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Vaccine Imperialism
For months, there have been increasing demands for waivers for the intellectual property rights to COVID vaccines. Big Pharma, the argument goes, should share its knowledge and technology with anyone who desires it. To refuse to do so is “vaccine imperialism.” The failure to waive intellectual property rights is being blamed for the low vaccination…
Altruism’s ”Rebels”
As more employers are requiring employees to get vaccinated for COVID-19 or submit to regular testing, employees are fighting back with lawsuits. Among the most frequent reasons given is: “It’s my right to not get vaccinated.” On the surface, these individuals may seem to be altruism’s “rebels.” It is true that individuals have a right…
COVID and Self-interest
Writing for Forbes, Dr. Paul Hsieh notes that both the National Basketball Association and Disney World have been able to re-open and prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The key was rigorous testing, contact tracing, and isolation of the infected. The economic self-interest of both organizations motivated them to take precautions for employees, vendors, guests,…
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,…
The Unprecedented is the New Precedent
Last December, an Illinois representative introduced a bill to require unvaccinated individuals to pay the full cost of their health care if they contract COVID. The bill, which was quickly withdrawn when the sponsor was threatened with violence, would have applied even to those with insurance. One critic of the bill said, Let’s say that…
A Giant Leap Towards Dictatorship
To stop the spread of the coronavirus, governments across the nation have closed businesses and ordered citizens to stay at home except for “essential” business or activities. Gatherings of more than ten people or being within six feet of another person in public is now illegal in many jurisdictions. Freedom of trade, freedom of movement,…