Frustration With People Who Won't Respect Us

[collie1228]

People can be just obnoxious. Two examples. Last evening we went to Spanish Springs to watch Scooter the DJ for a few minutes. We stood well outside of the fence, just the two of us, masks on with no one within thirty feet of us. In other words, relatively safe and respecting the personal space of others. Within five minutes, some guy comes right up behind me, with his head no more than two feet from mine, almost looking over my shoulder. I politely asked him to move back and give me at least six feet of space. Then, even worse, a youngish woman decided to leave the venue, and rather than leave at the designate entrance/exit point, she tiptoed along the little stream on the side of the square, and pushed the plastic guard chain aside, so she could squeeze in front of us and go on her merry way. Another close encounter of less than three feet! I was less polite with her. Two very nerve wracking encounters in less than fifteen minutes. I guess we can't be safe anywhere as long as there are folks around who won't respect others. Sad.

[shut the front door]

It's going to happen, and you know it's going to happen (because we read a post about it on this board every freaking day), yet you went anyway.
There are inconsiderate people in every place in the world. If you can't deal with them, stay home. Pandemic or not, inconsiderate people do not warrant all the pearl clutching and message board rants. They are living in your head rent free, and you are letting them.

[dhdallas]

People can be just obnoxious. Two examples. Last evening we went to Spanish Springs to watch Scooter the DJ for a few minutes. We stood well outside of the fence, just the two of us, masks on with no one within thirty feet of us. In other words, relatively safe and respecting the personal space of others. Within five minutes, some guy comes right up behind me, with his head no more than two feet from mine, almost looking over my shoulder. I politely asked him to move back and give me at least six feet of space. Then, even worse, a youngish woman decided to leave the venue, and rather than leave at the designate entrance/exit point, she tiptoed along the little stream on the side of the square, and pushed the plastic guard chain aside, so she could squeeze in front of us and go on her merry way. Another close encounter of less than three feet! I was less polite with her. Two very nerve wracking encounters in less than fifteen minutes. I guess we can't be safe anywhere as long as there are folks around who won't respect others. Sad.

"Misinformation is just as dangerous as the disease is right now," says Erie News Now Contributor, Dr. Becky Dawson. "I think we are spreading misinformation as quickly as we are spreading the disease." News outlets thrive on stories of death & violence. "If it bleeds, it leads" is the age old axiom.

Most deaths occur when the patient has comorbid factors involved, i.e. one foot in the grave already! Hospitals are reimbursed at a much higher rate if COVID is listed as the cause of death. I am a retired RN and Paramedic who worked during both the onset of AIDS and H1N1 epidemics and never saw the level of fear and misleading information as I have seen with COVID.

I have had both H1N1 & COVID. The H1N1 was much worse and was every bit as bad as when I had pneumonia on two separate occasions in the past. My COVID was similar to the flu: chills & fever, coughing, congestion and general malaise. I am not downplaying that COVID is serious. It can be deadly for those with preexisting illnesses. For the rest of us, it is an inconvenience!

The stress, anxiety, loneliness & loss of income caused by the fear of COVID is far more damaging than the virus itself.

In a letter to to John Norvell, 14 June 1807, Thomas Jefferson wrote, "Nothing can now be believed which is seen in a newspaper. Truth itself becomes suspicious by being put into that polluted vehicle. I really look with commiseration over the great body of my fellow citizens, who, reading newspapers, live & die in the belief, that they have known something of what has been passing in the world in their time..."

The deception continues and we, like sheep, are willing participants.
A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves.
Edward R. Murrow.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

to dhdallas you are incorrect. There are thousands of people who have died from COVID who had no pre-existing conditions. There are also millions who have survived it, who now have conditions they didn't have before they got the virus.

People who never had heart problems, or lung problems, got the virus, recovered from the virus, but now live with heart and/or lung problems that will require monitoring and medication for the rest of their lives.

There are people who weren't obese, not old, didn't fit into ANY of the categories of "at risk" - who got sick and died from COVID.

Talk about spreading misinformation - your post does a bangup job of it.

[vintageogauge]

to dhdallas you are incorrect. There are thousands of people who have died from COVID who had no pre-existing conditions. There are also millions who have survived it, who now have conditions they didn't have before they got the virus.

People who never had heart problems, or lung problems, got the virus, recovered from the virus, but now live with heart and/or lung problems that will require monitoring and medication for the rest of their lives.

There are people who weren't obese, not old, didn't fit into ANY of the categories of "at risk" - who got sick and died from COVID.

Talk about spreading misinformation - your post does a bangup job of it.

This too is misinformation. You don't know what conditions these people may have had, there are thousands of people out there that rarely if ever see a doctor, those with heart and/or lung problems that do not have symptoms and therefore were never diagnosed. Those who use street drugs but keep it quiet. We have all heard of people that after a good physical and stress test ended up having heart attacks shortly thereafter. There are many people at risk that just don't know that they are. I have had two family members die in their mid 60's, one with a heart attack and the other from a stroke. Both were strong and active people with no signs of illness.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

"Misinformation is just as dangerous as the disease is right now," says Erie News Now Contributor, Dr. Becky Dawson. "I think we are spreading misinformation as quickly as we are spreading the disease." News outlets thrive on stories of death & violence. "If it bleeds, it leads" is the age old axiom.

Most deaths occur when the patient has comorbid factors involved, i.e. one foot in the grave already! Hospitals are reimbursed at a much higher rate if COVID is listed as the cause of death. I am a retired RN and Paramedic who worked during both the onset of AIDS and H1N1 epidemics and never saw the level of fear and misleading information as I have seen with COVID.

I have had both H1N1 & COVID. The H1N1 was much worse and was every bit as bad as when I had pneumonia on two separate occasions in the past. My COVID was similar to the flu: chills & fever, coughing, congestion and general malaise. I am not downplaying that COVID is serious. It can be deadly for those with preexisting illnesses. For the rest of us, it is an inconvenience!

The stress, anxiety, loneliness & loss of income caused by the fear of COVID is far more damaging than the virus itself.

In a letter to to John Norvell, 14 June 1807, Thomas Jefferson wrote, "Nothing can now be believed which is seen in a newspaper. Truth itself becomes suspicious by being put into that polluted vehicle. I really look with commiseration over the great body of my fellow citizens, who, reading newspapers, live & die in the belief, that they have known something of what has been passing in the world in their time..."

The deception continues and we, like sheep, are willing participants.
A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves.
Edward R. Murrow.
who write these don’t don’t worry be happy posts and there COVID was always not to bad the writer mentions having H1N1 and pneumonia twice perhaps taking precautions may have helped not getting sick. I also don’t know where you are from but living in Boston and spending much of my time outside USA there was quite a lot of fear about aids that created much hate and anger towards gay people, addicts and anyone else that got it. Go back and review the early years of where even families through out people who were sick

[Topspinmo]

Just move when they get too close, it’s that simple.

[Bill14564]

Just move when they get too close, it’s that simple.

That's a solution to the situation but not to the frustration.

We were at a square the other night. There were three appropriately spaced rows of chairs in our area. A group came and decided six feet was plenty enough space to create a new row in between. They placed their chairs close enough to us that I could not cross my legs without kicking the back of their chairs.

Yes, a solution to that situation was to let them chase us away or chase us out entirely. But the real problem was frustration caused by their lack of consideration in not respecting the six-foot distancing.

[Velvet]

Yes, I move out of the way and if I can’t, I let out either a loud yelp or under some circumstances, a blue streak. But then I don’t go anywhere where I can’t control my space in the first place. Some people I know if a person comes too close may feel their lives threatened and will react physically. Disrespect is the least of their worries.

[JoMar]

"Misinformation is just as dangerous as the disease is right now," says Erie News Now Contributor, Dr. Becky Dawson. "I think we are spreading misinformation as quickly as we are spreading the disease." News outlets thrive on stories of death & violence. "If it bleeds, it leads" is the age old axiom.

Most deaths occur when the patient has comorbid factors involved, i.e. one foot in the grave already! Hospitals are reimbursed at a much higher rate if COVID is listed as the cause of death. I am a retired RN and Paramedic who worked during both the onset of AIDS and H1N1 epidemics and never saw the level of fear and misleading information as I have seen with COVID.

I have had both H1N1 & COVID. The H1N1 was much worse and was every bit as bad as when I had pneumonia on two separate occasions in the past. My COVID was similar to the flu: chills & fever, coughing, congestion and general malaise. I am not downplaying that COVID is serious. It can be deadly for those with preexisting illnesses. For the rest of us, it is an inconvenience!

The stress, anxiety, loneliness & loss of income caused by the fear of COVID is far more damaging than the virus itself.

