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freedom
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2022-04-21
Does Free Speech Protect COVID-19 Vaccine Misinformation?
This is a story from Standford Medicine's Scope Blog by Sharon Beckstrand. This is an opinion piece on free speech and misinformation as it relates to COVID-19. Beckstrand goes over some of the reasoning some might resist getting vaccinated, such as political beliefs. Some of these beliefs can come from well-intentioned individuals thinking they are spreading good information, or from intentionally misleading sources. Both of these examples are classified under misinformation. The author of this asks: how can the spread of misinformation be stopped without quashing free speech? To get an idea on how the United States approaches this with the First Amendment is though Supreme Court cases. The Supreme Court has upheld that false statements are still protected under free speech. A 2012 case of United States vs. Alvarez struck down a law that made it a criminal offense to lie about receiving military medals, as a false statement is still protected under the First Amendment. Other types of speech are not protected, such as: lying in court, making false statements to the government, impersonating a government official, and defaming someone. Beckstrand lays out some of the dangers that can come from the government trying to police false claims. One thing she asks people to consider is that a scientific statement claimed as false today could be considered verifiable at a different time, especially if it is something that has not been studied yet. Additionally, many do not trust the government to not abuse power when deciding what is misinformation. The article ends by saying that if something becomes politicized, they are more likely to view messages from groups they don't identify with as suspicious, regardless of how much evidence there is to back it up. At the end, Beckstrand closes with saying that if we cannot make sound decisions on how we interact with information, we can't make sound decisions about health. -
2022-04-02
The Globalist Vaccine Agenda
This is an Instagram post by epochtimes. The Epoch Times is a news organization. According to this post, it says that the vaccine passports are ways to limit freedom from government leaders. From my own experience with these arguments, a lot of it is not based on the vaccines themselves, but the fear of less rights to movement and more government spying. The vaccine passports would just be a way for the government to exert more control over the populace, using vaccines and public health as a facade to that. When I was searching for items to add, I used the #vaccine to find this. Noticeably, I had to click past a few things to even look under this hashtag, and it didn't allow me to see past a few posts, as Instagram has blocked from view many of the search results that come from this hashtag in particular. This was one of the few posts Instagram allowed me to see. -
2020-04-14
Live free or die
A comic strip about Covid-19 -
2021-08-28
End of pitching in
At the beginning it was different. April and May of 2020 was not the later, divisive and hate-filled environment that would allow the Covid virus to flourish, not the largely “every-man-for-himself” climate whose popularity grew to mirror the surge of the pandemic itself. Back then, everyone was hunkering down, the streets were empty, and Santa Monica was more like the city I had seen in pictures from the 1940's. The light even seemed different. Despite the specter of certain death, or at least alongside it, was an almost relaxed feeling: we were all in this together, against a common (if mysteriously deadly) enemy, and there is nothing we could do. Well, except stay indoors, and avoid contact with other humans at all costs. I know that during WWII, Santa Monica hummed with activity, with defense plants working three shifts, and Clover Field roaring with warbird take offs and landings almost continuously, and in the Spring of 2020, Santa Monica was still largely of the “we did it once, we'll do it again” mindset—everyone had a job to do, and it was actually an easy one: all you had to do was to keep to yourself. Loose lips may not sink ships anymore, but uncovered ones (especially in public) could spew a deadly toxin—the origins and makeup of it almost completely unknown—and leave devastation in its wake. This feeling couldn't, and wouldn't, last long; humans being what they are. With a national figurehead in a leadership position that was unable to understand complexities, and that largely and specifically promoted failure, the home front grew distrustful of the concept of a “common good”. Citizens quickly grew weary of making sacrifices, of doing without the niceties to which they had become accustomed. Under the guise of individual freedoms, all suffered. “It will all just go away very soon”, we were told, and eventually it did. Not the disease. Our American way of life. -
2021-10-04
#REL101
This is an assignment submitted by an Arizona State University student while they were taking a Religion 101 course. In the attached document the student describes their experience with covid 19. -
