Similar Posts
Celebrating Values: Dr. Zeena Shelal
In February 2021, Dr. Zeena Shelal’s husband, Sam, was diagnosed with COVID-19. His condition soon deteriorated and in mid-February he was admitted to the hospital. Over the next two weeks, Sam’s condition grew worse. Zeena was told that his condition was critical and that Sam might not survive. On March 9, Sam was discharged from…
The Burden of Proof
Imagine for a moment what would happen if the government declared, “Since every individual has the potential to commit a felony crime, we are going to incarcerate everyone.” There would be outrage, protests, and defiance. “That is unjust,” the protestors might proclaim. “You are treating innocent citizens the same as actual criminals.” Yet, in principle,…
Why the Lock Downs Haven’t Worked
When the lock downs were first enacted, we were told that it was a necessary step to “flatten the curve.” If everyone stayed home, spread of the coronavirus would slow. Eight months later new cases are now hitting 200,000 a day (versus less than 30,000 a day when the lock downs started). Clearly, the lock…
Wearing a Mask can be Selfish
Philosopher Ben Bayer rejects the common notion that refusing to wear a mask is inherently selfish. In fact, he argues, wearing a mask is often the selfish thing to do. The problem, he says, arises from a widely held misconception about the meaning of selfishness. But if selfishness also means the dedicated pursuit of one’s…
When the Voluntary Isn’t
On March 25, the Austin Police Department (APD) issued a statement that declared that Austin’s “Stay Home, Work Smart” order “is NOT a mandatory lock down.” By implication, that which is not mandatory is voluntary. Indeed, the statement goes on to say that APD’s goal is to gain voluntary compliance. However, APD then declares, “if…
Whatever it Takes
A growing number of European countries are requiring anyone going into public to be vaccinated. Switzerland, for example, prohibits the unvaccinated from eating in restaurants, attending concerts, or going to the gym. Austria will make vaccination mandatory on February 1. These measures have broad public support. The vaccinated majority sees the unvaccinated minority as an…