Consequences. Have we given enough thought to them? Especially in the light of current events? I read with alarm the reports nationwide of public protests against lockdown orders by governors and mayors. Press photos show protesters gathering in large, dense crowds with their signs and banners and flags. Few of the protesters are wearing face masks and in some places people are openly carrying firearms as part of their protests.
On one hand, the rights to free speech and public assembly are enshrined in our Constitution. The legality of governors and mayors attempts to outright ban that activity is, I think, questionable. Recommend limits, recommend social distancing, issue stay-at-home recommendations — sure, no problem. But mandating it under force of law? Again, questionable.
On the other hand, are the protesters doing the right thing by assembling now, in this time of a pandemic that is spread so very easily by simply being in close contact with an infected person? Knowing that the infection can race through a crowd and affect multiple people is something a person has to consider. And this is not the first time this has happened to our society. It’s only been 100 years since the Spanish flu blazed its way through the populace. I remember a few years back, wandering through the old cemetery in Seward, noting how many of the crosses were marked with 1918 as the year of their deaths. Then, as now, it was proven how large gatherings nationwide were the source of the rapid spreading of the contagion.
I have always maintained that I, as a parent, would have succeeded if I taught my child two things. First, that every thing you do, every action you take, has consequences. The consequences may be large or small, they may affect you or someone else, but there are always consequences. It is inescapable. And second, if you are going to commit the action, you must be willing to accept responsibility for the consequences of your actions.
— John Klapproth
Anchorage
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