In a letter to to John Norvell, 14 June 1807, Thomas Jefferson wrote, "Nothing can now be believed which is seen in a newspaper. Truth itself becomes suspicious by being put into that polluted vehicle. I really look with commiseration over the great body of my fellow citizens, who, reading newspapers, live & die in the belief, that they have known something of what has been passing in the world in their time..."

The deception continues and we, like sheep, are willing participants.
A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves.
Edward R. Murrow.


Do you now feel better that you also contributed to the misinformation trail?

[karostay]

HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Your in the Villages

[Kenswing]

And around and around we go.. Again.. :ohdear:

[Velvet]

HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Your in the Villages

Yes, but you have probably noticed, the pandemic is everywhere on the globe. When one threatens to pass it on, they threaten the entire globe, as the virus is spreading faster and faster. And some of the same people are claiming to worry about the environment, but I guess people don’t count.

[davem4616]

people are all behaving differently during this pandemic, rather than getting your back up, you could have easily moved away vs. 'protecting your space'....

give that a try next time

[Byte1]

If you feel threatened then stay home, period.
I know of no one that has been infected by someone that has passed by them "too" close when they have been wearing protection. So, if one feels so endangered why don't they just hide in their safe rooms at home until they hear the "all clear" announcement? You are guaranteed NOT to catch the virus if you stay at home. If you hazard a trip out and about, the chances of catching the COVID when using protection is very low.
You are free to live life as you wish. You can hide and live longer, or you can live FREE and take your chances. But, if you hide from life and the boogieman and live a life of fear, are you really living? Your life and your choice.
The other day, I was in Publix shopping in the frozen food section and suddenly realized that I was staring at a woman that was not wearing a mask, but she was maintaining her distance from everyone. I realized that I had not even thought about whether anyone else was wearing a mask until I happened to notice this lady without one. She must have realized I was staring and commented "What?" as if challenging me. I started suddenly, realizing I was lost in contemplation and hadn't realized that I was staring. I replied "Oh, I was just trying to calculate how many carbs I would be consuming if I was to get one of these frozen pizzas." Then I added, "getting old is a bummer, but the alternative is worse." She did not say anything and just went about her way. Personally, I have no problem with folks that do not wish to wear a mask. I do not feel threatened, but I am disappointed that they do not respect the wishes of the business that display a request for mask wearing at the entrance. I had a fleeting thought that some folks should wear a mask to cover their mad expressions that seem to be frozen on their faces. :ho:

[Velvet]

I agree with staying away from people if you are worried, the thing is I find it pathetic that people advocate living their lives by doing things that are dangerous to others and the entire population of this earth. Have you hear what happens after 4 iteration of the UK virus? Can’t you entertain yourself safely?

If it was animals we put in danger, or if we were asking a license to pollute the environment, what would the general response be? Why are people less important?

[retiredguy123]

People can be just obnoxious. Two examples. Last evening we went to Spanish Springs to watch Scooter the DJ for a few minutes. We stood well outside of the fence, just the two of us, masks on with no one within thirty feet of us. In other words, relatively safe and respecting the personal space of others. Within five minutes, some guy comes right up behind me, with his head no more than two feet from mine, almost looking over my shoulder. I politely asked him to move back and give me at least six feet of space. Then, even worse, a youngish woman decided to leave the venue, and rather than leave at the designate entrance/exit point, she tiptoed along the little stream on the side of the square, and pushed the plastic guard chain aside, so she could squeeze in front of us and go on her merry way. Another close encounter of less than three feet! I was less polite with her. Two very nerve wracking encounters in less than fifteen minutes. I guess we can't be safe anywhere as long as there are folks around who won't respect others. Sad.
I don't think you can expect people to stay 6 feet away from you anywhere. Have you been to Publix?

[Byte1]

I agree with staying away from people if you are worried, the thing is I find it pathetic that people advocate living their lives by doing things that are dangerous to others and the entire population of this earth. Have you hear what happens after 4 iteration of the UK virus? Can’t you entertain yourself safely?

If it was animals we put in danger, or if we were asking a license to pollute the environment, what would the general response be? Why are people less important?

Maybe some folks do not agree with your version of "dangerous to others."

[EdFNJ]

Yes, but you have probably noticed, the pandemic is everywhere on the globe. When one threatens to pass it on, they threaten the entire globe, as the virus is spreading faster and faster. And some of the same people are claiming to worry about the environment, but I guess people don’t count. Well, as many here would say [/sarcasm on] "If you don't like what's going on all over the globe then leave." [/sarcasm off].

That being said, in reply to the first post, methinks you are being too fussy. Generally speaking the world isn't always nice and fuzzy.

[Number 10 GI]

People can be just obnoxious. Two examples. Last evening we went to Spanish Springs to watch Scooter the DJ for a few minutes. We stood well outside of the fence, just the two of us, masks on with no one within thirty feet of us. In other words, relatively safe and respecting the personal space of others. Within five minutes, some guy comes right up behind me, with his head no more than two feet from mine, almost looking over my shoulder. I politely asked him to move back and give me at least six feet of space. Then, even worse, a youngish woman decided to leave the venue, and rather than leave at the designate entrance/exit point, she tiptoed along the little stream on the side of the square, and pushed the plastic guard chain aside, so she could squeeze in front of us and go on her merry way. Another close encounter of less than three feet! I was less polite with her. Two very nerve wracking encounters in less than fifteen minutes. I guess we can't be safe anywhere as long as there are folks around who won't respect others. Sad.

So why did you put yourselves in this position? You should have known that there would be a crowd there and after reading 10 million posts about people not maintaining social distance, what did you expect???

The wife and I haven't been to any square activities knowing that it will be crowded and people willfully or unintentionally violating social distancing. The only shopping I do is for groceries because my wife has existing conditions where Covid infection would be fatal. The only people that will try to keep you safe is yourselves.

[Number 10 GI]

Some people I know if a person comes too close may feel their lives threatened and will react physically. Disrespect is the least of their worries.

Those people you know are idiots, you do not react physically towards strangers. That is a very dangerous action that could get them severely injured or dead. There are people in this world that will react very violently when assaulted and it is assault when you physically attack another person. I learned a long time ago that no matter how "bad" you think you are, there is always someone who is "badder".

[LiverpoolWalrus]

Just move when they get too close, it’s that simple.

Or when you see them coming. That's what I do at the squares. And even that's probably not necessary unless they cough or sneeze. I just don't think it's physiologically possible to get infected by such brief exposure, with a mask. It's useful to read about how a virus needs a "minimum dose" or "inoculum" in order for infection to occur, and it's just not likely that a quick crossing of paths is going to do it.

But more importantly, I really sympathize with the OP for the fear s/he's living in. The media is partly to blame for trying to scare everyone to death, but it also comes down to how much quick and easy research we want to do to either bolster or refute the media's information. Many people are still petrified of touching things for fear of getting infected that way even though the CDC has been saying since March that's not how the virus is transmitted, and then re-publicized that information in a big way in July because people just weren't listening (or reading) the first time.

[LiverpoolWalrus]

This too is misinformation. You don't know what conditions these people may have had, there are thousands of people out there that rarely if ever see a doctor, those with heart and/or lung problems that do not have symptoms and therefore were never diagnosed. Those who use street drugs but keep it quiet. We have all heard of people that after a good physical and stress test ended up having heart attacks shortly thereafter. There are many people at risk that just don't know that they are. I have had two family members die in their mid 60's, one with a heart attack and the other from a stroke. Both were strong and active people with no signs of illness.

Excellent post, Vintage. OK, we always hear about those who died in spite of having no cofactors. It's very possible, and quite probable, that serious cofactors were present but undiagnosed before those patients succumbed to Covid, as you say. And we all know (correct me if this is "misinformation") that a death is labeled as a Covid death if the patient dies of ANYTHING else but is positive for Covid. Some say the hospital gets more funding if it's a Covid death.

The same exact thing used to happen during the AIDS era. A patient would die of a heart attack, for example, but if he was HIV+, the primary cause of death was listed as AIDS. Some things never change. And there's always more than meets the eye. Always.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I understand the OP's confusion and frustration. As someone who has ADD, I have a very broad, all-encompassing sense of spatial awareness. Most people have some, and many peoples' are limited. In crowds especially, most people tend to forget and/or ignore their spatial awareness completely. They don't realize that there is a LOT of space 4 feet away, while they are crowding you 1 foot away. They're not paying attention to anything other than the very singular, limited, myopic viewpoint that their brain has chosen to focus on at the moment.

People with ADD tend to see a wider perspective because we have no choice. Some of us learn to block it out. Some of us take medication to treat it. And a few of us, like myself, learn how to use it to our advantage, as a skill, rather than a disability.

However with that skill comes the downside - the fact that most people can't do what comes naturally to you, turns into an annoyance. Why can't that person walking past me realize that he's exhaling his cigar smoke in my face? Why can't that person walking her dog notice that there's another person walking their dog coming her way, and that dog has its tail down and ears back? Why is that person at the other end of the bar not noticing that he is YELLING into his cell phone and disrupting the entire bar?

The reason: they aren't capable of noticing, OR they don't give a damn. It's one or the other.

So the woman who moved the barrier to get from point A to point B, thus being in the face of the OP, when that woman COULD have easily walked 4 extra steps to NOT be in the OP's face, was either ignorant, or arrogant. There's really no inbetween here.

[golfing eagles]

People can be just obnoxious. Two examples. Last evening we went to Spanish Springs to watch Scooter the DJ for a few minutes. We stood well outside of the fence, just the two of us, masks on with no one within thirty feet of us. In other words, relatively safe and respecting the personal space of others. Within five minutes, some guy comes right up behind me, with his head no more than two feet from mine, almost looking over my shoulder. I politely asked him to move back and give me at least six feet of space. Then, even worse, a youngish woman decided to leave the venue, and rather than leave at the designate entrance/exit point, she tiptoed along the little stream on the side of the square, and pushed the plastic guard chain aside, so she could squeeze in front of us and go on her merry way. Another close encounter of less than three feet! I was less polite with her. Two very nerve wracking encounters in less than fifteen minutes. I guess we can't be safe anywhere as long as there are folks around who won't respect others. Sad.

Of course, this post begs the question: Why were you wearing masks outside 30 feet away from everybody else? What were you hoping to accomplish? Did you think you were "protecting" others? "Protecting" yourself?? At least those people who came within 6 feet of you made an otherwise useless mask possibly do some good.

[Velvet]

Those people you know are idiots, you do not react physically towards strangers. That is a very dangerous action that could get them severely injured or dead. There are people in this world that will react very violently when assaulted and it is assault when you physically attack another person. I learned a long time ago that no matter how "bad" you think you are, there is always someone who is "badder".

I agree with you, but it is instinctive reaction to perceived threat. Please don’t misunderstand me, I don’t advocate confrontation, because you are right, but people who react instinctively don’t weigh the odds. Sort of like blinking.

[patfla06]

///

[coffeebean]

Just move when they get too close, it’s that simple.

NO.......Why should someone have to move when they were there first? People arrive early for a good seat so why should they have to give up that good seat?

[Bikeracer2009]

People do come in all varieties. Some don't think the same thing you're thinking and their actions may come across as self absorbed, inconsiderate and rude. The list is endless. I listen to a comedian named Bill Burr and one day on his podcast he was talking about his anger issues. It was suggested to him to say to himself "of course that person did that blank". He gave an example of a 4 way stop sign in which a white lady in a white Mercedes Benz didn't bother to stop when he was at the intersection first. He said to himself "of course she went through her stop sign without waiting because that the world she lives in". I cleaned up his comment.

You say of course to suggest that something is normal, obvious, or well-known, and should therefore not surprise you or be upsetting.

I sometimes use this tool myself and it makes a situation funny instead of making me mad.

Nothing works 100% so I keep a lookout for "red flags" so I don't let a situation get too far along before it's too late. If a situation has more red flags than a Chinese parade then you have to forget dealing with it and leave.

I'm not a psychologist or and expert so nothing I say I care to backup or debate.

[coffeebean]

Or when you see them coming. That's what I do at the squares. And even that's probably not necessary unless they cough or sneeze. I just don't think it's physiologically possible to get infected by such brief exposure, with a mask. It's useful to read about how a virus needs a "minimum dose" or "inoculum" in order for infection to occur, and it's just not likely that a quick crossing of paths is going to do it.

But more importantly, I really sympathize with the OP for the fear s/he's living in. The media is partly to blame for trying to scare everyone to death, but it also comes down to how much quick and easy research we want to do to either bolster or refute the media's information. Many people are still petrified of touching things for fear of getting infected that way even though the CDC has been saying since March that's not how the virus is transmitted, and then re-publicized that information in a big way in July because people just weren't listening (or reading) the first time.

Agree about the brief encounter (such as Publix) is not enough to become infected. However, sitting at the squares, listening to music, can last hours. I do not want anyone getting too close with their chairs once I am settled into a safe distance from people. If someone parks themselves too close to me, I will most certainly ask them to move.

[EdFNJ]

Of course, this post begs the question: Why were you wearing masks outside 30 feet away from everybody else? What were you hoping to accomplish? Did you think you were "protecting" others? "Protecting" yourself?? At least those people who came within 6 feet of you made an otherwise useless mask possibly do some good.
The real question is: Why does it always bother YOU so much whenever you read about someone who does that. I agree it is useless just as is driving in a car with a mask but it seems to really bug you. If it makes **THEM** feel better why not just leave them to their overdone comfort and security since it is causing NO ONE any harm. Think of ot like sleeping with a security blanket. Constantly making fools of people who are doing nothing that affects you is far worse than wearing a mask while 20 feet from someone or in a car with the windows closed. Seems to be some kind of obsession as you constantly comment on people who do that. Let them take care of themselves as long as it causes you no personal discomfort or harm.

[npwalters]

We go to one square or another once or twice a week. We try to be conscientious and we do wear a mask when close to others. BUT....it is unreasonable to go to a very public venue and expect everyone to leave a 6 ft (minimum) space on all sides of you. I would just not go if that were a hard and fast policy with us.

On New Years Eve Brownwood was packed. I placed our chairs in between two couples and was maybe 5 feet from one of them. They ask us to move. I suggested the couple move their chairs closer together to gain the additional foot and went on about my business. I'm a reasonable person but not one to be intimidated easily.

[EdFNJ]

Agree about the brief encounter (such as Publix) is not enough to become infected. Definately was true but not really known for sure anymore with this new Covid variant that is supposedly much more infectious. And don't think for a minute it's only 2 or 3 people that are running around with it here in FL. That 2 or 3 people reminds me of when some politician boasted that the coronavirus was about to disappear altogether from the United States. “You have 15 people, and the 15 within a couple of days is going to be down to close to zero” and look what happened.

[Velvet]

People do come in all varieties. Some don't think the same thing you're thinking and their actions may come across as self absorbed, inconsiderate and rude. The list is endless. I listen to a comedian named Bill Burr and one day on his podcast he was talking about his anger issues. It was suggested to him to say to himself "of course that person did that blank". He gave an example of a 4 way stop sign in which a white lady in a white Mercedes Benz didn't bother to stop when he was at the intersection first. He said to himself "of course she went through her stop sign without waiting because that the world she lives in". I cleaned up his comment.

You say of course to suggest that something is normal, obvious, or well-known, and should therefore not surprise you or be upsetting.

I sometimes use this tool myself and it makes a situation funny instead of making me mad.

Nothing works 100% so I keep a lookout for "red flags" so I don't let a situation get too far along before it's too late. If a situation has more red flags than a Chinese parade then you have to forget dealing with it and leave.

I'm not a psychologist or and expert so nothing I say I care to backup or debate.

Had to laugh at your strategy. I learned to use laughter to diffuse anger too. A friend is a professional kickboxer who boxes partly to control his angry personality. If someone cut me off while I was driving he’d jump out of the car ready to go at the person who cut me off. I’d make a joke of it, he’d laugh and get back in my car. It worked in most circumstances.

[tophcfa]

Agree with the OP, very frustrating.

[LiverpoolWalrus]

The real question is: Why does it always bother YOU so much whenever you read about someone who does that. I agree it is useless just as is driving in a car with a mask but it seems to really bug you. If it makes **THEM** feel better why not just leave them to their overdone comfort and security since it is causing NO ONE any harm. Think of ot like sleeping with a security blanket. Constantly making fools of people who are doing nothing that affects you is far worse than wearing a mask while 20 feet from someone or in a car with the windows closed. Seems to be some kind of obsession as you constantly comment on people who do that. Let them take care of themselves as long as it causes you no personal discomfort or harm.

Pardon me for chiming in even though the post wasn't directed to me. I have noticed, in 20+ years of participating in online discussion forums that there are many factors at work. First, a good number of participants are not "regulars" so this may be the very first time the reader is seeing this information, even though others might have seen it 50-100 times*. Second, good information/advice often slips through the cracks or is overlooked for whatever reason. Third and somewhat related, even though some readers are "reading," often they just don't connect the first time. The information doesn't register or get absorbed for whatever reason until it's seen a few times.

But at the risk of speaking for Eagles, I suspect he feels adamant that he's right and wants to help people worry less about the virus. He means well. If I'm right, I think that's commendable and I don't mind seeing his message repeated. If he doesn't repeat it, someone else will.

