The new America doesn't look anything like the old one 

By Frank Liberato 

I'm not getting the COVID vaccine.  I'm not recommending that course of action and, although I do have my reasons, it's mostly just stubbornness.  I don't want to follow the herd, and I won't be told what I must do for my own well-being.  Not in this country.  I'm still an American, even if we are becoming an endangered species.  It amazes me to watch my countrymen going about their business every day having completely forgotten who they are as Americans.  We must somehow relearn our heritage of liberty. 

It's laughable to see otherwise normal people walking around outside with masks on.  Regardless of what anyone on TV or elsewhere has told them, it's extremely unlikely that you'll catch the virus while walking your dog. 

I see more people alone in their cars all masked up.  In the past, this made me chuckle, but it's become so common that the foolishness of it gets under my skin.  Does your car have COVID?  Are you going to infect yourself?  Where has common sense gone? 

Some people I talk with are still masking despite having received the vaccine.  If the vaccine is so useless, then why take it at all?  They're quick to say their mask is for my protection, but I don't want or need them to protect me.  And if the vaccine works, then how is it that you are protecting me?  This is America.  I can make my own decisions about my welfare.  We are adults in a free country.  We can make our own choices about living our lives.  We can and should be responsible for ourselves.  If we're not careful, that responsibility will be taken away from us.