Erring on Safety -- COVID 19 Liberty and Responsibility

When the COVID-19 pandemic finally leaves us and all the self-isolation measures are lifted, we will each ask ourselves if we acted in good faith to stop the spread of the deadly disease. The answer to that question will be extremely revealing of each person's compassion and concern for their fellow human beings.

Those who erred on the side of safety will not regret their overly protective actions. Instead, they will rest assured that they followed restrictive directives with the best interest of others in mind. Although these charitable individuals will never know if their timely actions actually saved lives, they will rest peacefully with that subjective assurance.

Doing the right thing during a health crisis is less dependent on government rules and regulations than on personal responsibility. Along with the liberty we Americans cherish also comes specific responsibility. If we don’t commit to these charges in tandem, we risk losing them both. We all rely on the responsibility of other citizens to police themselves and to protect not only themselves but also their society. In that manner, personal choice also protects individual freedom.

“Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly,

while bad people will find a way around the laws.”

– Plato

We need to understand that executive orders, recommendations, and policy decisions made by elected officials were enacted after tremendous reflection, studious debate and the best interests of all citizens in mind. Most elected officials have recognized no perfect course of action is available; however, they also realized they must err on the side of doing too much and restricting too much, rather than doing too little with fewer restrictions.

Still, some of us refuse to make sacrifices for the common good.

By our American birthright, we naturally resist limitations to our freedoms. Yet, we should not assume our defense of personal rights supersedes the health and welfare of others, especially in these dangerous time. In the threatening turmoil and disruption caused by the virus, some forget real and present threats to their fellow humans. That is unacceptable. Their actions endanger countless others.

We must understand that restrictions on some rights can be justified when these orders have a legal basis, are strictly necessary, are based on scientific evidence, and are neither arbitrary nor discriminatory in application. We must remember these restrictions are of limited duration, respectful of human dignity, subject to review, and proportionate to achieve the objective.

We live in unprecedented times when a worldwide pandemic has quickly and severely altered our lives. The prize of freedom that lies before us is best attained through strict measures to insure the health and safety of all. That focus rests in the comfort of knowing we are going through this battle together … and that we are all willing to do the best we can. May your soul rest assured on that glorious day of liberty – the day COVID-19 is relegated to history.

Invictus

By William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.