2020-03-18
How Will COVID-19 Change the World? Historian Frank Snowden on Epidemics From the Black Death to Now
This video is an interview the Democracy Now did with Frank Snowden, Professor Emeritus at Yale University early on in the pandemic (March 18, 2020). Dr. Snowden specializes in the history of epidemic diseases and the history of modern Italy. His father was the first African American ambassador to Italy. At the time of the interview, Dr. Snowden was in lockdown in Rome, Italy. He had gone there to research another project when the pandemic hit, so he changed his focus to studying covid-19. He contracted the disease himself, but was lucky enough to live through it. I was particularly interested in Dr. Snowden's views on the pandemic since I had watched his Yale lecture series on epidemics available on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3AE7B3B6917DE8E6) which was incredible in its thorough exploration of some of the worlds worst outbreaks. In the interview he states that an early modern Florentine would recognize a lot of governments' actions to combat covid-19 as very similar to those used by the Italian city-states and elsewhere in Europe to combat bubonic plague, especially the concept of quarantine. He also addresses the startling commonality between anti-Semitism during the first several plague outbreaks to the Sinophobia and xenophobia seen during our current pandemic. The interviewer also brings up a great question about the possibility of fascism arising out of strict government measures to combat disease. I was particularly curious to hear Dr. Snowden's response in light of the protests in the United States against quarantine and mask-wearing. He acknowledged that while it could be one outcome, it is not the only nor the most probable possibility. Many governments have voluntarily ended their strict measures during pandemics without devolving into fascist states. Now that the pandemic is, it seems, waning I believe it is abundantly clear that those Americans who feared that their freedoms were threatened by historically proven practices were both selfish and foolish. They and our ineffective and dangerous leadership cause the United States to become a hotbed for Covid-19, while other countries who swiftly enacted and enforced lockdown measures and mask mandates, such as New Zealand and Italy, recovered much more quickly. I contend that Donald Trump and his sheep are responsible for thousands of unnecessary deaths. -
2021-05-17
A new world within a year
From being on campus the last day of March 9th, 2020 to being on zoom classes and forced to get "vaxxed" is like making me want to give up on my education. This is significant because in this new world, they are requiring vaccinations upon students as if we have no say, even some professors I know are not comfortable with being coerced into taking this shot. But we want our old life back and we want to be back on campus, but its so significant because there are so many what-ifs. There will be so much restrictions and requirements if campuses open back up, they will definitely have so many precautions which makes people unmotivated. I miss my old life, bothering my professors during their office hours and going to the library to study, or even going to tutoring. Campus was my only escape, I think its important to me that we shed a light on this because this pandemic shows how, us citizens, really have no freedom when we are being forced to get a vaccination that may make us more sick because it is not FDA approved. -
2021-04-23
COVID 19, Religious Gatherings, and the Question of Freedom
Religious Expression vs. Freedom My faith had been deconstructed long before COVID-19 hit United States soil and the first (of many) lockdowns began. Where as many decided to lean heavily on their beliefs during a time of fear, confusion, and loneliness, I had ample time to reflect upon my own moral code, belief system, and lofty open-ended ideas regarding human origins, the afterlife, and my mortality. And while I am certain many of these concepts will never be answered, the pandemic has certainly shed a light onto the beliefs, values, and behavior of the religious USA. Certainly not all, but a large portion of Evangelical Americans and the non-religious have collided on freedom as a concept as well as how to exercise it. The arguments were especially heated in terms of gathering, which was banned in most areas for months in order to protect general wellbeing. As someone who found comfort and solace in my Sunday morning worship sessions, I understand the importance of such community gatherings. When faced with an unknown time without the habit and release of worship, there is bound to be friction. While friction was certainly there, most Americans followed CDC regulations and recommendations at the start. However it took very little time for discourse, blatant disregard, and conspiracy to settle into communities across not only the USA, but the world. Was the government really able to tell people how to exercise their freedom