Get facts on COVID, then get vaccinated
Americans continue to seek information about COVID vaccines and their effectiveness. Here are some of the Facebook myths that people are reading about.
Coronavirus vaccines were developed too quickly.
Vaccines alter your DNA.
Fetal cells were used to develop the vaccines.
Covid vaccines affect fertility.
If you have had covid you are protected and don’t need a vaccine.
You can get COVID-19 from the vaccine.
The side effects from the vaccine are dangerous.
The vaccine contains a microchip to control the general population.
None of these myths are true and scientists are debunking them daily.
Here are some true facts about covid.
With over 736,000 U.S. deaths, one in 500 Americans have died from COVID-19. Of the over 46,000 Americans currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 98% are unvaccinated.
Unvaccinated Americans are 11 times more likely to contract covid.
After 369 million vaccinations administered no one has died directly from the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Three people developed blood clots that may or may not be related to the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.
These are more than just boring statistics. Not being vaccinated puts everyone you love and your fellow Americans at risk.
Most religious leaders and Donald Trump have encouraged their followers to get vaccinated.
COVID can kill you regardless of which political party you support.
As a registered nurse with 40 years of experience, I encourage you to present your questions and concerns to your doctor, who can help you make an informed decision regarding this important choice.
Robert Karandy
Burnt Hills
GOP should focus on problem-solving
As our elected officials tend to the problems private industry will not solve because there is no profit in it, we can take comfort from the fact that although our nearby stream this spring is at a major flood level and our kitchen is under two feet of water, the Republicans have settled the issue of whether transgender girls can play on girls’ sports teams.
Nina Trabona
Albany
It’s our democracy or Trump, not both
I’ll say it again — you can have democracy or Trump; you cannot have both. I’m an old woman now and learning how fragile our democracy is is mind boggling.
How is this happening?
Firstly, for democracy, the disaster is the simultaneous arrival of social media and Trump. Both are dishonest and the speed of social media has trained us not to care.
It’s perfect for the likes of Trumpites, our new third political party and the new home for almost one-half of Congress.
What’s happening in Congress? Half of our senators — all of one party — have voted against The Voting Rights Act which would have helped insure voting rights for everyone. It didn’t pass.
Why? In the House, hundreds of representatives insist on treating the Jan. 6 attack like nothing more than a walk in the park, instead of being orchestrated by Trump. Why?
Simple — Trumpites cannot win elections if everyone votes.
Also it’s their warped sense of terror that success depends on Trump’s approval. It does not, but he’s trained them well. Fear always works.
Secondly, look to our young people and the replacing of teaching history, civics and government with technology. Both are important, but the former must be the most important.
Kids declare, ‘Who cares if we’re a democracy?’ It means that a dictator can/did become president.
And about our news source(s), and I’ll also say it again — opinion is not news. It’s not easy, but look for neutral sources, if you dare.
Livia Carroll
Schenectady
Governor: Give St. Clare’s 5 minutes
As many people know, for the past three-plus years, the St. Clare’s pensioners have been fighting for their rightful pension with no relief in sight.
There is a lawsuit pending, but the courts remain backed up due to the pandemic. Many of these 1,100-plus wonderful healthcare workers are suffering miserably because they have no other means of income.
I have asked Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office to allow me a 5-minute consultation with her. All I want is some guidance from her as the leader of our state. I have spoken to (former aide) Haley Viccaro only, and now my calls have been answered with a mere, “We will look into the governor’s availability.”
Why aren’t we important enough for a meeting? Many others are granted much more time with this governor who wanted to change things and make a difference.
However, we are being treated as though we do not matter and pushed aside exactly the way the former governor did. What could possibly be the reason that our own governor wants nothing to do with us? We were good enough to be asked to go back to work during the pandemic, but now we, essential workers, are being treated as if we are just a nuisance.
I will continue to call the governor’s office until I get an answer. I pray that it will be a 5-minute appointment and not another “We will see what we can do.”
Mary Hartshorne
Ballston Lake
The writer is chairman of the St. Clare’s Pension Recovery Alliance (SCPRA).
Memorial dedication not well publicized
On Oct. 29, a dedication was held at SCCC for the new Schenectady County Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
As a Vietnam vet, I have been watching the progress of the installation and wondering when it would be unveiled. But I only found out about the dedication the day before from a friend who is with the Patriot Guard Ride.
Nowhere did I see any notice of the event – not on the local news, in social media, in the newspaper or on electronic signs.
Since the memorial honors all Schenectady County Vietnam vets, it would seem to be important to have gotten the word out.
What irked me the most, though, was all the “suits” that got the invitation to attend. They hogged the first eight rows of seats, hugged each other and boasted about what a wonderful job they did, while many of the vets were left standing. After 30 minutes of speeches and no official unveiling, I went home.
