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Giving physicians coercive and unquestionable state powers in times of emergency is an agreement to simply subordinate politics to medical science, and that is a tacit admission that the modern concepts of "rights" are not ultimate but subjective constructs.
BC govt. has basically given all things COVID to our Public Health Officer. Sounds reasonable, until she starts making statements abt what does or does not infringe upon a fundamental freedom or when she starts trying to explain worship. It's obvious she's out of her field.
COVID is not just a health emergency. It is a political emergency. Calculations of risk must include physical health, but also the overall social impact as well as basic constitutional rights and the rule of law. The fact that it's complicated is exactly why it's politics.
The fact that the governing authorities don't seem to understand this calls into question their status as "experts." It's possible that they themselves don't know much about political theory, and they may indeed be making it up as they go along.
It's not wrong to notice that.
It's not wrong to notice that.
States of emergency are states of exception. This is a big deal in political theory. They must be used carefully, and there must be those who keep a vigilant watch. This is essential for a free society.
Canadians think that Americans are rebellious and self-centered. And they aren't wrong. But Canadians have their own problem. Most are quite happy to not have to care. They should.
BC's Provincial Health Officer put in a "temporary" measure which restricts freedom of religion. It forbids all in-person worship services (except for baptism, wedding, & funeral-- which are limited to 10 people max). Today she was asked if this will be extended and said "Maybe."
This means emergency powers are basically unilateral and without clear ability to appeal or check. There's not even transparency as to how they work and on what conditions.
Yes, COVID is a legit emergency. I'm a believer in that. But this is a legit unsound political set-up.
Yes, COVID is a legit emergency. I'm a believer in that. But this is a legit unsound political set-up.
Good citizens who love their govt. and society really should make a lot of noise and hold their govts's feet to the fire. To do so is not rebellious. It's necessary civic action for the common good.
We need better oversight, more coherent conversation, and more participation.
We need better oversight, more coherent conversation, and more participation.
This sort of subordination of normal political principles to "health" and "safety" is also connected to other legal controversies in Canada. The idea of justice and true civil rights are believed to be negotiable and less important than other factors. (Not good.)