of religion, even if it meant health was at risk? It seems many Americans value their freedom over health choices. While I found it difficult to wrap my mind around, as I have followed CDC guidelines from the start and since received the Pfizer vaccine, I also understand the individualistic spirit of America as a whole. Patriotism seems to be synonymous with the religious right of America- and our country’s political polarization is nothing new under the sun. Most churches I am aware of meet weekly or more, masks are scoffed at, and doctors are seen as agents of the state keen on stripping freedoms away from every man, woman, and child. Freedom is clearly more important than both individual health and the health of others around them. I have heard that god will protect those who he chooses to (not the millions who have died, just those he sees fit to protect), that COVID is simply a conspiracy, and that I am a sheep for listening to recommendations of specialists. As COVID regulations and vaccine rollouts continue, there are more questions that will occur. For example, what is the legality of vaccine regulations to enter places of business? There are already areas in which vaccines are nearly mandated (save for certain religious stated opt-outs) such as schools and universities. I feel only more questions regarding freedom and government-orientated safety will continue to occur as this discussion regarding covid gathering has just scratched the surface. -
03/17/2021
Heather Martens Oral History, 2021/03/17
This is an oral history of Heather Martens by Monica Ruth, about her experiences of the pandemic. Heather shares her experiences as an administrator and facilitator of staff in her work role, her thoughts on pandemic life at home, and as a mother and partner. Heather also speaks a bit about conflicts over mask wearing, and what she hopes the future holds. -
2020-07-29
Bloomington March for Justice Continued...
"Either the United States will destroy ignorance or ignorance will destroy the United States." - W. E. B. Du Bois, Niagara Movement Speech, 1905. Photos from Bloomington March for Justice, July 25, 2020 -
2020-03-18
Covid in Jax
Covid took away the freedom to hangout with friends. -
2020-12-12
Anti-mask protesters take to the streets in Calgary to fight COVID-19 restrictions
This article details one of the numerous ‘freedom marches’ which took place in Calgary Alberta, Canada. These people were protesting in response to the government lockdowns, mask mandates and regulations to help limit the spread of Covid-19. However, what is interesting in this particular article is the reference to the multiplicity of causes behind each protestor; that protestors had different causes, and reasons for showing up. People marched for the obvious ‘anti-mask’ causes, yet others would protest for the ‘Wexit’ movement, which is the desire to establish either an independent Albertan ‘republic’ or join the U.S. as the 51st state. This item is important as it demonstrates how the pandemic sceptic movements of Calgary Alberta were viewed in a negative light; more importantly how these movements often co-opted other fringe movements such as the Albertan separatist movement. Similarly, the vitriol of these protestors is on display, as the Calgary freedom marchers have been notable for their behaviour of spitting, coughing and screaming at passersby, police and local businesses as evident in this particular story. Similarly, many believe these mask-less movements are super spreader events which are contributing to the spread of the virus in several urban centers throughout the province of Alberta, such as Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer. This article provides substance to the pandemic sceptics of Alberta, Canada as no different to the anti-maskers of the United States; as uploading this, many of the organizations who attended and organized these events are currently organizing a massive march throughout the province which has been marketed to appear alike the tiki-torch rally of the far right in Charlottesville in 2017. I believe this article would fit best in the social justice collection to demonstrate the public/media response to the pandemic sceptics marching in the streets of Albertan cities. -
2021-01-14
Remote Learning
The year started out like any other. We were all in class together enjoying to company of friends and teachers. We had hear of a disease spreading on China but nobody was even worried about it. The disease began to spread more and more into the world, and eventually, in the the USA. One the Corona Virus had reached the United States it started to become a more serious problem. But it wasn't untill we had our own cases in LA and Vetura county that things really changed. On March 15, 2020 we started our romote learning. It was a big change we had to get used to. It was mostly downsides but there were some upsides aswell. One of the upsides was we had more freedome in what we could do durring our breaks. When we were in school we only had a selection of activities to do, but since we were home we could do many different things that weren't at school. Another