Democracy, so worth the effort

Blessings to all our Military Veterans as we celebrated Veterans Day on Wednesday. Each year at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, Madera joins our country to pay homage to our military veterans and active-duty personnel.

In the USA, Veterans Day falls annually on November 11 and services typically commence at 11 a.m. This day is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice which ended World War I hostilities between the Allied Nations and Germany in 1918. Veterans are honored for their service to the United States and the world on this revered day.

The freedom we enjoy is protected and fought for by our sons and daughters serving in the military. We owe them so very much because they are willing to, and often do, sacrifice their lives so we may live free. Again, bless you to all who served past, present and future.

The votes from the Presidential election should all have been cast by now and the counting and recounting will continue for who knows how long? In the meantime, some people are making plans for the Biden/Harris administration installation on Jan. 20, 2021.

President Donald J. Trump has yet to concede the election. Until he does, I’m going to hang on to the possibility that he still has a chance to be reelected.

The people who have crowned Biden is referred to as the “Mainstream Media.” The Madera Tribune has long been linked to the Associated Press; and since I have worked for them for decades, including this election, I assume I am in many ways part of that Mainstream Media.

Since I have proudly served as a minor cog in the AP’s election machine, I am having a difficult time believing they are wrong in declaring Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris the victors. I will wait until the Electoral College casts its votes on Dec. 14, thanks.

If I were Joe Biden, I would be very careful when in the company of his vice-president-elect. He might be safe until he makes it through the inauguration. But, after that, I wouldn’t walk down the stairs with Kamala Harris or Speaker Nancy Pat Pelosi. One little tumble and Harris could be the first female POTUS. Kamala then needs to watch her back or Pelosi could make her the next fatality of the Speaker’s ambitions to finally get to sit in that Big Chair!

If these thoughts make me a sore loser, I can live with that. After all, that is what I have been calling Madam Clinton’s supporters since 2016. It is frightening to think about a possible Biden administration.

The media has declared the presidential election for the Democrats. I shake my head as I repeat this thought. All I can do is wait and see how this shakes out.

• • •

Between the Coronavirus and the annual flu bug, wearing masks and getting influenza inoculations will be the fashion statement of the season. Masks that match sweaters, scarves, jackets and hats can create quite a fetching ensemble.

According to statnews.com “A vaccine to fight COVID-19 developed by Pfizer and its partner, BioNTech recently announced that their vaccine against COVID-19 was strongly effective, exceeding expectations with results that are likely to be met with cautious excitement — and relief — in the face of the global pandemic.”

They said the vaccine is the first to be tested in the United States to generate late-stage data. The companies said an early analysis of the results showed that individuals who received two injections of the vaccine three weeks apart experienced more than 90 percent fewer cases of symptomatic COVID-19 than those who received a placebo. For months, researchers have cautioned that a vaccine might only be 60 or 70 percent effective.

The Phase 3 study is ongoing, and additional data could affect results, they said.

• • •

Friday the 13th of November was also this week. Did anyone who reads this experience triskaidekaphobia? That is the fear of the number 13. I celebrate the number 13. Given my druthers, I choose 13 as my favorite number, especially when gambling.

Thanksgiving is less than two weeks from now. Christmas is just four weeks after that. The Covid-19 pandemic threatens to upset many of the American traditions that commemorate the founding of the USA and the birth of Jesus Christ.

Our Democracy is stronger than the Coronavirus, our love of the USA and our devotion to Jesus Christ or whatever higher power one worships can overcome any adversity that stands in our way.

That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it!

Long days and pleasant nights my dears, have a great weekend.

• • •

Readers may contact Tami Jo Nix by emailing tamijonix@gmail.com or following @TamiJoNix on Twitter.