Beeber applauded for column, Thomas’ rejected

By Lethbridge Herald on February 9, 2022.

Editor:

I applaud Al Beeber for his weekly column in the Lethbridge Herald Feb. 5, Page A9, and reject our M.P. Rachael Thomas’s defence of “Freedom Convoy” on Page A6.

People who oppose mandatory masking and vaccination as the violation of basic human rights need to be reminded that the flip side of freedom is responsibility. 

 The so-called “Freedom Convoy” completely ignores the principle. They are not fighting for freedom. They are hostage takers of responsible citizens. 

 Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, who does not want to offend them, and Lethbridge MP Rachel Thomas, who thinks they are fighting for freedom, are misguided. Their argument ignores responsibility. Irresponsible fighters are dangerous.

Canada fought for the democratic freedom for the cause many people risked their lives and died for. 

They say no one can impose rules that violate the rights of personal freedom. Canada fought for freedom risking the lives of many citizens.

 However, in war, there are strict rules of engagement. Soldiers fighting to defend democracy must be the disciplined band of fighters. 

An unruly gang of free-spirited men and women do not make good freedom fighters and are dangerous. 

 In a war, soldiers do not have freedom to disobey orders and rules of engagement. Anyone who ignores the blackout order during the air raid, for example, will be prosecuted as saboteurs. The fight against COVID-19 is a war and a global emergency. We wear masks and vaccinate ourselves primarily to protect fellow citizens. 

Tadashi (Tad) Mitsui

Lethbridge