Using our freedom wisely

The “cure can’t be worse than the virus” claim leaves out the fact that we have no cure. The lockdown and social distancing only address the spread of the virus. Our rural county has only two cases, but when travel resumes, people will stop at our local businesses and infect employees who will then infect their family and friends through social contact.

One rather insane idea is to open-up everything including the schools and let the virus run its course. The young and healthy will live and the old and vulnerable will die. America will have millions of deaths and eventually the virus will end with herd immunity. That’s the price of freedom for Americans to do what they want and when they want to do it.

Another insane idea is that we are going to die of something, so dying of the virus saves you from dying in a car accident or cancer. This is a form of statistical suicide. Rather than a drug overdose, just book a cruise on a ship or a long airline flight.

We need extensive testing for the virus so we can safely socialize. Anyone testing positive should self-quarantine and submit to contract tracing with additional quarantine. That’s all we can do until a cure or vaccine is found.

Your freedom shouldn’t depend on infecting me and causing my death. Public health requirements are necessary, and freedom is worthless if you are dead.

Pete Scobby

Newport