Anti-mandate debate is good democracy
Watching the Imperial County Board of Supervisors grapple in recent weeks with the issue of mask and vaccine mandates has been a fascinating lesson in democracy in action. On one side are public officials tasked with protecting the health of local residents. On the other is a vocal contingent arguing for being able to decide for themselves what precautions to take against the COVID-19 virus.
While my stories have been packed with facts, quotes and descriptions of the compelling debate, some occurrences and observations have not made it into to print, either due to space and deadline issues or because they amount to opinion. Here are a few:
Encouraging: The one thing on which everyone has agreed is enthusiastic participation in the opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, reminders that on at least some levels we are all on the same side.
Amazing: The persistence of the anti-mandate group and the patience of the board, which has listened to hours of emotional comments, some quite critical of them. True, it’s their job, but due to human nature, it is never easy to absorb criticism, and the board members have done so with grace. However, witnessing this might give others pause as to whether they wish to seek elected office.
The truest words spoken: District 4 Supervisor Ryan Kelly criticized the state for moving from “encouragement” to “enforcing” with mask and vaccine safety measures. He could be right.
Maybe forcing people just turns them away.
Second truest words: An anti-mandate proponent who shouted, “Where are they?” on Tuesday when Supervisor Luis Plancarte said he was speaking for those who want their kids to be vaccinated, ostensibly meaning those who support mandates.
Disappointing (related to the observation above): While the anti-mandate group has, to their credit, turned out in force, if there is a pro-mandate crowd their appearance has been thin at best. A few have showed up and spoken at some meetings. With about 82 percent of eligible county residents fully vaccinated, according to the county Public Health Department, where are they indeed? That amounts to tens of thousands of residents. The anti-mandate group could be far in the minority but they got game. They’re organized, mostly eloquent and targeted on the issue at hand.
Also disappointing: The protestors who see fit to yell out and complain while public officials or pro-mandate supporters are speaking. It’s rude, and it should stop. The board gives everyone a chance to speak at the podium, and that’s the time to be heard.
Possible outcome: The anti-mask/ vaccine crowd is threatening to pull their kids out of public schools or even move out of state if mandates are not removed. California may be forced to concede that. This is a very black-andwhite issue. Mandate or not.
While the local board on Tuesday agreed to relax the more stringent local mask mandate, I see little appetite at the state level for backing off on vaccine mandates. So California schools and the state as a whole get less crowded. But in Tennessee or Florida there may be a family deciding whether to move to a state that does require mandates. The point is migrations happen all the time for many reasons and that’s not always bad. People are always seeking a better life.
A final note: This whole issue is a reminder democracy is sometimes messy, as it should be. It would be nice if this passion occurred more often. One of the anti-mandate group said they’re standing up for Imperial County. In my 33 years in the media and business in this county, I have not seen that happen often enough.
One of the supervisors said he hoped some of those who are involved now will get involved again when the county needs help. I doubt that will happen. People tend to show up when something happens about which they feel strongly and then go back to their lives. Still, it’s good to see democracy working as it should even if a napkin or two might be needed on occasion.