Gov. Greg Gianforte embraces “personal responsibility” as the way to address the COVID pandemic. But his policies, as well as those enacted by the 2021 Legislature, do the opposite.
Responsibility means accountability for one’s actions. It means that if you don’t make the responsible choice you face consequences.
So what consequences come to those who fail to vaccinate against a lethal and contagious disease? Unvaccinated individuals prolong the pandemic, spread the disease, and endanger people. They hobble our economic recovery. And they overload the health care system to the point where medical care is about to be rationed in some places.
Is that responsible? Not even a little bit.
Worse, Gianforte and the Legislature have seen to it that irresponsible behavior is protected. Employers, even health care facilities, are forced to accommodate those who behave irresponsibly. The rights of the irresponsible are legally superior to those of people who do the right thing.
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The governor’s “personal responsibility” policy actually amounts to this — taking away any accountability for irresponsible behavior.
Maybe it’s time for Gianforte to check his moral compass. It seems to be pointing him in exactly the opposite direction than he says he wants to go.
Steve Paulson
Billings