As a person who often addresses polarizing issues by trying to find a win-win middle ground, I have been frustrated of late by the widening divide that separates people in our culture. But there is one issue where both sides have shown a common commitment— to the freedom of the individual, in spite of actions which harm both that individual and the surrounding community.
In the case of those who refuse to receive a vaccine or wear a mask, individuals put themselves and anyone they interact with at risk of a deadly virus. Yet politicians and self-described libertarians claim the moral high ground, defending their actions as a basic right of an individual in a free country.
On the other hand, an unhoused person lives on the street, often with no access to hygiene or protection from theft or rape. Yet self-described homeless advocates, backed by the American Civil Liberties Union, support their choice to camp on the streets, despite the unsafe and unsanitary conditions and the detrimental impact on business, tourism and quality of life for community residents.
In both cases, supporters of individual freedom from the left and from the right are championing activities which are harmful for both the individuals whose rights are being championed and the greater community. The left and the right have finally found an issue upon which they can agree—individual freedom at the expense of the greater good of the community.
David Dickson, Portland
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September 20, 2021 at 08:02PM
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Readers respond: Individual freedom vs. common good - OregonLive
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