These days we hear much about rights, such as described by Bob Staples asking for society to “respect the right to refuse vaccine” based on “sincerely held religious objections” (“Respect the right to refuse vaccine,” Our Readers’ Views, Nov. 19). First, I know of no religion which is opposed to or prohibits its adherents from receiving a vaccine. Thus, his religious beliefs are personal.
Still, I can give him the respect he requests provided that he is ready to accept the consequences of his actions. So, would he be willing to completely isolate himself from others in order to avoid becoming infected? Would he pay for his own medical care? If he infects someone else, does he feel responsible for that person’s illness? If his actions result in others being denied a hospital bed, would he feel responsible?
With rights come responsibilities. If someone’s behavior results in harm to others, should they not be held responsible for that behavior? Most definitely so. Those who advocate the right to refuse the COVID-19 vaccine must consider how their “rights” would endanger themselves and others and then recognize that we are a nation of laws which are designed to protect its populace and benefit the common good.
