#213 Pandemic Life - Civil Liberties vs. Public Safety

Our pandemic lives series has touched on several topics that have surfaced over the last several weeks. Recently there have been a number of protests from people who want to get back to work; back to their ‘normal lives’ and suggest that their ‘rights’ have been violated. Civil liberties are what many see that thing setting America apart from the rest of the world. Our personal safety, freedom of speech, and right to assemble are supported in our Constitution. Where is the line though? When does the desire to feel safe and stay safe cross someone’s “liberty” of not wearing a mask if they do not want to? Today, Leslie and Leslyn dive deep into the conversation about civil liberties and public safety. Leslie and Leslyn apply this to our current global climate.

In this episode, we discuss…

Show Intro [0:01]

Introductions—Civil Liberties [0:13]

Start of the Podcast [0:48]

What is a Civil Liberty? [2:29]

Where’s the Line? [4:38]

Quotes from the Protests [8:46]

Taking Proper Precautions [13:08]

People Don’t Understand How Good They Have It [14:49]

Health Risks and Being a Carrier [17:11]

Vaccinations [18:40]

Shelter, Bills, and Fulfilling Basic Needs [21:00]

Share and Touch Base with Us! [22:36]

Meaning of Civil Liberties if You’re Dead [22:56]

Being Aware of Who You’re Voting For [25:02]

Contact Tracing [27:57]

Finding a Vaccine [30:22]

Registering for an Absentee Ballot [33:21]

Changing After Disasters [34:42]

All About Perspective [35:46]

The Difference Between the I’s and We’s [41:11]

How Do You Want to be Perceived? [42:42]

Closing Thoughts [43:14]

We’re living in a time like no other. Many of the issues raised by the Covid-19 pandemic are pushing boundaries we’ve taken for granted. Leslie and Leslyn share a clip from a number of protests from people who are voicing their opinion on being able to go back to work and how they feel forced to stay home by the government. What is common among these protests is the opinion of civil liberties being infringed on. But what really is a civil liberty?

Civil Liberties are described as a “state of being subject only to laws established by the good of the community, especially in regard to freedom of action and speech.” Another definition defines it as “individual rights protected by law by unjust governmental or other interference.” Leslyn shares that as an American, she really understands the importance of civil liberties. It’s thought to be what sets us apart from other parts of the world. The Constitution protects Americans right to free speech and right to assembly.

Where is the line? You may be wondering, where does my desire to feel safe and be healthy, cross someone else’s “liberty” to not take the same precautions? Leslie and Leslyn both feel that the government is trying to do what is best for the people and the best way to keep people safe. It is an unprecedented event that we are globally experiencing together. There has never been a global economy such as the one we have today with the amount of communication that we have at our fingertips. Many will try to compare what we are experiencing to the Spanish Flu. Leslyn points out that this is something we have never experienced before. The Spanish Flu was in 1918 where for example you would not be getting on an airplane for a 2-week Italian holiday.

Leslie and Leslyn share some of the quotes from the protestors of the stay at home orders throughout the United States. The one that stands out the most is, “I have a right to work” Leslie and Leslyn debate if there really is a right to work. Giving examples such as you have the right to engage in some income, but you are not given the right to a job. Leslyn points out that if there are no openings then you do not have a right to work.

Civil Liberties include your right to freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and partition of the government. That is the cornerstone of our democracy. Neither Leslie or Leslyn can understand where these are being violated by staying home for your health and for those you come into contact with. Leslyn gives the example of having the right to bear arms but you still need a gun permit to carry.

Leslyn stresses the importance of being aware of who you are voting for. With how things are going, people should get more involved and try to become active participants in the government. Leslyn urges you to sign up for absentee voting in your state to be able to vote and make your voice heard!

Leslyn points out something in the protestor rhetoric that is important to understand. Every time you hear a quote from the protests you hear a lot of I sentences. “I want a haircut.” “I want to be able to work.” “I have the right”. This reminds Leslyn of the psychological distinction between hedonistic pursuits and eudemonic pursuits. Hedonistic pursuits focus on the individual and an immediate reward. While others who are wanting what is best for themselves and the greater good of mankind usually are sharing a lot of we sentences. “We will get through this.” “We are in this together”. Eudemonic is when you are looking out for the greater good of mankind.

This week’s try this at home is to sit back and think about how you want to be perceived. Do you want to be perceived as mature, evolved thinker who cares about the greater good of humanity? Leslyn also urges you to register to vote and look at your options with absentee voting!

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Links to Look At:

Last Week’s Episode #212 Passive Permission – What Is It?

[https://www.trythisathomepodcast.com/podcasts-1/2020/3/15/210-passive-permission-what-is-it]

[https://www.vote.org/absentee-ballot/]

Absentee Ballot Rules by State

[https://www.vote.org/absentee-voting-rules/]

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