...the only way out is through, and that's clearer now than when I presciently wrote it the first time.

Regarding the vaccine specifically, the fact is that, despite promises made (or, more cynically, lies that were told) by the authorities, it does not prevent COVID infection or transmission. Cases have literally skyrocketed in Israel, America and elsewhere since the vaccine became widely distributed. Cases are higher today than they were a year ago when no vaccine existed. I'm not suggesting at all that the vax causes infection, but it evidently doesn't prevent it.

I brought up Israel specifically because it was the poster child for both high vax percentages and new COVID cases, and I brought up Sweden specifically because it has taken the most laissez-faire approach to COVID and had low COVID cases. They are close to being at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of government COVID policy, so comparisons between them are of use. At the time I wrote that, Swedish travelers were being dissuaded by their own government from travel to Israel because of the latter's outbreak. Think about that for a moment. How could one not comment on the irony?

My stating the obvious is not dissuading (or intending to dissuade) anyone from getting the vax -- frankly, I don't care whether anyone chooses to get it or not. I've told you before why I got the vax (in April/May, BTW, well after I was actually eligible for it). It was because 1) I decided, after careful research and despite significant uncertainty, that the potential benefit was greater than the potential risk in my specific situation, and 2) the petty tyrants and neurotics in positions of authority were obviously going to make life miserable for anyone who didn't do what they command, so I might as well bite the bullet now. While the jury is still out on my first reason, I was dead right on #2.

But there is no conflict between, on the one hand, choosing to get vaccinated and, on the other hand, pointing out that 1) it wasn't a slam dunk decision, and 2) we certainly should not be mandating it. Everytime you pretend my actions and comments are conflicted, you undercut your own credibility, not mine. You're a smart guy, so you're obviously just being disingenuous with those comments, and that's why I send you packing to The SoapBlah so often.

Regarding the other measures that were taken -- mask/social distance mandates, business/school/church closures -- there is no evidence that they helped and overwhelming evidence that they hurt, so that's what I meant by "NOTHING that anybody has done has made a bit of difference". That comment is unrelated to the vaccine.