Yesterday (8/12/21), the Oklahoma State Medical Association (OSMA) filed a lawsuit in Oklahoma County District Court naming the State of Oklahoma and Governor Stitt as their plaintiffs in an attempt to overturn SB658 - the bill prohibiting mask mandates - passed last session.
Though the lawsuit cites the State and the Governor in their suit, it might as well have read "Oklahoma Parents". Why? Because numerous grassroots organizations - particularly Oklahomans for Health and Parental Rights - lobbied hard to make this bill a reality.
Believe it or not, there are actually parents in Oklahoma who don't need to be treated as 2nd graders and told what to do by an all-knowing state parent.
Believe it or not, parents can make determinations for the health and well-being of themselves and their children - and, even though it shouldn't be necessary to have to put such a thing in state law - THE OKLAHOMA PARENT'S BILL OF RIGHTS says this:
All parental rights are reserved to a parent of a minor child without obstruction or interference from this state, any political subdivision of this state, any other governmental entity or any other institution...
What about this statement is vague? What about this statement seems to indicate that the OSMA has any standing to overturn a law granting parents rights THEY ALREADY HAVE?
Maybe the OSMA and those who back the OSMA in this silliness should answer some questions for themselves before attempting to force the state to dictate to parents:
1. What ultimately gives you the right to tell any parent how to manage the health of their child? Could this not be a personal problem involving the need to control others out of fear?
2. What about the law (SB658) PREVENTS anyone from wearing a mask - or even vaccinating themselves - if they so choose?
3. If masks are so very protective against COVID-19 - or any other virus - what in the world does it matter if other children don't wear one if your child is masked up and wants to wear one all day long?
4. If the vaccine is so very protective against COVID-19 and you chose to vaccinate your child, why are you concerned about the masking state of other children?
5. What if the state forced you to keep your child from wearing masks or becoming vaccinated? How would you feel if the tables were turned?
Maybe the best possible solution for every person in the face of ANY health crisis is to manage their own affairs in what seems to be the best possible way for themselves and their families.
Maybe the best possible solution for the state is to provide information to parents to help them make the best possible decisions for themselves and their families.
What is clear is that the state should be making no decisions for parents in terms of their child's healthcare.
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