I am a regular reader of Momma Said, and usually find her words of wisdom to be welcome reminders of the ‘common sense’ sorely lacking in today’s society. However, the column of February 9 is highly disrespectful to our military leadership.
I trust that the leaders of our military branches know what they are doing. I trust that they have assessed the risks associated with COVID , knowing full well how politicized this public health issue has sadly become. If they have determined that mandatory COVID vaccination is proper [in addition to several other mandatory vaccinations already in force] then their decision should be respected. I think they know more than me, talking heads on TV, radio pundits, and yes even esteemed writers of local newspapers!!
Consider: What would happen, if in the middle of battle, a large number of our troops fell ill with Covid? Further, what would happen if senior officers who may be more at risk were incapacitated from COVID at a time when they are needed to lead? Either scenario would be bad for our military, those serving in it, and the country they are defending.
Finally, there is the concept of “Chain of Command”. When one volunteers for the Army, some individual rights are surrendered –one does not get to pick and choose which orders to follow! If we allow vaccination to be by choice, what is next? Hair style, uniform color , whether to advance or not?
The time, in my view, to get on our knees and pray would be when soldiers are allowed to disobey chain of command. If that were to occur, our enemies will be the ones advantaged.
Bret Rosenblum MD
Davis