The other day a good friend of mine called me to discuss the article I wrote on COVID Denial Syndrome. A phrase I just made up that seems to be making some people upset.
This friend and I always have great debate on many subjects. We don’t always agree on things, but it does not interfere with our friendship.
Some people wonder, or have accused me of wanting all hockey shut down. Nothing could be further from the truth. I want players to play, I always have, and went so far as to buy a team so players who wanted what I believe to be a safer environment can have a season.
What I don’t support is what my friend called “The Wild West” environment or everyone doing as they please regardless of who they place at risk with their actions.
It is really not so complicated. If you don’t want to wear a mask and social distance, then avoid people who are wearing masks and social distancing.
If you want to wear a mask and social distance to protect yourself, then don’t put yourself in environments with people not wearing masks. Not too difficult is it?
The problem with this simple approach is that people don’t respect each other enough to simply follow that approach. Everyone feels their opinion r idea is the right one so everyone should follow it. Sounds a lot like left and right politics doesn’t it?
Lets be clear, both left and right have politicized the COVID pandemic. It’s a political divisive tool at this point.
My friend made a great point that I agree with, that the death rates are relatively miniscule compared to population numbers. Something like .007 percent of the United States population has died from COVID. A small number.
My perspective is not that hockey players are at high risk of dying. They are at risk of getting infected, and then potentially infecting someone along the way who is at risk.
In general athletes recover. They recover rather quickly according to the ones I have spoken to who have dealt with COVID. That’s great news and that’s why I still believe players should play. Play in a controlled environment.
While “The Wild West” may be ok for some people, and I do not begrudge them their choice, it really isn’t what health professionals, left and right, are recommending.
When people lack the common decency to respect other peoples personal space in public, that’s when people are at risk.
I don’t advocate for shutting down any business. I don’t advocate for cancelling sports. I don’t advocate for lockdowns.
I advocate for common sense, decency and respecting others personal choices on how to deal with COVID. I advocate for common sense business and protective practices that parents should be charged extra for in order to keep their children playing all sports safely.
If everyone really wants the kids to play, is it that difficult to meet in the middle on how that plan to keep them playing is put together? Each side giving just a little to bring everyone center is not such a difficult thing if it really is “all about the kids”.
Joseph Kolodziej – Adviser
