August 9, 2021
As the climate change-stoked Dixie fires rage throughout California, the second most destructive wildfire of its kind in history, people choose to ignore the inevitable and obvious and hang on. They refuse to leave. As the pandemic rages throughout the South, people choose to ignore the obvious and inevitable and hang on. They refuse to get vaccinated. In both cases, the results will be tragic. These people are whistling Dixie, pun intended. They are engaging in unrealistic and hopeless fantasy. I was shocked by the story of an Arkansas nurse who lost both of her unvaccinated parents to COVID, and still refused to get vaccinated. These people are not just whistling Dixie. They are also whistling past the graveyard.
Just whistle while you work
And cheerfully together we can tidy up the place
So hum a merry tune
It won’t take long when there’s a song to help you set the pace
And as you sweep the room
Imagine that the broom is someone that you love
And soon you’ll find you’re dancing to the tune
When hearts are high the time will fly so whistle while you work
The Spin Doctor 