We are now one month into the COVID-19 suppression lockdown. The goal of this suppression strategy is to ensure that the healthcare system does not become overwhelmed with gravely ill patients in order to prevent needless death. Since there is no vaccine, we are faced with a situation where everyone is at risk until either a vaccine is developed and widely administered or herd immunity occurs naturally, whichever comes first. Either way, it’s going to take time.
But the risks from COVID-19 vary. Some face substantial risk, to include likely death, while others face significantly less risk. Others more have already had the disease and face no further risk. Nevertheless, the federal and local governments have largely adopted an aggressive risk-averse strategy for everyone. All “non-essential” human activity is squelched. It is a given that such a policy introduces collateral damage. Depending upon one’s station in life, one could be faced with significant collateral damage. One could even face death.
In a nation of 328 million people and as many differing contexts, we have every right to demand more freedom and flexibility. Governments ought to protect those most vulnerable while recognizing the rights of others to function as they must. The Michigan protests, for example, were a push-back against Gov. Whitmer’s draconian and overly aggressive suppression strategy.
Some object to this push-back. I do not. I’d protect the freedom of people go to their vacation homes, making it clear that if they get gravely sick, they might not receive the best in care. I’d protect the freedom of people to ride in a motorboat or on a jet ski. I’d protect the freedom of hardware and home-repair stores to sell items “dedicated to carpeting, flooring, furniture, gardening, or paint.” I’d protect the freedom of people to access their risk and act accordingly. The right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness does not suddenly evaporate in a pandemic.
Let’s remember, it didn’t take a government edict for pro-sports leagues to cancel their seasons. My own family sheltered down well before we were ordered to, along with millions of others. Not everyone is an idiot, and whatever government orders, actual idiots aren’t suddenly going to disappear.
My family and I are going to remain in isolation in the face of my view of the risks, but I don’t begrudge anyone who concludes otherwise.
Nicholas Provenzo 