*We have one member who repeats a weekly meeting, yeah yeah yeah, with every single post because it's part of that person's signature and we love that person for it. I'm sure it's not intended for the regulars, but for first timers or newbies. ///o-o\\\

[John41]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles View Post
Of course, this post begs the question: Why were you wearing masks outside 30 feet away from everybody else? What were you hoping to accomplish? Did you think you were "protecting" others? "Protecting" yourself?? At least those people who came within 6 feet of you made an otherwise useless mask possibly do some good.

The real question is: Why does it always bother YOU so much whenever you read about someone who does that. I agree it is useless just as is driving in a car with a mask but it seems to really bug you. If it makes **THEM** feel better why not just leave them to their overdone comfort and security since it is causing NO ONE any harm. Think of ot like sleeping with a security blanket. Constantly making fools of people who are doing nothing that affects you is far worse than wearing a mask while 20 feet from someone or in a car with the windows closed. Seems to be some kind of obsession as you constantly comment on people who do that. Let them take care of themselves as long as it causes you no personal discomfort or harm.

You missed golfing eagles point. Wearing a mask 30 feet from anyone might be evidence of a personality that turns an annoyance into a very stressful event.
As Dr. Phil would say, "You cant control what others do, just your reaction".

[UpNorth]

I'm sure there are plenty of people scared enough to be wearing their face diapers well after the Covid is long gone. These people should be staying home and locking their doors until their information sources sound the "all clear" bell.

[Swoop]

to dhdallas you are incorrect. There are thousands of people who have died from COVID who had no pre-existing conditions. There are also millions who have survived it, who now have conditions they didn't have before they got the virus.

People who never had heart problems, or lung problems, got the virus, recovered from the virus, but now live with heart and/or lung problems that will require monitoring and medication for the rest of their lives.

There are people who weren't obese, not old, didn't fit into ANY of the categories of "at risk" - who got sick and died from COVID.

Talk about spreading misinformation - your post does a bangup job of it.

Really not misinformation. According to the CDC “For 6% of the deaths, COVID-19 was the only cause mentioned. For deaths with conditions or causes in addition to COVID-19, on average, there were 2.9 additional conditions or causes per death.”

[Dgizzi]

to dhdallas you are incorrect. There are thousands of people who have died from COVID who had no pre-existing conditions. There are also millions who have survived it, who now have conditions they didn't have before they got the virus.

People who never had heart problems, or lung problems, got the virus, recovered from the virus, but now live with heart and/or lung problems that will require monitoring and medication for the rest of their lives.

There are people who weren't obese, not old, didn't fit into ANY of the categories of "at risk" - who got sick and died from COVID.

Talk about spreading misinformation - your post does a bangup job of it.
Please. You are not told everything. We are not told the history of every single person who has died from COVID.

[GoPacers]

People invade my space and they get a simulated cough or sneeze in their general direction.

[tophcfa]

People invade my space and they get a simulated cough or sneeze in their general direction.

I have to quickly get as far away from these people as I can. The place on their face where their mask is supposed to be looks like a perfect bullseye for a right hook, but I am a better person than them so I just go in the other direction and avoid possibly getting infected with Covid. Happy New Years : )

[Velvet]

I have to quickly get as far away from these people as I can. The place on their face where their mask is supposed to be looks like a perfect bullseye for a right hook, but I am a better person than them so I just go in the other direction and avoid possibly getting infected with Covid. Happy New Years : )

LOL ... right on.

Happy New Year(s) to come too :)

[EdFNJ]

But at the risk of speaking for Eagles, I suspect he feels adamant that he's right and wants to help people worry less about the virus. He means well. If I'm right, I think that's commendable and I don't mind seeing his message repeated. If he doesn't repeat it, someone else will.

The old modified for forums use saying that "It's not WHAT YOU SAY (WRITE) it's HOW YOU SAY (WRITE) IT" would fit here. LOL, if he wants to make someone "worry less" it can easily be explained in a way that does not embarrass, insult or make someone look or feel like a fool. IIRC he says he's a doctor. Would that condescending attitude be considered good "bedside manners?" If the intent is to educate someone there certainly is a better way to express that knowledge in a nicer manner.

[EdFNJ]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles View Post
Of course, this post begs the question: Why were you wearing masks outside 30 feet away from everybody else? What were you hoping to accomplish? Did you think you were "protecting" others? "Protecting" yourself?? At least those people who came within 6 feet of you made an otherwise useless mask possibly do some good.



You missed golfing eagles point. Wearing a mask 30 feet from anyone might be evidence of a personality that turns an annoyance into a very stressful event.
As Dr. Phil would say, "You cant control what others do, just your reaction".


I got his point very clearly and he repeats it time and again anytime someone says they wear a mask outside the 6' zone or in a place where it doesn't help like in a car. It's the condescending attitude not the "fact" that he states which is correct. Maybe explain it in a way that doesn't make someone look or feel like a fool.

[jebartle]

Yes, I move out of the way and if I can’t, I let out either a loud yelp or under some circumstances, a blue streak. But then I don’t go anywhere where I can’t control my space in the first place. Some people I know if a person comes too close may feel their lives threatened and will react physically. Disrespect is the least of their worries.

Blue streak, hmmm!, that should clear the area, giggle...

[golfing eagles]

The real question is: Why does it always bother YOU so much whenever you read about someone who does that. I agree it is useless just as is driving in a car with a mask but it seems to really bug you. If it makes **THEM** feel better why not just leave them to their overdone comfort and security since it is causing NO ONE any harm. Think of ot like sleeping with a security blanket. Constantly making fools of people who are doing nothing that affects you is far worse than wearing a mask while 20 feet from someone or in a car with the windows closed. Seems to be some kind of obsession as you constantly comment on people who do that. Let them take care of themselves as long as it causes you no personal discomfort or harm.

The old modified for forums use saying that "It's not WHAT YOU SAY (WRITE) it's HOW YOU SAY (WRITE) IT" would fit here. LOL, if he wants to make someone "worry less" it can easily be explained in a way that does not embarrass, insult or make someone look or feel like a fool. IIRC he says he's a doctor. Would that condescending attitude be considered good "bedside manners?" If the intent is to educate someone there certainly is a better way to express that knowledge in a nicer manner.

I got his point very clearly and he repeats it time and again anytime someone says they wear a mask outside the 6' zone or in a place where it doesn't help like in a car. It's the condescending attitude not the "fact" that he states which is correct. Maybe explain it in a way that doesn't make someone look or feel like a fool.

Dear Moderator,

My original response to his first post was neither political nor directed specifically at him, yet it was removed. These three posts would appear to be specifically directed at me, including the capitalized "YOU". So, is there a specific rule regarding posts or isn't there?, because I would love to respond to these posts, possibly even with a "condescending" attitude.

[tsmall22204]

Now you know why the numbers are up. Sad to say, people in The Villages are STUPID

[oneclickplus]

People can be just obnoxious. Two examples. Last evening we went to Spanish Springs to watch Scooter the DJ for a few minutes. We stood well outside of the fence, just the two of us, masks on with no one within thirty feet of us. In other words, relatively safe and respecting the personal space of others. Within five minutes, some guy comes right up behind me, with his head no more than two feet from mine, almost looking over my shoulder. I politely asked him to move back and give me at least six feet of space. Then, even worse, a youngish woman decided to leave the venue, and rather than leave at the designate entrance/exit point, she tiptoed along the little stream on the side of the square, and pushed the plastic guard chain aside, so she could squeeze in front of us and go on her merry way. Another close encounter of less than three feet! I was less polite with her. Two very nerve wracking encounters in less than fifteen minutes. I guess we can't be safe anywhere as long as there are folks around who won't respect others. Sad.

Everyone is going to get infected eventually. The masks and the distancing are all BS in the sense that they are not intended to prevent the spread but rather to S-L-O-W the spread. Ask Saint Anthony (Fauci). It's all about "taking your turn" getting the virus. It's never been about never getting it. Might be your turn.

[HeleneGB]

The only safe place is home.

[Two Bills]

Dear Moderator,

My original response to his first post was neither political nor directed specifically at him, yet it was removed. These three posts would appear to be specifically directed at me, including the capitalized "YOU". So, is there a specific rule regarding posts or isn't there?, because I would love to respond to these posts, possibly even with a "condescending" attitude.

As my dad told me when I came home with a bloody face.
"Boy, if you are going to dish it out, you better learn to take it!"

[airdale2]

Stay home, lock the doors, & have food delivered to the doorstep. !!!!

[Pillowtalk]

Keep a can of Lysol with you, if someone comes really close to you start spraying your Lysol above YOUR head only or spray it on you clothes. They will if they respect your space move back a couple of feet.....if not go home....let them have fun and let them suffer the consequences.

[JustRita]

Bottom line...you have no power when it concerns the actions of others. You can Ony, and not always, control your own. Accept it.

[golfing eagles]

As my dad told me when I came home with a bloody face.
"Boy, if you are going to dish it out, you better learn to take it!"

