In the early stages of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), we were trying to figure out what on earth happened to our lives. After a couple of months of “lockdown,” many of us chose to get out and about and resume our lives.

I have been fascinated with COVID-19 behavior. Many people are afraid to leave their homes. Has America given up her way of life for fear of COVID-19? When you divide deaths from COVID-19 by the total number of cases, the resulting statistic is the Infection Fatality Rate (IFR) or the “death rate.” As of July 21, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggests an IFR of 0.65% as the best estimate at that time. For a variety of reasons including lag time in reporting, it is difficult to obtain the most recent calculation. Now the CDC is reporting on their website deaths with COVID-19 as the only diagnosis, versus those with comorbidity, is as low as 6%.

Is COVID-19 serious? YES! Do we grieve for those ill with the virus and those who have died? YES! However, according to Real Clear Politics (a political news site and polling data aggregator) noted in a report on May 29, 2020, CDC guidance acknowledges the uncertainty that doctors can face when identifying the cause of death. When COVID-19 cases are “suspected,” the agency counsels doctors that “it is acceptable to report COVID-19 on a death certificate.”  According to a FOX News report on May 4, 2020, “if a Medicare patient is diagnosed with-or even presumed to have contracted-coronavirus, hospitals are given more money from the federal government to treat that patient.” Do these things bring into question the accuracy of reporting of cases and deaths?

I received an email from a politician in which was stated “Scamdemic to Rig the Election.” When I read this, I almost jumped out of my chair. Sadly, too many have politicized COVID-19 blaming the current administration. Really, for a worldwide pandemic! Rather than working collectively to arrive at solutions, some use this tragedy as a political wedge issue. Now some are promoting vote by mail for the sake of “safety.”

 

Are we to accept that mass protests, rioting, looting, and burning businesses are “safe,” but voting in person is not?

Absentee Ballot as an alternative to in-person voting is a reasonable option versus the mass mailing of millions of unsolicited ballots. In Tennessee, an absentee ballot can be requested through the Secretary of State website (https://www.sos.tn.gov/products/elections/how -do-i-request-absentee-ballot). This method at least ensures a degree of certainty that the ballot when submitted is from a registered voter. Mass mailing of ballots is fraught with confusion, uncertainty, and even potentially fraudulent activity. On-site voting at the local polling place, or absentee ballot voting as an acceptable alternative, will better ensure a fair election. If you are against mass mail-in voting, make your voice heard by contacting your local election commission, state representatives, and governor expressing your opposition.

This election is shaping up to be the most critical in a lifetime in determining the future of this great nation. Vote, and do not risk your vote to chance. If you are not registered to vote, get out and register and then VOTE.

 

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