Some interesting facts about COVID-19

Interesting facts about COVID-19:

COVID-19 Illnesses in United States – 1,181,885 (percentage of the population of 330 million) 0.000358146969 – Deaths 69,079 (percentage of the population) 0.0002093303.*

COVID-19 Illnesses in Minnesota – 7,234 (percentage of the population of 5,700,671) 0.00126897342 – Deaths 428 (percentage of the population) 0.00007507888.*

COVID-19 Illnesses in Dodge County, MN – 22 (percentage of the population of 20,934) 0.00010592194. Deaths 0.*

Overall, the total number of illnesses in the U.S., Minnesota and Dodge County are miniscule when comparing that number to the population of each.

Here’s the part that gets me: We order people, all free citizens prior to this pandemic, to stay home, we close free enterprise down for the sake of the vulnerable (over 65), we destroy a robust economy and we’re told that this pandemic may last for two years.

Do the folks that are calling the shots going to shut down our county, state and nation for two years?

Strictly from a statistical standpoint, we’re not suffering the losses that our medical and political leaders projected early on. Why do governors and mayors continue with the shutdown of small business. Anyone outside of Dodge County, whether in Rochester or Owatonna, has noticed that big box stores are open for business. Lowes, Home Depot, Costco, Walmart and others have been open and will continue serving the general public.

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but liquor stores are immune from COVID-19, but it spreads in churches, but not at Walmart. Government is essential, but small shops are expendable. Moms taking their kids to the park is potentially deadly. And, has anyone noticed that politicians have a built-in immunity to COVID-19?

The screws have been tightened on the little guys. Cafés and restaurants have been restricted to carryout only customer service. Variety stores, clock shops and other small entities are shuttered.

What really is going on with this pandemic charade?

Is it a government power grab, as some think? Is it to ruin our economy? (If that’s the case, mission accomplished). Or, is it some other sinister reason beyond the percentages, talking points and the political schemes in Washington and St. Paul?

If one reading this column reviews the percentages of illnesses and death in our county, state and nation, one must conclude that this is much ado about nothing, or one has just given up civil liberties guaranteed to us by our Constitution. It’s time to take back our right to freedom and act like free beings. If we fail to act now, we’ve subordinated our rights to government.

*Statistics based on The COVID-19 Tracking Project, May 4, 2020, 10:25 a.m.

“We have nothing to fear, but fear itself,” said Franklin Delano Roosevelt.