In bygone days, whenever we heard the word “delta,” we thought of Delta Airlines, Delta Force, Delta Burke.
Delta also describes low flatlands where a river empties into a body of water: the Nile, the Amazon, the Mississippi Delta.
College fraternities and sororities like to include this Greek letter in their name. Alpha Delta Phi, Delta Sigma Theta, Delta Delta Delta (if one delta is notable, three must be better?) If you’re into math, the delta triangle symbolizes change or difference.
Delta comes from the Greek alphabet and, like it or not, our modern lives are entwined with those from ancient Greece.
Who doesn’t know about an Achilles heel or the Trojan horse? Early in the 20th century, the intrepid Greeks made their way to the middle of the Pacific Ocean where Spartans became the mascot for Hilo Intermediate School. By the beard of Zeus, how did this happen? Even at Hilo High (where, by Thor’s hammer, we’re the Vikings!) I cannot recall ever discussing a Greek myth. Too bad, because I would have relished reading about Jason and the Argonauts over Silas Marner any day.
Let’s get back to delta, because right now it has the unenviable distinction of being linked to COVID-19.
WHO, or the World Health Organization, is responsible for making this connection. When the virus first arrived, dimwits politicized it by derisively naming it for places in order to demonize certain populations, including those not even remotely associated with those areas. WHO then devised a way to identify variants by assigning them letters of the Greek alphabet. So far, we have seen Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta variants of this killer SARS virus.
We mahalo WHO in their effort to combat idiocy and stupidity but regret that for us, and especially the younger generation, delta is no longer neutral and will instead conjure up pandemic, illness and death.
The politicization of COVID-19 has led to countless protests with blatant ignorance proudly on display. Many citizens, including some on our island, are objecting to safety recommendations from governmental entities. I assume these lolo neither fasten seat belts nor drive the speed limit. Why follow rules that can save not just yourself, but beloved friends and family?
To those opposing vaccines and mask wearing, time to bone up on your Greek. Delta is the fourth letter in the Greek alphabet, and there are nineteen more. If you think this virus is going away soon, think again, because from what I’m learning, each new mutation is sneakier and stronger than the one before.
A variant mutates and attacks susceptible hosts who lack the protective antibodies provided by vaccines. This is the reason the unvaccinated are now filling up hospitals, a disheartening development considering that only a few months ago, we were basking in the light at the end of the tunnel. But now, we have to worry not only about Delta, but the next mutation.
For those still vaccine-hesitant, please consider the keiki. Would you let them go swimming after lifeguards post the Shark Sighting sign? Or eat mac salad that’s been sitting for hours in the broiling sun? Of course not, so remember this: At the onset, the virus killed the elderly. But now, it’s coming for the children.
Since youth under 12 years of age are unable to get the shot, you can help protect them by getting yourself vaccinated. They will thank you.
COVID-19 has opened up a Pandora’s Box with misinformed “freedom” fighters jumping out and spouting crazy rhetoric. Science, reason, logic and common sense must all be Greek to them.
Rochelle delaCruz was born in Hilo, graduated from Hilo High School, then left to go to college. After teaching for 30 years in Seattle, Wash., she retired and returned home to Hawaii. She welcomes your comments at rainysideview@gmail.com. Her column appears every other Monday.