I will visit the memorial on my own time.
Bernard Witkowski
Scotia
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Categories: Letters to the Editor, Opinion
Hey William, how about 19 gop senators and 13 House members voting for the Infrastructure bill? You were very pessimistic about Biden’s ability to unite our country. Well, this is amazing progress considering what we’ve been thru. Yet the gop are harassing their own members who voted for bettering America.
No commentary needed (again):
“I got the COVID-19 vaccine today! My wing is feeling a little sore, but it’ll give my body an extra protective boost that keeps me and others healthy,” Big Bird wrote on Twitter over the weekend. “Ms. @EricaRHill even said I’ve been getting vaccines since I was a little bird. I had no idea!”
And that did not go over well with some Republicans. Ted Cruz whined that the iconic Sesame Street character was promoting “government propaganda.” Some Fox News personalities pushed similar lines.
A Republican congressional candidate in Pennsylvania suggested the vaccine might kill Big Bird while a GOP state legislator in Arizona called the Muppet a “communist.”
https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/why-republicans-newest-fight-big-bird-matters-n1283474
The Republicans and their fake-conservative followers continue their brave march to their god’s glory. Or something…
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The gap in Covid’s death toll between red and blue America has grown faster over the past month than at any previous point.
In October, 25 out of every 100,000 residents of heavily Trump counties died from Covid, more than three times higher than the rate in heavily Biden counties (7.8 per 100,000). October was the fifth consecutive month that the percentage gap between the death rates in Trump counties and Biden counties widened.
Some conservative writers have tried to claim that the gap may stem from regional differences in weather or age, but those arguments fall apart under scrutiny. (If weather or age were a major reason, the pattern would have begun to appear last year.) The true explanation is straightforward: The vaccines are remarkably effective at preventing severe Covid, and almost 40 percent of Republican adults remain unvaccinated, compared with about 10 percent of Democratic adults.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/08/briefing/covid-death-toll-red-america.html
Matt
Federally and in some states I had to supply DnA to be a certain type of contractor. I’m not opposed to DNA, extra background, mental health exams for weapons, explosives, etc.
People that have things to hide are nervous about being an open book.
No, it is most definitely not “people that have things to hide..” That’s a narrow-minded opinion. What we who oppose this are against is what happens to the data that’s collected. It is most definitely not generally safeguarded, and it is bought and sold, and it is compromised to where many people have had their identity stolen and their lives ruined through no fault of their own.
Btw, I spent several years as a Federal contractor for a three-letter agency and am fairly familiar with various levels of security clearance and I’ve never heard of having to give up some DNA. Certainly I’ve had to have physicals, and blood test for drugs, so they certainly have some of my DNA, but I’ve never heard that as something they explicitly wanted to record and can’t think of what they’d do with it.
Ray I have CNN set right next to Fox News in my car. Any Republican that they have on CNN that I have heard, 95% a time is a rhino, more left-wing then Joe Manchin do they have any Republicans as moderators of their major shows like Fox has Chris Wallace? The answer is no.
“Any Republican that they have on CNN that I have heard, 95% a time is a rhino…”
Could you be any more intellectually lazy?
You can’t accept a difference in opinion within your party, and you want us to think you’re not racist too?
Do you think it’s a good idea for one half the political spectrum to throw themselves unquestionably behind a single man who currently has at least 18 criminal investigations into his activities?
Have you had a look at the Republican Party platform?
Here are some excerpts:
RESOLUTION REGARDING THE REPUBLICAN PARTY PLATFORM
…
WHEREAS, The RNC, had the Platform Committee been able to convene in 2020, would have undoubtedly unanimously agreed to reassert the Party’s strong support for President Donald Trump and his Administration;
WHEREAS, The media has outrageously misrepresented the implications of the RNC not adopting a new platform in 2020 and continues to engage in misleading advocacy for the failed policies of the Obama-Biden Administration, rather than providing the public with unbiased reporting of facts; and
WHEREAS, The RNC enthusiastically supports President Trump and continues to reject the policy positions of the Obama-Biden Administration, as well as those espoused by the Democratic National Committee today; therefore, be it
…
RESOLVED, That any motion to amend the 2016 Platform or to adopt a new platform, including any motion to suspend the procedures that will allow doing so, will be ruled out of order.
https://prod-cdn-static.gop.com/docs/Resolution_Platform_2020.pdf
ChuckD not for nothing I watch CNN many times. As far as picking people for president you Democrats didn’t pick who was best for America you picked anyone that ran against Donald Trump. What does that tell you? If Trump and Biden went head-to-head today I think Trump would probably win as many states as Ronald Reagan. Let’s not forget Kamala Harris also told Biden that she believed the women that said that he sexually assaulted them and what does he do picks her for his vice president and never a word is spoken about it again by this main stream media or Kamala Harris.
