With COVID-19 still making its rounds throughout the world, mask and vaccine mandates, social distancing and reduced indoor capacities are continuing to be enforced regionally. 

  Recently, President Joe Biden announced vaccine mandates for all federal workers and for employees of private businesses with more than 100 workers. For the private businesses, a $14,000 fine will be posted for each violation, or in other words, per unvaccinated person. As of Sept. 15, 27 states have declared that they will be fighting this mandate in court, including the state of Missouri. Governor Parson has issued a statement saying that he believes this mandate is unconstitutional. 

  Several Ivy League schools have required students to be vaccinated, including Princeton and Yale. Many of those schools are facing lawsuits by students who were denied entrance because of their vaccination status. Whether students get vaccinated or not should be the choice of the students.

  Currently, Johnson County has not reinstated a mask mandate and county officials have not said anything about requiring vaccines. UCM’s policy requires students, faculty and staff to wear masks inside buildings but so far has not required vaccination. This news has come as a great relief to me, as someone who believes in individual freedom of choice.

     While vaccines are scientifically proven to be effective and are known to be helpful, each individual should have the choice to get one. For example, the annual flu shot is said to be helpful in fighting against the yearly change in the flu strain. Some people, and especially those who are immunocompromised, have found comfort and protection from these vaccinations, however, the flu vaccine has never been mandated to enter hospitals, schools, restaurants or to board flights. 

  Moreover, the COVID-19 vaccines are still under trial and only one, Pfizer, has been FDA approved as of Sept. 15. There have been numerous reports of unfortunate results from the vaccine, including allergic reactions, paralysis and death. Considering this, a vaccine without proper testing length and that has been reported to compromise the health of people should especially not be mandated. 

  The leading cause of death in the country continues to be cancer, heart disease and abortion, with statistics that outweigh the deaths from COVID-19. The vast majority of individuals who have died because of COVID-19 also had pre-existing conditions that were worsened by the virus, including diabetes and obesity. Of course, death is always sad and these individuals should be respected and their lives remembered, but at what point is it alright to use them as an example to take away everyone’s freedom to choose?

  The United States of America was founded on the principles of individual freedom. This country is supposed to be a safe haven for people who value the freedom to choose, but with vaccine mandates, where is that freedom? This is not about being selfish, this is about letting the government control people. If you want to ‘protect’ others by getting vaccinated and wearing a mask, you have the right to do so. Please exercise your rights as you see fit. That is the beauty of this country. But please, don’t tell me or anyone else what to do with our bodies.   

  Benjamin Franklin, a founding father of the United States, said, “Any society that will give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both.” Let those words serve as a reminder as you decide whether or not to relinquish your rights. Do not let this country become the tyranny we fought so bravely against over 200 years ago.