Freedom And Patriotism – The Transylvania Times – The Transylvania Times

A New York Times reporter recently interviewed a Missouri man who, like many Missourians, refused vaccination. Asked why, he responded in a word: freedom.

Liberal democracies are founded on the premise that nations flourish when freedom is maximized. Personal freedoms are limited, therefore, by only three categories of moral constraint. The first is basic human rights. We are not at liberty to physically harm others, incarcerate them without cause or steal their stuff. The second constraint derives from consent. If I sign a contract, make a promise or take an oath, my liberties are constrained by the terms of that contract, promise or oath.

Though many would disagree, the Missouri man expressed a sincere belief that his choice to forego vaccination harmed no one. And since he didnt consent to vaccination, his decision to remain unvaccinated seems morally permissible according to these first two categories of constraint.

But theres a third category. As philosopher Michael Sandel explains, we share a life story with family, community and country. We, therefore, have obligations of solidarity to family members (regardless of past wrongs), neighbors (even if theyre obnoxious) and countrymen (in good times and bad). This third category is where patriotism lives.

Typically, theres no tension between freedom and patriotism. Indeed, we often celebrate those who bravely assert their rights (Patrick Henry, Rosa Parks). Sometimes, however, patriotism means surrendering personal liberties.

During WWII and after 9/11, a spirit of sacrifice animated America. We accepted new restrictions (rationing, TSA screening) and stampeded military recruitment centers.

Today, theres a new threat to the Republic. COVID-19 has killed one in 500 of us.

Fortunately, we can win this war. As with smallpox, polio, and measles, weve developed weapons to crush the enemy: vaccines.

But theres one stipulation: vaccines protect populations (not just individuals) only if populations (not just individuals) get vaccinated. So, as in 1941 and 2001, freedom and patriotism are in tension. Our patriotic duty to protect our fellow Americans from harm requires a sacrifice of individual freedom.

Days after the interview, COVID-19 killed the Missouri gentleman. He died asserting his rights. His final stand, however, was tragically unpatriotic.

Roger Herbert

Brevard

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Freedom And Patriotism - The Transylvania Times - The Transylvania Times