Risk Assessment

I've come to the conclusion that Americans, in general, have lost the ability to assess risk in a competent, sane manner.

On one hand, we have those who--now that some businesses have been allowed to re-open--adamantly refuse to enter any such establishment and say "It's still not safe," as though a five-minute transaction in masks and at a six-foot distance to buy a cup of coffee at Starbucks is equivalent to two hours sitting cheek-by-jowl in a political rally with a bunch of maskless yahoos.

On the other hand, we have, of course, those maskless yahoos--who have determined there is no risk at all, that they will do as they please, defying all logic, common sense and legal restrictions.

I have determined that, for the foreseeable future, we will have to live with the risk of this virus, but live with it by taking suitable precautions. Yes, if you have an underlying condition, stay home and avoid any contact with others. But, also yes, if you are reasonably healthy, it's time to go about your business while abiding by rules about social distancing, masks, building occupancy, etc.

To do otherwise is to live in mortal fear for the rest of your life.