Take the shot

Re “Should a COVID-19 vaccine be mandatory?” (Buzz, Sept. 17): Given the responses to the Buzz question, I am compelled to ask those who stated that they would oppose a vaccine this question. Who speaks for the dead? What choice were COVID-19 victims given when they contracted it from individuals who were carriers? When Americans were compelled to wear masks, wash hands, self quarantine and stay home, some refused to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. We hailed first responders as front line heroes, but that praise was hollow because in the end we ignored the guidance public health officials issued.

Here we are months later with the only hope being the promise of a vaccine, which some suggest should be optional. When did we become the land of the me? Remember this: The dead have no rights. Take the shot.

John Mannarino, Virginia Beach