Final Word from Monday, November 23, 2020

The covid crisis has forced Europe to revise its values. The old values of human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law and human rights have been superseded by health, which wasn't even on the old list. Health now comes first and justifies suspending rights, locking down businesses and essentially closing borders. Potentially unhealthy Europeans (those who haven't been tested or who test positive) are subjected to indignities, unfreedoms, inequality and suspension of their rights. "Health first" will soon be used to encourage people to get a covid vaccine that was rushed through the testing and approval process. Those who decline will have difficulty getting employment, traveling or participating in what used to be regular acts of citizenship. All will be forgiven, though, if the nonconformist gets a shot and a covid passport that tracks all of his or her activities. A similar idea has worked exceedingly well in China. They call it a social credit system. [ Czech Republic Commission covid-19 Chinese vaccination ]