Over the last two weeks, protesters have taken to the streets in mass demonstrations across the country to demand an end to the temporary lockdown of nonessential businesses. Arguing that the immediate re-opening of businesses across the country is mandatory to preserve the nation’s economy, these protestors come with a wide range of views on the lockdown: some believing the COVID-19 virus to be an exaggerated threat, and some going as far as calling it a downright hoax. Regardless of their justifications, many of these protestors who are intentionally violating social distancing guidelines during a global pandemic- and arguably being egged on by President Trump- are putting human lives in danger and undermining the efforts of millions of quarantining citizens.
On Wednesday, April 15 a crowd of thousands of protesters, many heavily armed, rallied in Lansing, Michigan. While a number of these protestors stayed in their cars, a large group of individuals marched in close proximity without masks. The protesters also caused a severe traffic jam. The following Friday, roughly 200 protesters rallied in downtown Huntington Beach, California, with photos revealing that few chose to wear masks or observe social distancing. Dozens of protests took place across the U.S. on the same day. Many protestors waved Trump flags and held “Keep America Great” signs, showing their support for the president’s stance on rapidly reopening the country.
“Liberate America,” “Liberate California,” and other “liberation” related signage and chants was another popular theme in many of these protests, and President Trump raised concern with medical experts when he seemingly tweeted in support of these rallies. “LIBERATE MICHIGAN!”, “LIBERATE MINNESOTA!” and “LIBERATE VIRGINIA!” were a few of Trump’s tweets in the same week that protests broke out in these states. “They seem to be very responsible people to me,” he said at a briefing the same day in regards to the protesters, expressing sympathy for citizens having to abide by social distancing regulations he deemed to be “too tough”.
Governor Jay Inslee of Washington was gravely concerned by this rhetoric, stating that this inflammatory behavior could “encourage illegal and dangerous acts” and that the president was “putting millions of people in danger of contracting COVID-19” by undermining its severity.
The fact remains that the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization is still strongly advocating social distancing, advising that people continue to work from home if possible, avoid entering businesses except for essential errands, and maintain a six-foot distance between others at all times.
While the frustration that protesters are experiencing is palpable, it is important to remember that people across the globe, many who have been facing lockdowns for weeks longer than the U.S., are feeling the same way. The lockdown is devastating both financially and emotionally for millions of people, but until the spread of the virus is curbed, it is necessary to save human lives. By intentionally gathering in large groups and violating guidelines that are in place to protect the vulnerable, protesters are only increasing the likelihood of another outbreak and lengthening the time needed to effectively halt the virus. Not only does this detract from the efforts of millions of law-abiding citizens who are suffering through quarantine, but it also puts the lives of the elderly, the immunocompromised, and our nation’s first responders directly at risk. During a time of incredibly high stakes, listening to medical authorities and scientific consensus- not politics- is essential. While economies can recover with time, loss of human life can never be undone.
