You've seen what I am talking about on every single news show produced post-March 13, 2020.
The daily COVID-19 sickness and death count. Sort of like the Jerry Lewis Telethon from Hell. Each day's news comes with the usual histrionics.
"The highest death rate in a week."
"The biggest death toll since last Monday."
"The most deaths due to COVID-19 since your last haircut."
It keeps on coming and coming and coming. Forget the fact that the number of people who have survived the virus keeps growing at a geometric pace. That is immaterial because you can't do anything with that from a political viewpoint. You all know what I am talking about.
I am growing more and more skeptical of this data. Oh, don't get me wrong. I know this pandemic exists. But, this daily updating makes it seem like a bell goes off in somebody's office just as somebody dies.
Ding.
Ding.
Ding.
You know that's not the case, folks. These records pile up over days and might get reported all at once. Come on, gang. Our city and state governments are involved in this daily audit. You know they let the paperwork get the best of them. So when you hear that yesterday was the highest death toll, just realize that somebody finally got caught up at work.
Of course, I know this lethal data is padded to begin with. After all, insurance companies are paying out more when it comes to COVID deaths. There was a well-publicized story of a young guy in Orange County. He had tested positive for the virus, but went out for a motorcycle ride. He crashed his bike and died. The death certificate read that the cause of death was due to COVID.
There are lots and lots and lots of other stories like that. I know one personally.
A business associate of mine and I were catching up sometime after the pandemic took hold. His brother-in-law had died of cancer a few weeks prior. The man was diagnosed with terminal cancer last summer and given about nine months to a year. Sadly, he died right on schedule.
My friend received the death certificate. The cause of death listed? You got it.
"COVID-19."
My friend called the facility that had finalized the details of the death certificate. He explained that his brother-in-law died of cancer. Why the reference to COVID? The response was shocking.
"We are just doing what we are told."
Yep, even a lethal pandemic has political overtones.
Unfortunately, what is not included in this daily tally of grimness are the uncounted victims. Those who have suffered mentally from deep dark depression due to the horrific nature of this virus. I have one friend who has suffered greatly from this.
No ding for that.
Dinner last night: Chef's salad.
1 comment:
There are a lot of deaths being attributed to COVID-19 that, as your friend's brother saw, aren't related. Just because someone who dies tests positive for the disease doesn't mean that was the cause of death. But it does mean the medical facility gets more money than it would otherwise.
Follow the money.
Post a Comment