtesy and safety for their fellow passengers.

However, even the rude people can’t spoil this season. Not anymore.

Yeah, the virus won’t go away, but we have more ways to keep it at bay now. We will gather together, eat together, tell the old stories again, and laugh, and hug.

In that spirit, we wish you a Merry Christmas.

Even better, we wish you a Peaceful Christmas.

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

@PressSec: On Tuesday, the President will deliver remarks on the status of the country’s fight against COVID-19, as the country sees rising cases amid the growing omicron variant.

@SamStein: A lot to process on the (JoeManchin news but, from a substantive standpoint, it’s just objectively devastating for the planet. The last best chance at climate change legislation is gone

@brikeilarcnn: I have symptomatic COVID and am so thankful to have the protection of being double vaccinated and boosted. Please be careful about potential exposures and get tested before gathering with friends and family.

@JohnFSnyder: My Mom was diagnosed on Friday with #COVID and it hit her pretty hard. 24 hours after #Regeneron and she has completely turned the corner. Thank you, @GovRonDeSantis, for making this widely available in #Florida.

@MiamiSup: Burying your head in the sand is not a health strategy. If I’m here and conditions worsen, expect me to follow, debate, argue and defend the best scientific advice that benefits and protects our children, our @MDCPS workforce, and our community. #COVID19

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@RAlexAndrade@NikkiFried thinks wearing a @Budweiser hat and (gags) American Flag bikini, wins her North Florida votes? Lady, we’re smarter than you are, sit back down and stop insulting us …

@ChrisLatvala: Cancel culture got Urban (Meyer). Wouldn’t let him kick players, berate players and his staff, or skip the team flight home.

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