Gus returns after a week convalescing after being diagnosed with COVID and talks about his experiences, which were pretty harrowing at times. He said it was the sickest he's ever been in his life. He opens up the phone lines and talks with listeners about their experiences with COVID and about the vaccine and the vaccine judgmentalism that seems to be dividing the nation.
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Hi Gus, I listen to you show when I can; so glad you are recovering. I did not hear this episode until Labor Day, as I missed it the first time. As a long time RN, I was interested in what people had to say about vaccines. While I would never refuse care to a patient, or call them names for their beliefs, I am saddened by the unnecessary deaths that I see. You commented that you “understood the frustration”. Honestly, and with great respect, I am going to disagree with you. I don’t believe that anyone who has not been bedside with one of these dying patients and their families, would ever understand the frustration of knowing that it was most likely preventable. Thank you for the joy you spread on your show.
Gus will you get the vaccine when you are eligible to. I was one of those rebels that refuse to get the vaccine until two months ago. I have lost a few family members and friends to this horrible virus. This past week I loss my best friend of 35 years and her husband to covid 19. Would they have lived if they had gotten the vaccine. Only God knows. My heart is breaking for this loss. She did not get the vaccine not for religious moral reasons but because she did not trust the vaccine.
I have listened to your show last week. I have never heard your reason for not getting vaccinated. What is it?
Also when you say the devil is causing such division, I do agree,but he is causing it by people questioning getting vaccinated. He doesn’t want people to get vaccinated
Michael, I got treated with monoclonal antibodies (product name Regeneron). It helped me immensely. God bless!
Gus
Hi Gus, could you please tell me the treatment you took after getting Covid that made you feel better? Thank you and God bless.
Gus,
Let me first say I am happy that you and Michelle are healing up from your bout with Covid-19. You are much more fortunate than many.
I first began listening to Seize the Day and Catholic Radio in 2013 after the purchase of a vehicle with SiriusXM. You and I commuted together daily for a number of years. It was a treat meeting you and I your presentation at our Catholic men’s retreat in Norman Oklahoma a few years ago. I must say though, last year when you began vocalizing your opinion regarding COVID-19 and questioning vaccines, I began tuning you out. Don’t get me wrong, I’d still tune you in, but once the subject turns to COVID, I turn the dial. After being bombarded with the COVID argument through every venue imaginable, I look to Catholic Radio as an escape from the subject and a feeding of my soul.
I searched your website for your mission statement and came up short. If your goal to spread the Good News of our Lord, Jesus Christ, helping the listener in understanding scripture, and the positions of the Church, the Covid subject seems to create division in the flock rather than unity. Unfortunately, yesterday I detected true anger in the discussion so I turned the dial.
That said, my feelings regarding the vaccine are very well expressed by one of our protestant brothers; Rev. Ben Cremer:
“If we Christians somehow arrive at the conclusion that giving up personal liberties for the sake of other people’s safety somehow makes us less free, then we have deeply misunderstood the cross.”
I believe Jesus said it best in Matthew 25:40.
Blessings.
I listen to you show on occasion, several times a month, but have not listened lately but I did tune in today. Praise God that you and your wife are doing well. I would like to listen to the segment with Dr. Rob. Where can I find it?
I find the push for “COVID vaccine” is political. Why those who have natural immunity are being forced to get the shot? For years every disease that came along..measles, chicken pox , diptheria etc, those who had it have had lifetime immunity…but this oh no that isn’t true you have to get vaccinated…this on the shots have only been studied for a bit over a year but we should trust it. Every vaccine had been studied for at least 10 years. Why not this??? Suddenly it’s not my body and not my choice!! It is taking a freedom away. And to dr Ron, it sounds like you are burned out and should take a break because your attitude toward patients is horrendous. If the narrative hadn’t been put out by the media I don’t think the division between vaccinated and unvaccinated would have widened like it is now. No one on either side has the right to judge! And any dr that repeats what dr Ron said should be ashamed and get out of medicine!
I thank God that Michelle and you are doing better. I am concerned that this Covid virus has become very political and many physicians with a different view on the virus and vaccine cannot be heard. They are shut down from sharing their concerns. I have listened to the American Frontline Physicians. We need to have respect for one another and hear both sides. Both my husband and I had a mild case of Covid-19 in Nov. 2020 and recovered without hospitalization. We increased intake of Vit. C, D and Zinc. We now have natural immunities so why should we get a vaccine? My husband did get vaccinated and I have not. We should have a choice on getting the vaccine especially if we have the natural immunities. I will leave you with one question. Why does the media shut down information from physicians who have a different view? Where is their freedom speech? for more info, go to: https://americasfrontlinedoctors.org/
Gus, first off I am glad that you and Michelle are doing better.
I have to admit for the last 18 months to use your term I felt as if you needed a checkup from the neck up regarding your stance on COVID.
Listening to your show the past 2 days I do feel that you are more balanced towards the subject. You have a platform that can reach out to many people who are on the fence as to whether or not to get vaccinated. I hope that you continue to stay balanced and reiterate the efficacy of the vaccines.
God bless.
