When the Government is on Your Doorstep
Ronald Reagan famously said that the nine most terrifying words in the English language were “I’m from the government and I’m here to help.” And with the current federal administration beginning a door-to-door campaign to ask about COVID-19 vaccination status, it seems like a good time to review: What exactly are your rights? Do you have to answer questions or let them in when someone from “the government” shows up on your doorstep?
You can, of course, choose to not answer the door. Reports are that the canvassers are simply leaving information when no one answers the knock. The other choice is to answer the door. If you do, then what? First, always be polite. Second, unless they have a warrant or court order you do not have to let them inside, even if they have a police officer with them. Finally, if you do not wish to discuss your family vaccination status my suggestion is that you politely say, “I do not discuss medical matters with anyone other than my family doctor.” End of conversation. Goodbye. This is still America. And if you do wish to talk about it, that is your right as well.
Many of these “vaccine ambassadors” are volunteers and maybe even someone you know. They say it is just information and education; encouraging the unvaccinated to get “the shot”. But I have seen enough and know enough to be just cynical enough to think this might not be just about public health. Will they also gather information besides the family vaccination status? And what will they do with that information? We do not yet know the answer to those questions.
I encourage you to discuss the COVID-19 vaccination with your own trusted medical advisor. Armed with information, I know you will make the best decision for the health of your family. As I said in an earlier blog, I am not anti-vaccination. I am pro-parent. I believe in the rights of parents to make decisions for their own children without government interference. And that includes medical decisions like vaccinations.