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Joanne Midyette asked three questions in the TDB from Oct. 2 and I would like to answer them. But first, we should challenge the myth that an American citizen has the right to say and do whatever they want. Congress shall make no law abridging freedom of speech, but that does not mean that anyone is obliged to listen to you, or provide you with a platform. Say something with merit, if you want someone to offer you a platform. And you have a duty to recognize that all American citizens would have the same “right to choose” that you claim for yourself. “One [person’s] liberty cannot deprive [their] neighbors of their own liberty — in this case by allowing the spread of disease.” If you want to have the right to make choices that harm others, then you need to allow others the right to harm you. “Why are people who disagree with government mandates and requirements censored on almost every media platform out there?” They aren’t. The media platforms, such as YouTube, have specifically stated that they will not provide a platform for “vaccine misinformation”. Don’t offer misinformation if you want to use their platform. If you have legitimate criticisms, you shouldn’t need misinformation to support your cause. “Why do pharmacists refuse to fill prescriptions for basic drugs like Hydroxychloroquine and Ivermectin?” Because they haven’t reliably been shown to be safe and effective for those purposes, when reviewed by experts. Yes, I realize that in this day and age, everyone who spends five minutes on Google is an “expert”. But please, let’s recognize that there really is a role for people who actually know what they are talking about. “Why are Americans ridiculed who refuse to take the advice of certain “scientists” and mainstream media?” Putting quotes around the word “scientists” doesn’t suddenly rob them of their knowledge and experience. Do we listen to people who know what they are talking about, or not? If you choose “not”, then “ridicule” is the least of your problems. People are dying from that choice. Linda Schultz Saluda, NC