I'm not sensitive to the garbage he posted, I was looking for clarification as to why a post that did not violate any rules was removed, yet these posts that blatantly violate the rules remain.

[B-flat]

What comes to mind with inconsiderate people is a line Faye Dunaway used in the movie “Barfly” to her co-Star Mickey Rourke. While both she and Mickey were really feeling the effects of booze she said, “I hate xxxxxx ( 4 letter word type) people.” Mickey responds “ I don’t hate them, but I sure feel better when they aren’t around.” Same reason we haven’t been to the town squares since the pandemic hit.

[GRACEALLEMAN]

Get off your high horse and paranoid mentality and stop complaining. Try it. It will make you feel and look healthier

[thevillages2013]

People can be just obnoxious. Two examples. Last evening we went to Spanish Springs to watch Scooter the DJ for a few minutes. We stood well outside of the fence, just the two of us, masks on with no one within thirty feet of us. In other words, relatively safe and respecting the personal space of others. Within five minutes, some guy comes right up behind me, with his head no more than two feet from mine, almost looking over my shoulder. I politely asked him to move back and give me at least six feet of space. Then, even worse, a youngish woman decided to leave the venue, and rather than leave at the designate entrance/exit point, she tiptoed along the little stream on the side of the square, and pushed the plastic guard chain aside, so she could squeeze in front of us and go on her merry way. Another close encounter of less than three feet! I was less polite with her. Two very nerve wracking encounters in less than fifteen minutes. I guess we can't be safe anywhere as long as there are folks around who won't respect others. Sad.
I am no expert but I thought we are supposed to wear masks outside/inside when social distancing is not possible. Were the two people you had issues with (one whom you apparently freaked out on) wearing masks?

[scottiesrgreat@gmail.com]

Rather than complain about not getting any respect ..... what have YOU done to deserve any respect from others? We all have different likes and dis-likes........ more often than not - people will behave differently than you think they should. Why waste your time harping on it? My advice - focus on your own behavior - treat others the way you want to be treated. Would you really want to hear someone complain about you and call you disrespectful? Then, don’t do it :-) :-) We live in a world today - where people feel they are perfect and everyone MUST act and think the way they think they should. Just treat others the way YOU want to be treated. Also, please realize - not everyone thinks and believes the same things you do. Accept others for who they are. If you can’t - simply walk away and avoid them.

[Skunky1]

Very good “DH Dallas”!

[Mardarlowe]

Another day another whiner. Ho hum

[FromNY]

Inconsiderate people are real. Just don't be one. Ever notice how here in the TV people park!? Abuse handicap spots, 5alk loudly on cell phones at the pool. Let their dogs off leash at mail stations or poop on your lawn. Add your own experiences.. No one has taught them the world does not revolve around them.. As long as you had a proper 3 ply mask on you were fine. No mask on correctly? You put yourself at risk. They had masks on? No problem Mask, six feet or more if Both have No mask.. I wear the Mask to protect me. If it helps you that is a bonus. My wellbeing is most import to Me.

[merrymini]

Paranoia and fear, presented by the media and served warm to those who believe. Kool aid anyone?

[golfing eagles]

Inconsiderate people are real. Just don't be one. Ever notice how here in the TV people park!? Abuse handicap spots, 5alk loudly on cell phones at the pool. Let their dogs off leash at mail stations or poop on your lawn. Add your own experiences.. No one has taught them the world does not revolve around them.. As long as you had a proper 3 ply mask on you were fine. No mask on correctly? You put yourself at risk. They had masks on? No problem Mask, six feet or more if Both have No mask.. I wear the Mask to protect me. If it helps you that is a bonus. My wellbeing is most import to Me.

I would suggest that you do a little research on what a mask does and does not do for you. It's akin to using condom from a box that was invaded by a family of porcupines:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[La lamy]

Same thing happened to me in December when there was a bigger crowd than usual for tree lighting. Even though there's always clear announcements at the squares to stay at least 6 feet away from people because of Covid, some people just choose to disregard it and blame the people who are trying to be responsible by saying "go home". Like others have said, there will always be disrespectful people around so I'm always ready to move away from them. No need to try to reason with selfish, clueless a-holes.

[xcaligirl]

People can be just obnoxious. Two examples. Last evening we went to Spanish Springs to watch Scooter the DJ for a few minutes. We stood well outside of the fence, just the two of us, masks on with no one within thirty feet of us. In other words, relatively safe and respecting the personal space of others. Within five minutes, some guy comes right up behind me, with his head no more than two feet from mine, almost looking over my shoulder. I politely asked him to move back and give me at least six feet of space. Then, even worse, a youngish woman decided to leave the venue, and rather than leave at the designate entrance/exit point, she tiptoed along the little stream on the side of the square, and pushed the plastic guard chain aside, so she could squeeze in front of us and go on her merry way. Another close encounter of less than three feet! I was less polite with her. Two very nerve wracking encounters in less than fifteen minutes. I guess we can't be safe anywhere as long as there are folks around who won't respect others. Sad.
I'm happy you didn't go to Walmart on 466 yesterday! People walking around with masks on their chins. One older man had NO mask and was coughing up a lung!! No thanks, I won't be back there for a very long time!

[Leadbone1]

People can be just obnoxious. Two examples. Last evening we went to Spanish Springs to watch Scooter the DJ for a few minutes. We stood well outside of the fence, just the two of us, masks on with no one within thirty feet of us. In other words, relatively safe and respecting the personal space of others. Within five minutes, some guy comes right up behind me, with his head no more than two feet from mine, almost looking over my shoulder. I politely asked him to move back and give me at least six feet of space. Then, even worse, a youngish woman decided to leave the venue, and rather than leave at the designate entrance/exit point, she tiptoed along the little stream on the side of the square, and pushed the plastic guard chain aside, so she could squeeze in front of us and go on her merry way. Another close encounter of less than three feet! I was less polite with her. Two very nerve wracking encounters in less than fifteen minutes. I guess we can't be safe anywhere as long as there are folks around who won't respect others. Sad.

If your still so paranoid you should just stay home! First of all you can’t hide from a virus! Also lock downs and masks obviously are useless. We are sick of living in fear of a virus that is over
99% + survivable. We know from CDC that less than 10% of death numbers were of Covid only! Those of us that are out and about are choosing to live life. If we get Covid we will deal with it.

[Leadbone1]

I'm happy you didn't go to Walmart on 466 yesterday! People walking around with masks on their chins. One older man had NO mask and was coughing up a lung!! No thanks, I won't be back there for a very long time!

Good, stay home!

[golfing eagles]

I'm happy you didn't go to Walmart on 466 yesterday! People walking around with masks on their chins. One older man had NO mask and was coughing up a lung!! No thanks, I won't be back there for a very long time!

So, you think the only place you will run into chin masks and no masks is Walmart on 466? Where will you shop instead? Do you think it will be different in the alternative store? Good Luck!!!!!

[Leadbone1]

Same thing happened to me in December when there was a bigger crowd than usual for tree lighting. Even though there's always clear announcements at the squares to stay at least 6 feet away from people because of Covid, some people just choose to disregard it and blame the people who are trying to be responsible by saying "go home". Like others have said, there will always be disrespectful people around so I'm always ready to move away from them. No need to try to reason with selfish, clueless a-holes.

There will also always be totally paranoid a - holes around also trying to control others. Stay home!

[FromNY]

45 years as a health care professional. Well aware of proper use of protective measures.

[golfing eagles]

45 years as a health care professional. Well aware of proper use of protective measures.

Then why would you post that you wear a mask to protect yourself?????
Surely you (should) know that a mask offers minimal to no protection for the wearer.
You (should) also know that your best defense is social distancing

So just what kind of "health care professional" are you?????

[Jiland]

People can be just obnoxious. Two examples. Last evening we went to Spanish Springs to watch Scooter the DJ for a few minutes. We stood well outside of the fence, just the two of us, masks on with no one within thirty feet of us. In other words, relatively safe and respecting the personal space of others. Within five minutes, some guy comes right up behind me, with his head no more than two feet from mine, almost looking over my shoulder. I politely asked him to move back and give me at least six feet of space. Then, even worse, a youngish woman decided to leave the venue, and rather than leave at the designate entrance/exit point, she tiptoed along the little stream on the side of the square, and pushed the plastic guard chain aside, so she could squeeze in front of us and go on her merry way. Another close encounter of less than three feet! I was less polite with her. Two very nerve wracking encounters in less than fifteen minutes. I guess we can't be safe anywhere as long as there are folks around who won't respect others. Sad.

I thought that if YOU wear a mask you're protected🤔.

