Parents' Bill of Rights? It's Not Free
How optional mask-wearing in school is putting our children on the front lines
I’m thinking about our local and national leaders who are handing out the freedom to decide for yourself. Is that real leadership?
In this case, it’s about safety at school in a pandemic surge. Some leaders are throwing up their hands in the name of the people’s freedom to choose. But by shifting public health decisions onto the people, are they protecting American freedoms, or are these leaders just protecting themselves?
This week Transylvania (4-1) and Henderson County (5-2) School Boards voted for optional mask-wearing for students this term.
I also see that the Watauga County School Board in Boone voted 3-2 in favor of the same option. The swing vote was cast by Gary Childers, the only unaffiliated board member (UNA). I’ve heard UNA’s say they like being free to make the better choice, by not being tied to a political party policy. What was this man thinking?
And what did Florida Governor DeSantis have in mind when he made masks in schools optional during the current flare-up of Delta Variant COVID cases? He said he’s protecting his state’s “Parents’ Bill of Rights”. How about a “Children’s Bill of Rights”? Oh, that’s right, kids don’t vote.
Think about it. We’re looking at a new style of leaders in America. I’ll call these pioneers “Free-For-All Leaders”. They are also free from responsibility.
Hooray for freedom.
The children below are our brave new troops and they’ll be on the front lines this month. Some will be lucky enough to be issued virus-proof face masks, and some not. I’m not sure if they’ll be fighting for American freedom, but I do know they’ll be fighting for free.
The leaders I talked about a minute ago, behind barricades of weighty decisions, speeches and declarations, seem to me to be covering up their failure to make life-saving decisions for the people who trust them.
In some communities the decision whether or not to wear masks when school starts has fallen on parents, family by family. Some parents, and even children at school, will surely face blame and guilt and even illness in the resulting confusion. But the leaders whose indecision set up the battle will be free to escape.
This is what Leadership by Desertion looks like.
Statue of Liberty with no mask
Statue of Liberty with mask
Transylvania County School Board
Henderson County School Board
Watauga Watch told me about Dr. Childers
Dr. Gary Childers photo
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' photo
Children at school without masks
Children at school wearing masks
Absolutely, Mary. We trust that our public buildings are safe to be in. I would add that we entrust our public officials with keeping them that way. Good comment!
Children don't have the "option" of not going to school. Should they be protected while there!!?