“We’ve been patient, but our patience is wearing thin.” These words, spoken by President Joe Biden recently, were aimed at the millions of Americans who have not received the coronavirus vaccine. They’re the most chilling words I’ve ever heard spoken, sounding exactly like what they are, a threat to those who remain unvaccinated.

The government is doing what they can to force everyone to get the vaccine, including shaming and demeaning the unvaccinated and threatening a vaccine passport that will be needed in order for American citizens to go out and be a part of society. Some cities and states have already done so.

I can’t believe how many people are in favor of making the COVID vaccine mandatory. The more power government is given the easier it is for them to take away the next freedom, and the next. Don’t believe me? Take a look back in history. Take a look at what’s happening in Australia today. Is that the way you want to live?

If the vaccine is as effective as claimed, then the people who’ve gotten it should be safe from the unvaccinated, so why is the government trying so hard to force everyone to get it? In fact, vaccinated doesn’t equal safe. People who have been vaccinated are getting COVID right along with those who haven’t been. 

This debate is creating an even larger division in our already divided country. Red/blue, vaccinated/unvaccinated. The level of hate and anger I’ve seen displayed even between people who are supposed to be friends is mind-boggling. Being an American, heck, just being a human being, shouldn’t mean hating those who think, believe, or look the same way you do.

It doesn’t look like it’s going to get better anytime soon.

Can the government force citizens to receive the coronavirus vaccination against their will? Not specifically, but they can impose severe consequences for those that refuse. In fact, they already have. The President is requiring millions of workers to get vaccinated or be tested weekly. States, businesses, and organizations are starting to require inoculation or risk losing your job. 

Thousands are choosing the latter, and unfortunately many of them are our frontline workers who we’re already in short supply of – health care workers, police officers, and first responders.

How is anyone okay with this?

I’m not an anti-vaxxer. My children all received their vaccinations at the recommended times, and in fact, belong to the first generation to receive the chicken pox (varicella) and HPV (human papillomavirus). A couple of weeks ago I went in to get the flu and shingles shots.

I’m not anti-vax, I’m pro-choice and pro-privacy. Everyone should have the choice to talk to their doctor and then make the decision that they’re the most comfortable with, and everyone should have the right to medical privacy. 

I don’t blame people for being concerned about this new vaccine. It’s less than a year old, not tested over many years like other vaccines have been before being released to the public. People are afraid of putting something into their bodies when there’s been no opportunity for studies on the long-term effects.

This debate isn’t really about a vaccine, it’s about loss of personal freedom. If the government is allowed to tell people what they can do with their bodies what are they going to be allowed to do next? Being an American comes with the freedom of choice. If that freedom is taken away then it’s not the America I want to live in. And sadly, some out there will say, “Good riddance.”

So am I vaccinated? That decision is mine, and what I’ve chosen is no one’s business except for my own.