Anti-vaxxers have free speech, but the majority rules – The San Diego Union-Tribune

Re Rage over vaccine, mask mandates boils over during county COVID-19 meeting (Aug. 17): After reading this article I was reminded of how important the freedom of speech is in our country.

Now that the 119 people have had their chance to speak, please step aside and allow the vast majority of the citizens of San Diego County to exercise their freedom.

We believe in science, our health experts, protecting the health of others, the rule of law and the freedoms rooted in our Constitution. But we wont broadcast those beliefs by screaming at elected officials, or by making veiled threats to them or others who dont believe the same way.

John SilcoxSerra Mesa

A vocal minority is holding the rest of us hostage. As they argue about personal choice and refuse to get vaccinated, businesses cant make long-term plans, schools are attempting to open safely without putting vulnerable children in danger, and arts events are struggling to return.

The irony is that those of us who got vaccinated are providing some protection to those who refuse to do so while they are putting us all at risk as they perpetuate this pandemic.

Susan SchockMira Mesa

I was stunned when I read the article about people being so angry about wearing masks and getting vaccinated. I just sat in disbelief. I do not understand how people can think stopping a deadly virus is taking away their freedom.

They seem to want to live life like they did two years ago.

That, for a fact, is not happening. Just recently I went to the emergency room with COVID-19-type symptoms (even though I am vaccinated) and fortunately I tested negative.

The nurse in the ER said eight people died the day before from COVID-19 and none were vaccinated. Unmasked, unvaccinated people are foolishly pulling us back into the dark ages when misinformation ruled over science.

No one is taking away your freedom. You are taking away your neighbors, familys or friends freedom by exposing them to a deadly virus. Get vaccinated and live.

Rev. Abigail AlbertPoway

Re COVID-19 isnt just bad for physical health. The pandemic hurt us emotionally, too. (Aug. 19): Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

The anti-mask/anti-vax demonstrators have not studied their history or they would know that at least as far back as the 12th century government officials recognized their responsibility to control the spread of epidemic diseases in the centuries before viruses were identified and vaccines were developed.

When the only way to stop the spread of infectious diseases was to isolate the patient and their family community doctors and law enforcement were sent to nail quarantine warning posters on a home. In some cases like tuberculosis, the patient could be taken against their will to a remote sanitarium to protect the rest of the community.

During the black plagues entire villages were isolated for up to a year.

It is time for residents to stop thinking of themselves as islands with no impact on the rest of us. We all want to go back to normal but the old normal does not and will never exist as it was.

Carol GendelSan Marcos

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Anti-vaxxers have free speech, but the majority rules - The San Diego Union-Tribune