[tvbound]

Same thing happened to me in December when there was a bigger crowd than usual for tree lighting. Even though there's always clear announcements at the squares to stay at least 6 feet away from people because of Covid, some people just choose to disregard it and blame the people who are trying to be responsible by saying "go home". Like others have said, there will always be disrespectful people around so I'm always ready to move away from them. No need to try to reason with selfish, clueless a-holes.

"Like others have said, there will always be disrespectful people around so I'm always ready to move away from them. No need to try to reason with selfish, clueless a-holes."


Words to live by right there.

[Lindsyburnsy]

Tell that to the loved ones of the 350,000 people who have already died from COVID19.

[jbrown132]

"Misinformation is just as dangerous as the disease is right now," says Erie News Now Contributor, Dr. Becky Dawson. "I think we are spreading misinformation as quickly as we are spreading the disease." News outlets thrive on stories of death & violence. "If it bleeds, it leads" is the age old axiom.

Most deaths occur when the patient has comorbid factors involved, i.e. one foot in the grave already! Hospitals are reimbursed at a much higher rate if COVID is listed as the cause of death. I am a retired RN and Paramedic who worked during both the onset of AIDS and H1N1 epidemics and never saw the level of fear and misleading information as I have seen with COVID.

I have had both H1N1 & COVID. The H1N1 was much worse and was every bit as bad as when I had pneumonia on two separate occasions in the past. My COVID was similar to the flu: chills & fever, coughing, congestion and general malaise. I am not downplaying that COVID is serious. It can be deadly for those with preexisting illnesses. For the rest of us, it is an inconvenience!

The stress, anxiety, loneliness & loss of income caused by the fear of COVID is far more damaging than the virus itself.

In a letter to to John Norvell, 14 June 1807, Thomas Jefferson wrote, "Nothing can now be believed which is seen in a newspaper. Truth itself becomes suspicious by being put into that polluted vehicle. I really look with commiseration over the great body of my fellow citizens, who, reading newspapers, live & die in the belief, that they have known something of what has been passing in the world in their time..."

The deception continues and we, like sheep, are willing participants.
A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves.
Edward R. Murrow.

What does this have to do with the topic.

[jbrown132]

That's a solution to the situation but not to the frustration.

We were at a square the other night. There were three appropriately spaced rows of chairs in our area. A group came and decided six feet was plenty enough space to create a new row in between. They placed their chairs close enough to us that I could not cross my legs without kicking the back of their chairs.

Yes, a solution to that situation was to let them chase us away or chase us out entirely. But the real problem was frustration caused by their lack of consideration in not respecting the six-foot distancing.

Just start coughing. They will probably move. If they look at you just say 6 feet. They will probably get the message.

[Bonnevie]

there has been plenty of scientific literature supporting the use of masks but you can always find opinions that argue the other side. to err on the side of caution can not be a bad thing.

[Girlcopper]

People can be just obnoxious. Two examples. Last evening we went to Spanish Springs to watch Scooter the DJ for a few minutes. We stood well outside of the fence, just the two of us, masks on with no one within thirty feet of us. In other words, relatively safe and respecting the personal space of others. Within five minutes, some guy comes right up behind me, with his head no more than two feet from mine, almost looking over my shoulder. I politely asked him to move back and give me at least six feet of space. Then, even worse, a youngish woman decided to leave the venue, and rather than leave at the designate entrance/exit point, she tiptoed along the little stream on the side of the square, and pushed the plastic guard chain aside, so she could squeeze in front of us and go on her merry way. Another close encounter of less than three feet! I was less polite with her. Two very nerve wracking encounters in less than fifteen minutes. I guess we can't be safe anywhere as long as there are folks around who won't respect others. Sad.
Another post to add to the 9 million already posted about distancing and mask wearing. Theres more to life than being obsessed about this. If someone gets too close and it annoys you, then move! If someone isnt wearing a mask, then move away from them. If a store or restaurant appears too crowded, then leave. If people getting close is “nerve wracking” then stay home.

[Rosebud1949]

People can be just obnoxious. Two examples. Last evening we went to Spanish Springs to watch Scooter the DJ for a few minutes. We stood well outside of the fence, just the two of us, masks on with no one within thirty feet of us. In other words, relatively safe and respecting the personal space of others. Within five minutes, some guy comes right up behind me, with his head no more than two feet from mine, almost looking over my shoulder. I politely asked him to move back and give me at least six feet of space. Then, even worse, a youngish woman decided to leave the venue, and rather than leave at the designate entrance/exit point, she tiptoed along the little stream on the side of the square, and pushed the plastic guard chain aside, so she could squeeze in front of us and go on her merry way. Another close encounter of less than three feet! I was less polite with her. Two very nerve wracking encounters in less than fifteen minutes. I guess we can't be safe anywhere as long as there are folks around who won't respect others. Sad.

Why should "WE" the caring folk, who do the right thing , social distance & wear masks, have to stay at home, and let the "could not care less about anyone folk" go out and wreck it for all. WE ALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE OUT.. A little courtesy, caring, and thought for others would go along way. Then ALL of us could get back to some kind of "normal life" While you selfish ( dont like it stay home) people are around and mixing it upm we will never kill this virus.

[Tom2172]

News doesn’t exist! Propaganda brainwashing has taken its place!
What’s actually true is impossible to determine!
Only solution believe nothing!

[banjobob]

Since you indicate you were masked and in the open , the risk of closer contact is minimal . Seems overreaction to me.

[Beyond The Wall]

"Misinformation is just as dangerous as the disease is right now," says Erie News Now Contributor, Dr. Becky Dawson. "I think we are spreading misinformation as quickly as we are spreading the disease." News outlets thrive on stories of death & violence. "If it bleeds, it leads" is the age old axiom.

Most deaths occur when the patient has comorbid factors involved, i.e. one foot in the grave already! Hospitals are reimbursed at a much higher rate if COVID is listed as the cause of death. I am a retired RN and Paramedic who worked during both the onset of AIDS and H1N1 epidemics and never saw the level of fear and misleading information as I have seen with COVID.

I have had both H1N1 & COVID. The H1N1 was much worse and was every bit as bad as when I had pneumonia on two separate occasions in the past. My COVID was similar to the flu: chills & fever, coughing, congestion and general malaise. I am not downplaying that COVID is serious. It can be deadly for those with preexisting illnesses. For the rest of us, it is an inconvenience!

The stress, anxiety, loneliness & loss of income caused by the fear of COVID is far more damaging than the virus itself.

In a letter to to John Norvell, 14 June 1807, Thomas Jefferson wrote, "Nothing can now be believed which is seen in a newspaper. Truth itself becomes suspicious by being put into that polluted vehicle. I really look with commiseration over the great body of my fellow citizens, who, reading newspapers, live & die in the belief, that they have known something of what has been passing in the world in their time..."

The deception continues and we, like sheep, are willing participants.
A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves.
Edward R. Murrow.

Thank you for your honest post.
The line “ The stress, anxiety, loneliness & loss of income caused by the fear of COVID is far more damaging than the virus itself.“ , is the most relevant thought I’ve read in 10 months. Thank you

[Singerlady]

People can be just obnoxious. Two examples. Last evening we went to Spanish Springs to watch Scooter the DJ for a few minutes. We stood well outside of the fence, just the two of us, masks on with no one within thirty feet of us. In other words, relatively safe and respecting the personal space of others. Within five minutes, some guy comes right up behind me, with his head no more than two feet from mine, almost looking over my shoulder. I politely asked him to move back and give me at least six feet of space. Then, even worse, a youngish woman decided to leave the venue, and rather than leave at the designate entrance/exit point, she tiptoed along the little stream on the side of the square, and pushed the plastic guard chain aside, so she could squeeze in front of us and go on her merry way. Another close encounter of less than three feet! I was less polite with her. Two very nerve wracking encounters in less than fifteen minutes. I guess we can't be safe anywhere as long as there are folks around who won't respect others. Sad.

Sounds like the lady that wouldn’t move away from my husband and I at Dunkin’ Donuts on Thanksgiving morning. We were barely in the door, standing on one of the circles strategically placed on the floor 6 feet apart. She just HAD to get in the door and not wait a little until the line moved a little inside so SHE could stand on the first circle. I asked her politely (PLEASE) to move. She said NO! I said I need you to be at least 6 feet away. She said she had a mask on. I said mask AND 6 feet away PLEASE. She asked if we were from the North! Then she said she wasn’t moving. Anyway, it escalated. She was southern with none of the charm, no smarts and 3rd grade behavior. We went over to Sarasota to eat our breakfast. Guess who was there? She and her husband were doing the same thing. It started again with the hubby silencing her 😂 and him defending her.
So, so, so tired of rude, disrespectful and stupid people not understanding MASKS AND 6 FEET AWAY, etc......

