Alan Watterson, Hastings Point
Oligarchy to kill 90 per cent? This is a person (Letter by Noah Yamore) is obviously in despair. Like so many others in Byron Shire he appears to feel downtrodden and set upon by ‘the powers that be’. Unable to differentiate between government assistance and government oppression, he rejects all interaction with administrative bodies. The Shire is already, unfortunately, notable for its low vaccination rates, and now post office employees need security guards to protect them from COVID-19 deniers. Reality is clearly optional for some.
You might not believe it anti-vaxxers, but we beat smallpox, mumps, rubella and measles with vaccines (though the last one is coming back, thanks to you). So here’s a scenario: You’ve got the virus (which may or may not kill you or leave you with lifelong symptoms); Do you a) accept the offer of monoclonal antibody treatment to prevent serious illness or do you b) consider this also an insult to your ‘temple’? While considering this dilemma, ask yourself if it is ethical to take up a badly needed ICU bed which may be needed by an accident victim or a heart attack or stroke sufferer? This situation is already a reality in southern US states, and is clearly a possibility here. ICU beds are full of the unvaccinated, no room for anyone else. Kids who can’t breathe? Sorry, no ventilators available.
This is a global battle, Humans vs SARS-CoV-2. Are you with us or against us?
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
