Because I needed to get it out of my head. · 5:12am May 21st, 2020
Estee just wrote and published a story called Pandumbic, which is a story about an equivalent to Covid-19 being in Equestria, and The Flower Trio creating a very confusing and outrageous conspiracy around it. It's an entertaining story, and I suggest that you go read it.
I would also suggest you stop reading this particular blog.
Reading the story, I was reminded of the people in this video (warning, stupidity in the name of religion):
I was going to suggest that Estee write a story based on an idea like this: ponies refusing to protect themselves from the flu because they believe their faith will protect them. Then I remembered something: in Estee's continuity, Princess Celestia and Luna are seen as deities, with powers that they did not have. This is demonstrated quite sadly in the story, Blessing (seriously, really sad).
That would mean that there are ponies at there who believe that their religious belief in the princesses will keep them safe from the illness without any extra protection.
And if it didn't work? Well, they just didn't believe enough.
All very depressing.
‘They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.’ Benjamin Franklin
5266513
I know. And that's great. Alternatively, there's a church not far from me where they have (or were having, haven't checked lately) "parking lot sermons." Which was them having the sermons broadcast on radio, but the equipment was probably not very strong. So people could sit in their cars, safely distanced from each other, and listen to the broadcast. Not perfect, but a decent alternative for people who aren't used to computers.
5266433
Doesn't seem like a relevant quote to me, but since you brought it up:
To that end, I am fairly certain that Benjamin Franklin would also be inclined to follow the quarantine guidelines, and for trying to reduce the viral spreading. Also, while he may (or not, I don't know what he was like) be more politic about it, I'm sure he would be against these people gathering and risking their health in such a manner.
The point I was trying to make, and apparently doing a poor job of it, was that it should be left up to each individual's discretion how to live their lives. The thing that worries me the most about this pandemic is the apparent suspension of our 1st amendment rights. Once something like that is gone, it's very difficult to get back.
5266578
Notably, this is more along the lines of freedom of association, the bit people don't like to talk about because it amounts to the right to kick Nazis off of your site. Additionally, masks are primarily for protecting other people from your germs, meaning that leaving it up to individual choice is tantamount to legalizing assault.
5304343
If what you say is true, should not wearing a mask during cold and flu season be illegal? Should I be arrested if it could be proven that my cold germs were the ones that got another person sick?
So far, it seems the only people that should be required to wear masks are the elderly and those with preexisting conditions. The rest of us should be allowed to decide for ourselves if wearing a mask is neccessary.
Getting back to the original point of this post, the 1st Amendment allows people to "peaceably assemble". This includes gathering to protest, or gathering to worship the religion your choice. There's no distinction made by the Constitution. Any decision to gather or not should be left up to the individual citizen, not the government. My concern has always been about the precedent being set... the what if scenarios are nightmare inducing.
5305003
The point where you start talking about your inalienable right to endanger the lives of others is the point where it no longer makes sense to talk to you, because we clearly aren't actually communicating in any useful way.
5305015
And around in circles we go. I try to explain my position, and it gets dismissed and I'm accused of being some sort if "ist" or "phobe". I'd like to have a discussion, but that's impossible in this day and age. I get it, supporting the law of the land is no longer cool. How dare I quote the Constitution??? I must secretly want to kill everyone's Grandma! I'm a dangerous psychopath because I think it's a slippery slope to ban gatherings to protest or worship. I get it.
I don't know why I try anymore. People no longer are willing to entertain a viewpoint that challenges their own. Sorry for upsetting you with my scary opinions, I'll just see myself out. Good riddance.
5305175
Funny how I was basically saying the exact same thing but could pull it off in far fewer words.
5305288
A case of small minds having very little of value to say.
5305487
The person who can say the same thing in less words is the smart one; brevity is the soul of wit and all that. Not that I expect you to understand; we may both call it English and use most of the same words, but we aren't really speaking the same language. (I have a longer and more elaborate analogy, but it's wasted on anyone it actually applies to)
5305519
5305487
And I'm calling on you both to end it here. NOW.
5305592
Yeah, to be fair it should logically have ended several posts ago when one side claimed to be leaving.
5305592
My apologies. Trying to make a point, feel like I'm being personally attacked instead of having my point debated. I'm just so tired right now. I'll leave, I just wish I could get people to see where I'm coming from. God help us all, cause I dont think anyone else can at this point.