Amidst the blather over Ebola in the U.S., one gleaming nugget leapt out from NPR's coverage on Frida. Coverage of Maine's Supreme Court's decision to reject Governor LePage's attempts to forcibly quarantine Kaci Hickox included an incredibly revealing sound bite.
An audibly unhappy governor saying, "This ruling is a basis on what is more important- individual rights, or public safety? And I contend that the decision was in favor of the individual rights."
...After years of hearing BiPM rail and unveil Gov. LePage's importunities, I am surprised to hear LePage arguing to balance rights vs. safety in the name of the greater good, like gun control advocates have sought forever. But upon the slightest scratching, this really just goes to show how bass-ackward the gov really is... a bit of explanation below.
To begin with, here is the NPR piece.
A quick search uncovered more snippets of interviews where the governor, to paraphrase, says all of the following:
"If I could, I'd put her on a plane 'home.'"
"The State Police are at the residence to protect her."
"If she makes one wrong move, she's in custody."
The last two, when juxtaposed, are almost laughable. I intend no sarcasm in this diary, but sometimes the snark almost writes itself.
I don't know if this is a suitable topic to compare and contrast with gun control issues. There are definite differences. For instance, Kaci was asked to give up her freedom for less than a month, and gun owners feel their rights are at risk of permanent damage. But the beautiful thing about rights, is that they support each other and have their own individual purposes that do not conflict or damage each other.
One day of unlawful imprisonment can do untold harm. Just to introduce a relevant concept, most of us are aware of the "Invisible Hand of the Market," which is, I suppose, a guiding principle of society that is led around by the nose by cash, yet sooo huge that it is beyond the control of mere mortals, and therefore beyond comprehension or reproach. At least that's what it's beneficiaries say. I only bring up said hand because there are other vast, guiding forces in human endeavor less motivated by greed, and Kaci Hickox is a shining example. Her passion, resolve, and equanimity are brilliant in the seas of ignorance and fear surrounding the Ebola outbreak. An outbreak that is coming under control due to the hard work of people such as her who heroically offer themselves at the front lines of medical uncertainty.
Forced quarantines have had a chilling effect on international efforts against Ebola. Unlawful imprisonment could demonstrably heighten this outbreak and cause much more disease, death, and misery. It could eventually greatly increase the risks to Europe, Asia, the Americas... The market might benefit from that, BTW. Many vaccines and treatments are having funding poured into them. What happens when this threat goes back to back-page, third-world status?
Coincidentally, Governor Christie, who started the forced-quarantine madness, governs a state with an enormous number of medical R&D companies. Just Saying.
So, back to the Public Safety, Private Rights, Ebola, and Guns.
A: LePage really, really want to lock Kaci up, for "Public Safety." B:The State Police are there to "Protect Kaci." From who? The press? Or "Vigilantes?" C:If it's okay to lock up someone unlawfully for "Public Safety," or for her own safety from gun-wielding mobs, where does gun ownership fit into the public safety vs. individual rights debate in Maine?
I'm not going to bother to wait for a quote from any of our upstanding republicans on that front.