One man is in jail, and is just beginning the lengthy process of appealing to attempt to overturn a jury’s verdict.
Another man is dead. Permanently.
And another. . And a boy. [not linked because too graphic] And a girl.
About 135 million Americans have received at least one shot. That’s about 40% of the population. Original estimates were that we need 70% vaccinated to get to so-called herd immunity. Two-thirds of those who are unvaccinated do not plan on ever getting vaccinated.
The vaccines seem effective against most of the variants of COVID-19. But not all of them. The ones that the vaccines may not protect against happen to spread more quickly, and seem to cause worse outcomes. Because of virus fatigue, and the reality that infection rates are going down in many communities, and the freedom afforded to those who have been vaccinated, many are ditching the precautions.
All three of these current situations show a mix of a positive development on top of difficult realities.
None of these situations show permanent, concrete, definite change in the underlying problem.
Yes these developments are important.
Yes, each is a sign of progress.
(Maybe.)
In none of these cases can we say that it’s over.
Let’s keep paying attention. Learning more. Working to understand. Being diligent, and fighting for change.
It’s a great relief that we’re not posting today about major violence and protests occurring in cities across the country, and instead we’re able to quietly make this point, that a jury made the just decision — but justice has actually not yet been served. It’s only the barest of bare beginnings.
Much more needs to be done.
One verdict does not fix racial inequality.
The existence of the vaccine does not mean the pandemic is over.
These changes are up to all of us.
Tell us what you think.