Lives Matter More Than Opinions

A response to angry anti-vaxxers.

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Here’s a simple question:

Let’s say someone wants to have a debate with you. Before the debate even starts, they tell you their personal rights supersede yours. They say none of your personal concerns matter. They also don’t trust any of your facts or data. They have their own, alternative versions.

They admit they might be carrying one or two deadly diseases, but insist their risk of infecting you is small.

They won’t take any precautions to protect you, because they believe it violates their rights, which (again) are more important than yours. They mock any credentials you might have, and refuse to acknowledge your education or expertise. They also proclaim that they’re your boss, and that they pay your salary. Finally, they declare the right to bring deadly weapons to the debate, including concealed firearms.

Let’s say your first answer is no. Maybe you call them an asshole, because they’re kind of acting like one. They respond by unleashing a tirade of verbal abuse, then accuse you of disrespecting their beliefs, which (remember) they feel are more important than yours.

So…

Would you debate this person?

You can’t debate everything.