If the coronavirus has taught us anything it’s that there are two types of people in the world: those who still believe in the idea of personal freedom, and those who want to take it away.
Take the great mask debate, for instance. This has probably been the most heated argument in the nation preceded only by the presidential election. Americans have brawled in their local Walmarts because each side feels so strongly about their choice in the matter.
Now, with Thanksgiving creeping up, state officials are growing concerned that families gathering for the holiday will further spread COVID-19 and some extreme measures are being put into place around the country that could turn neighbor against neighbor.
Days before Thanksgiving, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said she believes residents who know their neighbors are violating the most recent round of COVID-19 protocols, which includes capping the number of people allowed in your home at six, should call the police.
“This is no different than what happens if there’s a party down the street and it’s keeping everyone awake,” Brown said in an interview Friday. “What do neighbors do [in that case]? They call law enforcement because it’s too noisy. This is just like that. It’s like a violation of a noise ordinance.”
The restrictions, known as a freeze, were implemented this week via an executive order by the governor. For the next two weeks in Oregon, and four weeks in Multnomah County, residents are banned from eating out at restaurants and going to the gym, among other restrictions. Social gatherings in our homes are also limited to no more than six people. Violators could face up to 30 days in jail, $1,250 in fines or both.
Just keep in mind that this is the same state that voted to decriminalize hard, street drugs. They would fight to make Thanksgiving illegal where cocaine is not.