Those against Israel aren’t truly fearful of COVID — they’re concealing their prejudice
Do you remember when we were all told to “Mask up”? Maybe it’s time to change that rule. How about: “Mask off.”
I’m still amazed at how many New Yorkers still walk around this city with their N95s on. Store assistants, subway riders, and even pedestrians on the windy streets.
For some people, wearing masks makes sense. Some have underlying health conditions like obesity or different-bodyness, and some elderly individuals with multiple boosters treat COVID like the flu season.
But what about the young people, especially the protestors, who seem overly scared of COVID?
What’s the reason behind the rage-filled students wearing keffiyeh masks who put them on whenever a camera is around?
Perhaps the students at Columbia and other campuses are genuinely afraid of COVID.
Let me assure them that New York State no longer has a COVID-19 problem. At the peak in April 2020, there were 6,900 COVID deaths in a week in NY State. Last month, it was down to 15 deaths.
Young people have the lowest risk of dying from COVID. Last year, COVID was the eighth leading cause of death for young Americans.
Individuals aged 18-29 accounted for only 0.7% of COVID-related deaths in the US, despite comprising 16.4% of the population.
College-age Americans are more likely to die from homicide, suicide, or being hit by a bus than from COVID complications.
Furthermore, NY State has high vaccination rates. 81% of the population is fully vaccinated, and 95% have received at least one dose.
So protestors, rejoice! You can take off your masks!
Yet, predictably, protestors in NYC are always scared of COVID when protesting. During the BLM protests in 2020, it made some sense. But why today’s protestors in NY are still wearing masks in 2024 is puzzling.
Why are students demanding ceasefires and humanitarian aid while wearing masks?
They are not actually afraid of COVID. They are afraid of the opinions they are advocating.
So let’s have a “masks off” policy at all future protests in NY State.
The protestors want to keep their identities hidden while causing disruption. Let’s demand they reveal themselves.
It’s a shame that Columbia had to cancel their official graduation ceremony. Students who can think had to organize their own graduation event.
Shame of a canceled commencement
Yesterday, I gave an “alternative” Commencement address to students who completed their studies at Columbia. The official ceremony was canceled, so faculty and student leaders organized an alternative event.
Attendees included military veterans, Jewish and Christian students, conservative students, and others from diverse backgrounds. We also heard from a student who protected the campus from radicals earlier this year.
It was an honor to speak with them and offer advice as they begin their careers. But it’s concerning that students at Columbia who can think had to arrange their own graduation.
