[8notes]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

From another mask thread, someone posted:

"While I will always agree that unchecked and unlimited government overreach is a threat to our liberty, there is precedent as well as a moral obligation for it to protect its citizenry from present danger. In particular, danger from other, uncaring and self centered citizens common in a free society founded on doing what is best for ourselves as individuals. Car insurance is a good example as are seat belt laws or wearing clothing. It has been argued especially by people who love to argue, that despite the obvious protections these provide , they are government overreach. Like masks, seatbelt safety was argued and often protested and still is to a lesser degree. Confirmation bias can be so stubborn in some people that it takes the experience of being ejected from a vehicle to accept the obvious albeit too late to make use of the wisdom. Refuting the obvious and stubbornness about simply wearing a mask is fun for people who love to argue. When pressed, would they send a loved one (which may only be themselves) into a room with a Covid patient without a mask? I doubt it very much. The truth is that not even stubborn, argumentative guardians of freedom can tell if someone in a restaurant has Covid. No disrespect and in good company, Ben Franklin once argued against vaccines until he lost a son to Small Pox."

Even though I don't necessarily agree with all that he said, it's a pretty good post overall, UNTIL.......the last line. Edward Jenner started his smallpox vaccine trials in 1796, Ben Franklin died in 1790

There was experimental smallpox inoculation the early 1700's and Franklin's son died in 1735. Franklin, in his autobiography, lamented not having his son inoculated.