I have been an activist for freedom and for people’s rights all my life.
I understand, however, that there are places where my right to do something impinges on someone else’s health or safety.
Therein lies the problem with the anti-vaccine and anti-mask protests in Sequim and Port Angeles on Aug. 18.
Health care workers, like teachers, are closely involved with the people they work with.
These essential workers who choose not to vaccinate or not to wear masks are putting innocent lives at risk — often the most vulnerable lives.
Is a political principle worth putting children, the ill, the elderly at risk of infection by a virus that has proven to be deadly?
I don’t think so.
You wouldn’t either if the situation were reversed.
Here’s the deal: if you choose, and stand on your right to choose, not to vaccinate or to wear a mask, then you are also choosing not to work in any field where you are in close contact with others.
This includes, but is not limited to, health care workers, teachers, many others, actually a great many jobs.
It should also be mandated that people who choose not to follow the rules may not simply go on unemployment.
That’s the flip side of freedom: know the full extent of the choices you make.
Catherine Harper
Port Angeles