FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS
I really believe in free speech. Living in a country where we are free to air our opinions and have them heard is a wonderful thing. In some countries, people are persecuted and imprisoned for daring to speak their minds. Not so in Canada, we are blessed with so many rights and privileges and, even if we quote a lot of untruths, we are not silenced.
However, the right to give your opinion does not give you the right to call other folks’s opinions wrong. An opinion is just that….a point of view, mine is just as valid as yours and you do not have the right to deny my voice, or I yours.
This wonderfully fair way of allowing each citizen to speak his mind seems to get really heated when people do not agree with what you are saying, so how can that be free speech?
For some reason, Covid has become a hot topic for people airing their points of view and those with a different attitude are quick to jump in and declare it wrong. Does it really matter if it is right or wrong to wear a mask? Nobody is actually forced to wear a mask, you just can’t enter the store without one so you will need to get your goods on line or have the store deliver. You are not denied service, just service face to face, but the telephone or computer can solve this problem so you can order from the comfort of your own home.
The medical order is not to gather in groups, however, if you do wish to have lots of friends over, then do so, just do not then go out into the world at large and spread your germs round at the workplace or in a public place. You have the perfect right to gather and have fun, just not the right to possibly spread infection to others so, if your friends are wiling to take the risk, then certainly get together, but then stay together for fourteen days, don’t go amongst people who are trying to follow the rules and prevent the spread of disease.
Whilst the figures quoted each day are alarming, they really do not scare me. I am in the right age group to get sick but, by staying home and keeping my bubble to a small group of equally careful friends, I feel safe from harm. Oliver is a relatively small place and, luckily, seems to be keeping germ free, so it is easy to feel comfortable. I walk my dog in the park each day and speak to dozens of people as I pass them by. However, they are all at a distance and I feel no fear in doing this.
Wearing a mask in a store is usually a fairly short lived event, a half hour maximum to get groceries, forty five minutes for my hair to be washed and cut and maybe ten minutes in the bank or smaller store. I appreciate the fact that most people I see are also wearing their mask, to keep themselves, and also me, safe.
I really do not appreciate being called a “sheep” and gullible for doing what has been asked of me. It is a courtesy to others who may be suffering from some immune disease that cannot fight germs. If it keeps me safe at the same time, that is a bonus.
While the number of deaths, per capita, is not really that high, why not do your part to prevent illness. It really is no big deal to put on the mask, wear it while entering restaurants, until you are sat, with your small group at your table.
Not all that long ago people were complaining that seat belts were an unnecessary restriction, children were left loose to climb around in the family car and very few families had a child car seat. Motor bikes riders were not required to wear a helmet and bicycle riders were always bareheaded. Sailing was a fun filled Sunday sport until the powers that be decided that life jackets should be used. Always some Government authority came along to make up some rules requiring some sort of safety gear. A pain in the rear end? You bet! However, these things, once enforced became the norm and quite accepted.
Relax your attitude and accept the mask requirements, it is just another safety measure and, although you may think it unnecessary, just ask yourself if you travel without a seatbelt? If you can’t agree with my point of view, that is fine, but allow me the courtesy of airing it. Please don’t call me a sheep and if you will not cover your face, then please take care not to breath on me.
Lesley Punt says
Hi Pat,
I so agree with what you say about freedom & in particular free speech
“However, the right to give your opinion does not give you the right to call other folks’s opinions wrong. An opinion is just that….a point of view, mine is just as valid as yours and you do not have the right to deny my voice, or I yours.
This wonderfully fair way of allowing each citizen to speak his mind seems to get really heated when people do not agree with what you are saying, so how can that be free speech?”
My question is in order to live in a society where freedom exists, does this not also need to apply to actions? Should not each of us be equally respected in our freedom of opinion but also actions?
It seems to me your opinion piece started off talking about freedom, then ended up judging those of us who disagree with you and choose not to wear masks.
Personally I have a lot of compassion for people who are wearing masks. There is a lot of fear & trauma out there, and I recognize that every person is wearing a mask because they believe in their hearts that they are doing their part, that they are keeping themselves safe & others safe by doing so. I respect that 100%.
I just don’t share their beliefs. And I believe no one should have the right to impose their beliefs on anyone else – not through shaming, coercion etc.
I would equally like to be respected for my choice not to wear masks. For others to give me the freedom, understanding that I believe with all my heart that what the government is asking us to do violates our freedom, is not based on science and if I followed their advice it would harm my immune system thus making me more susceptible to illnesses. I also believe that no one is being harmed by me not wearing a mask. My beliefs are based on the reading I do, that is outside the censorship arena of Big Tech & Big Media.
To live in a truly free society, whether someone believed in wearing a mask or not – every one of us would stand up for each other’s freedom. We would push back on any government intervention that removes freedom. We would each ensure that businesses opened their doors for masked & unmasked alike. We would stand together, because to not do so, means our freedom will be taken away. This is what is happening now.
At what point, will you stand up for my freedom? Even if I am in the minority? Or will you justify my freedom being taken away with a list of excuses (all based on science of course)?
And with regards to seat belts – I believe in giving people the freedom to choose what they want to do – wear them or not wear them. Personally I choose to wear them, but that doesn’t mean I have a right to mandate it and force others.
Unfortunately your opinion piece leaves me feeling that because YOU believe in wearing a mask that ALL of US should do the same. That is like me saying that because I believe masks are harmful that everyone should not be allowed to wear a mask.
I would dearly love for us all to get to a place where we really have compassion & love for each other – and where we will stand with each other especially when we do not agree.
Publisher: and that is the bottom line. If your opinion is important, should not the opinion of the next person have the same weight.
Herd mentality, Mob mentality – look them up. What is in the common good.
Let me be firm. If required I shall wear a mask. For maybe 5 mins.
No other rule is that important, alcohol lubricant on hands, so called social distancing. Everyone I know is within 5 feet of me not six. Should they be fined or go to jail?
Wait for train. It is coming!
Richard Simmons Jr. says
Awesome ! Thank you Pat. It really is a small ask.
And even as Pat English wrote it if protects, even partially I believe it might just be worth it !
Edna Goertzen says
You’re so Richard & thank you Pat, I couldn’t have said better myself.
Pat English says
The mask does not protect the one wearing from getting a virus and only partially protects the one wearing from giving the virus. Only a false sense of safety is acquired as Dr. Fauci explained.
John and Anne Kiss says
Carefully thought out, well written.
Kathleen Roveredo says
Well said Pat ,I sure enjoy your articles and this last one hits the nail on the head so to speak. I fully agree with you on the Covid 19 subject , I to keep my circle very small and try and keep my family and friends safe as well as my self. Like Lynne said you are one very special lady.
Bonnie Thompson says
Well said Pat. I have been mentioning the comparison to seat belts since they first arrived on the scene. I also compare it to my bra, can’t wait to take it off when I get home!
Lynne Krisher says
Pat, have been reading your articles for several years now & each one brings so many emotions & memories – also at times a lot of laughter & sometimes, some pain – but that’s life & you tell it like it is. This article on Covid 19 puts just about every other article on this subject, whether written by doctors, politicians, other journalists, or other people, to shame. You are truly one very special lady & you have my utmost respect & admiration.