[Beyond The Wall]

Yes we have the right to be out and about. Lockdowns didn’t work, ie NY and California, masks are ineffective for stopping spread, ie, Fauci, Newsome, Cuomo visiting his girlfriend in Buffalo, etc not wearing them. Now the “ new, more contagious strain, doubtful, is the latest tactic. So if you feel these are necessary I’m sure you can rent something in NY or Cali and be subject to some many rules and restrictions your head will spin

[Villages Kahuna]

Presumably neither of them have heard that there are no ICU beds available in either The Villages Regional Hospital or Leesburg Regional. The closest ICU beds as of a couple of days ago were in Ocala. ER’s here are being forced to ration who will get critical care and who won’t.

[lindaelane]

I explained to my doctor that I had been within six feet of a person with Covid. He explained that they did not even want to test me - did not consider it a Covid triggering event - unless I had remained within six feet of someone else for 15 minutes. There are the standards used by doctors.

It turns out that actual CDC guidance is not to spend a total of 15 minutes or more within six feet of people outside your household in any 24 hour period. Can you get Covid otherwise? Theoretically yes, but that is very rare. That is, you can also get struck by lightening or get in a car wreck - no situation is "zero danger". If you want to follow CDC guidelines, you need not be upset unless the contact is prolonged or unless you have been around multiple people for 15 minutes or more in a 24 hour period. It is OK to be more cautious than that but perhaps no need to get irritated with others who are close to you for a brief period if, for instance, passing you in line. As for standing behind you at "a concert" (music in the square)...well...I have to admit...if I went to the square I would assume I was with people who had agreed to ignore the 15 minutes rule, though hopefully all would be masked.

BTW, I am so happy to have a final answer on masks after actually reading Berenson's book saying masks don't work. Berenson does not understand statistics. He sites a large study in which 57 unmasked people and 46 masked people got Covid, then says that is not "statistically significant". That only means masks were not proven one way or the other. But with 11 additional people getting Covid with one difference being they did not wear masks, this means that , while numbers were not large enough, there is some liklihood that even cloth masks make at least a small difference in actual infections, and why shouldn't we do something - since it is no real trouble to wear a mask - that just might have saved 11 people in this study?

[golfing eagles]

Presumably neither of them have heard that there are no ICU beds available in either The Villages Regional Hospital or Leesburg Regional. The closest ICU beds as of a couple of days ago were in Ocala. ER’s here are being forced to ration who will get critical care and who won’t.

Not true. As of 5 minutes ago, there are 7 ICU beds between Leesburg and TVRH. And as I've previously tried to educate people, we can always find more beds. And nobody is "rationing" care. Get a grip and stop fear mongering

[Irrigator53]

I just like to smile a lot, it makes people wander, and they leave you alone.

[golfing eagles]

I explained to my doctor that I had been within six feet of a person with Covid. He explained that they did not even want to test me - did not consider it a Covid triggering event - unless I had remained within six feet of someone else for 15 minutes. There are the standards used by doctors.

It turns out that actual CDC guidance is not to spend a total of 15 minutes or more within six feet of people outside your household in any 24 hour period. Can you get Covid otherwise? Theoretically yes, but that is very rare. That is, you can also get struck by lightening or get in a car wreck - no situation is "zero danger". If you want to follow CDC guidelines, you need not be upset unless the contact is prolonged or unless you have been around multiple people for 15 minutes or more in a 24 hour period. It is OK to be more cautious than that but perhaps no need to get irritated with others who are close to you for a brief period if, for instance, passing you in line. As for standing behind you at "a concert" (music in the square)...well...I have to admit...if I went to the square I would assume I was with people who had agreed to ignore the 15 minutes rule, though hopefully all would be masked.

BTW, I am so happy to have a final answer on masks after actually reading Berenson's book saying masks don't work. Berenson does not understand statistics. He sites a large study in which 57 unmasked people and 46 masked people got Covid, then says that is not "statistically significant". That only means masks were not proven one way or the other. But with 11 additional people getting Covid with one difference being they did not wear masks, this means that , while numbers were not large enough, there is some liklihood that even cloth masks make at least a small difference in actual infections, and why shouldn't we do something - since it is no real trouble to wear a mask - that just might have saved 11 people in this study?

FINALLY, a rational post about mask wearing. As far a the last paragraph goes, I'd have to see the study, but if P >.05, then 11 cases is NOT statistically significant, and the mask would NOT have saved 11 lives.

[wilkinson]

When a stupid person without a mask approaches me I tell them off - otherwise you are just enabling them to continue their stupidity and helping to spread the virus. Stand up for what's right.

[Boffin]

Small sample size might require the use of nonparametric statistics. Was the numerical data data nominal, ordinal, interval, or ratio?

[ts12755]

If those that are sick or obese and live in fear would stay home the rest of us can live our lives. Stay home. There is no reason for you to go out around people. Stay home. Families need to work, go to school, socialize. You lived your life, let others live theirs. We are all going to die. When your time is up, your time is up.

[rmd2]

Last night I drove around the square at Spanish Springs. The parking area was packed but the dance area was almost empty because almost everyone was sitting in their cars and golf carts- just enjoying the music.

[Joe C.]

It ain't going away......so get used to it. If it makes you feel good, wear a mask. The vaccine, when you get it, will protect you (they say), but the virus itself, is here to stay.....just like the common cold.

[CDerington]

Yes it is sad, however you had your mask on and you were outside so you were safe and hopefully you went home and washed your hands as well.

[Marine1974]

I guess we are starting to learn something about people living in the Villages and their comments on posts by others concerned about something , they have or show no empathy for their fellow man , unless of course if something happens to them or they get sick with Covid 19 .And they actually put their name on their posts so we can identify them as non caring .
Hard to find safe ground these days if you choose to go out and try to enjoy skittle bit of life and cope with this dangerous pandemic. Sorry that happened to you .

[kenoc7]

"Misinformation is just as dangerous as the disease is right now," says Erie News Now Contributor, Dr. Becky Dawson. "I think we are spreading misinformation as quickly as we are spreading the disease." News outlets thrive on stories of death & violence. "If it bleeds, it leads" is the age old axiom.

Most deaths occur when the patient has comorbid factors involved, i.e. one foot in the grave already! Hospitals are reimbursed at a much higher rate if COVID is listed as the cause of death. I am a retired RN and Paramedic who worked during both the onset of AIDS and H1N1 epidemics and never saw the level of fear and misleading information as I have seen with COVID.

I have had both H1N1 & COVID. The H1N1 was much worse and was every bit as bad as when I had pneumonia on two separate occasions in the past. My COVID was similar to the flu: chills & fever, coughing, congestion and general malaise. I am not downplaying that COVID is serious. It can be deadly for those with preexisting illnesses. For the rest of us, it is an inconvenience!

The stress, anxiety, loneliness & loss of income caused by the fear of COVID is far more damaging than the virus itself.

In a letter to to John Norvell, 14 June 1807, Thomas Jefferson wrote, "Nothing can now be believed which is seen in a newspaper. Truth itself becomes suspicious by being put into that polluted vehicle. I really look with commiseration over the great body of my fellow citizens, who, reading newspapers, live & die in the belief, that they have known something of what has been passing in the world in their time..."

The deception continues and we, like sheep, are willing participants.
A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves.
Edward R. Murrow.

Sad statement from an RN and paramedic. I respect your service but not your ideas and the foolish meaningless quote about newspapers.
"Most deaths occur when the patient has comorbid factors involved, i.e. one foot in the grave already!"
This may be true for many, even most, but it isn't true for lots of other deaths so it is misinformation e.g. the 42-year-old congressman-elect from LA.

"Hospitals are reimbursed at a much higher rate if COVID is listed as the cause of death."
This has been debunked so many times it doesn't need a response.

[Spalumbos62]

Just move when they get too close, it’s that simple.

It bugs me also when people get too close...I respect their space...and expect the same. Sometimes I wish I could attach pool noodles to my waist and spin as others invade my area...lol...give them all a light wack!

[Boomer]

RThe real question is: Why does it always bother YOU so much whenever you read about someone who does that. I agree it is useless just as is driving in a car with a mask but it seems to really bug you. If it makes **THEM** feel better why not just leave them to their overdone comfort and security since it is causing NO ONE any harm. Think of ot like sleeping with a security blanket. Constantly making fools of people who are doing nothing that affects you is far worse than wearing a mask while 20 feet from someone or in a car with the windows closed. Seems to be some kind of obsession as you constantly comment on people who do that. Let them take care of themselves as long as it causes you no personal discomfort or harm.


The old modified for forums use saying that "It's not WHAT YOU SAY (WRITE) it's HOW YOU SAY (WRITE) IT" would fit here. LOL, if he wants to make someone "worry less" it can easily be explained in a way that does not embarrass, insult or make someone look or feel like a fool. IIRC he says he's a doctor. Would that condescending attitude be considered good "bedside manners?" If the intent is to educate someone there certainly is a better way to express that knowledge in a nicer manner.

