Privacy and Security - Part I

The never-ending debate - Freedom versus Security

For years, the concept of freedom and the concept of security has been pitted against each other.  

In our current situation, the government has pushed the concept of security at the expense of personal freedom.  

I am to wear a mask if I go out in public, I am to stay at home and “shelter-in-place”.  I am to remain at least six feet away from others or I may get their germs (or they may get mine).  

To me, I envision someplace in the middle - but, I cannot control that world.  I can only control my own life.  I have the power to “choose” - but only for me.  I cannot force you to go to a packing plant (where COVID-19 has flourished), or to a senior/nursing home (where there are weak and vulnerable people and also where the virus has flourished.  But, I can ‘kind of’ choose for myself. Okay, I really can’t - as they would turn me back at the packing plant if I arrived and wanted to inspect it.  Even in days past, who wanted to tour a packing plant?  Likewise, these days, if I wanted to go to a nursing home, I would most likely have to press a button to be allowed in (or type in a security code).  Even in the past when I did visit a nursing home for my church, I had to get admitted.  

So, what does freedom mean to you?  To go where you want to go and do what you want to do?  

Maybe not.  I want to go to the busiest highway and just park my car in the middle of the center lane and wander around - that would be freedom wouldn’t it?  Or, I want to walk into a theater and yell “FIRE” - that would be freedom wouldn’t it?  There are things against most human norms and conventions.  Can I go into an XYZ church and yell “You are all going to hell”? 

Am I free to take a gun with me to a school and wave it around?  Okay, some people are - legitimate professionals in some states and some circumstances - but even then with some constraints - like it must be in a holster and with the safety lock engaged.

Can I go wandering on the streets around my home?  Can I go to a park and walk?  Can I go to a grocery store or other store (assuming they are open)?  Generally!!  Can I get drunk at home if I desire?  Sure (but why?).  Can I get drunk at a bar and then drive home while intoxicated?  No (maybe not so much for my security - but for other people’s safety).  

But, one thing I think we need to consider is “how much” security and for how long can it be enforced by governments.  Can my government fine me for not wearing a mask in public?  Can my government force me to stay inside in self-quarantine? 

Am I voluntarily consenting to isolation because it is a good practice in these challenging times?  Or am I consenting to isolation based on legal requirements?  I recognize that there are protestors who are flaunting the isolation principles 

The First Amendment to the Constitution states:

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

If I peaceably assemble with others at a store (or a church or a gym or a bar or a park) but not following the self-distancing concepts - with hugs - touching and closeness - that should be the right to assemble coupled with the freedom of speech.  

Yes, my actions may lead to my death.  If I sign a consent form that my actions may cause death is that okay?  Can it be like smoking and the cigarette package says “Smoking can cause cancer, heart disease and more” but I choose to smoke - am I exercising my freedoms as compared to being required not to smoke?  

The dilemma is there - where do freedom stop and health restrictions begin?  From a recent news article from Dallas:

“Shelley Luther was booked in the Dallas County jail on Tuesday following a video hearing during which she refused to apologize for repeatedly flouting the order, leading the judge to find her in contempt of court and sentence her to a week behind bars.

“Luther was cited last month for keeping her salon open despite state and local directives that kept nonessential businesses closed, but she continued to defy the order and tore up a cease and desist letter in front of TV cameras.

She was defiling ‘state and local directives’.  Is this civil disobedience?  Is this stupidity?  

The other day I got my haircut at a salon academy (i.e. beauty-school).  I wore my mask as did my beautician as I had been told on the appointment phone call.  They had moved all of their stations to be a goodly distance apart.  I felt really safe - until I finished and left.  It must have been break time for the students as there were two picnic tables outside the building - maybe so you could have three people on one side (of twelve total), and there were probably twenty to twenty-five there - talking, sipping beverages.  It seemed to negate the strict mask and distancing that was inside the building.  But, these were generally younger people - maybe upper teens to low twenties - and probably very healthful students - and having fun and freedom.  

Some states have had rallies on the capitol building steps protesting the rules and regulations.  But, most have ‘buckled down’ in trying to be good citizens.  (And, I’ve even touched and hugged friends - please don’t report me - I’m pretty sure I am ‘clean of the virus’!!.

So, a tough call.

Tomorrow we’ll look at another (very interesting view)!!!

Hugs!!!

Karen