|
|
Two recent comments in the News Herald highlight the limits of me-first thinking.
In the 12-11-21 issue, a letter writer complained about people not being able to keep a job because they didn’t want to get vaccinated. I agree with the letter writer, that we should be able to choose whether or not to vaccinate—but only in the smaller context of your own life. You can choose to put yourself and your family at risk. In the larger context of community, it’s not okay to put people at risk who have no choice about being in contact with you. People who use health care or emergency services, or are incarcerated, have no choice about who provides their services. Thinking its okay to increase their risk of significant illness or death, just so you can have personal choice, is selfish.
In the 12-18-21 issue, Rep. Pete Stauber complained that the Forest Service did not consult business owners about the money they would lose if the number of BWCAW permits was reduced. Stauber is so fixated on the immediate loss of money that he can’t see the bigger picture. The Forest Service said they needed to reduce permits due to garbage, noise, erosion, overcrowding and over-use. In other words, the very resource that the outfitter economy is based on is being degraded. Reducing the number of permits helps to protect the long-term quality of the BW, and the income of outfitters. Stauber’s push to prioritize short-term profits over long-term sustainability is woefully short-sighted.
Cook County recently made the front page of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune (12-26-21). Anti-vaxers and Pete Stauber should take note. In the article we were highlighted as an example of what is possible when people put aside their egos and pull together as one. We have the highest Covid vaccination rates, and the lowest Covid infection and death rates, in the state! Our public health officials, volunteers and community members have put selfish concerns aside and come together for the greater good of all. Thank you, neighbors!
Jennifer Schulz,
Grand Marais
Leave a Reply