An analysis of the outcries from the virus protestors

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https://play.ht/articles/79ff7454fe48Watching a video of protestors fighting for their ‘freedom’ was like listening to a pair of nails going down a blackboard, slowly. To be honest, I thought I was being punk’d. For who fights for their right to be infected with COVID-19?

Back to the protestors

They had no mask, no gloves, and were outraged that their governors dared to restrict their activities in the middle of a pandemic. They were flabbergasted, upset, and cried out things like America, Freedom, and First Amendment.

Why didn’t they trust their governor? I wouldn’t dare to assume, and I’m sure there would be an array of answers if the reporter there would have asked. However, the majority of the voters in the state voted for this governor. Once in office, just like other government officials, they are charged with making decisions for the betterment of their constituent and state.

I understand the distrust or distaste of politicians. I’m not a fan of the president. But the majority voted and chose him. Regardless of how I feel, there’s a certain level of trust I give that position, especially in times of crisis. I would say we are at such times. To have protestors go against the guidance of government officials, law enforcement and medical professionals is unwise. It just doesn’t pass the common-sense rule for me.

What would happen if one protestor gets sick? And not the mild sick? The ventilator sick. They may go into an overcapacity hospital, to an overworked nurse or doctor.

What about the other people they chatted with or accidentally spat as they were shouting for their freedom? Let’s say they show no symptoms, and go home to a high-risk family member, whom they did not know was high risk because they rarely get sick. They, too, will go to an overcapacity hospital, and this will go on for 2.5 more people until the person infected isolates. Was the protest worth it?

Some would say yes. One protestor held a sign that said, ‘I die for freedom.’ I don’t think he understands the burden that lays so heavily on that phrase. I’ve seen Soldiers die for freedom and pushed a cold metal casket with the American flag draped over it into a C-130, and held a shaky salute while holding back tears as the door shut close. It was a beautiful clear day — the most dreadfully beautiful of sights.

My opinion may be unpopular, and I may sound harsh, but there are times to speak up, and there are times to shut up and walk. This is the latter.

I get it. The protestors don’t mean they want to die in a war zone away from their family. That’s extreme. They just want to work and go shopping in a place other than Walmart. This too was in a sign. You know what, that is fine with me. That protestor should be able to do whatever he wants with his body because it’s his and his right — I’ll remember this when the pro-life, pro-choice debates begin — however not at the expense of others. The symptoms of coronavirus are sometimes silent, asking for the right to resume pre-pandemic activities whether or not we want it, is tied to the lives of others who may or may not have chosen to die for freedom. That is selfish.

Another protestor, a woman, yelled passionately into a speaker box. She was angry, the police dared to approach her kids for being outside. My first thought, “Welcome to living while black.”

I fess up. It’s not so much the talk about ‘freedom’ that grates my epidermis, is the tone of privilege that comes out every time they utter that word.

I understand this is tough, and some families are struggling. The big equalizer didn’t turn out to make things equal. Instead, it became the big magnifier, throwing the spotlight on the continually widening gap between the haves and have-nots.

However, Walmart, Target, Piggly Wiggly will be right there when this is over. The beaches will open again. Corporations will open their doors and bring back their employees — after all, they are the ones happy with glee at having a ton of people protesting on their behalf. They are laughing all the way to their online banking while staying safe at home in their multimillion-dollar mansions.

Some small businesses may go under because they lack the resources of the big corporation. Families close to the poverty line and under will need to depend on government, community, and non-profit resources to push through. Some people may lose their jobs. But if we disregard the guidance of social distancing and isolation, we will continue to have a climb in numbers of infections and reinfections, and this pandemic will be longer.

One protestor said she doesn’t want a government handout, and I commend her for her strength and tenacity, but we are in a crisis, and pridefulness will need to take a backseat until we are back on the green.

It is the government’s job to protect its most vulnerable. Make them do it. Then when this is over, if you are dissatisfied or not, vote accordingly. Protest accordingly.

The First Amendment is a beautiful thing. I realize not every country affords its citizens this, and I don’t take it for granted. However, the protestors could have made their voices heard in ways that don’t endanger the health of others or risk overworking an already taxed health care system.

We will get through this together, and once this is over, call me if you need help making your signs. I’ll be right there with you exercising my right.

And for any protestors who believe the virus is a hoax? It’d be helpful if they would volunteer at their local hospitals.