Helmut Melzer
What is it like to be marginalized as a citizen? Since February 1st, I have been able to experience this firsthand: Despite two vaccinations and an antibody value of 355 BAU/ml, I am considered unvaccinated. The result: a far-reaching exclusion from social life.
Personal risk assessment instead of compulsory vaccination
My personal risk assessment in view of omicron and dwindling vaccination performance still says no. And I'm not alone in that for a long time. Many other vaccinees also do without the 3rd or even 4th stitch - no matter what it is called. The official vaccination statistics cannot hide this either: Currently, only a few 51,7 percent are triple vaccinated (as of February 11.2.22, XNUMX).. My assessment: A fourth vaccination prescription will no longer go along with it either. And this very personal decision must be allowed.
Unacceptable ÖVP policy
Which brings me to the next point: I can do a little bit to help this government fail. Even if the ÖVP committee does not do this, the vaccination obligation, which has already failed, is guaranteed. Aside from my dissatisfaction with countless grievances, wrong decisions and corruption, it is the absurd attitude of the conservative ÖVP capitalists that makes me sour. Low point so far: ÖVP-Sobotkas (National Council President!) Proposal to legitimize lies in the U-Committee.
Message control
And when it comes to Corona, our politics has leaned far too far out of the window. The mere fact that those who have been vaccinated are still privileged despite the known risk of infection shows that the domestic corona decisions are political. Also essential information, such as about the therapies approved by the EU, were held back by politicians and the media. Figures and statistics are interpreted appropriately. Vaccination strategy and face need to be saved at all costs.
coercion & exclusion
The need to experience the unfortunate situation of the unvaccinated was also essential in my decision. Something that I also recommend to our politicians. Unfortunately, empathy is still not a mandatory requirement for political office. Fact: The Constitutional Court examines the legality.
A letter to the editor from a person who had been vaccinated three times in a German regional medium shows it to me: "Based on the available data, I too am inclined not to be able to get much out of compulsory vaccination and ask the question: What do we do if it turns out that the opponents of vaccination were right and how do we take responsibility for our previous dealings with them?”
Politics for a better future demanded
Fortunately, we live in a society that desires and encourages diversity. The sustainability and saving nature demands. justice and human rights. animal welfare. Global Responsibility. More say. One thing is certain for me: the medieval attitude of the ÖVP will not bring us into the future. The Greens and all other parties must finally think hard about where they stand. Because this year there will be a new election.
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Photo / Video: Option.
I appreciate diversity and I am certainly a democrat. I agree with many of your 'arguments'. But what now annoys me personally are overly populist polemics, which I place in your comment above all in the paragraph on message control. There is no doubt that politicians in Austria have failed - be it in the form of suspected corruption, watching or turning a blind eye. Instead of emotional snap shots (whether from politics or civil society) and heated discussions, I personally wish for more factual debates and constructive proposals for solutions. I think we all just need to take a deep breath...
So not those who try to protect themselves and thus their fellow human beings and the health system in which they are vaccinated deserve empathy. No, those who, out of pure egoism and/or stupidity, don't give a damn about any solidarity, bawl freedom and at the same time march with neo-Nazis, you have to show empathy towards them.
And not getting vaccinated a third time because you are offended because the vaccination protection no longer applies after a certain period of time (there must be some rule for this) is just immature and childish. I'm sorry, rarely read such a stupid comment.
Every political decision is simply – political.
Experts can and should act in an advisory capacity - but the ultimate decisions must be made by the elected politicians. And with good reason: we all know the scenario – three experts – five opinions. How do I weight which view? This assessment is the task of those elected by the people.
Ad Vaccine: I think it's great that modern medicine has given us tools to counter such challenges.
The fact that in the initial phase the possibilities of the vaccine were grossly exaggerated by politicians, pharmaceuticals and the media and their own wishes and hopes were interpreted is another matter.
This is certainly also due to the need for simple answers to complex questions.
It just sounds more catchy in the fight for the next headline: Vaccinate yourself and COVID is over for you! – as: we recommend vaccination with a tested vaccine (current vaccines approved in the EU have been tested many times more extensively than all previous vaccines at the time of approval), then there is a very high probability that you will not have a severe course despite the infection and are also basic immunized to a certain extent against possible mutations.