This is politics William. That’s what both parties have done for many years. Don’t act like it is out of the ordinary. They simply want the power. Kennedy and LBJ hated each other, Reagan and Bush weren’t the best of pals. I could go on and on….it’s all about giving one’s party the greatest opportunity to win! Your bias shows up in all of your posts!It is so predictable!
First of all FOX being middle of the road is laughable! Secondly, 8 to 11 PM is where the ratings and the money are and FOX is just unwatchable! I have tried and used to watch O’Reilly and Megan Kelly but now it’s complete chaos over there. As far as FOX being so popular, that is because if you are looking for that point of view from cable, that is pretty much it. MSNBC and CNN compete with each other for the non conservative market thus the lower ratings. The only area where we have some agreement is that CNN does not deliver a strong representation from the right but I think FOX is just as guilty. Did you ever watch the FIve….laughable…. 4 against 1! That to me sums up FOX! Bring back Crossfire!
RAY that’s funny because you continue to “CN and talking points, the least watched news program in America even though it’s in all of the airports wild disparaging Fox news that’s the most watch news in America. I would say fox is more middle of the road as they have Democrat pundits on TV and news anchors like Geraldo, and Chris Wallace. I don’t know any Republicans or conservatives on CNN.
You obviously never watch CNN. They almost always have or invite republicans on their shows. “I would say fox is more middle of the road” is so laughable. Perhaps a couple of their shows have moderate views, but even they get called out by Carlson, Hannity, et al. My idea of a Lie and Misinformation Commission is an original thought. They would all go under the microscope and we’d see would fair best. Popularity is meaningless like Trump’s bigger rallies?
How would you combat lies and misinformation, regardless of who said it?
Robert Karandy – Great letter. Your list of Covid-19 myths found in social media (and Fox, etc.) are the perfect examples of what my Lies and Misinformation Commission would deal with. Thanks.
I particularly liked Robert Karandy’s letter as well. It just goes to show us that nothing is off limits in regards to making something political. Well done Robert!
Livia Carroll You might consider the merits of today’s president in lieu of yesterday’s. I like is phasing out of fossil fuels. Consider the effectiveness of a solar powered aircraft carrier. Also the job promoting effects of retrofitting of existing buildings with solar power. The Democrats should begiven full credit for their policies
Fred, CEO of jet blue, Robin Hayes, gave an interview today on airlines becoming more efficient.
The recently passed infrastructure bill has absolutely no money allocated to the research and production of nuclear energy. Three negatives of wind mills and solar panels. (1) They won’t ever satisfy our energy needs. (2) Its production will be done primarily in China and thus controlled by the CCP. (3) And lastly, the production of wind mills and solar panels create hazardous waste that can’t be recycled and pose a serious pollution issue.
A realistic solution is to invest in nuclear energy. Three positives of nuclear energy. (1) It has zero admission of greenhouse gases, (2) its a reliable energy source. (3) And lastly, its scalable for mass consumption. So when climate alarmist Democrats vote for a bill that omits nuclear energy in their attempt to save the planet, it reveals that these people aren’t serious about solving the problem.
Sorry to bother you, Mr. Aiken, but there’s this too:
“So when climate alarmist Democrats vote for a bill that omits nuclear energy in their attempt to save the planet, it reveals that these people aren’t serious about solving the problem.”
Is this also something you should retract? In the spirit of honesty, of course!
Nuclear is a very exciting prospect, especially fusion nuclear. And when the industry comes up with a solution to the growing nuclear waste stockpiles, and when they can assure Americans there will never be a Chernobyl, or a Fukushima, I’ll think it’s realistic. With nuclear energy, one incident can be devastating to an entire country and affect the entire world.
To the general question of alternative, sustainable and safe sources of energy (why would you not want that?), your three points against wind and solar are without merit. “Wind mills and solar panels” are not the only technologies. More are being developed. Your point is questionable, and a strawman argument as you phrase it. There are now and in the future many non-fossil fuel choices.
Whether China, or some other country, makes most of the solar panels is really America’s choice. I’m pretty sure America would like to make our own panels, and probably will, especially if the industry can get the billions in subsidies the oil industry gets. Another point based on a very questionable assumption.
Whatever toxic waste is produced in the production of solar panels pales, is utterly dwarfed, by the destruction caused by the extraction and processing of the finite fossil fuels, or by nuclear accidents. No comparison. Doesn’t make toxic waste right, but if you’re assuming those are the better options, I think your very much mistaken (or, yet another industry tool here to sell us on the awfulness that is “Green energy”).