upside is that we didn't have to spend the time driving so we could wake up later and get to doing our activities earlier after the school day ended. That was pretty much it for the upsides however and now we must talk of the downsides. W weren't able to see any of our friends from school anymore! That was a bummer because it made me feel distant and disconected fro the society at school. Another downside was that it was alot harder to understand things in class. We had to make sure we found the assignments online instead of just being handed then=m in class with direct instruction. This factor made it hard for me sometimes to understand what was due the next day and what we had to do for homework. These are the biggest downsides, but there are many more I haven't mentioned in this single article. -
2020
virtual learning
This year because of covid most of the students had to do virtual learning. I personally love doing online school, because I'm a lazy person. When you wake up everyday, you only need to open up your computer and login on to zoom. But for regular school I had to wake up at 6 every single day because I live far away from my school, this isn’t fun at all. And another thing l love for online school is that you can eat during classes and on one will see it, at school if you got caught eating during class, you will definitely get in trouble. -
2021-01-06
The Work Desk
I care about my work environment. It's the place where I can focus, work and study. In college, I loved having the freedom of multiple locations being open to me to go and work. If my dorm was too loud, I could go to the library. If the cafeteria wasn't packed, I could pull out my laptop and get some homework done. But COVID-19's changed that, to the point where I only have one place. In my room, in my old desk I used back in high school. With everyone being home, it's loud, and the walls are thin. I can hear the TV blaring my dad's news in the living room, my brother playing his guitar in the next room over, my mom playing her music in the kitchen and our parakeets' chirps from the dining room. It's loud, and I can't focus. Yet this is where I must work, the only place I have left. No more physical classes, no more library, no more independent living. Back at home in my old desk. -
2020-06-26
Oh the places we will not go for now.
This image describes how quarantine was in a nutshell because nobody could go outside or visit any other countries, I submitted this so kids could have a little laugh while learning about this horrible tragity. -
2020-11-12
Canada's Anti-Mask Movement Demands Liberty
This article shares Canadian opinions on mask policies, including that of anti-maskers and their own right-wing views on freedom. -
2020-11-18
A Students New Desk During Covid-19
This is my desk that I would attend my online classes from. This is definitely different from the normal desks or tables I’m familiar with or anyone student is. This is different also because you don’t have to choose where to sit in the class. Do you sit up front, in the middle or the back of the class? With online classes every student is front and center on their screen. When coming to class I would be almost uncomfortable having to takes notes in such a small area to don’t disturb the student on your left or right. With your own desk you have the freedom to spread out a feel comfortable with taking notes. -
2020-10-30
Taiwan Went 200 Days without a Local Transmission
Despite its close proximity to China, Taiwan just passed 200 days without a local transmission of COVID. The article states, "Taiwan has never had to enact strict lockdowns. Nor did it resort to drastic restrictions on civil freedoms, like in mainland China. Instead, Taiwan's response focused on speed. Taiwanese authorities began screening passengers on direct flights from Wuhan, where the virus was first identified, on December 31, 2019 -- back when the virus was mostly the subject of rumors and limited reporting." Taiwan's geography also helped its control of the virus. Being an island in the Pacific help it regulate the flow of people coming in and out. -
2020-04-04
Using the pandemic to prohibit gun sales
This particular story pertains to the overreach of government entities during the covid-19 pandemic, specifically regarding gun sales and the second amendment. Various government entities have utilized the pandemic to prohibit or impede gun and ammunition sales. This is particularly important to me as I believe it is the right of every law abiding man and woman to possess firearms to protect themselves and their families if they choose to do so. Furthermore, I believe in a fair and impartial government which should not have the ability to circumvent standardized governmental procedures in the event of an “emergency” they deem fitting. -
2020-09-20
Tweets from Inside a Prison 09/20-09/26/2020 by Railroad Underground
