This is a war, and antivaxxers are deserters

Re “Biden warns of Omicron rapid spread, breakthrough cases,” Dec. 22

The time has come to abandon the term “pandemic.” We are numb to its utterance, and it fails to strike dread into our souls as once it did. I suggest another word: “war.”

Our country is at war, and we are approaching 1 million killed. During times of war, the country mobilizes its resources, both human and material, to fight. This time, the foe is a microscopic particle that continues to endanger us all.

In the past, Americans have accepted the risk to their lives and well-being to fight the enemy. Young men and women put themselves in harm’s way to protect America. Unfortunately, times have changed.

A significant portion of our society sees no danger to the U.S. from this war. A significant portion of our society declines to take up a weapon (vaccination) out of the unfounded and unsubstantiated fear that it poses a serious risk to them, whereas 80 years ago their grandparents and great-grandparents did not hesitate to do so. It’s war, folks, and America needs you.

BRUCE LITTMAN, MD, Porter Ranch