In Canada, we’re suffering through the erosion of the middle class, and now we’re experiencing the erosion of the middle ground.
Vaccinated…unvaccinated. Mass protection…personal freedoms.
The vocal minority – yes, people who have not been vaccinated are among the minority looking at the fact more than three out of every four people aged 12 and up in Ontario have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine – erupted last week when Premier Doug Ford said there would be a vaccine passport of sorts to give people access to places such as eat-in dining, theatres and bars.
If it is not an outdoor venue, the unvaccinated will not be allowed access, according to provincial officials.
It’s an effort to encourage the vaccine hesitant to end their personal debate and to come forward and get the jab. Judging by the immediate reaction locally following Ford’s announcement, it is having an impact.
But then you look online in social media. It’s a war out there. If people had the audacity to say such vitriol to each other’s faces, there would be fisticuffs.
We posted a graphic from the province outlining the fact proof of vaccination will be required at higher-risk indoor public settings. The anger that spewed forth was off the charts.
Sure, disagree with the provincial decree. That’s your right. But there is no need for cursing. All that does is raise everyone’s level of anxiety and does nothing to add to the debate.
If you don’t want to get vaccinated, that’s your right. The province is now saying you will not be able to access certain public areas as a result, to protect others.
You are protecting your rights, and the province is opting to protect the rights of everyone else; the majority. As we mentioned, more than 75 per cent of people aged 12 and up in Ontario are double vaccinated against COVID-19.
There really is no middle ground here, but there should at least be the opportunity for civilized discussion. Unfortunately, that too rarely is the case. People vehemently defend their belief structure and are debating with their ears closed and mouths open.
