The ongoing global pandemic has, as with many crises, revealed the best and worst in humanity. Our social media feeds are overflowing with uplifting stories—tales of kindness, community support, and the resilience of the human spirit. We see individuals sewing masks for healthcare workers, fundraising to provide meals for those in need, and medical staff going to incredible lengths to care for patients who are scared and isolated.
Yet, amidst all this positivity, there are also disheartening stories. For instance, groups of protesters gather in large crowds, often without masks, lamenting the inability to get a haircut.
This is the America we live in. On one side, we have healthcare professionals sacrificing their own well-being, separated from their loved ones to dedicate themselves to patient care. On the other, we have individuals lamenting their “enslavement” because they are confined to their homes, watching Netflix and snacking on chips.
It seems that simply venting frustrations in conservative Facebook groups about perceived breaches of freedom isn’t enough. Now, the trend is to hit the streets and protest against “dictatorship,” undermining the tireless efforts of the medical community to protect public health and combat COVID-19.
If you’re facing financial difficulties or are a small business owner fearing closure, your anxiety is completely valid. However, directing your frustration toward governors and mayors, who implement necessary precautions advised by scientists and medical professionals, is not constructive. It jeopardizes the progress we’ve made as a society. This behavior endangers not only your health but the health of the public.
Take Abby Thompson, for example. As a business owner, she too worries about her employees and the future of her establishment. But she also understands the grave reality of COVID-19, having recently listened to her father take his last breaths over the phone. “I felt my chest tighten, imagining your struggle,” she shared in a poignant Facebook post, highlighting the pain of loss and isolation.
To those protesting with anger: stay-at-home orders do not strip away your freedoms. Our leaders recognize the severe economic ramifications of extended quarantines and are working to save lives while aiming to return us all to a sense of normalcy. This can only happen if we do our part and remain at home.
Imagine if we rush back into the world, only to face a second, worse wave of infections. By gathering in large crowds to express discontent, you’re not only spreading misinformation but also the virus itself, prolonging the need for quarantine.
If you’re out there protesting for trivial matters like manicures or bar visits, you’re disrespecting the legacy of dedicated healthcare workers like Dr. Samuel Rivers, a surgeon who tirelessly aided others even while battling the virus himself. He, along with many like him, has made the ultimate sacrifice.
You may also want to reflect on the story of Kevin Harris, a hospital custodian who selflessly worked to keep the hospital environment safe, ultimately losing his life to the virus. His dedication reminds us that essential workers are the backbone of our healthcare system, working to ensure we can receive treatment when we need it most.
Just recently, a nurse named Lisa Green, who was only 29, tragically passed away after contracting COVID-19 while caring for patients. She left behind a young child and a heartbroken family. The harsh reality is that frontline workers are in desperate need of proper protective equipment, while some complain about wearing masks in public.
Despite the chaotic statements from our leaders, there’s no need to “liberate” yourself. You are still free. This “Land of the Free” allows you to seek medical help when needed, without the fear of being turned away. The nurse you encounter is there to save lives, so perhaps it’s time to reconsider your stance and stay home.
Moreover, the inflammatory tweets encouraging protests aren’t about your freedom; they are primarily aimed at winning votes for the upcoming election. Your well-being is not on their agenda.
Have you seen the federal guidelines advocating for social distancing? You should familiarize yourself with them, as they recommend not gathering in large groups even after stay-at-home orders are lifted. Given that we are still losing lives by the thousands, it’s clear that the conditions to safely reopen have not yet been met.
Lastly, let’s talk about the misuse of the term “slavery.” Such language trivializes the suffering of those who have truly endured oppression. You are not being forced into unpaid labor; you’re simply being asked to remain at home to protect yourself and others from illness and death.
In summary, as you protest against necessary health measures during a deadly pandemic, remember that your actions have consequences. Healthcare workers are risking their lives for you, and the least you can do is respect their sacrifices by following the guidelines designed to protect public health.
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