Vaccine hesitancy is not a trait to be admired

“I’d rather be right than President,” said Henry Clay in a memorable campaign speech over a century ago.

“I’d rather be dead than get the vaccine,” is today’s misguided mantra of freedom in some quarters.

What is wrong with these people? How did a simple medical procedure meant to save lives become a political statement? Fortunately, the result of this behavior will lead to a general elevation in the intellectual level of the population as a whole. There is a benefit.

Unfortunately though, this conduct maintains fertile grounds for this virus to mutate and stay active long after it could have been eliminated. The question: Is it preferable to be independently dead, or go along with the informed majority and stay alive? Why would anyone prefer the former?