We just endured a pandemic in which we (100% of Americans) were compelled to comply with public health directives. The disease killed 0.3% of the population. I wore my mask, and a majority felt that compliance was the necessary and humane thing to do.
But some-as much as 45% of the adult population-felt very uncomfortable with having to comply, for whatever reason. But the rule was firm, and those who wouldn’t comply were shamed for their obstinance.
Over the same period, roughly 0.1% of the population died from drug overdoses, and roughly the same number are homeless with mental illness.
As a society, and morally and ethically sound individuals, we have to be consistent about what is best for public health.
Dangerous people living in squalor on public streets using dangerous drugs or failing to take the necessary medications to alleviate mental health disease is a public health problem-not an individual rights matter. It’s not fair to the people having to live near them, and it’s not fair to our society.
But some-as much as 45% of the adult population-felt very uncomfortable with having to comply, for whatever reason. But the rule was firm, and those who wouldn’t comply were shamed for their obstinance.
Over the same period, roughly 0.1% of the population died from drug overdoses, and roughly the same number are homeless with mental illness.
As a society, and morally and ethically sound individuals, we have to be consistent about what is best for public health.
Dangerous people living in squalor on public streets using dangerous drugs or failing to take the necessary medications to alleviate mental health disease is a public health problem-not an individual rights matter. It’s not fair to the people having to live near them, and it’s not fair to our society.