Every civilized society relies on a variety of fundamental pillars. The removal of just one of these pillars would result in the collapse of civilization into anarchy.
One of these pillars is the ability to coexist. To live alongside one another, to socialize, to interact, and to share the same spaces — often in compact conditions — without descending into madness.
In order for this to be achieved, it is necessary that we constantly find a reasonable compromise between each of our almost limitless number of varying preferences. In the context of COVID-19, one such example is the politically contentious issue of masks.
Setting aside the infuriating partisanship of our elected officials — such as some declaring that wearing a mask is a “patriotic duty” while others view masks as ideological muzzles — most of us have found a way to societally survive. For those who are pro-mask, many among us will accept that others don’t agree. For those who are anti-mask, many among us will accept that others don’t agree. We wear masks sometimes, and don’t wear masks during other times. No-one is delighted, but no-one is furious. And, more importantly, everyone can coexist.
The notion of vaccine passports, however, destroys our ability to coexist.
In the United Kingdom, for example, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has “given firm backing to the use of COVID passports,” and has “faced criticism from his own party over the proposed use of COVID certification in small venues such as pubs and restaurants,” according to the Guardian.
In the United States, New York is the first state to introduce its own “vaccine passport.”
“Starting Friday, New Yorkers will be able to pull up a code on their cellphone or a printout to prove they’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19 or recently tested negative for the virus that causes it,” USA Today reported.
“The first-in-the-nation certification, called the Excelsior Pass, will be useful first at large-scale venues like Madison Square Garden, but next week it will be accepted at dozens of event, arts and entertainment venues statewide,” the report continued. “The app, championed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to support the recovery of industries most affected by the pandemic, is funded by the state and available free to businesses and anyone with vaccination records or test results in New York.”
The obvious difference between a mask — a non-invasive and non-impactful piece of cloth — and a vaccine — a technically invasive and (like any medical treatment) potentially irreversible procedure — means that there is a far smaller “middle ground” to be found. It’s not like you can compromise on a medical treatment in the same way that you can begrudgingly wear a mask.
By requiring vaccine passports, people are being forced to make this compromise by holding our daily norms as ransom.
Want to re-enter the “new normal” society? All it will cost is your individual right to make your own medical decisions.
Ian Haworth is an Editor and Writer for The Daily Wire. Follow him on Twitter at @ighaworth.
The views expressed in this piece are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.