[Regarding “No Way to Live in Land of the Free,” June 10, Xpress]: Yes, we live in the land of the free and as such, you, Gardner Hathaway, are free to make a decision concerning your own health and welfare. You imply that your civil liberties (all inclusive) have been curtailed for no appropriate reason, and this situation has resulted in more harm than the COVID-19 virus. To say that the lockdown has caused more jeopardy than the virus is simplistic and may I posit, ridiculous.
As an “at-risk person,” I am grateful that an effort has been made to minimize my risk, but I’m also concerned for those other than myself. How about you?
— Margot Kornfeld Asheville
SHARE
Thanks for reading through to the end…
We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.
We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.
About Letters
We want to hear from you! Send your letters and commentary to letters@mountainx.com
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.
6 thoughts on “Letter: Freedom vs. reducing coronavirus risk”
Dopamina
If there is one positive outcome from this pandemic, it’s that people have shown their true colors.
People who flout rules around containing the virus hopefully will be ostracized as dangerous and selfish individuals even after this pandemic ends.
If you cant be bothered to do something as simple as cover your nose and mouth so you don’t accidentally infect someone with a virus that could kill them, well I don’t think it’s unreasonable to apply a moral judgment and say, at least in this case, that they probably aren’t a good person.
1
Lou
Exactly…these people and their “give me freedom or give me COVID” slogan is not only dangerous, it’s downright ridiculous. They are sad little people with no respect for anyone, not even themselves.
NFB
FYI: I will no longer be paying any attention to posted speed limits. This is a personal decision as speed limits infringe of my rights to do as I please. I will also ignore stop signs traffic lights and will drive on whichever side of the road I want. If I feel like it, I will drive on the sidewalk because I have paid for them with my taxes and laws prohibiting my driving on them violate my freedom to do whatever I want. Why should I be considerate of other people? Freedumb now, and forever!
1
James
Bravo. Your comment shows just how insanely ridiculous those people are who complain about personal rights being trampled on. Every society has laws and rules designed for the good of everyone. Without them, we have anarchy.
Lou
They are upset because for the past 3.5 years they have finally felt in control of their world and now, with all the insane incompetence demonstrated by their golden orange god, they are hanging on desperately. Until we rid our country of the danger of white male supremacy, we are going nowhere but down.
Lou
Very few people actually do pay attention to posted speed limits…illustrated by the constant supply of roadkill. Innocent animals losing their lives because human beings in general, really suck.
If there is one positive outcome from this pandemic, it’s that people have shown their true colors.
People who flout rules around containing the virus hopefully will be ostracized as dangerous and selfish individuals even after this pandemic ends.
If you cant be bothered to do something as simple as cover your nose and mouth so you don’t accidentally infect someone with a virus that could kill them, well I don’t think it’s unreasonable to apply a moral judgment and say, at least in this case, that they probably aren’t a good person.
Exactly…these people and their “give me freedom or give me COVID” slogan is not only dangerous, it’s downright ridiculous. They are sad little people with no respect for anyone, not even themselves.
FYI: I will no longer be paying any attention to posted speed limits. This is a personal decision as speed limits infringe of my rights to do as I please. I will also ignore stop signs traffic lights and will drive on whichever side of the road I want. If I feel like it, I will drive on the sidewalk because I have paid for them with my taxes and laws prohibiting my driving on them violate my freedom to do whatever I want. Why should I be considerate of other people? Freedumb now, and forever!
Bravo. Your comment shows just how insanely ridiculous those people are who complain about personal rights being trampled on. Every society has laws and rules designed for the good of everyone. Without them, we have anarchy.
They are upset because for the past 3.5 years they have finally felt in control of their world and now, with all the insane incompetence demonstrated by their golden orange god, they are hanging on desperately. Until we rid our country of the danger of white male supremacy, we are going nowhere but down.
Very few people actually do pay attention to posted speed limits…illustrated by the constant supply of roadkill. Innocent animals losing their lives because human beings in general, really suck.