These images show the Tweets of an incarcerated person utilizing a contraband cell phone to let the outside world know about prison conditions during the pandemic. This week he talks about mind, body, soul, freedom, effort to locate contraband cell phones, lack of compassion, support, Breonna Taylor, the rule against shaking a free persons hand, using the word inmate removes humanity, prisons acting as a herd immunity experiment, journalists profiting from the pain of incarceration, and rock bottom. -
2020-09-29
The Face Mask Dilemma
Since the pandemic went into full swing in March 2020, the use of face masks has been the center of debate all across the United States. Americans perceive the policing of face masks as an infringement on their First Amendment rights despite the overall safety of the public's health being the major concern. As someone who worked in restaurants their whole life, I understand that working customer service isn't for the faint-hearted. However, anti-maskers were prominent despite multiple signs in the windows mandating masks upon entry/exit, COVID safety procedures displayed everywhere, and every employee wearing a mask and enforcing the guidelines issued by the CDC. Some even went as far as creating forged exemption cards that forced the Federal Trade Commission to issue a statement against them. I have been verbally assaulted, had stuff thrown at me, and even had individuals take off their mask and cough towards me just to entice some sort of violence or display their "dominance" over those who are fearful of catching the virus. Right before I resigned, multiple coworkers caught the virus simply from interacting with customers in the restaurant. Our managers at the time refused to tell anyone for weeks or notify anyone who had come into contact with them to get tested – including me. This attributed to why I left the customer service industry a couple months after the pandemic began: the threat to my personal health and that of my high-risk family members did not exceed the monetary value of a job in that industry when managers are more concerned about profit than the safety of their employees. Instead of removing these individuals from the restaurant, managers would cater towards them to ensure they didn't lose a customer, effectively displaying their concerns: money, money, and money. Americans seem to value the economic standpoint of their nation and their freedom to do whatever they desire, even if it means potentially killing someone, just to maintain that status of "freedom" that they pride themselves so much in. In fact, President Trump refused to extend quarantine or even fully enforce it due to the economic instability it proposed by shutting down the government and his reluctance to pay citizens more than a one-time stimulus check of $1200. The economy did slightly waiver, but as of September of 2020, more than 200,000 Americans have died from the virus - higher than any other country in the world. I would think that the survival of your constituents would be more of a pressing matter than handing out "free money" (as many Americans called it), but obviously our subpar leader thinks otherwise. I will not return to the restaurant business for quite sometime to maintain my health, my roommate’s health, and my parents/grandmother’s health. We’ve been forced to do our best to keep ourselves safe because the federal government reopened the entire country after partial lockdowns that proved ineffective. -
2020-09-08
American Values and How They’re Under Strain
This essay was produced as a part of the American Studies program at California High School in San Ramon, California. The essay is in response to the prompt "Is America currently living up to its core values?" This essay argues unity has been primarily lost as of late, in the midst of protests, while in turn people have been working harder than ever to make up for it. It also includes references to the following modern events: George Floyd protests & riots. -
2020-09-08
Equality and Freedom Has Been Stripped Away
This essay was produced as a part of the American Studies program at California High School in San Ramon, California. The essay is in response to the prompt "Is America currently living up to its core values?" This essay argues that equality and freedom were once core values and they are not being lived up to today in America. It also includes references to the following modern events: BLM protests and recent trials. -
2020-09-08
Is America Living up to its Core Values
This essay was produced as a part of the American Studies program at California High School in San Ramon, California. The essay is in response to the prompt "Is America currently living up to its core values?" This essay argues America has not lived up to the core value of equality that it promised, yet alleges that it has maintained its promise of freedom. It also includes references to the following modern events: the blm movement and the freedom of protest -
2020-08-15
"Wearing a Mask is not a Political Statement" a drawing by @katieisdoodling
