After reading a few "opinion" columns that chastise patriots as monsters because we want our struggling state to open, I have a few thoughts. (In particular of this op-ed. https://tucson.com/opinion/local/philosophy-prof-peter-vernezze-pondering-how-to-weigh-covid-19-decisions/article_6bb6ffa2-f191-5e97-8117-53036f93ff0e.html )
The writer of this opinion piece is critical that we, the "end-the-lockdown" crowd, are utilitarian and have no regard for human life and that we think the "suffering of a few may be necessary for the happiness of the many. In fact, the additional deaths will largely be among those who currently are more likely to die from the virus: the elderly, the physically compromised, low-income workers and the minority community."
The second group (call them the “keep-America-safe” group) points out the ethical peril in lifting lockdown for economic reasons in an abrupt manner causing random citizens as well as the infirm to die. From where is he getting this crap? Do they think we are all going to run out into the streets shoulder-to-shoulder and breathe on each other?
I, being part of the end-the-lockdown crowd, do not plan to get anywhere near the elderly, physically compromised, low income workers and minority community. And if I were part of the low income workers and minority community I would be thoroughly insulted at the insinuation that I would be somehow more likely to fall ill because of my income or minority status. Poor people and minorities can stay just as clean and healthy as the rich or majority populations.
The end-the-lockdown crowd is capable of empathy as we have families, children, grandparents who fall into these compromised groups. We also have friends and hungry families who are being economically devastated by the lockdown. This critical assault on our ethics and values is totally unfounded. Wow. Just wow. How sanctimonious.
The end-the-lockdown group is a fearless and intelligent citizenry who take their personal responsibility seriously and would never jeopardize the elderly or infirm. The compromised citizens would not participate with the end-the-lockdown group, out-and-about socializing it up, because their instinct to survive would prevail and compel them to stay at home. The end-the-lockdown group will be the first to protect your rights, freedoms and yes, even strongly suggest that you stay home if you are fearful and infirm. We don’t want to be responsible for your irresponsibility.
The author declares, "It is bad enough to sacrifice some of our citizens. To sacrifice the most powerless is a moral stain we will carry for generations." Over critical accusations such as these are projections of the authors own issues. I’m sure he’s thinking of how his family and friends will perceive him down the road as pontificating, insufferable and inefficacious.
Wanting to end-the-lockdown is not being selfishly utilitarian. It is being morally and empathetically aware of everyone's needs; social, economic, health and general morale of the state. I say let each one of us be personally responsible for our own decisions and lifestyle choices. Stop this divisive, overbearing, Machiavellian mind-f----k you are trying to play on Arizona and get back in your house.