Sacrifice: When viral threat ends, full rights will return

I am appalled by the people – a small minority, thankfully – who are actively protesting Gov. Jay Inslee’s stay-at-home order to slow the spread of coronavirus.

They wave American flags and state that their constitutional rights are being denied.

The right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” is not absolute. For instance, one doesn’t have the right to yell “Fire!” in a crowded theater, walk down Main Street stark naked or expose others to the coronavirus by one’s carelessness.

There are times when the rights of the community trump (no pun intended) the rights of the individuals. Far from being patriots, these protesters are jeopardizing everyone’s health.

These restrictions aren’t a move toward authoritarian government; it is a time for government to act decisively in our interests. The restrictions will disappear when the coronavirus threat does.

Sometimes sacrifice is required of us all.

This story was originally published April 30, 2020 at 10:16 AM with the headline "Sacrifice: When viral threat ends, full rights will return."