Thank you, EdFNJ,

You said it for me.

That tone of condescension makes me wonder, too.

The mask-wearing OP was well aware that Scooter would draw a crowd and therefore, decided to wear a mask, even though outside , and to maintain distance in order to do what they could to see if it was possible to enjoy the show while taking precautions to try to protect their own health.

There is nothing about what they did that deserves to be mocked. Why on earth would “a doctor” belittle someone who is trying?

(Btw, when I see the bald-faced space invaders, I must confess that I assume they are in some kind of cult and have been programmed to show their devotion to their leader by their “in-your-face” behavior.)

[Spalumbos62]

HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Your in the Villages

Do you mean that as its because its so crowded here...or because they are all so selfish and stupid,?

[golfing eagles]

Thank you, EdFNJ,

You said it for me.

That tone of condescension makes me wonder, too.

The mask-wearing OP was well aware that Rocky would draw a crowd and therefore decided to wear a mask, even though outside and to maintain distance in order to do what they could to see if it was possible to enjoy the show while taking precautions to try to protect their own health.

There is nothing about what they did that deserves to be mocked. Why on earth would “a doctor” belittle someone who is trying?

(Btw, when I see the bald-faced space invaders, I must confess that I assume they are in some kind of cult and have been programmed to show their devotion to their leader by their “in-your-face” behavior.)

You can't serious. They're "trying". Trying to do just WHAT?????

I'm not necessarily describing the OP. but these are the people who go around making comments to people who are not wearing a mask when they don't need to, riding alone in their car with a mask, playing golf in a mask, etc. So yes, they deserve to be mocked and belittled

[UpNorth]

With regards to masks, the only type that can filter out the Covid virus is a N95 mask, the kind used by medical professionals. The face diapers people are wearing are no match for the virus particle size.

[OhioBuckeye]

People can be just obnoxious. Two examples. Last evening we went to Spanish Springs to watch Scooter the DJ for a few minutes. We stood well outside of the fence, just the two of us, masks on with no one within thirty feet of us. In other words, relatively safe and respecting the personal space of others. Within five minutes, some guy comes right up behind me, with his head no more than two feet from mine, almost looking over my shoulder. I politely asked him to move back and give me at least six feet of space. Then, even worse, a youngish woman decided to leave the venue, and rather than leave at the designate entrance/exit point, she tiptoed along the little stream on the side of the square, and pushed the plastic guard chain aside, so she could squeeze in front of us and go on her merry way. Another close encounter of less than three feet! I was less polite with her. Two very nerve wracking encounters in less than fifteen minutes. I guess we can't be safe anywhere as long as there are folks around who won't respect others. Sad.

Collie 1228, no matter where you move to & no matter what sales or anybody say how nice a community is or how nice the people are, every place have people like you’re explaining! Welcome to “The Friendliest Place in America”.

[GPGuar]

It's going to happen, and you know it's going to happen (because we read a post about it on this board every freaking day), yet you went anyway.
There are inconsiderate people in every place in the world. If you can't deal with them, stay home. Pandemic or not, inconsiderate people do not warrant all the pearl clutching and message board rants. They are living in your head rent free, and you are letting them.
Thank you... couldn’t have said it any better! I think that there’s been a thread just about every day on masks and social distancing.... Enough Already!!

[oldtimes]

You can't serious. They're "trying". Trying to do just WHAT?????

I'm not necessarily describing the OP. but these are the people who go around making comments to people who are not wearing a mask when they don't need to, riding alone in their car with a mask, playing golf in a mask, etc. So yes, they deserve to be mocked and belittled

Paranoia is alive and well and living in The Villages.

[golfing eagles]

R




Thank you, EdFNJ,

You said it for me.

That tone of condescension makes me wonder, too.

The mask-wearing OP was well aware that Scooter would draw a crowd and therefore, decided to wear a mask, even though outside and to maintain distance in order to do what they could to see if it was possible to enjoy the show while taking precautions to try to protect their own health.

There is nothing about what they did that deserves to be mocked. Why on earth would “a doctor” belittle someone who is trying?

(Btw, when I see the bald-faced space invaders, I must confess that I assume they are in some kind of cult and have been programmed to show their devotion to their leader by their “in-your-face” behavior.)

Furthermore, if you go back to the original post, I didn't criticize anything, I simply posed the question of what were they trying to accomplish. Then one poster went off on me and eventually the OP called it "the dumbest comment" he's seen on TOTV. So yes, at that point I pointed out how ridiculous the OP's actions were. Now people can try to defend those ridiculous mask-wearing scenarios, but it really is laughable:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Jokomo]

If you feel threatened then stay home, period.
I know of no one that has been infected by someone that has passed by them "too" close when they have been wearing protection. So, if one feels so endangered why don't they just hide in their safe rooms at home until they hear the "all clear" announcement? You are guaranteed NOT to catch the virus if you stay at home. If you hazard a trip out and about, the chances of catching the COVID when using protection is very low.
You are free to live life as you wish. You can hide and live longer, or you can live FREE and take your chances. But, if you hide from life and the boogieman and live a life of fear, are you really living? Your life and your choice.
The other day, I was in Publix shopping in the frozen food section and suddenly realized that I was staring at a woman that was not wearing a mask, but she was maintaining her distance from everyone. I realized that I had not even thought about whether anyone else was wearing a mask until I happened to notice this lady without one. She must have realized I was staring and commented "What?" as if challenging me. I started suddenly, realizing I was lost in contemplation and hadn't realized that I was staring. I replied "Oh, I was just trying to calculate how many carbs I would be consuming if I was to get one of these frozen pizzas." Then I added, "getting old is a bummer, but the alternative is worse." She did not say anything and just went about her way. Personally, I have no problem with folks that do not wish to wear a mask. I do not feel threatened, but I am disappointed that they do not respect the wishes of the business that display a request for mask wearing at the entrance. I had a fleeting thought that some folks should wear a mask to cover their mad expressions that seem to be frozen on their faces. :ho:

There’s no reason to let inconsiderate people dictate your action. Your advice is stay because of the jerks? I like that Florida is a stand your ground state. Darwin will take of most of the folks who go maskless and violate other’s space. Soon there will be less of them.

[eweissenbach]

Reading some of the comments on this post make me feel that they have never heard of the Golden Rule, and have no empathy for their fellow human beings. Sad commentary on many, some of whom I have otherwise respected. This is not a stupid political issue, this is a human responsibility issue.

[John41]

Furthermore, if you go back to the original post, I didn't criticize anything, I simply posed the question of what were they trying to accomplish. Then one poster went off on me and eventually the OP called it "the dumbest comment" he's seen on TOTV. So yes, at that point I pointed out how ridiculous the OP's actions were. Now people can try to defend those ridiculous mask-wearing scenarios, but it really is laughable:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Doctors can be sued now if they tell their patient that they are very overweight because it hurts the patients self esteem. Its all about feeling good never mind science and health. And if a student fails math its maths fault and we wont teach it. As a doctor you are doing your job pointing out bad medical behavior but the feel good nannies on TOTV cant accept that.

[Boomer]

R




Thank you, EdFNJ,

You said it for me.

That tone of condescension makes me wonder, too.

The mask-wearing OP was well aware that Scooter would draw a crowd and therefore, decided to wear a mask, even though outside , and to maintain distance in order to do what they could to see if it was possible to enjoy the show while taking precautions to try to protect their own health.

There is nothing about what they did that deserves to be mocked. Why on earth would “a doctor” belittle someone who is trying?

(Btw, when I see the bald-faced space invaders, I must confess that I assume they are in some kind of cult and have been programmed to show their devotion to their leader by their “in-your-face” behavior.)

You can't serious. They're "trying". Trying to do just WHAT?????

I'm not necessarily describing the OP. but these are the people who go around making comments to people who are not wearing a mask when they don't need to, riding alone in their car with a mask, playing golf in a mask, etc. So yes, they deserve to be mocked and belittled


wow, just wow

What I meant by “trying” is they were trying to do what they thought was best and, more importantly, they were not hurting anybody.

It’s not just in this thread, ge. I have seen you consistently post things that come off as an attempt to undermine mask-wearing. And doing so as “a doctor” is an absolute incongruity, as is the condescending tone, sometimes coupled with the big ol’ Merck Manual vocabulary that gets thrown in from time to time — not in an attempt to try to explain, but in an attempt to condescend and dismiss.

Maya Angelou said, “I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

You say they “deserve to be mocked and belittled.” — Well, that statement sure speaks volumes between the lines. I don’t think it is OK to mock and belittle innocent people. But I guess we will always have those who try to make themselves feel better by making others feel worse. It just sadly seems like there are more of them around lately.

Boomer