I am not a fan of shunning but I do believe that, in the event of public health threats, the need for quarantines is a valid one. This was true during epidemics in the past: polio, influenza, typhoid, measles (even today schools and universities close), chicken pox, etc. The idea that one individual can refuse to cooperate is appalling to me. Until we know more it is a small inconvenience compared to the risk of exposing hundreds of people to a disease we dont yet have resources to control. We have research that was left incomplete by budget cuts a decade ago. There are things that are problematic about Ebola containment. The hazmat suits can only be worn comfortably for about half an hour because they are extremely uncomfortable, heavy, and hot. Removing them is difficult to do alone. They dont stop pricks and leaks so fluids can get through them, and their bulk can make these difficult to notice. Symptoms dont always show for 21 days, so being symptomless at, say, 18 days doesnt mean you dont have it. I absolutely admire and honor those who choose to work in dangerous situations for the benefit of the public. Those who do so without expecting anything in return are even more worthy of our gratitude. This woman, however, seems to have an agenda of some kind. I suspect she wants to make the point that we should all be willing to risk our lives to save other people, a variation of the saint-wannabe complex we see from some who choose to endanger themselves to help others. These types use subterfuge and bullying to try to force others to engage in the same risk-taking they do. They seek accolades and they want to prove their own beliefs and opinions are superior to everyone elses. I admire their willingness to help; I dont respect their attempts to force everyone to take the same risks they do. Those with small children or other people dependent on them for caretaking, those whose health puts them at greater risk, those who simply dont want to take those risks...none should be forced to by the arrogance of someone who wishes to judge those of us who do not wish to or cannot risk their lives should not have to stay in our homes so one person can be free to potentially put us in danger. Shunning may be appropriate in this situation. Surely restaurants, grocery stores, public events, etc. should have the right to deny her entrance for the safety of their customers. Surely we should be made alert that she is nearby so we may avoid her. If she refuses to respect our rights to safety (life, liberty, etc), I dont think we need to respect her rights either.
Posted on: Thu, 30 Oct 2014 00:10:41 +0000
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