End of Democracy as we know it - part II

Another End to Democracy Blog Post

https://www.ozy.com/presidential-daily-brief/pdb-297754/speak-softly-297797/

In the linked article we have this paragraph:

“As authorities enact a raft of restrictions around the world to stem the spread of COVID-19, some are wondering whether those strict measures could end up stifling democracy. From Chile to Israel to Hungary, governments are deploying tools like military troops, mass surveillance and rule-by-decree to enforce order in these dark times. The U.N. rights chief says "a parallel epidemic" of abusive rule could be underway.”

Government “Rule-by-decree” is an interesting term.  In the Bill of Rights, in the first amendment, we have “Freedom of Religion”, Freedom of Assembly” and “Freedom of Speech”.

In effect, all of these have been trounced upon in the recent move to ‘survival mode’ in the United States.  In less than a week, my Jewish friends would be celebrating Passover, one of the most important events in their year.  Likewise, my Christian friends soon after that will be celebrating Good Friday and Easter.  

But, the government has limited gatherings to at most ten (unless there is a new update).  The church I attend would be full on Good Friday, and again on Holy Saturday and again on Easter.  But, in effect, the government is not letting me practice my religion.  

Yes, we have a major, world-wide crisis; and governments have (wisely) decreed that for the health of the nation and world, we should not practice our faith (except in isolation).

But, my faith “expects’ people to gather for these special events.  Worship is a community action.  Yes, there are televised services, but I will not be able to say “Happy Easter” in person to my friends.  

So, Freedom of Assembly has also been thwarted as we are not to have large group meetings. I can’t assemble with my fellow believers.

And, therefore Freedom of Speech is harmed, although not as much as Freedom of Religion or Freedom of Speech.  

Could I go to my county courthouse tomorrow with a sign “Government is stepping on my rights as a citizen”?  If there were people around, I could hand out flyers about freedom of religion and freedom of assembly.  Could the police come around and arrest me for (what) violating government-issued rulings?  

Okay, my understanding is that as soon as possible, governments will lift the rules.  We don’t know when that will be.  Can we celebrate Passover and Easter at different times than the historically set times for those observations?  

Yes, there are too many complications and unknowns.  If we lift all rules and sanctions and then the Coronavirus acts up and spreads again, will we be through back into isolation?  What if, to be on the safe side, the rules and sanctions are extended to (say) July 1st.  Hopefully, by then, the virus will be almost nil.  There are many issues with that - a country where many people will not have worked for four months (March, April, May, and June) will be in the midst of a terrible financial crisis.  Will banks repossess houses for lack of payment?  Or cars?  Can credit card companies keep extending us credit (to buy groceries and necessities) if we can’t pay it off?  

I have written about optimism, and about being positive - and I believe it.  But, on the other side of this will be many hurting people - in this country and abroad.

Let’s touch again on Freedom of Speech. Our technologies to protect us from terrorists have allowed some wire-taps and observation - even if a real crime is suspected - but not seen.  We have facial recognition that could tell the government who did gather for Passover or Easter worship.  Can a representative of the government stop by my apartment because of my writing this blog today?  Who knows.  I am not advocating violence or overthrow, but I do want the United States (and most of the world) to remember human rights (such as Freedom of Religion, Assembly and Speech) when this is all over - and fairly promptly.  

Will shall see - 

Hugs!!!

Karen