This screenshot greatly resembles current issues occurring in our world, especially the US, regarding the global pandemic of COVID-19 and politics. It seems that in the US, there is so much controversy over a simple object made of cloth. There are a numerous amount of people that follow public health regulations (one being wear a mask in public), to help limit their exposure to COVID-19. But others zealously argue against them, claiming that wearing a mask disables their individual freedom. Our president has made remarks that wearing a mask could be seen as a political statement, after he mocked Biden for wearing a mask, and after the CDC recommended wearing one. There are varying responses from the public as to why one chooses not to wear a mask. Ranging from religious, to cultural, to freedom/rights violations, anti-maskers think it should be their choice whether or not to wear a mask, and that they shouldn't be told to do so. Others think it's all about them and that they are healthy enough and won't get sick. -
2020-08-06
Forceful COVID-19
COVID-19 impacted my everyday life for the past 7 months. It has deprived me of socialization, a steady income, and the ability to feel “free”. It forced me back to New Jersey for a few months with my parents in order to save money. Adopting a cat was almost forced onto me, since its’ owner was unable to take care of her since COVID-19 had also effected the owner in negative ways. COVID-19 also made me realize what’s important to myself, who I choose to associate myself with, and how important being self motivated is. -
2020-03-30
Life In Quarantine
This is a video about life in quarantine and how it has affected our lives. -
2020-05-21
Reopening Perspectives
As States and businesses across the country reopen, there appears to be a divide on what is best practice. One camp is of the opinion that we should go back to how we were pre-quarantine, and should treat the virus as something that has passed. The other camp desires a reopening that is done cautiously, guided by medical/scientific data. Memes are reflecting the divide. -
2020-04
Life Changes
My life experience during this pandemic and how it has changed. Though many have had the opportunity to have access to resources I have not which has become a challenge! #CSUS #HIST15H -
2020-05-06
Coronavirus: When Should Freedom Stay Home?
A detailed account of the history of the pandemic. -
05/06/2020
Joslyn Barragan Oral History, 2020/05/06
This recording is the life changes I have had to go through due to COVID 19. Not only has my life changed but American society as well. This health crisis has brought lots of fear to lose in high risk of being affected. So staying at home has become the new normal for me and most Americans. #CSUS #HIST15H -
2020
Disney+ Documentary Shows Uselessness of Borders
Both “Elephants” and “Into the Okavango Delta” follow movement of a herd of Elephants and scientists respectively as they travel about through Botswana, Namibia, Angola, and Zambia. The movement between the countries seemed so effortless that it really got me thinking how useless borders really are. -
2020-04-24
Making the worst of it.
Everyone on Earth has more time than they have had or will ever have again. Luckily for many people, they have been able to do so much. I have not been doing as much as I should be doing. But, that might be ok. I might as well do some relaxing while I have the change, but I also need to keep working so I don't lose too much time. There is much to do and much time to do nothing as well. -
04/15/2020
Religious freedom violated in COVID-19 orders, 3 Kentuckians say in federal suit
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04/08/2020
War over Easter: Kansas lawmakers revoke governor’s order limiting church gatherings
The article discusses how lawmakers in Kansas voted to revoke Governor Laura Kelly's order that limited religious gatherings to 10 people, allowing Easter services to take place. Opponents argued that it is not safe for groups of 10 or more to meet right now, and that this gives churches more freedom than secular groups that would also like to meet but are not exempt from the 10 person limit. Supporters argued that they are aware of the dangers that we are facing because of the coronavirus and precautions will be taken to keep people safe. -
2020-04-16
P.E. Class During the Epidemic
During the epidemic, our physical education classes became more efficient and healthier. In the school's physical education class, we only do free activities. We can do whatever exercises we want. This led to the inertia of some students. Now, everyone concentrates on the online class. We exercise more and have become healthier and stronger. -
2020-03-31
Essential Employee Letters Tweet
A woman was given a letter by her HR Department to carry around in case she was stopped. The letter declared her an essential employee. The woman compared this letter to freedom papers from the early 1800s. -
2020-04-01
Things Are Happening in Fours
Poems relating to COVID -
2020-04-04
Remains
a poem about the human condition *I wrote it today -
2020-03-25
COVID-19 Alarming Times
A piece of prose that highlights global opinions and assertions that were made in March of 2020. The author notes the state of Australian citizens and how people in general there, and worldwide, are being affected, either in a positive manner, negative manner or somewhere in between those two extremes . (Added by curator)