Russ's Ravings: Vaccine Desperation Is Growing. It Ain't Pretty

Editor's note: The following is Patch Field Editor Russ Crespolini's, hopefully, weekly column. It is reflective of his opinion alone.

It is a trope that seems fitting for the start of a post-apocalyptic horror film. There is a cure to a plague that is ravaging our world, but it is in scarce supply. This lack of resources challenges our humanity and brings out the best, or the worst in us, depending on our circumstances.

But we don't have to go on a quest to some mythical corner of the globe to search for ingredients. Nor do we have to fight our way through dangerous hordes of enemies in order to obtain our salvation.

No, in order to beat the scourge of COVID-19 we have to...be patient.

Well sure, that is easy for me to say, I've received my first dose. But it actually isn't for me to say, because of the latent guilt I feel, but I have to say it. We all need to find a way to stay calm and wait for the supply to meet the demand.

But that doesn't mean it is easy.

Each day brings with it a new wave of frustration, a new tidbit of news that sets the blood boiling. Like mega-sites in the Garden State not scheduling second doses, and other places running dry on inoculations and reports of places like Hunterdon Medical Center giving out vaccinations to executives, their families and top donors. Before critical care staff.

Add to that the logistical nightmare of crashing systems, unclear follow-ups and a late starting phone bank it is easy to see why people are chasing every rumor they see on social media. Well-meaning doctors who are volunteering at these county sites are telling people about a "wait list" that no one wants to be publicized exists. Why is this a problem? Because there are already too many people showing up and begging for doses that just aren't there.

All of this leads to anger and the need to find someone to blame.

And boy everyone has a favorite target.

"It was the previous presidential administration not having a plan!"

"It is our King-wannabe governor who has completely botched this roll out!"

"This is all big pharma's greed!"

"All of this is about CONTROL. Our government loves this pandemic, and they never want it to end."

"None of this would be necessary if we just bought essential oils and went plant-based!"

"This was made in China, in the same lab that made Godzilla!"

"Thanks, Obama."

But the fact is, it doesn't matter who you think is responsible. It doesn't matter who you think is to blame. None of it is going to change the fact that you are going to have to be patient, you are going to have to be the best version of yourself to get through the last leg of this pandemic.

Sitting in front of your computer or smartphone casting blame and cursing the frustrations will get you nowhere. And what example does that set for our kids? The next time BoomChurgle or whatever app doesn't work for school they will think it is ok to give in to their baser instinct.

Now is the time for all of us to show we can be the hero in the post-apocalyptic movie, and not the selfish side character that dies a hilarious-yet-satisfying death in Act Two.

In any event lets just be happy none of us are actually fighting hordes for our salvation.

Yet.

Russ Crespolini is a Field Editor for Patch Media, adjunct professor and college newspaper advisor. His columns have won awards from the National Newspaper Association and the New Jersey Press Association.

He writes them in hopes of connecting with readers and engaging with them. And because it is cheaper than therapy. He can be reached at russ.crespolini@patch.com