It’s been a while since I last wrote a blog post and despite (actually!) having other interests, this one is yet again about Covid - given recent developments across Europe, how could it not? More precisely, it is about the divisive impact the handling of the virus is having on society. I recently watched an excellent interview in which the guest, Paul Kingsnorth, put so well what many embroiled in the vaccine arguments, including myself at times, struggle to articulate: that beyond the scientific assessments and cost/benefit analyses associated with medical choices, society is turning into something alien, restrictive and distasteful as a result of decisions taken to combat the virus. Or perhaps the virus is revealing fractures and disturbing tendencies that already existed.

As society seeks to be ever more inclusive, some interesting concepts are taking hold in the complex debates around transsexuality and gender identity. One is the conflation of biological sex and gender expression, which until quite recently were widely understood to be distinct but related concepts. Fast forward to today, and some challenge whether there can even be a definition of what a woman or biological female is, and this is largely occuring to make way for gender self-identification.

Although the vaccination effort has been underway for some months in many countries, there continues to be lively debate around many issues including vaccine passports, inoculation of children, mandatory vaccination and variants. However, it isn’t always easy to find comprehensive information on the vaccines themselves and this post is firmly focused on the mechanics of available options, based on the wealth of information made available by vaccine manufacturers, health agencies and medical experts.

As we mark a year of lockdowns and Covid-19 restrictions, new waves and strains of the virus, as well as the lagging timelines of vaccine rollouts in some parts, means that the end to our current limbo remains unclear. In all this, a concerning and disingenuous choice has been repeatedly presented to the public, in that we must sacrifice the most basic of civil liberties for long stretches, in order to successfully combat Covid-19. This falsity was actually the greatest impetus towards starting this blog.

Wishing everyone a wonderful, healthy and prosperous 2021! The last year really kicked our collective behinds, and as we start a new one, here is hoping it is much, much better for the everyday man. With that, here is a wish list for 2021…