Mixed reaction to Freedom March in Kincardine

To the Editor:
RE: “Crowd braves cold and snow for Freedom March through downtown Kincardine”

Thank you so much for running the article on the Freedom March in Kincardine.

I don't know how they organized or advertised for this event as I didn't know about it or I would have been there. I know there are some nay-sayers to this event and they also have a right to express their opinions, isn't that what "freedom" is all about?

Kudos to all those who participated in this Freedom March. I’m very proud of all of you, you deserve a lot of support from the area!

And, just in case you missed it, here is a great tribute to our truckers standing up for Freedom and Canada. Maybe you could run some stories on this massive event taking place that many are unlikely to see on their "TV."

www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=aqb66HijgT0&ab_channel=TributetoCanada&fbclid=IwAR1EkJNT5f8T0BK9ud95kNHF8aL-e0_93y-Eff0x_EoqfFkOZh3s93LW44U

The solidarity of these hero truckers has brought so much inspiration and hope to all people, not just Canadians. So proud of them for making this stand!

Thank you,
Cathy Hall
Ripley
 

---

To the Editor:

I’m curious about the mind-set of the vocal and “misunderstood: vaccine protesters. Methinks they doth protest too much.

Unless they’re living off the grid and eking out an existence under a rock, I assume they’re enjoying the numerous benefits we all enjoy or can expect to attain - child tax credits, CPP, employment insurance, maternity benefits, a passport, a driver’s licence, a hunting licence, health care etc.

The hypocrisy is blatant and embarrassing. Either you trust your democratically-elected government or you do not. You cannot on the one hand take advantage of the goods and services made available to you and your family, and on the other hand scream about your distrust and outrage when you’re asked to be a good citizen, and undertake a few simple steps to protect those in your community.

Well, you can, but the hypocrisy is lost on no one, except yourselves.

You’re quite content to take what benefits you, from the government you claim is stomping on your rights. Why is that?

Jennifer Allen
Belleville
 

---

To the Editor:

I would like to address the comments made by the anti-vaccine march organizer.

"We cannot allow our inalienable human rights to be re-packaged as human privileges, to be conditioned upon compliance with authoritarian-mandated vaccine passports,” she said. “Any mandates that are violating informed consent must be stopped, through legal and public push-back.”

1. In a civilized society, you largely have privileges not rights. You do not have the right to enter private homes or businesses. This is a privilege that can be revoked at any time. Ever heard “no shirt, no shoes, no service”? Business owners have the right to set the rules. If you don’t like it, don’t go there. Don’t want to wear a mask? Don’t go places that require them. Ninety per cent of Canadian adults are vaccinated. What business owners in their right minds would want to alienate 90 per cent of their customers to placate a few vocal troglodytes who treat them and their staff like garbage? None would be the answer.

2. The person quoted apparently has no idea what “informed consent” means. This is the right to refuse medical intervention without consent. You have that right. No one is holding you down to put a needle in your arm. That’s your choice. It does not mean you can do what ever you want because you don’t give consent. Can you drive a car without a licence? No. Can you refuse to get a driver’s licence and, therefore, not have the privilege to drive? Absolutely.

“We have had our bodily autonomy violated by mask mandates, restricting our ability to breathe and speak freely,” said Blake. “All mask mandates must end.”

3. This one made me laugh. A piece of paper over your mouth (unfortunately) does NOT violate your freedom of speech or ability to breathe. God knows we're all sick to death of your freedom of speech. The whining never stops. So don’t pretend your freedoms are being infringed on when such a small minority of the population has the right to drive the rest of us crazy with your constant screaming and complaining; and your rude, sometimes violent, and utterly infantile treatment of medical staff, business staff and anyone else you don’t agree with.

If you’re not happy with the way the federal/provincial/municipal governments have handled this public health crisis, vote them out.

I have a great deal of sympathy for small businesses struggling through this pandemic and the obvious inequity of rules between small businesses and large employers. I have been supporting my community businesses all I can though this nightmare and intend to voice my displeasure with my vote in the next election. I suggest you do the same.

Mollie Liddle
Kincardine