Couldn’t immediately find how much of the infrastructure bill included nuclear energy, but read this:
Congress passed the bipartisan infrastructure bill. The following statement can be attributed to Maria Korsnick, president and chief executive officer of the Nuclear Energy Institute:
“The passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill demonstrates our nation’s commitment to its largest source of carbon-free energy and the vital role nuclear energy will play in our energy transition alongside wind and solar. As the urgency to decarbonize grows, the next generation of nuclear reactors is essential to reaching our ambitious climate goals. Through continued support for nuclear energy innovation and funding of the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, Congress has signaled its commitment to accelerating the deployment of innovative reactor technologies over the next decade while bolstering US technological leadership globally.
“Nuclear energy will play a crucial role in our energy transition beyond our electricity grid. Establishing a demonstration program for Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs will advance efforts by the industry to decarbonize the industrial, transportation and even agricultural sectors. Through the utilization of our existing nuclear facilities and the next generation of reactors, nuclear energy can serve as a cost-effective, reliable source for large-scale, carbon-free hydrogen production.
“We thank the House and Senate for their bipartisan leadership on the bill and look forward to carrying this momentum forward to ensure nuclear energy plays a pivotal role in our energy future.”
Thanks Ray for this info. Its encouraging that Maria Korsick hits all the relevant points of the debate. I just wish those in Congress would parrot Ms. Korsick’s statement as a way to persuade other members of Congress to get them on board. She does an admirable job of explaining why nuclear energy is the way to go to reduce gashouse gases while being able to meet our energy demands.
“The recently passed infrastructure bill has absolutely no money allocated to the research and production of nuclear energy. ”
So, you refute this?
Keep in mind Bill that the GOP fought very hard to keep the price tag on the infrastructure bill as low as possible. Perhaps support for research and production of nuclear energy got cut back like any number of proposals. If it was part of the climate change portion, the GOP didn’t even want to include it.
We can take comfort from the fact that although our nearby stream this spring is at a major flood level and our kitchen is under two feet of water, the Republicans have settled the issue of whether transgender girls can play on girls’ sports teams.
Nina Trabona
1>Nina it is Fall not Spring
2> It is generally thought that those with extreme delusions should be helped not humored
2> “It is generally thought that those with extreme delusions should be helped not humored”
Getting any help Fred?
Every time a person substitutes sarcasm for substance my point of view is helped.
So thanks Lou!
Again thanks for the help!
William:
There are several ways to make voting more accessible and give the electorate confidence in the system.
Require identification with each vote cast – picture, fingerprint, eye scans – all of this technology is available at airports, stores, gas stations, etc around the US and world.
To me I wish President Biden included that in infrastructure- because these national voting cards or systems could follow us from state to state, help us purchase alcohol, register for college classes, enter an airport or train station, etc – why if the gov’t is paying for these ID’s there is no barrier or excuse to require IDs to vote.
Them I can picture a system that reads and eye/fingerprint that pulls up your voting ballot (you could be in Las Vegas on vacation but vote in your district in NY), voting machines could be placed in community centers, bus stations, street corners, post offices, etc.
With this type of system we wouldn’t see these wild swings on election night and next days as mail in ballots are recorded. It would be practically real time. For goodness sake we have 50-70 million ppl voting for American Idol, Dancing with the Stars. You can’t tell me with eye & fingerprint technology along with others going to polling places on election days we wouldn’t have better turnout and faith in the ballots cast.
Voting fraud on a scale large enough to affect election results is a myth. A handful of cases each election cycle, mostly Republicans. We can barely get 60% of the electorate to show up to vote, but somehow there are millions of people risking jailtime to cast a ballot for a politician? Absurd. But sure, let’s give the government our fingerprints and retina data so we can exercise our constitutional right. Y’all shed tears about the government requiring masks during a pandemic, but you’re ok with having to get a body scan to cast a ballot to solve a problem that doesn’t exist? You sound ridiculous.
Matt
We need an ID to buy beer, cigarettes go to airport, start a nimo account, take a car for a test drive, rent a car, etc – all those systems can get hacked. Thats life
Whether there is or isn’t fraud isn’t the issue –
We should have a system that you need an ID to vote
Again I say: Only what they want to hear, only what they want to see, only the way they want to be, nothing else matters. Nothing.
Joe you are right but the Democrats refuse to even have to show any type of ID card to vote. They want ballots sent to every single registered voter in the country and allow them to be mailed in with no checks and balances.
Show us the fraud. Your fears are not substantiated.
Livia Carroll The federal voting law did not pass because it went against the constitution, it took voting laws away from the states where the voting laws are supposed to be. It also made voting ripe for fraud.
No shame, have you?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Article I, Section 4, Clause 1:
The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators.
People should also have to show ID before they storm the Capitol.
https://imgur.com/a/wP9s9qL
Have they visited yet? Are you worried?