Facts from 2021

In September 2021 I published the article below. I leave it in its entirety for you to read. I stand by what I said then, and in the light of recent developments, I want to nail my colours to the mast for all to see. The President alluded to the possibility of compulsory vaccinations and vaccine passports, but no progress has been made in 20 months. I would like to see the COVID-19 vaccinations be made obligatory. Many vaccination and immunizations are already mandatory, and they have been effective. I want access to public places, gatherings, flights, and other transportation limited to those who are fully vaccinated and have the Vaccination Passport.

We all have rights

1. If you have a valid driving licence and a roadworthy vehicle, you have the right to drive on a public road. 2. You have the right to walk through public places like shopping malls. 3. You have the right to live wherever you want to live. 4. You have the right to procreate and have children. 5. You have the right to freedom of expression.

Limitation of rights

1. Your right to drive is limited to 120 km/h on an open road. 2. Your right to walk through a public place requires you to wear clothes. You may not be naked. 3. Your right to live where you choose does not give you the right to imprison anyone or to manufacture illegal drugs in that dwelling. 4. Your right to procreate does not give you the right to rape your children or procreate with them. 5. Your right to freedom of expression does not give you the right to use hate speech and certain prohibited words.

Your right to freedom can be limited by locking you in a jail cell if you exceed the limitations set on your rights and commit any of these criminal acts.

Anti-vaxxers’ rights?

Anti-vaxxers claim the right to choose bodily integrity and to not be vaccinated. But they stick to narrow, mostly emotional arguments, and often false information. They argue smugly that one can still get the disease and transmit the virus when vaccinated. They introduce such obfuscation while ignoring the proven advantages of vaccination. The science and the records are abundantly clear. People who are vaccinated are less like to be infected and if they are, they are likely to have milder symptoms. They are less likely to be hospitalized, are unlikely to end up in ICU, and have a significantly lower risk of death. Vaccination can save your life.

The real rights of anti-vaxxers

Yes, they have the right to choose to increase their risk of infection and death. Yes, they have the right to inflict emotional pain and suffering on those who loved them, when they die from COVID-19. They have the right to pay higher premiums for insurance. See here and here. Now anti-vaxxers are threatening to boycott businesses that won’t let them in without a vaccination certificate. Yes – they have the right to be aboundingly illogical. Yes – they can choose to act like arseholes.

From September 2021 – – Words are important

To vaccinate is important. How we use words is important. We are dealing with the vitally important matter of vaccinating against a very real and dangerous killer virus. Social media is flooded with pictures of people boasting about having “got the shot”. Or those proclaiming proudly that “I had my second jab”. It all seems like fun and, importantly, it might even motivate some people who are vacillating, to decide to get vaccinated against the Covid virus. Mostly that is the end of that.

Anti-vaxxers are vocal

Anti-vaxxers on the other hand are vociferous. The statement, and the use of the double XX, sounds more powerful than the shot and jab. Notwithstanding the plethora of science, they sprout emotionally unscientific rubbish. Is this a confirmation of the cliché that “Empty vessels make the most noise”? Anti-vaxxers protest around the world. Not unlike extremists and terrorist groups, it might seem.

Micro chips and animal medication nonsense

The notion of micro-chips in the vaccine is so preposterous that it might warrant admission to a psychiatric hospital. I love the recent Bill Gates meme of “Putting the micro-chip in a medicine for parasites in horses was a stroke of genius.” Generally, the anti-vaxxers are the same people who are ingesting that animal medication. It might be true that no one has died from this. An unexpected consequence is that legitimate sales have skyrocketed (making the pharmaceutical companies richer) and the black-market criminals are making a killing.

Weak language isn’t fun – It could kill

Why do those who are right and are vaccinated use such weak language? Fun is not the objective. Big smiles don’t help. Being vaccinated is important, and if you have been vaccinated then proclaim so, loudly and proudly. Using words like “shot” and “jab” simply demeans the process and leaves the door open for those silly ANTI-VAXXERS with the stronger sounding statement to be better heard.

Those against the vaccination cite freedom of choice as their right. Yes, it is – but – the community has an equal right to be protected and have good health. There are more pro-vaccination people which makes our rights stronger.

Vaccine passports? I want mine

Last night (Sunday 12 September 2021) the President avoided announcing that the cabinet might make vaccinations compulsory, but he did talk about a Vaccination Passport. I agree with that sentiment. Those who, against all good science, resist being vaccinated endanger the lives of others at any gatherings. Churches, funerals, restaurants, flights etcetera should all be barred to those anti-vaxxers.

And now?

What can we conclude? Without any shadow of a doubt, it is both essential and intelligent to vaccinate against Covid-19. Will we overcome the problem? Yes – as soon as the anti-vaxxers see the light and the truth and are vaccinated – or die. Either way, we pro-vaccination promoters, win. Hopefully soon so that our health workers can rest. So that our economy can return to great health. So that those who can and those who must, are permitted to travel freely internationally. So that those who consider face-lifts and boob jobs as essential surgery, can proceed with their fantasies.

DISCLAIMER: Don’t get your knickers in a knot. These are my views. Whilst many will agree, these are not necessarily the views of Safrea or their members.

Original September 2021 article edited by Iza Grek. Visit her website A Word or 2

Find more articles by Peter here on the Safrea Media Hub

Find more articles by many talented creators and contributors to the Safrea Chronicle. Here is information about the Southern African Freelancers’ Association and where you can Find a Freelancer