It’s An Ill Wind: Vaccine Mandates

Winter is usually brief in our area, no matter what the calendar says. We get more rain than snow. Most years the cold doesn’t start until December or January and starts to wane by the end of February. This year it blew in with a vengeance, with temperatures below average. And with extra strong winds, which of course makes it seem even colder.

After battling flu and sinus infection, during December, we were happy to get out more. (Not that we can do a whole lot here with all the restrictions.) But it was refreshing to have energy again.

But an ill wind is blowing

Italian democracy destroyed

But then the government decided to blow an ill wind too. Lockdowns, mandates, and a continual diminishing of our freedom and rights. Italian democracy has been all but destroyed. They’ve squashed the Italian constitution under their feet.

With parliament sidelined, the president became in effect an emporer. And the Prime Minister his cohort. They overrule election results, issue laws through by edicts, and silence citizens.

Mandates & Prohibitions

The latest government overreach lies in the outdoor mask mandate, again. And draconian vaccine mandates for people aged 50 and over. And those working in schools, hospitals, police, military, and emergency services. Those who refuse the vaccine cannot work or do any of the following things.

Absolutely forbidden to the Unvaccinated:

Public transport	Hotels	Gyms, public pools
Stadiums	Museums	Amusement parks
Universities	Theaters	Clothing & shoe stores
Social centers	Cinema	Restaurant dining, in or out
Team sports	Conferences	Parties in public places

Places/activities allowed with a covid test

Each test, valid 48-hours, costs €15

Required to attend schools	Banks & financial offices
Food & beverage stores	Government offices
Hair dressers, beauticians	Post offices
Gardening stores	Utility service offices
Electronics stores	Book & stationery stores
Hardware & DIY stores	Our own & even a friend’s car
	Entrance of non-patients in hospitals, care facilities, etc.

Because Hubby and I are over 50 and unvaccinated, we each face a one-time €100 fine. And the testing requirements drove hair cut prices up. And apparently our government no longer sees shoes and clothing as necessities.

Yes, ill winds are blowing that have left people reeling.

Some people abstain from these vaccines out of fear or for medical reasons. Others like us, because of constitutional violations. And because they believe that freedom and personal rights are worth fighting for.

These vaccines are still experimental medicine, and could do more harm than benefit. Many vaccines are valid, safe, and effective, but on this one I plan to wait and see.

A two-class society

But I am most disgusted by the dual-class society it is creating. Making the unvaccinated second class citizens, denied entry into most public spheres. Stripping them of many basic rights and freedoms.

I deplore the crisis it sends so many people into. Governments should not force people to violate their conscience or beliefs. Or deny them the right to work, get an education, or enter public spaces. It’s wrong, discriminatory, and a gross misuse of power and authority.

Regular readers know that I usually avoid highly controversial topics. But sometimes the issues are too serious, the stakes too high.

Throughout this situation, governments have camoflauged their actions. They started with small measures that kept expanding. Brief lockdowns turn into lengthy ones. Few restrictions became many. Vaccine requirements expanded to more and more people.

The question is how far will they go? With other mandated medical procedures? Greater restrictions? Ever diminishing rights? A massive surveillance state? History, unfortunately, shows that these things can happen and have happened.

But – it’s an ill wind that blows no good

It’s all scary and depressing. We wonder how to navigate such times. As Hubby lost his job, we face decisions and struggle with difficulties.

But it’s an ill wind that blows no good. Even in terrible circumstances, God can bring good, though it can be hard to discern. But with the Lord’s help, I have found rays of hope even behind this dark cloud!

6 positives that an ill wind can blow in:

1. It pushes us to pray more fervently.
2. It creates greater dependency on God.
3. It encourages us to strengthen bonds of friendship.
4. It makes us thankful that all things on this earth shall pass.
5. It brings us to the healthy realization that we can really control very little.
6. It makes us truly grateful that God is in control and knows what he’s doing.

Winds blow, storms come. But in the Lord we shall rise above them all.

But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31 CSB

Images: Reeds on shore by cocoparisienne | Wind by Ofjd125gk87 | Eagle by stacyvitallo.