As much as I approve of Canada's approach to the entire situation right now, I also agree with your point of view: people must be allowed to be individuals, and be trusted to do the responsible thing when needed as part of society."Safety" and "Freedom" are seldom defined, so often misunderstood, and in truth rarely obtained by fiat. As a retired veteran, expat and professional motorcycle instructor, it is my opinion that "safety", especially the brand referred to as "Public Safety", is an illusion.
Depending on your worldview, following the "whatever you want" path is to it's logical conclusion is ultimately disastrous for all involved. But the idea of a small group dictating terms to the larger group has little historical support of working any better, when followed on it's logical path. There is an incredibly strong argument that the more controls placed by the smaller group on the larger, the closer it is to failure as a society.
Society is built from individuals. These individuals need their rights recognized to be able to function as humans. BUT, those same humans must also exercise the responsibilities that come with being in a society. Some percentage, large or small depending on the times, choose not to be responsible toward others. This is an element that is missing in the public discourse today. It wasn't always.
Massively oversimplifying it: do you want to build a society on weak bricks, or strong bricks? There are wide spectrum of examples in the world today, plenty of data to work with and compare to your own values/biases/understanding.
I don't usually bother debating this stuff anymore. It's been many years since anyone has presented any form of unique thought or argument that was more than wishful thinking. But if you want to understand a bit of where my opinion comes from, a good starting point would be the histories of Cambodia and the south African region over the past 200 years or so.
I think that if these stay at home orders were something that happened more often, I'd be reluctant to support. But as a temporary measure put in place during an emergency, I have no issue with it, especially considering the number of people who, at this time, would not do the responsible thing, thereby putting people like my wife in danger. More danger than she deals with already.
I don't personally view the current stay at home orders and shut down of non-essential services to be a small group imposing their will on the large. I view it as responsible government taking action to protect the masses from a deadly disease.
I must say that I very much respect the way your presented your case here, and I find, as I've already stated, that I concur with what you're saying. Kudos.
All these things we can find on the left coast. Along with the weed (which I don't smoke, but have no issues with).No, that's the homeless camp on the other side of I-5. Easy way to make some quick friends if you are into that.
I'm thinking more crafted beer and whiskey, food made by people who give a damn, and a lot of rain.. ;)
God I'd love to get together and meet all you folks.