I listen to your show every morning Gus and am thankful that you are recovering from the virus … and that’s what it is…a virus! Viruses have been around forever and will continue so. In my opinion as a nurse, holistic health advocate, and mother of 5, and a survivor of the virus before it was named Covid, my belief is this: eat healthy food, preferably organically grown, get good exercise every day, get adequate sleep, drink plenty of clean water, use good vitamins and supplements (not cheap ones!!) and provide support for your immune system. (not giving medical advice… this is what I do to keep myself healthy!)
Along with that, think GOOD thoughts; we manifest what we think about!!
The Standard American Diet (SAD) does not support good health and leaves us open to whatever might be going around. We ARE what we EAT!
It saddens me to hear and read what some people say, especially if they call themselves Christian! May God have mercy on us and forgive our sins!!
God bless you and your family, Gus, and continue to provide for your needs. 🙏🙏
Wow. I’m a long time listener, but I couldn’t believe how dismissive and arrogant you were towards Dr. Rob on your show this morning. I even heard the term “fascist” being thrown around, and there was a vindictiveness in your tone that sounded anything but Catholic. I’m serious, it was unsettling. The Pope has gone beyond saying that the vaccine is “permissable” and that it is in fact an act of kindness. That is the Catholic stance, and you know it is. It sounds to me like you have placed your politics above your faith on this issue – and that is a slippery slope. You might want to listen to how you sounded this morning and see if it sounded like you were coming from a place of love, because to me, it did not. I often have your show on when I am driving my daughter to the Catholic school she attends. Sadly, I think we are going to have to part ways with you for a while. I hope you back away from the rhetoric and politics and get back to glorifying God. I don’t mind that we disagree, but again, there was an underlying cruelty and anger in your tone this morning that wasn’t edifying to anyone listening. God Bless You, please at least pray on this.
Hello Gus,
So glad to hear you this morning. I love listening to your program on my daily commute. You brighten the morning & I have opened my eyes, added to my faith journey by your discussions, conversion stories and pilgrimage experiences. Thank you!
I am so glad to hear you and your Bride are doing well and on the road to recovery. I am moved by your frank, candid open discussion on your own personal covi19 illness. Sharing your experience is an extraordinary way towards helping others. Hopefully anyone else that may contract this dreadful virus will seek evaluation & treatment like you did. You provide information & hope.
The pandemic and this period in time is unprecedented, unusual and can be frightened. God remains our constant, our strength, light and the way.
Do not let any naysayers or the critics bring you down.
Thanks be to God, you are well, have more work to accomplish, life to live and glory to offer to Jesus. Will continue to pray for you and your loved ones’ health and well being.
God bless you & family,
Cheryl Neidhardt
To Dr. MK Ashkenaze,
Please give us the name of the hospital you work at so I make sure I never ever get sick anywhere near it. God bless you.
Gus I’m so happy you’re well and thankful for the doctors that treated you. Now you have God-given immunity for the rest of your life. Praise God!
What Dr. Ashkenaze said. If you are unnecessarily exposing others to Covid and risking their lives you are contributing to the possible death of someone. If you are truly pro-life you must consider this as well. The Vatican says it is morally permissible to be vaccinated.
You have the right not to vaccinate but you don’t have the right to expose anyone to your lack of vaccination. I don’t know how you could live with yourself if somebody became seriously ill or even died by your lack of caring about others.
I’m so happy that when I was growing up and the polio vaccination came out, people rushed to get it. Otherwise we would still be dealing with polio or smallpox or a host of other illnesses.
I was not able to hear the beginning of the show and I hope you are using your experience to urge others to vaccinate.
Remember: your freedom ends were mine begins. Stay in your house and isolate for the entire pandemic or get the vaccine.
Thank you Doctor, as a retired nurse my heartfelt thanks to everyone providing medical care,
I’ll doubt any of the non vaccinated would put their life on the line for others!! Not to mention the costs for care that we’ll all be paying for for many years to come.
Just my take on that, no vaccine, no mask, no insurance coverage!!!
I’m a faithful Catholic & I and all my friends and family, including our Priest we’re vaccinated as soon as available!!
I am a catholic physician. I love you Gus and your show, but recently your stance on COVID and the vaccine is making me upset. I agree with Dr. Mary Kaye Ashkenaze, please get vaccinated and encourage your listeners to do the same. We know vaccination works, the data on the monoclonal antibodies not so much. Had you been vaccinated you would have had already had antibodies in your blood to fight the COVID. God Bless.
If you had received any of the 3 Covid vaccines, you would not have become seriously ill & you would not have unnecessarily exposed healthcare workers from having to treat YOU. We emergency doctors & nurses are TIRED of the people who are prolonging this nightmare by not getting vaccinated; until we have near universal vaccination ( like polio, etc) we will not end this pandemic. As far as raising the religious exemption for Catholics, you are being totally irresponsible; Pope Francis has endorsed vaccination to help end the suffering throughout the world from Covid-19. In about 3 months you will be eligible for vaccination; do it or stay home. I am an emergency physician who lived through the early days of HIV & now THIS pandemic. I just got my third vaccine because I don’t want to die & am exposed to bozos like yourself who didn’t get vaccinated. Moreover, you got lucky with the monoclonal antibodies- not everyone can get them, & they don’t work for many people. Studies have not shown a clear benefit. Now the only people that are dying in our hospital are the unvaccinated- & many are young, active physically & without any underlying illness, just plain stupid. Be useful & advocate vaccination instead of of antibodies.