Letters to Editor 5-28
Regarding the groups of protestors and individuals who are defying quarantine and rules regarding masks, etc., other regulations, threatening governors, and Republican state courts and legislatures rescinding these public safety rules:
I recently saw a local posting on social media by an individual stating that he can do anything he wants because, in America, he is free to choose his beliefs and actions. He added that others who may disagree with him are also free to follow their own ideas act in accordance. Of course, this declaration caused me to ask, “If each individual can do whatever he or she wants regardless of how it might affect or impact others, isn’t that the very definition of anarchy and chaos?
Regarding the rights of individual/free speech, etc., vs. the common good, neither one is absolute, at least in a democracy. There has to be a balance. You aren’t allowed to yell “Fire!” in a crowded theater just because you might feel like doing it. The greater good usually trumps the rights of the individual. A person considered a danger to him/her self or others can be taken into custody and involuntarily hospitalized against their will under a “5150.” A lawbreaker can be involuntarily imprisoned for infringing on the rights and safety of the community. Public health and safety almost always supersede individual “rights” and desires. That’s the definition of what constitutes civilization and culture. That’s why we have laws, rules, and norms like traffic laws, open fire restrictions, fire & police depts., building codes, food safety inspection, vehicle safety inspections, driver’s licensing, curfews, etc. that the community expects everyone to follow, not just those who “feel” like it.
I understand demonstrating for civil rights or against the oppression of groups of people, etc. The purpose there is to benefit a larger group or community. The point here is, demanding YOUR right to possibly infect me and others, and the possible risk to the community where our behavior really does affect each other on an individual level betrays an immature sense of entitlement and lack of consideration and real care for others.
William E. Conti, PhD
Honolulu, HI
Please join me in supporting Joe Waltz on June 2nd
Joe Waltz has lived in our region for nearly fifty years, and he understands what matters to us and to our families, including attracting good jobs with decent pay and advocating for business growth in our area.
Joe’s commitment to our community and the residents make him the best choice for the 76th House of Representatives.
As a retired public school educator in Lock Haven, Joe understands how unfunded mandates hurt not only our public schools also our taxpayers. He will fight for quality and affordable education for all our children.
Joe supports the need to rebuild our infrastructure, including our roads, bridges and broadband internet. He is also a strong advocate for both a safe environment and for accessibility to affordable healthcare.
The bottom line is that common sense and compromise are the key to getting things done in Harrisburg and that is why Joe has recently been recommended by Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) for the 2020 Primary.
Please join me on June 2 in casting your ballot for Joe. We need to make sure our voices are heard is Harrisburg.
Mary A. Coploff,
President, PSEA Central Region Retired
