Today, about 250 protesters gathered in Highland Park in opposition to the city’s requiring proof of vaccination proof in order to enter restaurants. Led by Highland Park resident Suzanne Wahl, the protesters claim the mandate violates their rights and endangers businesses.
“This is about freedom and prosperity,” said Wahl, “I don’t want my children to tell my grandchildren this is what freedom used to be like.”
Wahl claims to operates a group entitled, “Take Back Our Town Highland Park” though neither a website or facebook page could be located. Today’s rally was fortified by members of “Illinois Standing Against Tyranny” which is also dedicated to opposing vaccine requirements and public health safety measures. Its members are not from Highland Park and instead, they are from other suburbs.
Across the street from the anti-vaxers, a group of about 20 people gathered in opposition to the protesters. About 20 police officers stood between the groups and peace was maintained, though there was shouting and angry retorts from both sides.
The anti-mandate protesters are reacting to the city council which votes tomorrow on whether or not to extend the requirement.
Wahl and the rest of the anti-mitigation are exhibiting stunning stupidity. The vaccines are highly effective at preventing hospitalization and death from covid-19. Study after study has confirmed the vaccines are 90% effective at preventing severe illness requiring hospitalization and death.
Andy Slavitt, offered that 98% to 99% of the Americans dying of the coronavirus are un-vaccinated. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said the vaccine is so effective that “nearly every death, especially among adults, due to COVID-19, is, at this point, entirely preventable.”
With the surge in cases due to the highly transmissible omicron variant, hospitals in Illinois have hit a record in terms of patients needing treatment. Elective surgeries have been put on hold and emergency rooms are at capacity. Had all of the eligible people simply been vaccinated, this condition would not be as it is. It is beyond tragic for people to reject the vaccine and stress our health care system as a result.
Instead of parading around the streets of Highland Park in a Jupiter sized display of profound stupidity, Suzanne Wahl, her group and the out of towners should be encouraging people to get their shots.