From the beginning of our little thing here, I have done my dead-level best to keep the discussion of CoV2 to a minimum - at least from my side of the table. I have not ever, nor will I ever prevent any supporter from bringing it up and talking about it. You buy your ticket, you get to speak your piece. Always!

Here is why I will no longer allow CoV2 to occupy space in my brain rent free: It's just simply not the bogeyman that it once was. Let's be clear on a key point. At the individual level, where someone has a medical predisposition to harm from viruses, CoV2 is a pronounced threat. But, then again, so is every other microorganism. To a specific medical demographic, a common cold could be fatal. To the overwhelming majority of humans, however, CoV2 is now (as previously discussed here and elsewhere) our new 5th coronavirus-based common cold. The time of national emergency is over. The time for draconian measures and daily overreaction to a new variant is over.

I am sufficiently vaccinated (naturally and mRNA injected) such that I have zero fear of this virus. Anyone with an ounce of sense can do the same (unless medically prevented). Anyone who chooses to go without has chosen a path that is tantamount to prodding a hornets' nest. Do so at your own peril.

I will no longer entertain the "variant du jour" headlines. CoV2 has naturally selected dominant variants that choose to live rather than kill its hosts. We're done here. It is no more or less significant than cold and flu season at this point. I reiterate that I will not edit or moderate any supporter posts or comments on any subject, including this one. But, do not expect me to participate on this subject as we go forward.

Dengue fever, anyone?

Go Bengals.