I OFTEN wonder whether we, the human race, have on average advanced at all from the pre-scientific days of witch trials, exorcisms, the evil eye and miasmata.
Alongside a solid scientific consensus on the Covid-19 crisis there are widespread contrary theories ranging from complete denial of the pandemic to a bizarre belief that wearing a mask is more dangerous than catching the virus, and somewhere in the middle there are “corona parties” where the attenders deliberately attempt to become infected, and the current fashion for house parties with an attitude of “we don’t care”.
READ MORE: Coronavirus in Scotland: Another 203 people test positive
I am reminded of an Edgar Allen Poe tale called The Masque of the Red Death. The party-goers notice an unknown red-masked figure walking among them. Every so often the revelry is hushed as a clock chimes ominously. Eventually realisation dawns as one by one the guests begin to succumb to the infection.
Derek Ball
Bearsden
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel