Whatever Happened to Freedom of Choice?

I promised that I wouldn’t talk about the COVID-19 pandemic anymore in 2021, but since the media likes to continue instilling fear among us and the government keeps milking the whole crisis, this led me to rant about a number of issues. If you have read my previous stories on Vocal last year regarding the pandemic, I was feeling depressed, overwhelmed, and exhausted (mentally and physically). I’ve been tired of continuing taking safety measures. Back in late June, I returned to work for the first time in over a year and a half and have since been fully vaccinated. It was good to not only see my coworkers again, but to get back to the swing of things after my daily routine was rudely interrupted last year. Here are my opinions about face masks and vaccinations.

Face masks have been a sensitive topic and a controversial one since the early days of the pandemic. I have to admit: I was adamant against wearing a mask, because it would make me look shameful and also, I didn’t feel the need to wear one because I was in good health. However, I wore one until I got both shots of the vaccine. Now that I’m fully immunized, I personally decided that I wasn’t going to wear one again, despite the CDC’s recommendations that everyone, including the fully vaccinated, should wear them in most indoor places. However, I would wear one if I’m taking public transportation, required by my place of employment, which is optional for now, or taking an Uber, but those are the only exceptions I’ll make. Other than that, I’m not going to be muzzled like a puppy. People have the right to mask or not mask up. Numerous school districts are either making masks optional for students in schools or making them a requirement. I’m a firm believer in letting people make decisions for themselves. It’s not my place to shame anyone for doing either one.

The second issue that’s also controversial is getting vaccinated and vaccine mandates in general. Many employers require their employees to get vaccinated or risk losing their jobs. If a person chooses not to get vaccinated, it shouldn’t cost them their careers. I can understand why many people are and still hesitant of the vaccines. Some say that it’s too new and need more time to think about receiving the vaccine. If you have a religious belief, disability, or a medical condition, then this story doesn’t apply to you. Just like masks, everyone has the right to get or refuse the vaccine. Also, most places are asking for proof of vaccination, which is absolutely ridiculous. It’s almost like having something branded on your arm to show that you’ve received both shots of the vaccine. To me, that’s an invasion of my privacy and everyone else’s. I see lots of lawsuits regarding this issue coming soon. If I’m fully vaccinated, then I shouldn’t have to prove that to anyone. My medical history is no one’s business. I don’t care what their reason is. I don’t feel comfortable sharing something that personal, especially in front of everyone.

For the record, I’m not responsible for other people’s safety. All I can hope for is that people will do the right things. Why should I be punished for other people’s carelessness? We are responsible for ourselves. I’m a die-hard Democrat, but it’s been so frustrating that the Biden Administration and these “health experts” keep dragging this crisis along. They want to lockdown this country again and not let us have any fun. We’ve been cooped up at home and isolated for the last 16 months. Most of us had been unable to see our friends and loved ones in person, until now. It’s time for us to move past this crisis and enjoy our lives again. If you’re feeling sick, please stay home. However, I don’t like the constant guilt trip the government and health experts are continuously trying to bring upon us. I, along with millions of people, have lives to live.

Wearing masks and getting vaccinated are personal choices that needs to be left to individuals, not to be forced by the government or health officials. We all know that cases have been rising for the last few weeks, but as much as the Biden Administration and health experts want to beg and plead to the unvaccinated to get their shots and take other safety precautions, we can make our own decisions. We’re Americans and are adults. Well, most of us are. We do not like being treated like children.

In closing, as I’ve stated earlier, I believe that everyone will act responsibly during this ongoing crisis. We’re tired of the government telling us what to do and how to take care of out health. They’ve done enough interfering already.

You can follow me on TikTok: @thecosplayerfromtexas. I’m always in need of new followers. Mention that you’ve found me on Vocal and I’ll follow back. Please check it out and enjoy my videos. Also, be sure to follow me on my other social media pages. The info to all of my social media pages can be found in my bio. If you enjoyed any of my articles, including this one, please feel free to send me a one-off tip, which is located at the end of every article. No tip is ever too big or small. It'll help me and other Vocal content creators to write better stories. Lastly, I encourage everyone to join Vocal+, a premium membership for Vocal content creators like myself to write better stories, connect with creators, and a lot more. So be sure to sign up for that membership and support your favorite Vocal content creators. Thanks in advance for your support of me and hopefully, I’ll see you on social media.