I'm only using the above to bounce off of.....
The troubles with numbers are many. They are symbolic. They come on to the page as certainties. But, they are not - certain. Some are better than others. They must be interpreted and everyone has a context bias. It's a mess. Where you get the numbers you write about is troublesome. Some are assumptions derived from thin air. If you rely on media then the numbers might be right, but the media's presentation is mostly wrong. The headlines accompanying what you read or hear or likely phrased to drag you into the discussion - and to generate advertising revenue.
Look, for whatever it's worth, In my more youthful days I worked in (small-time) journalism and broadcasting. I write. I am published. I am a scientist. I read academic journals containing peer reviewed research. I like to think I can spot good science and bad science. I like to think I can separate 'news' with a bias and 'news' that's more balanced. Some of you will read that and think, "What a jackass!" Ok...
I am probably wrong about all of that, human nature being what it is.
I don't always agree with your contributions, but I've learned to give each thoughtful consideration. What I find troubling is some of what I will call bullying of those with different opinions. Most just leave this thread and/or the forum entirely. I've considered it. But, again, I've taken the time to re-evaluate and find all important to my understanding of many of life's events and experiences.
Bottom line for me is this - All the numbers, all the data about COVID we wrestle with are suspect. Call it crap if you wish. I do. I have no reservation about calling a rotten fish a rotten fish. Maybe 25 or 50 or 100 years from now there will be clarity. Maybe. But, we still have individual decisions to make. So, where do we turn for 'good' information to make those decisions. It'll be different for you than for me.
Enough. As we begin 2022 I want to take a moment to thank you, all of you for your posts in this thread. Writing is difficult. A lot of people can't put six words together to make an intelligent sentence. And then, to put five sentences together? You ALL do it well! I'm impressed and appreciative, memes aside.
Wishing each of you all the best under under difficult circumstances! Happy 2022!