What happens when health policy and politics collide?
I see an ad on TV advising me I should listen to the CDC and elected officials for how best to handle COVID-19. “Which CDC and which elected officials?” I ask under my breath. Should I listen to the CDC that has quite obviously been corrupted by election year politics, or local politicians who tell me mask wearing is a personal choice? An issue of personal freedom, many say.
Friday’s COVID number for Utah was 1,117 cases. Our state politicians appear to want to play into election year politics, largely guffawing any substantive measures to help our state stay healthy. I don’t buy the “personal freedom” argument at all. It is saying some group of people, no matter how large or small, has the freedom to make my personal health choices for me. We wear masks to protect others. One does not have an inalienable right to virtually force illness on others.
Wear a mask and vote this November for politicians who will take their sacred responsibility more seriously than the politics of the moment.
Frank Brannan
Salt Lake City