When we think of bullies, we think of the mean kid on the playground that steals other children's lunch money or that neighborhood kid always getting in trouble for beating up younger children.
Webster's online dictionary defines bully as "one who is habitually cruel, insulting, or threatening to others who are weaker, smaller, or in some way vulnerable." We have all run across adults who are bigger bullies than any child on the playground.
In many ways, COVID-19 didn't bring out the best in people. There are those who are extremely authoritarian and controlling and have tried to bully others, from the wearing of masks to vaccinations.
Now that an experimental vaccine is available, some would like to force-vaccinate everyone, including those who question the efficacy and safety of this mRNA shot.
Do we really have freedom if we can't control what goes into our body? I know of a few people that think they should decide for everyone else, but in this country, we have freedom and that includes the freedom to accept or decline an experimental vaccine.
Many people are unaware of VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) that is run by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You can find it here: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/adverse-events.html.
There are several severe reactions people have had, including death, so this isn't something that should be taken lightly as it could affect your life.
I have a friend whose father's heart stopped after his vaccine. His life was saved, but he spent 15 days in the hospital, mostly in the Intensive Care Unit, and now walks with a walker, something he never did before.
Denmark has suspended some brands of vaccines because of safety concerns. According to a Reuters story, "Denmark on Monday became the first country to exclude Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 shots from its vaccination programme over a potential link to a rare but serious form of blood clot."
The move comes after the Nordic country stopped using AstraZeneca's vaccine altogether last month citing similar concerns.
The country's health authority said in a statement (https://yhoo.it/3wp96td) it had found that "the benefits of using the COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson do not outweigh the risk of causing the possible adverse effect in those who receive the vaccine."
As one can see, receiving this vaccine is not quite as simple as one may think. Plenty of medical personnel and scientists are concerned about possible side effects from these vaccines.
The government shouldn't coerce or force anyone to have a vaccine that hasn't been thoroughly vetted through long-term testing. This is a serious decision and one that each individual or family must make for themselves.
We all want COVID-19 eradicated, but we also don't want someone to die from the Emergency Use Authorization vaccine.
There are many people who want to wait and see what the long term effects are from this vaccine before they introduce it into their body, and they shouldn't be bullied for this decision.
Realize there are differing opinions on this subject. And truthfully, someone else's vaccination status is not your business.
Let's be kind to each other here in Crestview!
Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HAPPENINGS: COVID-19 doesn't bring out the best in people