YOUR VIEWS

THE debate on whether to vax or non vax, mandates and pretty much everything else in between seems to have not only divided a nation but also families and friends. Christmas this year for many including us will look very different because of this division.

Living in Broadbeach we have witnessed quite a few of these protests still unsure as to what the protests are about. Screams of freedom, repent and even end of the world slogans seem to be on placards and worse written across a-boards placed around small children’s chests. I’m confused as to what exactly these so-called freedom fighters are really fighting for or want.

For us choosing to be vaccinated for our elderly family members and those around us who are immune-compromised and vulnerable to the virus was a given. I’m not saying we weren’t slightly wary as most of the population was and still is, however logic overcame hysteria, we switched off social media and just got it done. We did it for our own safety and those around us we don’t know but might come into contact with. After all we live in a tourist community so keeping all safe is imperative.

As parents we all took the responsibility to vaccinate our children, vaccinate ourselves when travelling overseas in some instances and getting a flu shot each year for protection. Why is this new vaccine so different?

Your message was clear and concise.

We also want freedom. Freedom to feel safe. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.

Just get vaccinated and stop all this random ranting about nothing. We have family in Victoria who we haven’t seen for nearly two years. An elderly mother in a nursing home who has been in lockdown for endless periods of time and we haven’t seen for nearly two years and family overseas who we don’t think we might see ever again. This is our freedom taken away from us because of a few who stamp their feet and throw a tantrum.

It’s pretty simple. Get vaxed and give everyone a fighting chance at some form of normality.

TINA BARBER, GOLD COAST

WELL said Carol Pearce. (Letters GCB 3/12 2021), I too have spent many frustrating computer hours trying to download the myGov app, supposedly to give us freedom on December 13th.

I was given a “Covid-19 Vaccination Record Card” when I received my jabs at the Gold Coast Convention Centre but after reading of MP Bob Katter being thrown out of a pub because he couldn’t produce a green phone tick, I too became concerned at the imperative nature authorities have placed on this process.

Why does it have to be so difficult when, as Carol says, surely producing a stress-free, hard-copy should suffice and advertised it will be readily accepted everywhere without risk of refusal or prosecution.

I understand many seniors are putting their grandchildren to work, with a reward for producing this magical green emoji. Too bad if you have no computer-literate youngins nearby.

In frustration I gave up and sought help from my phone service provider and like magic they made a green tick appear on my mobile.

Thank you to the lovely, patient Emily and staff at the Surfers Paradise Optus shop.

CHRIS MAGILL, SURFERS PARADISE